From a lot of what I've read on this forum it seems that many people are not ecstatic about living in Switzerland, IF they are not really well off?
A lot of South Africans (I mention S Africans because I am one) and other people too- say things like, SO WHAT IF A nice piece of meat is almost unaffordable One needs to stay in a tiny apartment in a high rise block Even good quality fruit and vegies are unaffordable The weather is not all that We cannot afford to eat out at a restaurant You have to do your washing in a communal area Who cares about the above, because we have: Stunning scenery You can ride your bike around You are SAFE to walk around at night The schools are great Insert any other positive things about Switzerland Yes it's all about choices, but it's damn difficult. What is life without the first series of points mentioned?
hi Frank, just a pointer: there have been several discussions about South Africa and Switzerland in particular on the forum. I remember this one as being very extensive and active, I'm pretty sure some of the points you bring up were talked about there as well - maybe it makes sense to contribute there:
I became vegetarian when I moved here. Best thing I ever did
Man will eventually rest in a space 6 feet by 1-2 feet (one ceramic jar if going for cremation option). So as long as there is roof over your head one should enjoy life wherever and whenever.......without worrying about "what ifs" When I come knocking it won't matter if the house is big or small.
Its no that bad. I am still alive
If you learn to appreciate all moods of mother nature then weather is smashing here.
Restaurants are waste of money specially when you can make tasty high quality food to eat romantically with your partner Good for your health and good for your wallet.
It's not like washing in a slum where people will be competing for the same water tap. It's no big deal.
I love it here. If anyone ever asked me if Switzerland was better than Australia though, I'd say no way- its just very different.
If you look at it on purely economic terms its true a lot of essential things like food, shelter etc are expensive. But the quality of life here is pretty fantastic. I'm in the middle of Europe, so travel oppurtunities abound. I have the ability to learn a new language and become fluent in it. I have fresh air, and if get out of the city by 15 minutes and I'm in the country side. I feel like the world has opened up to me, by being here.
Being here is an experience. I'm determined to embrace the great experiences, tolerate the not so great ones and ensure that when it comes time for me to leave - I feel "that was a great adventure, time for the next".
Perhaps the question isn't whether Switzerland is really better than SA. Perhaps it is, whether you're approaching being here with an open mind.
From a fellow South African I can say that the answer is a definate YES. I will give you a call this afternoon and will hopefully put some of your worries at ease.
To be fair, Frank101, I've said this before on the forum but I think it is a valid point here, too. Most people will post if they have a whinge (expensive meat, tiny apartment, having a bad day cos it's cold, etc.). These posts far outweigh the posts which say "I love it here in Switzerland and don't have any major complaints" because those posts aren't juicy and prompt a million replies of "you're right" and "no, you're wrong" type discussions.
Come with an open mind and let it happen. If the worst comes to the worst you can always go back to South Africa...
Yep - life is all about choices. I have never chosen to live in a tiny flat or share washing facilites. You can always live further out from town and get a bigger flat. I choose to spend more on my accomodation and less on gadgets and "stuff".
I also think that dining out is over-rated and we usually only go out to nice restaurants on special occasions. I buy my veg from the market and my meat from the local butcher who is better quality and cheaper than the supermarket.