10½ Things I Learned in My First 24 Hours in Switzerland...

 



10½ Things I Learned in My First 24 Hours in Switzerland

…and one cowbell-fueled reason I might never leave.


I’m barely a day into my Switzerland adventure, and already this place has taught me more than a semester of geography ever could. From money mix-ups to unexpected cow serenades, here are a few lessons (and a lot of love) from my first 24 hours in the land of mountains, chocolate, and precision:

1. Always Get the Francs.

Yes, the exchange rate might be slightly higher at the airport, but you know what’s worse? Not being able to pay for parking. We rented a car, and suddenly found ourselves in a charming little cash-only spiral because—plot twist—some payment systems don’t work with rentals. Lesson: get some Swiss francs the second you land. Future-you will thank you.

2. Even the Banks Take a Lunch Break.

Banks close between 12 and 1:30. Honestly, I respect it. A country that values a proper lunch? A+ priorities. But if you’re trying to get cash during that time… enjoy a scenic walk instead.

3. Not All Banks Are Created Equal.

Some banks don’t carry cash or offer currency exchange, especially in smaller towns. Big cities? You’re golden. Quaint village nestled into an alpine hillside? Maybe not.

4. Don’t Tip!

Really. It’s included. This is not a drill. The service charge is built into your bill, so no need to stress over percentages or mental math. Just smile, say “Danke,” and walk out like a local.

5. Language is a Full-Body Experience.

Not everyone speaks English—or even German. At a cozy Italian restaurant, we quickly learned to lean into hand gestures, smiles, and the occasional guess. By dessert, I could confidently say: “Il conto per favore.” That’s “the check, please,” in case you're heading to the Italian-speaking region. Or just really hungry.

6. Where Are All the Stop Signs?

Not sure if I missed a memo or a traffic rule, but I haven’t seen a single stop sign. It’s a strange and beautiful mystery.

7. Speed Limits Are Sneaky.

Instead of our familiar red octagons, Switzerland uses white circular signs with red outlines to indicate speed limits. Easy to miss if you're daydreaming about fondue.

8. Parking: It’s a Color-Coded Puzzle.

White lines = paid parking

Blue and yellow = reserved or special-use spots

Translation: read the signs carefully and pay close attention when pulling in.

9. Sometimes You Can Park for Free…

…at banks and grocery stores. But it’s not a given, so don’t count on it unless you want a little thrill in your day.

10. The Cows Are Everything.

I’m staying at an Airbnb in the hills, and the cows here? Absolutely adorable. They wander freely, grazing and jingling their cowbells like furry zen monks. The sound is oddly musical—like a lullaby for the soul. I could listen to it forever.

10½. The Bread Is Better Here.

No notes. Just carbs and bliss.

---

Final Thought:

Switzerland isn’t just beautiful—it’s charming, quirky, and refreshingly honest. It invites you to slow down, figure things out, laugh at yourself, and listen to cowbells echoing across the hills. And if that’s not magic, I don’t know what is.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Pelvic Floor Real Talk: What I’ve Learned at 40

Image
  People talk about pelvic floor issues as you age, but I’m realizing something important: every single situation is different, and every story is worth sharing — because we can all learn from each other. I have pelvic floor issues. And honestly? I don’t feel embarrassed about it. My hormones are changing, I’m losing collagen and elasticity in my connective tissues, and my estrogen isn’t exactly cooperating these days. I’ve started taking a liver support supplement to help with inflammation and, hopefully, support better hormone balance. (While research on liver supplements directly improving estrogen is limited, supporting your liver health can help your body process hormones and reduce inflammation — so it may help some people.) I’ve also done pelvic floor physical therapy and learned some tips that have been invaluable. One challenge I’ve run into is this: I know lifting heavy weights is recommended — it helps build bone density and muscle mass and can even support hormone healt...
Read more

Rooted and Wandering: Where Will We Best Exist?

Image
  Lately, I’ve found myself reflecting on the places we’ve lived, the places we’ve visited, and the ones still tugging at us from a distance. Not just the locations, but the feelings they left behind. What they taught us. How they shaped who we are—and how they continue to shape what we long for. With the world shifting so quickly, we keep asking where we truly belong. Where will we best exist—not just to survive, but to feel alive, to grow, to breathe more deeply? The kind of place that supports who we are now, and who we’re still becoming. For me, the stillness I felt in Mexico wasn’t just peace—it was revelation. It was the quiet understanding that life can look entirely different from what we’re used to… and that’s not just okay—it’s beautiful. Mexico showed me that existence doesn’t have to come with pressure. That it’s enough to live simply, intentionally, in rhythm with your surroundings. It softened something in me, reminded me I don’t need to hustle to be worthy. Out west,...
Read more

Balancing Acts & Dirty Cups: A Real-Life Glimpse Into Our Homeschool Home

Image
  Some days, I feel like a juggler in a three-ring circus. I'm trying to grow our income, run a household, nurture two amazing kids through their homeschool journey, maintain friendships, and carve out space for my own well-being. That’s a full-time job in every direction—and no one really tells you how to do all of it without dropping something now and then. Honestly, some days I just have to laugh. Like when the fridge and pantry are both fully stocked, but somehow—we have no food. Or when I’ve prepped a dozen art projects, tuned up the bikes, and cleared the living room for dance-offs, and yet—everyone is bored. And let’s not forget the case of the missing dishes. Every. Single. Week. The kids ask where the cups are, but we all know exactly where they are: in their rooms. Growing science experiments. And when I finally ask them to bring them down? Boom. A tidal wave of cups appears. Not in the sink, mind you—but perched on the counter like they’re display items in a museum of te...
Read more