So I haven’t forgotten about that decision, that move to Switzerland or stay right where I am thing. It’s a hard one, a true win-win situation if ever there was one. Certainly all your feedback was very helpful. I must say I was surprised that so many of you were in favour of it. I was expecting a bunch of “don’t you dare” and “are you mental” sort of comments. But I’m on to you. I imagine the possibility of endless additions to the humiliation chronicles is what leads you to encourage me toward this madness.
The other day, iScott (technical blog wizard and expert in getting people unstuck – mentally, that is) gave me a psychological test he developed designed to uncover the unconscious processes that influence decision making. It was really enlightening and interesting and confirmed what I probably already knew. Viva Vevey. Let the fumbling and bumbling begin, and let it begin tout de suite.
I’m heading back to Vevey on Monday to have another look around. First stop is the Office de la Population to discover the drama this move will involve. For those of you who have not had the pleasure of immigrating to a foreign country (especially without a job), let me offer you this tidbit from my youth, “What you wants and what you gets are two entirely different things.” Just because I decide to live in a beautiful European country does not mean that I actually will.
Certainly my EU passport makes life a lot easier, but we still have to prove worthy of Switzerland. We will have to cut down an entire forest to make this application. We will have to deal with all sorts of tape as red as the Swiss flag. Things like I can’t get a lease for an apartment unless I have a residency permit and I can’t get a residency permit unless I have a lease for an apartment. Welcome to a new level of bureaucrazy. Lord, give me strength. Or should I say, “Lord, give Neil the strength to tackle all this while I cheer from the sidelines.”
Not that I won’t be busy. I have a meeting on Tuesday to discuss possible work avenues, hopefully stripper and taffy puller are not on the list. Who the hell knows what I’ll get myself into. But that’s the fun of it now, isn’t it? At any rate, the plan is to make a plan to move there, toss it up in the air and see what it looks like when it lands.
I may not be here regularly next week as I’ll be too busy filling out forms and pulling out hair. I’ll try to post when I can and start recording this next adventure if for nothing other than to remind myself that I was indeed sane (to some degree) when it began. I offer no guarantee of sanity when it’s finished. So, I lost my mind, went to look for it in France, found it and now I appear to have lost it again. Slippery little sucker.
I asked my husband if he believed in karma the other day. He said, “Not so much karma, as bad decision making. People who tend to have bad things happen to them are people who are continually making bad decisions.” While I still believe in karma, I think he’s onto something so the inverse must be true, too. You, my dear, seem to make very good decisions. The decision to move to France being, by far, a very very good one. I’m putting my money on you. I think whatever you decide is going to be great.
Bobbi, I am with you all the way. The move to France was a good one, the next move will be just as good – and girl, I expect your new book written by this time next year!
I’ve always wanted to visit Switzerland—my Dad’s Dad’s family is from there.
When I was young, I envisioned it as split in four parts like Oz — the German quadrant, the French, the Italian, and the actual Swiss. With lots of goats, because of Heidi.
I can’t wait to see what you make of it — and it makes of you!
I can’t see why you’re so surprised that we want to see you take on another adventure. Don’t you know we are all living vicariously through you? Red tape and all?
Good luck with your new quest. I hope the Swiss (famous for organization)will be easier on you than their French counterparts.
Will the EU passport really help? Switzerland isn’t part of the EU.
Yes, but they are part of the Schengen Agreement that allows for “easy movement” between countries etc. Over the last few years it’s been made easier for EU nationals to immigrate. We’ll see how easy!
Ha ha, slippery like a NFLD cod! Do you find yourself drawn to water? I am from Cape Breton originally and definetely am. I gave up my job for my big European trip and am pretty sure will be selling my home on return. I am rooting for your Swiss adventure; good luck and patience!
Arlene in Alberta
Switzerland is stunning — mountains, lakes, wonderful coffee, of course the chocolate. A Kodak moment everywhere you turn. But oh the prices are as high as those darned Alps. Is a “Finding Me en Suisse” in the future? I’m glad one of us is having great adventures.
Okay, I can visit you in Switzerland right?
Right.
laughing because i know all too well the bureaucratic nonsense you speak of. *fingers crossed*
One thing I would say about that country, having lived there all my childhood and part of my early adulthood, is that it is logical, it works, it makes sense mostly, and things are organised. it is NOT France (having lived there for a good while too, I know…) and things might actually be easier. I envy you, I wish I could go back there at some point too… You’ll love it! And so will we of course, through you.
go for it…. the worst that could happen is you could become the next world yoddling champ….
yoddle yeah he whoooooooo
Wherever you goes, there you is.
Whatever you decide to do will be right for you and we’re going to keep reading no matter what. :D
It sounds like you are not changing, so much as refining, your grand plan. If we all stuck with the first idea we had, we’d all be married to our first date and wearing the first glasses we ever got, now wouldn’t we? And that wouldn’t be wise or pleasing :) Be brave and good luck!
Yes! So glad to hear this is your thinking. I need the decision-making diagnostic. Have some big decisions to make myself… ;-)
Skiing and sailing at your doorstep! Formidable Madame!
I say go for it! Let’s see…there are 40 some countries in Europe which could translate into 40 some books for us Finders!!…. or maybe just 1 titled “Catch Me if You Can”…….
Go for it Swiss Miss. By the way we were lucky enough to pick up copies of Book at Costco. Three cheers for Costco, and three cheers for Bobbi for an exceptional read. Regards.