Let the Adventure Begin

After much anticipation and preparation, I have finally made it to Zurich.  In some ways it’s hard to believe that we get to live here for an entire year.  I arrived Wednesday evening (7.6.11) and it’s been a whirlwind ever since.  But all in a good way!  I really think I’m going to like it here.  Zurich is just so beautiful!  And what a clean city too.  I can’t wait to go explore the lake area further.  I hear that it’s even warm enough to swim in which is a popular activity during the summer. 

So what have I been doing so far.  Well, starting on Thursday I went with our home search consultant to first get registered at the kreisburo (this is something everyone needs to do when moving to a new kreisburo, or district).  Then she showed me an apartment which I think may end up being the one we choose to live in for the rest of the year.  It seemed nice enough….it has two bedrooms (have to have room for all those visitors!!!) and is near the central part of the city and only a 10 minute walk to work for me.  Housing is very difficult to find here and apparently that’s the only furnished place on the market as of right now, so I don’t think we’ll be able to be too picky.

Thursday afternoon was my first day in the office.  After being at Google for 8 years and fairly comfortable, it was a bit overwhelming.  I truly am starting a brand new job and everything was all new.  But I’m getting more familiar as each day goes by.  The team has been extremely nice and welcoming too, which always helps.  I’ve spent these last days just meeting people and reading a ton on my new role and everything I need to know.  I’m actually really excited for this change and new challenge. 

Then over the weekend, my friend Louis came to visit (he was in Paris already for work and was able to swing by Zurich on his way home).  Our first visitor!  We spent Saturday having brunch with some of his family friends and then touring Zurich.  It’s funny because I definitely felt more like I was on vacation then actually living here.  I think it will take some time to get used to that. 

It’s been now almost a week since I arrived and I think I’m going to like it here.  Zurich is a small city and so easy to get around.  I already have my monthly bus/tram pass and am comfortable riding public transportation anywhere I need to go.  I’m also slowly settling in and have even done my first official grocery shopping trip to get food for the apartment. 

Nate arrives on Friday and I can’t wait for him to get here!!  I feel like then our adventure can truly begin.