Living in a country you love is definitely different than simply visiting. Waking up every morning to the beautiful view of the vineyards in every direction I turn is completely inspiring. Along with learning a new language, I am also forced to learn a new culture. Many of the freedoms we take for granted in the states are something others pay for however, many of the problems we have in the states could easily be solved if we adapted our ways.

Every year growing up my mother would make the New Year’s Resolution to return her shopping cart at the grocery store and every year she would struggle with returning it. Anywhere you go, you always find shopping carts sprawled across a parking lot and the most common excuse I have heard is, “Well, someone else is getting paid to bring them all in together.” Along with that comment however is the dissatisfaction when ones car becomes scratched by a lose cart.  In Switzerland, you must pay 2 CHF for a shopping cart. Once the cart is returned, you receive your 2- back.

Another difference, we tend to wish more people recycled in the states but here in Switzerland, if you don’t recycle, you pay a hefty price. Special trash bags are sold and cost about 6- per bag. The trash bags are small, something we would refer to as a small kitchen bag. You must dispose of trash in that bag, compost in a compost bag, paper in another bag and glass in another. If you so choose not to use the designated bags, you are charged 250- per hour that it takes a garbage employee to go through your trash, to locate something that identifies you (mail, etc).

Grocery store employees receive minimum wage, minimum wage is 25-

Cheese is often eaten after a meal.

There is no such thing as poor people in Switzerland, everyone has money.

Life has been great here- I cannot complain and here are a few photos that capture the previous week including Swiss Day on August 1, the donkey I meet on my runs, the vineyards, and a falcon.