At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Switzerland and some of the bloggers who write about living there.
Europe Diaries
http://europediaries.com/
The blog of an expat from India who now lives by the Rhine, Europe Diaries is a comprehensive guide to moving to Switzerland and all the different experiences a new expat can expect to have there. Featuring local traditions such as the Basel carnival and the Heidelberg castle illuminations, Europe Diaries really gives a feel for what it’s actually like to live in Switzerland. There are also posts about being an expat in general, from the joys of discovering English books in a foreign bookshop to how to get by when you don’t speak the local language.Life of Ryrie
http://lifeofryrie.com/
Sarah Ryrie, an expat mum from the UK, blogs about day to day life in Zug. A cheerful diary that looks at the challenges and delights of raising children in a foreign country, Life of Ryrie is a wonderful mixture of honesty and fun. The post about the ‘Single Wives Club’ will no doubt appeal to anyone who has moved to a new place with their spouse and is feeling a bit stranded, and Sarah writes openly and honestly about her experiences as an expat wife, and the variety of associated emotions it brings. International schools are also discussed – what are the pros and cons? How different is it from educating children in the UK? A must-read for any parents who are thinking about relocating to Switzerland, Life of Ryrie will keep you smiling whilst not forgetting the more challenging aspects of expat life.
Sisterhood of the Travelling WAGs
http://www.sisterhoodofthetravelingwags.com/
A fun-filled, energetic blog by a Singaporean and an American who now live in Switzerland, Sisterhood of the Travelling WAGs covers everything you need to know about living in Geneva. Featuring all sorts of topics from online dating to reviews of local cocktail bars, this blog will make you smile and help anyone who might be nervous about moving abroad to see that it can be a lot of fun. It’s not without its serious tips, either. There are posts about how to travel on long-haul flights as a nervous flier, dealing with breakups, and secrets to a successful co-vacation too.
LivinGeneva
http://www.livingeneva.com/
Diana is a Mexican lady who moved to Geneva with her husband over five years ago. Her blog reflects all aspects of life in Switzerland, from restaurant reviews to shopping online when you’re missing products from your home country. If you enjoy exploring, there are also articles about the best day trips to take from Geneva, and weekend getaways if you have a couple of days to spare.
Loving Switzerland
http://www.lovingswitzerland.com/
A lot of the blogs we feature here on Expat Focus are heavily text-based, which is great if you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips and helpful ideas for your expat journey. Loving Switzerland is a bit different: primarily a photoblog, it’s a beautiful work by two architects who live in Switzerland and spend a lot of time in the mountains. If you’re unsure whether you want to move here and are looking to get to know the country a bit better, this is a great – and beautiful – way to do so.
Those are our recommended expat blogs for today. Do you write about being an expat? Let us know in the comments!