(Western) Switzerland Survival Guide

Even though I've only been here a couple weeks, I can't help but share with you how apparent some things are in this little region of the world. If you come/live here, you must:

a) do some kind of winter sport. If you don't, you're a loser. The mountains are ALL AROUND. Every weekend during the winter, families will go up to the mountain. Activities include: downhill AND crosscountry skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, snowboarding, toboganning (aka tubing i think), sledding, ice skating, etc... Basically if you like the snow you should come here. You would die happy.

b) speak at least two languages. Here in Switzerland, there are 4 official languages. With that in mind, it is definitely to your advantage to speak whatever the language they speak in your region PLUS another one of your choice. In the region that I'm in, obviously everyone speaks French. In terms of choosing the second language to learn, there are ups and downs to both. Italian would be easier to learn because of the similarities it has to French, while German is spoken by about 70% of Switzerland... (and the fourth language doesn't really matter, Romansch? i think.) ALSO, if you're gonna speak a language, make sure you speak it the Swiss way.... I'm talking about how they don't actually speak true French or German, rather they are more inclined to put their own little twist on things. Swiss German is actually COMPLETELY different than true German.. so watch yourself.

c) take the train. I mean come on, the Ministers take the train. Here, commuting to and from school/work/wherever on the train is relatively pleasant. Don't think DC metro, or NY subway, or the T. Think Amtrak. Everyone gets a seat. It's clean, it's fast, and there are ultimately way less cars on the road! PS: always buy a ticket. You'll get an CHF 80 fine if they come by and check, which is pretty often! yikes.

d) if you're a girl--- wear a puffy jacket with an awkward sheen. I don't know what this trend is, but every female -babies, toddlers, teens, mothers- has a dark-colored puffy jacket. Not only are they puffy but they are shiny. It's not the best look, but you'll fit in if you have one.

e) if you're a guy--- you better have a scarf. Obviously women wear scarves, but it is essential for men to have them too! Even the guys on our program have been on the prowl for the perfect scarf. It didn't take long for them to realize that it's cold here, and that scarves actually keep you a lot warmer. So why not get one too since all of the other guys here have them? (I'm not sure if these scarves will eventually make it back to the States with them though, haha we'll see).

f) if you're a human being--- you better eat bread and cheese. period. Oh and also, you'll fit in better if you say bonjour/bonsoir to people if you pass by someone on a little stroll. People are really nice here, so it's ok to be nice back :)