I have recently moved to Luzern from South Africa (Cape Town) as I am married to a Swiss man. I joined this forum three months ago so I must apologise for not introducing myself sooner. I am slowly starting to settle myself here in Switzerland and have found many of the posts on this forum very help full and comforting as relocating is not the easiest thing to do. I am however positive about the change and look forward to learning the language and culture. Hopefully this will become easier once I find a job and find some friends. I look forward to future discussions with all of you.
Welcome to CH! I grew up in CT, so know how you're feeling. You're now living in another beautiful part of the world! CH has a lot to offer and it really is what you make of it. I love it here, but also like to visit CT when I can (off to CT for Christmas). First time my Swiss husband has had Christmas away from the alps. I love the fact that where I now live, I don't have to lock my door at night. Quite a change...
Howzit, you will find a few seffricans on EF and even a few capetonians. If your Afrikaans is serviceable it'll help you to follow Swiss German conversations, but don't give away the secret, because everyone else is convinced it's unintelligible to anyone else. Shhhhhh.
Oh, and you can buy Mrs Ball's Chutney in Globus for approximately one arm and half a leg.
Hope you settle in soon. There are quite a few South Africans around Luzern/OW/NW, so I'm sure you'll be able to find some if you want to. We're not far away from Luzern ourselves, drop me a line if the friend-making is going too slowly for your liking. (Can't help with language or culture though! )
We are also arriving in Switzerland from Cape Town in a few weeks time (I'll be an engineer at Holcim, Holderbank AG). Good luck with the adjustment, Luzern is beautiful!
Hi Jenna - welcome to Luzern - I also come from Cape Town but have to say that you can't beat Luzern and I could never think of going back to CT now.
The Anglo-Swiss Club Lucerne ( www.asc-lucerne.com ) is a place where you can make contact with other English-speakers who have been living in Luzern for many years and who have a wealth of experience to share. We have all been through the agony of leaving our homes and networks behind, having to learn a new language and integrate ourselves into a new community. Good luck and enjoy your new country!
I beg to disagree. On 1 August (National Swiss Day) every year Swannie arranges a braai at the lake. He has also arranged a Potjiekos competition in the very early future. He also shows all the SA rugby and cricket games at his Pub, so you will find a couple of Saffas there. Join the FB group "South Africans living in Switzerland". Otherwise PM me and we can go have a dop...