1st of August

Switzerland, oh Switzerland...

We’ve always had a bit of a special relationship.

What initially started as excitement soon transformed into hate until I gave you a second chance and tried again.

Then the love came.

I was committed to seeing the beauties you hold and soon discovered that the problem was never you. My experiences were all linked to how I was feeling inside.

The beginning was hard. Really hard. I thought that I wouldn’t last, that you didn’t want me to be one of your citizens. I felt lonely, lost and a misfit. This wasn’t my place.

Only in my third year (after staying one year in the US) did I start feeling like I was constructing a new home. A place I felt comfortable, had friends and could start enjoying the great things you offer.

I adventured myself to trying to understand how you tick, to use the language as the locals did and observe how the ones that fit in actually make their lives work here. Even writing in Swiss German became a thing. I still remember the first message I sent; I felt ridiculous. And indeed, I was laughed at many times on how I write - and still am, in a “cute” way - but I continued trying (and still do).

I understood that your culture is different. Very different from the one I was used to. In Brazil, much effort didn’t have to be made to get to know new people, be invited to parties or come to chit-chats with a stranger. Things somehow simply happened.

Not here.

As an introverted, not the easiest ambience to integrate. But it was a matter of survival. Soon I discovered that for you to open up, I had to do the first step: open myself, say hi with a smile and initiate the conversation. It started working. By changing my stand, our relationship got massively better.

People showed to be super lovely after all. After breaking the hard shell, they are loving, caring, trusting and loyal. A place to feel cared about.

Eventually, I also started exploring the nature that you hold. Oh, what a beauty. So many opportunities for outdoor lovers. Places to disconnect from the busy routines and soak in the silence that the mountains have to offer.

Hiking, swimming in the lakes, walking at 3 am (sometimes barefoot) in the illuminated streets of Zurich while listening to music, reliable public transportation that takes you everywhere you want, respect and punctuality, things that work.

I started liking you.

You started becoming my comfort zone. My playground. My Disneyland for experimentation.

You allowed me to get to know myself and others—the chance to try new things and test new perspectives.

It was, by far, one of the best decisions I’ve made back then.

First to come, and then to stay.

I’m not yet 100% sure you will be my home in the long term. But I am grateful for everything we’ve been through together in the past 12,5 years. And I am thankful for all the doors you’ve opened.

Thank you. Thank you for being you, and happy anniversary.