Here is a picture of Kacey, me and Amanda at a going away apero for Amanda and her husband, Aaron. Seeing this picture made me reflect on what it is to live in a different country and to appreciate the friendships I have made................
One of the hardest parts of living an expat lifestyle is having to say "Good-bye" to friends who have played such a crucial role in my Swiss experience. However, a huge part of living so far away from family and all the friends back home means that your new friends become your 'family'. You jump right into these new relationships because your time is limited and there's no point wasting what little time you have on small talk and mindless chatter. They are the ones who throw surprise baby showers for you, who come and cook supper and take care of your kids when you are sick, who help you look at apartments--- with two children in tow while your husband is out of the country--- in the thick summer heat AND while using public transportation. These friends become your lunch buddies, movie buddies, recipe advisers, therapists, free referral services and so much more. Sometimes they even brave the unknown and spend their Christmas holidays with you (and your children) in another country............pretty amazing!!
Our family has been in Zurich for almost 2 years now, and the 3 ladies that befriended me my first week in town have now all moved on to new places: Susan, my very first friend, is back in the NYC area; Shannon is now in Hong Kong; and now Amanda has moved to Munich. Thanks ladies for the friendships and love.
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