SwissMissMeg

Greetings from Lugano! It is a glorious day here in the foothills of the Swiss Alps. Last night’s thunderstorm has given way to blue skies and cool breezes. I’m thankful for reprieve after a week of warm weather. This is Europe – no mini-splits found here.

These are the early days, the days to champion the small wins – a successful load of laundry, using the bus app, buying detergent instead of softener. This is a transition abroad like any other, but this one feels quite smooth for a number of reasons.

As most of you are probably aware, I have lived in Lugano before. After finishing my degree at UVM, I accepted a position as a camp counselor here. I spent four wonderful summers on Montagnola, meeting friends and campers from all over the world. One of my formidable life experiences, that experience started me on my path abroad.

So how did I come to return to this gorgeous place? It was a combination of timing, connections, and luck. Being an international teacher, I had to make a choice about my future by November 1. I interviewed for a number of wonderful schools (Dubai and Johannesburg among them) and then spotted the listing for a high school art teacher here in Lugano. Reaching out to old friends from my camp days, I checked out the position and determined to apply. I received an offer just before winter break in December. Grateful and excited, I accepted.

So here I am, back in the beautiful Swiss canton of Ticino, soaking up the sun on the Collina d’Oro (“Hill of Gold”). I’ve been welcomed by a wonderful new hire orientation. They’d stocked my fridge (Swiss chocolate a must) and we took our requisite new staff shopping trip to IKEA (porch furniture coming soon).

You may notice an absence in my photographs – Moloko remains in Boston with my parents for the moment, waiting to reach her approved entry date to this Schengen country. I’m so thankful that my folks are willing to host her. Unlike Turkey, in Switzerland the rules are quite clear, and I will bring her over as soon as possible. For now, I have this beautiful drawing created by Olivia to keep me company.

Speaking of rules, one aspect of life in Switzerland is a high standard of community expectations. My favorite rules include: “Rugs and carpets can only be beaten from 08.00 to 12.00 and 13.30 to 20.00” and “Musical instruments can only be played from 10.00 to 20.00”. The regulations on recycling, however, make me very happy, aside from the fact that glass cannot be recycled on Sundays (too much noise when it shatters).

Sundays are still very much a day of rest here in Switzerland, a day for spending time with family relaxing at home or out in nature. Grocery stores and shops are all closed. I recall that this can be frustrating if you’re used to the American/Amazon way but it actually serves a quality purpose in this busy world.

I’m living in a temporary apartment as mine will be ready on September 1. For now, I’m enjoying the shared pool and quick walk to campus. I’ve stopped by some old haunts (the Bellevista, Morcote, and Via Poporino). The new hires were feted by alphorn at our opening aperitivo at the headmaster’s residence. Local cheese was served and Prosecco was enjoyed.

Soaking up the beauty of Lago di Lugano when I can, I’m excited to explore farther afield in Switzerland once my residency card comes through. The days move quickly and are full of information. This week we will be joined by the returning teachers and introduced to a fuller scope of what we can expect when the students arrive. I’m excited to see what this next school year has in store. Best wishes to all of my teacher friends and parents of little ones as they await the same!