tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826878783102730242024-03-13T02:53:21.507+01:00PeterthalsPetersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11033313162969569396noreply@blogger.comBlogger194125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-882687878310273024.post-29390307689785030552010-09-20T21:49:00.000+02:002010-09-20T21:49:56.388+02:00Choes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__DJP4HtsivY/TJe6czgeIWI/AAAAAAAACc8/ea1gDlDcJaE/s1600/choes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__DJP4HtsivY/TJe6czgeIWI/AAAAAAAACc8/ea1gDlDcJaE/s400/choes.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>This makes me feel better about my sad German skills. I told the guys they didn't need to translate, but I guess they were already going from Italian to German...so why not just go to English from there.Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604452970448146148noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-882687878310273024.post-47103611924356187222010-09-15T18:34:00.000+02:002010-09-15T18:34:12.180+02:00Just Two More<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3011/2390594668_8b0de93486_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3011/2390594668_8b0de93486_z.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Those have to be some of my favorite words as a trainer. Those wonderful looks I get from my clients as the sweat is pouring down their face, their legs shaking like they can't go any further, their forehead wrinkling so deep I wonder if it will ever go back to normal, the shade of red their cheeks turn as their breath quickens, all the while I am smiling amazed at how hard they can push past what's comfortable...and then I get to say those dreaded words, "Just two more".<br />
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I have missed these days.<br />
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Throw those Hausfrau frocks away and hand me my beloved workout gear. <a href="http://innerstrengthaustin.com/">Inner Strength</a> is open again for business!<br />
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So far, I am learning the in's and out's of working at a new studio. Super exciting! I am reconnecting with past clients. Missed them. Taking in all the energy from having new trainers around. And, just building this business back up to where it used to be.<br />
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Here's to working again! (I know you are all thinking...'bout time, Deb -- love you too.)Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604452970448146148noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-882687878310273024.post-22653929976847972822010-09-09T17:33:00.000+02:002010-09-09T17:33:04.249+02:00Sea Shipment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4127/4973703465_7e8f1ee20b_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4127/4973703465_7e8f1ee20b_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Finally. After 58 days, our final pieces of Switzerland have made their way home. I wish I could say I had unpacked all the other boxes we had left here in storage, but I can't. So, lucky me...we can just add these to the pile. Remind me again how everything fit in this 1200 sq. ft. house before. <br />
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Oh...and Stella also wanted to say "Hi" to everyone.Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604452970448146148noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-882687878310273024.post-85540769964953317192010-08-31T23:41:00.000+02:002010-08-31T23:41:10.498+02:00Rough Day at the Office<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2040/2020353848_6f3563adeb_z.jpg?zz=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2040/2020353848_6f3563adeb_z.jpg?zz=1" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jessebezz/2020353848/">jessebezz</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Answer this for me...<br />
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If your husband told you that he was going to be working super hard today while tubing down the Guadalupe River with his co-workers, would you believe him? <br />
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Everyone has been wondering how Josh's new job is working out. I think the question above just about sums it up. I swear. He has such a tough life.Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604452970448146148noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-882687878310273024.post-68518130535169619422010-08-19T19:10:00.000+02:002010-08-19T19:10:09.452+02:00Never-Ending Spiral of Needless PaperworkHow I loath me some paperwork. This has to be my pet peeve. How is it possible that utility companies, apartment agencies, banks, etc. etc. can be so over-the-top...what's the word I want?...idiotic, slow, backwards, unbelievably challenged...so bad at their business?? I know we all have had to deal with credit cards not changing your mailing address to the updated, current address you submitted online even after receiving an email confirmation that it was changed or how about when you schedule a time for the cable guy to come and connect your internet, but somehow that paperwork fell through and he never shows up.<br />
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I think I could handle this happening once or twice, but when it is coming at you from all directions and from multiple countries...it seriously makes me want to rip my hair out. If I am bald the next time you see me, you will know why.<br />
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I thought once the movers had packaged up all our things to ship, our bags had been packed, all cancellation letters had been sent, the apartment had been walked through, and I had boarded the plane to come home, that my Swiss life would pretty much be over besides a few last bills. If only that had been the truth.<br />
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We are still dealing with Josh's PENSION not getting paid out to us. Nice of them to notify us that they were missing one final piece of paperwork for the process to go through. I hope you can feel my sarcasm slapping you in the face right now. No one mentioned anything, at any point, until Josh had to track someone down at his old job. And, they were like...hmmm, I wonder why that hadn't gone through??<br />
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Then our SECURITY DEPOSIT on the apartment (which was two months of rent -- that could buy you a car) is still in limbo. We had been told that since we didn't owe any money for damages it would be very straight-forward process and the deposit would be refunded in just a few days. It has now been a month. It ended up that we needed to sign a piece of paper at the walk through (which we were told we didn't need to sign) before the deposit could be issued. Oh, and you have to love that everything has to be mailed, not faxed, not scanned and emailed, but snail mailed. <br />
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And, all those registered cancellation letters that were sent to the utility companies and then the response letters stating that the service would be cancelled...ugh...well, the cancellation department must not physically talk to the billing department.<br />
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And...what exactly would you say you do here?? (best movie ever!)<br />
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Now add to the pile that our UBS bank account had to be closed within one month of our moving back to the States. All of this just makes for one big, never-ending headache.<br />
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Is anyone feeling my pain? I haven't even talked about the idiocracy happening on this side of the pond. It's the same amount of b.s. You buy a car, but the plates can't get shipped to you in time before the dealer plate expires. The insurance company hasn't received the change of insurance document (that was of course sent) and now they think there is a lapse in coverage. The cell phone service charges you $600 bucks for phones you never received and $300 bucks for service you never used. It is all just so overwhelming and unnecessary.<br />
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Where's the fricken silver lining to my gray cloud?Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604452970448146148noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-882687878310273024.post-68839273757878939712010-08-12T18:49:00.000+02:002010-08-12T18:49:39.446+02:00Homemade Raspberry MarshmallowsContinuing to live the hausfrau life...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4885197049_40d7299aec_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4885197049_40d7299aec_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Here is my first attempt at making homemade marshmallows. I had my first bites of this goodness on my trip to Charleston, SC with my mom back in June. They were to die for! Figured I needed to give it a try.Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604452970448146148noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-882687878310273024.post-90363140805194838142010-08-08T03:08:00.000+02:002010-08-08T03:08:21.667+02:00Another Year Older<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.noaesthetic.com/misc/bday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://www.noaesthetic.com/misc/bday.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>In true Peterthal fashion, we ventured out last night for my birthday sampling some of the new local hot spots in our neighborhood. A few things have changed since we've been gone. We started at the <a href="http://www.thehighball.com/">High Ball</a> for a quick game of bowling and beers. My granny skills are awesome. I finished with a whooping 126 points (beating Josh by two). Next, we headed over to <a href="http://sazonaustin.com/">Sazon</a> for a much needed 1816 marg and some queso. Yum. Nothing has changed about this place. Not even the addition of an air conditioning system. And, then to finish off the birthday loop we ended up at <a href="http://www.blacksheeplodge.com/">Black Sheep Lodge</a>. Also a bar that was opening right before we left. It feels good to check off a few new places on our must-see list in Austin.<br />
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Our European adventurous spirit continues right here in our backyard. It wasn't quite the same as being in Paris like last year, but this birthday included getting to celebrate with our closest friends. Nothing can beat that.Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604452970448146148noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-882687878310273024.post-39598523917444928342010-08-01T01:52:00.000+02:002010-08-01T01:52:17.229+02:00Zoom, Zoom, ZoomI remember having to sell our cars before we left for Switzerland. It felt like having to give up my right arm almost. Who cares about selling the furniture or even leasing out the house to some stranger. It was selling my car that got to me. Now mind you, I had a pretty sweet ride.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b0KFbl1lowA/RTwUsUFMABI/AAAAAAAADYw/J2Jla-fOoMs/s720/IMG_3839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b0KFbl1lowA/RTwUsUFMABI/AAAAAAAADYw/J2Jla-fOoMs/s400/IMG_3839.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>"Blue". My Mini Cooper S Convertible, hyper-blue with white racing stripes, chrome accents, matching blue dashboard and stick, bought as a semi- getting married gift...my dream car. There is still a part of me that misses that car, probably always will be.<br />
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But, it's amazing how quickly you adapt to your surroundings. And, now it's the trains, trams, and buses that I am missing.<br />
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These first couple weeks back in Austin have been filled with emptying boxes, scarfing down as much bbq and queso as possible, catching up with friends, and visiting every car dealership in town. Jeep. Subaru. Toyota. Nissan. GMC. Volkswagen. Audi. You name it, we've been there. Talked to more idiot car salesmen than anyone should ever have to do. Test drove about a dozen cars. And, finally...<br />
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I BOUGHT A NEW CAR!!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4147/4847242469_2962bd9867_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4147/4847242469_2962bd9867_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I decided to go all American-style and get a car that could run over your car (or should I be saying a "truck" that could run over your car). Isn't she a beauty? You should be proud of us. We actually made the sensible, non-sensible choice.Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604452970448146148noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-882687878310273024.post-39689868531049203192010-07-21T18:16:00.000+02:002010-07-21T18:16:49.158+02:00Home Sweet Home<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3291/2951171668_f6b67c08d9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3291/2951171668_f6b67c08d9_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kristinbradley">kristinbradley</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We made it! After a long few days finishing up the apartment details in Zurich, I packed it in and followed the rest of the family back to Austin. I promise to share all the tid-bits related to the apartment handover/cleaning/shipping experience, but wanted everyone to know we are back home -- safe and sound -- and loving it.<br />
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It does feel a little weird to be back though. The initial shock of moving back into our house (for the second time, once after California and now after Zurich) was a bit to take in. It all just felt too easy once I got here. The same furniture, the same dishes, the same pictures...all in the same spots. It's almost like deja vu, but yet this really has happened before. It's comforting, but strange...you know?<br />
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Then when it came to seeing friends again, it felt just like old times, like no time had past. Heading to Curra's and Uchi just felt normal. Everything felt right. We were back in Austin and I felt like we had made the right decision. I realize there won't be those quick, spontaneous trips over to Germany for the week (like our last weekend in Zurich), but I feel like this is where we are supposed to be.<br />
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With everything fitting into place and with this whole Zen-vibe coming over me, there are still plenty of things that are weirding me out. Living in a different country definitely changes you. For example, my first trip to Target was the other day. I have never had anyone ask me if I needed help because I know this place like the back of my hand. We are tight. But, I was asked by two employees if I needed help looking for something. I must have looked like a deer in headlights just trying to decide which sponge to buy. There are like 50 kinds. So, now I go from standing in an aisle at the COOP trying to figure out the German labels when there are only two kinds to pick from to standing in front of a whole aisle full of sponges wondering which one will do the best job for the least amount of money. Way too many options.<br />
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I wonder how I would do in a Costco. Oh geez.<br />
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And, visiting Central Market was a trip. Again another spot I have spent a lot of time at before moving. But, this time we came back with clearer eyes. The way we look at food is totally different. I would say we have always been conscious about the food we buy, but after living in Switzerland where there isn't very much processed food around and all the meats and dairy are at such a higher level, we struggled finding which milk to buy or which eggs. I feel like even the things we think are "healthy" over here might not be.<br />
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Ugh. And, having to buy cheese over here. So much more expensive. We are such Swiss cheese snobs now (and Prosecco snobs). I love it. We had a whole long conversation with the cheese man about the Appenzellar Extra and Gruyere. It was awesome.<br />
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So much more to tell you all about. Now that we have internet connected at the house, blogging should be much easier. There are still a few more Peterthals in Zurich posts to come to wrap everything up and then don't be surprised to see a shift to Peterthals in Austin. Our adventure isn't over by any means.<br />
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Missing all my Switzerland peeps, but loving being back. Can't you all just come visit already?Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604452970448146148noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-882687878310273024.post-47377976398714817182010-07-13T18:30:00.000+02:002010-07-13T18:30:23.920+02:00Moving Right AlongIt's almost like I have done this one too many times before.<br />
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Put Josh on a tram this morning headed to the airport. Actually, I put Josh and his two large suitcases, one roller carry on, and his laptop bag on a tram this morning. I have no idea how he made it through HB and onto the train with all that hanging on him, but I better get creative because I will be in those same shoes very soon.<br />
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Next the Brockenhaus guys came to pick up the furniture to be donated. It was almost like a tornado came whizzing through here in the hour it took them to tear apart and load everything. Super schnell. The only thing that slowed them down was the time it took them to roll their eyes at me and ask me to wipe all the dog hair off our bed frame and from the back of the couch. Please. Nobody sees that anyway. Guess that Swiss clean thing didn't rub off on me.<br />
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Then I got to spend the next six-hours pulling weeds out from in between stones on our balcony. Oh yeah...and I'm not done. I learned that this isn't included in the grand I am paying for the cleaners to ONLY clean the apartment. This is considered to be yard work and not part of the cleaning package deal. Lesson learned. Make sure to ask. I will be now be spending tonight and tomorrow finishing the rest of our 80 m2 balcony. I guess it's just the price we have to pay.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4790697358_f6cbb9511c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4790697358_f6cbb9511c_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Other than that, the guest room is filled with all the things to get packed and shipped off tomorrow. Stella's crate is all stickered-up and paperwork signed for her early morning VIP departure. And, then there is just me to get back to Austin. If I can survive the next 48 hours, I deserve a medal. Wish me luck.<br />
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Oh...and, if anyone has ideas on what I can make for dinner with some canned tuna, spaghetti (but no pot), muesli, some flour, and a bag of tea...you just let me know.Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604452970448146148noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-882687878310273024.post-82626703760778793412010-07-10T10:54:00.000+02:002010-07-10T10:54:48.131+02:00Flight View<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4777800039_d7c7b3bafe_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4777800039_d7c7b3bafe_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Here's the pic I promised <a href="http://www.peterthals.com/2010/07/checkered-flag.html">yesterday</a> from our trip back from Barcelona. Not too shabby. I swear one of those peaks is the Matterhorn. There's only so much you can do with a photo taken out of a small airplane window from 30,000 ft overhead.Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604452970448146148noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-882687878310273024.post-33164724496994563852010-07-09T16:24:00.000+02:002010-07-09T16:24:05.196+02:00Checkered FlagIt looks like we are about to round the final corner of our European adventure. We have less than a week left here in Switzerland. The final t's have been crossed and i's dotted (for the most part, at least). We took our last weekend excursion up and around Bavaria and spent the last four days in Barcelona. Nothing like ending on a high note -- Peterthal style. Now it's down to the last nitty gritty's and we are outta here (insert frown here).<br />
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I have gone back and forth with whether we are making the right decision packing it in and heading back to the States. I don't feel like we are tucking our tail between our legs by any means, but it's just hard to see what we might be giving up by leaving or what we are potentially gaining by going home.<br />
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Last night when we were flying back from Barcelona with the ridiculously beautiful sunset over the Matterhorn out our window (I realize you are expecting a stellar sunset picture...which we have...but haven't made the editing cut with all the other pictures), I had a hard time keeping my emotions in check. I started thinking about all the places we have been, all the people we have met, all the memories we have made, and how all this probably never would have happened without Google sort-of forcing us into the decision to move here.<br />
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It makes ya think.<br />
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These damn tears. I swear something happens as you get older. Your tear ducts age faster and get flabby or something. I am not pulling out the tissues yet. Plenty still to come. Going away party on Saturday and World Cup extravaganza this Sunday.<br />
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...then you will be guaranteed to find me curled up in a corner with my head in a box of Kleenex.Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604452970448146148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-882687878310273024.post-70910612294114791442010-06-28T12:35:00.000+02:002010-06-28T12:35:24.965+02:00Graubunden RailridingPut down that computer. Stop making cancellation calls. No more furniture pick up. Forget about all the junk strewn around the house and...<br />
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<b>GO EXPLORE MORE SWITZERLAND!</b><br />
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You hear people say it often, but once you get in that moving mode, head down - blinders on, you forget why you came here in the first place -- to see as much of Europe as possible before having to go back to real life. Luckily, my husband has no problem putting all the dirty work aside to take off and play in the mountains for a day.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b0KFbl1lowA/TCe7CxG85hI/AAAAAAABD_w/NSts9YKKTqA/s720/IMG_5708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b0KFbl1lowA/TCe7CxG85hI/AAAAAAABD_w/NSts9YKKTqA/s400/IMG_5708.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This past weekend was absolutely the best...but our trip on Sunday takes the cake. Imagine cruising through the greenest valleys, with mega amounts of wildflowers, alongside ice-blue colored rivers, with mountains lining the fields that shoot straight out and up for miles, with the bluest sky, fluffy clouds, all while you are riding in an open-air train.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b0KFbl1lowA/TCe60nNGw2I/AAAAAAABD9Q/9RKUjzlZVcw/s720/IMG_5308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b0KFbl1lowA/TCe60nNGw2I/AAAAAAABD9Q/9RKUjzlZVcw/s400/IMG_5308.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b0KFbl1lowA/TCe6vf4neCI/AAAAAAABD8Q/TD2yKqNqUjo/s512/IMG_4939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b0KFbl1lowA/TCe6vf4neCI/AAAAAAABD8Q/TD2yKqNqUjo/s400/IMG_4939.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>There is a <a href="http://www.graubuenden.ch/train-travel-switzerland/train-offers/railrider.html?L=2">RailRider</a> train that heads out of Chur every Sunday from now until the end of August. It takes you through the Graubunden area in East Switzerland. Basically there are three extra compartments attached to the regular train without tops. It kicks the <a href="http://www.glacierexpress.ch/en/Pages/default.aspx">Glacier Express</a> to the curb. Who wants to sit behind windows, that just gives you glare when trying to take pictures, when you could have this? And, crazy enough there was barely anyone doing this.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b0KFbl1lowA/TCe6zToLmhI/AAAAAAABD9A/hpJF5kYBLi8/s512/IMG_5280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b0KFbl1lowA/TCe6zToLmhI/AAAAAAABD9A/hpJF5kYBLi8/s400/IMG_5280.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>Things to note. The website talks about needing reservations ahead of time, but we are idiots and couldn't figure out how to do this. Maybe we lucked out that no one was there, but all we had to do was buy a regular ticket from Chur to Preda and then you pay the extra CHF 10 when you get on the train. You may want to bring a hoodie because it gets a little chilly when going through the tunnels. And, if anyone is scared of the dark...be aware that you will go through some tunnels where you can't see anything. It is so pitched black you can't see the person sitting in front of you.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b0KFbl1lowA/TCe65rqMYBI/AAAAAAABD-Q/KuVYvoduoXU/s720/IMG_5561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b0KFbl1lowA/TCe65rqMYBI/AAAAAAABD-Q/KuVYvoduoXU/s400/IMG_5561.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b0KFbl1lowA/TCe6w16nydI/AAAAAAABD8g/n9wk5J-ZZnA/s720/IMG_5043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b0KFbl1lowA/TCe6w16nydI/AAAAAAABD8g/n9wk5J-ZZnA/s400/IMG_5043.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b0KFbl1lowA/TCe63fgC_VI/AAAAAAABD90/kr_nod47TQ8/s512/IMG_5467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b0KFbl1lowA/TCe63fgC_VI/AAAAAAABD90/kr_nod47TQ8/s320/IMG_5467.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>Now, the main reasons we went were to see these crazy huge aquifers and the fact that Josh still hadn't been out to this intensely beautiful area of Switzerland. It did not disappoint. Once we got to Preda we double-back on foot to the town of Bergün. You walk in and out of forests, over and around waterfalls, and along the foot of these aquifers. We definitely went the right way on this hike. It was pretty much all downhill from Preda to Bergün. It probably would have been a much different experience if we had gone the other way. I was wondering why the guy was huffing and puffing coming the opposite direction when we first started on the trail. We figured it out quickly.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b0KFbl1lowA/TCe69TaRJpI/AAAAAAABD-w/ME66x18dJ7U/s720/IMG_5682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b0KFbl1lowA/TCe69TaRJpI/AAAAAAABD-w/ME66x18dJ7U/s400/IMG_5682.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b0KFbl1lowA/TCe6_RsyJ1I/AAAAAAABD_E/or-JSykhLZk/s720/IMG_5686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b0KFbl1lowA/TCe6_RsyJ1I/AAAAAAABD_E/or-JSykhLZk/s400/IMG_5686.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>After a couple of hours walking and a couple thousands pictures, we grabbed a needed bite to eat at the first place we saw. Took in the views and then headed to the Bahnhof to make our way back to the city. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b0KFbl1lowA/TCe6uTGhI1I/AAAAAAABD8A/FFBHhYCsPV4/s720/IMG_4908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b0KFbl1lowA/TCe6uTGhI1I/AAAAAAABD8A/FFBHhYCsPV4/s400/IMG_4908.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
"Stella"r day trip!Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604452970448146148noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-882687878310273024.post-12035100613149933722010-06-22T16:52:00.000+02:002010-06-22T16:52:42.541+02:00Swiss-Red Tape: Deregistration, Pet Relocation, and Furniture Donation<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4506011418_db27d15223_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4506011418_db27d15223_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/archeon/">hans s'</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ever seen a chicken running around with its' head chop off. Well, that's me at this point! Maybe it's worse because my husband is the calmest person alive, while I am always the stressed out one with every little detail continuously circling inside my head. Just maybe that's why I get so nuts every time we move. But, with that said, things are progressing along.<br />
<br />
Let me start by saying some very good things have happened since the last post. We have approved renters for our apartment! Woo-hoo! And, that means tickets for Barcelona have been purchased. Double woo-hoo! We have also picked our shipping company and we learned they basically do anything and everything you need when moving out of the country. Interdean not only packs and ships all your valuables, but they will also clean the apartment with a handover guarantee and take care of any waste disposal needed. All at a price of course, but at least that's less work for me having to find another company.<br />
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And, don't get me started on what's expected in terms of cleaning the apartment. It is beyond what you can imagine. Let's just say that one of the first words I learned over here was "sauber" (clean). Hiring a cleaning company costs around CHF 1,000. Now you can do this on your own and I have helped a friend do this, but I am just not strong enough for what this undertaking involves and I would rather spend our time seeing as much of Europe as possible before we go.<br />
<br />
So...on that note...<br />
<br />
Step 5: <b>DEREGISTRATION</b><br />
I have been dreading this step for some reason. Maybe it's because of the horror stories I have read on other blogs or maybe it's because of my utter hatred for the Kreisburo here. Either way, this step was surprisingly pretty painless. Our one mistake was going to the Kreisburo to get this paperwork taken care of. We were instructed to go to the Stadthaus, right next to Fraumunster. Ok. No problem. We go there, find the room for international people, and of course the first guy we talk to doesn't speak English. I love that. He works where people from other countries come to ask questions and he doesn't speak English. I ask politely in German if anyone else speaks English there and he points to another guy and tells us to wait. Ok.<br />
<br />
We tell the man we are moving back to the States and need to deregister. Simple as that. We fill out some paperwork and then are told to go to the tax office just around the corner. Ok. Trade some paperwork there and then are told to go to another office just down the hall. Ok. Still waiting for the hiccup in this process. Again, we swap paperwork, but this time we are asked for contact information for someone living in Switzerland that can be our Power of Attorney. Crappers. I wasn't expecting this. We put a friend's info down, but I felt a little bad not being able to ask their permission before doing this. So, be aware this is coming. Next, we go back to the first office, pay our CHF 30 a piece for a copy of our deregistration and then we go on our merry way. Bing, bang, boom. Love that.<br />
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Step 6 (optional): <b>PET RELOCATION</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2673/3935261634_ef0b557c4f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2673/3935261634_ef0b557c4f_b.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>Wait. That's not Stella...just looks very similar.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3539/3484096585_386faf1607_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3539/3484096585_386faf1607_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>You should just know our pup is spoiled, plus I don't want to deal with her on a long flight over the Atlantic. When we moved to Switzerland she got the VIP treatment when we hired a <a href="http://www.petrelocation.com/">pet relocation company</a> to see her through each step of the journey. They pick her up, check her in, sit with her while she waits, make sure she gets boarded on the plane, deal with her during her layover in Newark, transfer her to the next plane, wait with her, pick her up, take her through customs, etc., and then drop her off at our door. Maybe we are really the ones that are spoiled.<br />
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Step 7: <b>FURNITURE DONATION</b><br />
I read somewhere on English Forum that the Salvation Army here will turn down donated items from IKEA since they aren't antiques and since IKEA is cheap enough for people to buy here. How nuts is that? How can a place turn away donations? I would have boughten used IKEA furniture. Needless to say, this made me a little stressed (of course...because I am a stress ball). I started freaking out wondering who is going to take all our stuff if we can't sell it and am I really going to sell our laundry basket for CHF 2 or worse just throw it away just to avoid this headache.<br />
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I ended up contacting the Brockenhaus (similar to the Salvation Army) and they were overly helpful. We scheduled a time for them to come out and see exactly what we have for them to take, so they can gage how long it will take to pick up everything and we also scheduled a pick up time a few days later. I did ask them if they would take everything because it was in good condition and she just told me that they would take a look at it all on the first date and give me an estimate for anything they wouldn't sell and would need to be disposed of. My hopes are high. Either way, things are sure to be out of the apartment before the shippers come to pack us up.<br />
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And, if you are looking for any furniture or household items for cheap or possibly free, please let us know. I think we could hook you up.<br />
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Check. Check. Check. Always more to come!Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604452970448146148noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-882687878310273024.post-82394144640820121942010-06-16T14:48:00.000+02:002010-06-16T14:48:54.525+02:00Permit UpdateAs you are already familiar with my love for the <a href="http://www.peterthals.com/2010/06/immigration-bs.html">Migrationsamt</a>, I wanted to give you an update on my permit card or the lack there of. Who doesn't like a little extra bureaucracy in the morning?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/28/90825973_014cbdf64e_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/28/90825973_014cbdf64e_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kecko/">Kecko</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>You already know the background story. So, I leave for Savannah last week (with my expensive travel visa) and of course my new permit card attempts to be delivered like the day after I leave. Josh isn't home to sign for it and so it goes to the Post. Where it just sits waiting to be picked up, but I am out of town. And, regardless if my lovely husband had bothered to check the mail (which he didn't), he wouldn't have been able to pick it up anyway because they don't allow spouses to pick up your mail. If it doesn't have their name on the letter, it ain't happenin'.<br />
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So, now I get back...see the notice...but, of course it is too late to pick it up at the Post and it has now been sent back to the Migrationsamt. No big deal, right? I should just be able to pick it up there in person or maybe they could try to send it out to me again. Ooooohhhh nnnnnooooo! That would be way too easy. Now it gets sent to our Kriesburo, where they then contact me and then I can pick it up in person. I feel like this is about 12 steps too many. This is for sure going to take weeks and the only thing I need this new permit for is to de-register. How ironic is that?<br />
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How funny would that be to pick it up and at the same time ask them to punch it and process my de-registration?! My hope is that they don't need the new permit to process the paperwork, but I am probably wrong as my track record has shown. May the force be with me.Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604452970448146148noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-882687878310273024.post-91313807334955619992010-06-15T16:05:00.000+02:002010-06-15T16:05:07.902+02:00Swiss-Red Tape: Shipping Estimates and Apartment LeasingThe moving process is slowly moving along, but at least it is moving in the right direction. After taking a short hiatus to Savannah last week, I am back in moving mode.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/45/112758449_b681742c35_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/45/112758449_b681742c35_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mpopp/">Mpopp</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Step 3: <b>GET MULTIPLE SHIPPING ESTIMATES</b><br />
It's amazing how much shipping can cost even just for a few things. I am in the process of talking to both <a href="http://www.interdean.com/pages/user/node.aspx?Path=/english/relocation_services/">Interdean</a> (who we used for our move over) and <a href="http://www.crownrelo.com/">Crown Relocations</a> (recommended by a fellow <a href="http://www.swisstoryblog.com/">Swiss expat blogger</a>). I started by filling out their online forms about 2 weeks ago and I just got a quote from Interdean today and one should be coming from Crown Relocations tomorrow. Be aware that this step takes time and that everything needs to be set up at least two weeks prior to the move date. Both companies will have you fill out paperwork with the specifics of your move (when, what, etc., etc.) and then both companies require an onsite evaluation of the goods to be shipped...which seems a little tedious, but I am glad they are so detail-oriented. I am sure I forgot things. Thank goodness they don't just take my word.<br />
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So far, I am happy with both companies. Both have taken initiative and have been extremely customer-service oriented. I will keep you posted on who we end up going with and how much everything costs. Prepare yourself for a big number. We aren't even shipping very much back and it is looking like it will be between $5,000 - $10,000. Love that this expense is being taken care of by Josh's new company! A huge plus in my book.<br />
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Step 4:<b> Finding a New Tenant</b><br />
This step is where all my stress lies right now. Our reward for getting this taken care of is a trip to Barcelona. A big payoff for a big must-do. With the trip to Savannah, we have had to be a bit relaxed with this effort though. It's kind of difficult to advertise when you have limited viewing times. Lucky for us though we have an amazing friend here that just happens to be a relocation expert. So she has been helping us, as well as, Josh's Google connections...and just through those two avenues, it looks like we might have a winner. We are just waiting to hear back from the apartment management company to see if the couple has been approved. Keep your fingers crossed. We should know in a couple days.<br />
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My advice for anyone dealing with this step is to pull out the favor card. Start with informing all your friends and co-workers that you are moving. Send out details about the apartment and ask them to pass it along to anyone they can think of. Start as early as you can. Advertise on <a href="http://www.homegate.ch/">Homegate</a>. Our property management company actually offered us a reduced price to advertise there, as well as, on their company website. It might be worth asking if they offer this service.<br />
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Next on the list is de-registration (yippee) and pet relocation estimates. More money we get to spend! Hopefully you can sense my sarcasm.Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604452970448146148noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-882687878310273024.post-82838954612083882952010-06-01T16:26:00.000+02:002010-06-01T16:26:24.450+02:00Immigration BS<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/26/101443399_d3db6c6f3c_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/26/101443399_d3db6c6f3c_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hjl/">hjl</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Josh said it best. "The immigration office is the bastard child of the Swiss government."<br />
<br />
It blows me away how things run like clockwork around here until it comes to something vital for us Auslanders. Each year we are required to apply for a new work permit. This is sort of like your get out of jail free card when you are traveling out of the country (among other things). And, lucky for me, we are going through the renewal process as we speak and we also have a trip to the States coming up in a few days. Drama just seeks me out.<br />
<br />
A little background. Our current permits are set to expire on June 1. We got our renewal paperwork at the beginning of May. They were signed, sealed, and delivered to the Gemeinde. Then yesterday Josh's new permit shows up in the Post...but, ONLY Josh's.<br />
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So, here we are today. I am all ready for the buzzer to ring this morning when the postman shows up apologizing for misplacing an important piece of mail for us yesterday. I had actually changed out of my pajama pants...but for no reason it turns out. There was no surprise piece of mail. Which means I got to have an exciting trip to the <a href="http://www.migrationsamt.zh.ch/internet/ds/ma/de/home.html">Migrationsamt</a> today.<br />
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I had been told at the Gemeinde that it can take up to 6 weeks for the new permit to arrive. I have also heard horror stories of it taking up to 4 months by other expats. Who are you going to believe? The expats always. Any who, the Gemeinde told me not to worry. If my new permit hadn't arrive before our trip, then we would just need to get another stamp on our visa to show it was in the works.<br />
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As you probably know by now, nothing is that straight-forward here. I was already preparing myself for that condescending look given by the person who is supposedly helping me as they tell me that this isn't possible and that I am stuck in Switzerland. Thank goodness I had the worse case scenario figured out, so when they told me that I would just have to pay CHF 90 for a travel visa, I didn't want to break the glass separating me from the little man and beat him senseless. We have already paid CHF 200 for these permits and now I have to pay more because they are slow and incompetent. <br />
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This is just another one of those expenses you can't plan for, but you should know are out there. The good thing was that at least it could be taken care of right away. Maybe it was the steam coming out of my ears or the devil-shade of red my face was turning that scared him into submission. We will never know. But, I left that Migrationsamt with my travel visa in hand and CHF 90 poorer.<br />
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For another story on the fine establishment of the immigration office, check out <a href="http://www.onebigyodel.com/2010/05/why-does-it-take-so-long-to-get-your.html">One Big Yodel</a> to find out what is keeping these employees so occupied that it can take months to get a new permit. Unreal.Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604452970448146148noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-882687878310273024.post-91614525141669098252010-05-28T11:59:00.007+02:002010-05-28T12:09:44.338+02:00Swiss-Red Tape: Lease Termination and Utility CancellationDoes everyone hate moving as much as I do? Don't you just dread making each phone call? getting estimates? going through every drawer separating out the trash from the keep piles? selling stuff? figuring out what goes with you on the plane, what gets air shipped, and what goes by sea? I am getting dizzy just thinking about it. The list could go on and on...and literally it is. My "moving to do list" has taken on a life of its own. Check one thing off. Add two more. It just keeps growing.<br />
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And now just for fun. Throw into the mix of the craziness that your mother tongue is not an official language of where you live. Oh. Such good times! I swear. The reason for me taking all those Deutsch classes has become apparent in the last couple of days. It is not to get you through the day-to-day living, it is to get you through moving out of the country. <br />
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Step 1: <b>GIVE NOTICE ON YOUR APARTMENT</b><br />
Each lease is a bit different, but for the most part you have to give at least three months notice to get out of your lease. We are a little bit of a special case because we are leaving before the three month period is up, making us responsible for finding a new tenant. Surprisingly, this doesn't scare me too much. Luckily, we live in a hot spot in Zurich with a crazy, huge balcony overlooking Üetliberg and plenty of green space to boot. I hope I am not eating these words later, but I think this challenge won't present many issues. <br />
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The hurdle with this step was just in having to contact the property management company. I wanted to make sure I knew exactly what was expected of us and how this process works. So, ich rief gestern. Check that German out! And, die Frau I had to speak to really didn't speak much English. I think she is the first person to actually say no when I asked if she spoke English. Not even an ein bisschen. Somehow I made it through that conversation. We need to send a registered letter to them letting them know our intentions, move out date, etc.<br />
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The next hurdle was not in writing the letter, but getting it translated to German. By no means does my little bit of Deutsch school get me to the level of writing a formal letter such as this. I lucked out and got someone on English Forum to help me out. And, to pay it forward, my letter is below (both in English and in German).<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This letter will constitute written notice of the termination of our lease on 31.08.2010. We understand there is a three-month notice period under the contract, and - because we will be vacating our apartment on 31.07.2010 - that we are responsible for finding a tenant. <span class="long_text" id="uhem"><span style="background-color: white;">Therefore we ask you to quickly send all necessary forms for interested parties, as well as the forms for the refund of our deposit. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Thank you for your help.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Hiermit kündigen wir unseren Mietvertrag mit Ihnen zum 31.08.2010. Wir wissen, dass wir laut Vertrag eine dreimonatige Kündigungsfrist haben und - da wir unsere Wohnung schon zum 31.07.2010 abgeben möchten - dass wir verantwortlich dafür sind, einen Nachmieter zu finden. Daher bitten wir um schnellstmögliche Zusendung aller notwendigen Formulare für Interessierte, sowie die Formulare für die Rückerstattung unserer Kaution. Vielen Dank für Ihre Hilfe.</span><br />
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<span class="long_text" id="uhem"><span style="background-color: white;">Hopefully, this really says what I think it does. To be on the safe side, I sent both.</span></span><span class="long_text" id="uhem"><span style="background-color: white;"><br />
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Step 2: <b>CALL UTILITY COMPANIES AND SEND CANCELLATION LETTERS</b></span></span><br />
<span class="long_text" id="uhem"><span style="background-color: white;">This was also fun to do when English isn't an official language. Similar story as before. Somehow I navigated through the voice recordings picking somewhat random numbers to try and speak with someone who at least spoke Hochdeutsch. Only to ask them if they spoke English. Again I lucked out that my Germlish skills worked well enough to get me the answers I needed. I amaze myself sometimes. </span></span><br />
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For most companies you will be required to send in a registered letter similar to the apartment notice, but some companies will require your de-registration form that comes from the Gemeide. There is sort of catch-22 with getting out of contracts, not with all companies but with some. You have to have this form, but you can't get that til about a month before you are leaving, and yet there is a three-month notification period. Just realized that you are going to get screwed and budget yourself accordingly.<br />
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<span class="long_text" id="uhem"><span style="background-color: white;">Here's a list of possible places you will need to call. Make sure to have your account number handy. Cablecom, EWZ, Billag, Swisscom (or other cell phone company). Don't forget about other contracts you might have out there too, ie. health club membership, insurance, doctor bills.</span></span><span class="long_text" id="uhem"><span style="background-color: white;"><br />
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And, here's a sample of my cancellation letters both in English and in German. These ones I sort of hacked together.</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
<br />
I would like to cancel my contract on 31.07.2010. We will be moving back to the States. Our account number is BLAH BLAH. Thank you for your help.<br />
<br />
Hiermit möchte ich zum 31.07.2010 meine Vertrag im wegen meines Umzuges kündigen. Wir sind aus dem Land zu bewegen. Unsere Kontonnummer ist BLAH BLAH . Vielen Dank für Ihre Hilfe.</span><span class="long_text" id="uhem"><span style="background-color: white;"><br />
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The next steps for us are getting this apartment listed everywhere I can possibly think of and to start selling most everything in this joint. More helpful steps to come. Aren't you wishing you could be going through this too?</span></span>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604452970448146148noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-882687878310273024.post-10996913122589555592010-05-27T18:17:00.000+02:002010-05-27T18:17:34.801+02:00Letting the Cat Outta the BagSecrets are the worse and I am horrible at keeping them. Ask Josh. Like when I finally find the perfect present for him (which is next to impossible to do) and I am just so excited he barely has to look at me and I am all like, wanna know what I got you...it is soooo good! And, before he even has a chance to say yes, I am already pulling it out of the bag and showing it off like I was Vanna White.<br />
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You all would be so proud of me. I think this is the longest secret I have kept...maybe ever. <br />
So...<br />
Are you ready for the secret?<br />
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<b>WE ARE MOVING BACK TO AUSTIN!</b><br />
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Say what? Oh yeah. You heard me. <br />
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This all came as a pretty big surprise to us. We hadn't thought we would be back until maybe next year at this time, but sometimes opportunities present themselves and you just have to roll with it. This decision was a true test of our equilibrium muscle. I now believe this is a real thing. We would be dead set on not leaving Zurich and then, BAM!, three-hours later we would do a 180 and be dead set on heading to Austin. <br />
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There is a lot of change getting ready to happen for us. Oh crap. What the hell are we thinking??<br />
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Wish us luck through this transition. We are going to need it. Just imagine all the Swiss-red tape there is to get through. Plenty of details to come for any expats ever planning to move back to the States.Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604452970448146148noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-882687878310273024.post-48851019173937735562010-05-26T16:11:00.000+02:002010-05-26T16:11:19.228+02:00Appenzeller Land<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2792/4113669988_5cd09344f2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2792/4113669988_5cd09344f2_b.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>It's been a while since the whole family got to take a day trip somewhere together. This past weekend we packed up and ventured out to see Appenzell, a small town on the East side of Switzerland. The weather has been so dreary in Zurich since about October of last year. We were so excited to finally see some sun. So, with cameras in hand and Stella on the lease we caught the train and waved goodbye for an afternoon of cheese, dog collars, and cowbells.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2741/4112894929_d196d381ce_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2741/4112894929_d196d381ce_b.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>I am sure I have said this before, but East Switzerland is awesome. This is the really traditional part of the country where things haven't changed since way before your time...ok, maybe more like they haven't changed much. It has that small town feel where everyone walks the streets smiling, saying "Grüezi" like they actually mean it. Plus, its got those rolling hills that go on forever, with cows grazing on the greenest grass you've ever seen, and then the Alps in the background still with a little snow at the very peaks. Sehr schön.<br />
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First thing to do was to make sure and grab lunch before 2pm when everything magically closes until dinner time. We of course order from the section "Appenzeller Spezialität". I end up with a plate of cheese, a piece of bread hidden under all this käse, and an egg on top. I am not complaining. How could a plate of cheese not taste good? Josh got the standard Appenzeller Schnitzel mit Butternudeln, again smothered with a hunk of cheese.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2709/4113667852_27a9985055_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2709/4113667852_27a9985055_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Afterwards, we waddled the streets window shopping looking for these special, handmade dog collars that are from this part of Switzerland. We found the greatest store where the owner was hammering away at the metals cows that line the collar. Too bad they didn't have a pug-sized collar with a narrow width but a longer length to fit around their chunky necks. No fancy, Swiss collar for Stinky (insert frown here). She would look so cute in one. I should have gotten her a little cow bell instead or a pair of suspenders from Joshie.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2591/4113666108_4c0ecf6f19_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2591/4113666108_4c0ecf6f19_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Also on my list of cool Swiss things to own is an authentic cowbell, like one of the huge ones we saw at the <a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2468/3977975786_ddc1530cf4_b.jpg">Alpabfahrt</a> last year. All worn and crazy heavy with the colorful leather belt. Too bad we stumbled upon a store after they already closed up shop at 4pm. Yep, 4pm on a Saturday. Now that is Switzerland for you. Who cares about making a sale. Gotta get home to the family.<br />
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Even without bringing any souvenirs home, it felt good to get out of Z-town and discover something new. This is definitely the life of an expat. Gotta take in every minute that you've got here!Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604452970448146148noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-882687878310273024.post-90095758191131388752010-05-21T14:35:00.000+02:002010-05-21T14:35:06.431+02:00Turn That Frown Upside Down<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1234/1408536879_74633623f1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1234/1408536879_74633623f1_b.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>I am missing the "30 Days of Flowers" too, people. I figure the second best thing is a picture of a puppy, right? So, to help ween you off the pretty pictures, here is our Stella Bella (as my nephew insists is her real name) after her first date with some nail clippers and bubble bath...almost three years ago. <br />
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Expat adventures return next week. Schönes Wochenende.Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604452970448146148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-882687878310273024.post-42073593782615955062010-05-20T11:27:00.000+02:002010-05-20T11:27:13.258+02:0030 Days of Flowers - Day 30And, last but not least...my favorite...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4623979000_60124bb19e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4623979000_60124bb19e_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Today is the last day (you frown here). I was hoping it would at least be a little sunny outside to help me with the transition, but Spring is still hiding behind the clouds here. On a brighter note, Josh will finally get his chance to publish his photos from Keukenhof Gardens probably in the next couple of days on his <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpeterson/">flickr</a> page. <br />
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Click here for a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/debrpeterson/sets/72157623777739651/show/">slideshow</a> of your "30 Days of Flowers".Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604452970448146148noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-882687878310273024.post-3159441310485916392010-05-19T14:11:00.001+02:002010-05-19T14:11:43.274+02:00The Way to my Heart...is definitely through my stomach!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3118/4621486300_f0d8561c01_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3118/4621486300_f0d8561c01_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4620878095_19c700f9ef_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4620878095_19c700f9ef_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4621488740_9177c29fe6_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4621488740_9177c29fe6_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Look at these beauties, from all angles. I couldn't resist. Someone must love me to have brought me back 30 boxes of assorted Mac & Cheese. Who thinks there is something wrong with having macaroni for breakfast? Not me. It might be even better than brinner!<i><br />
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*I shouldn't have to explain brinner because it is one of the best meals of the day, but for those of you who are a little slow on the uptake, it's when you have breakfast food for dinner. Yum. Warm pancakes before bedtime.</i>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604452970448146148noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-882687878310273024.post-43176941617726056652010-05-19T09:59:00.000+02:002010-05-19T09:59:38.278+02:0030 Days of Flowers - Day 29<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/4620564579_eddb4b843e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/4620564579_eddb4b843e_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Just one more.Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604452970448146148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-882687878310273024.post-65862578704753792152010-05-18T13:42:00.000+02:002010-05-18T13:42:16.353+02:0030 Days of Flowers - Day 28<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4617954015_c1dd230081_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4617954015_c1dd230081_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604452970448146148noreply@blogger.com0