Category: life
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When The Bachelorette comes to town
Geneva! On The Bachelorette! I was floored to see my city as the backdrop of the latest episode. Either the rumor mill isn’t very active in Geneva or I’ve been too preoccupied, because I didn’t hear a word about Rachel filming in Geneva. Anyway, the episode opens with aerial scenes of Geneva. The Jet d’Eau.…
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Long time, no blog…
… because we had a baby! Please forgive me? Parenthood is demanding. And wonderful. Grant Ruedi was born March 24, 2017 in Geneva, Switzerland. His middle name comes from my great-great-grandfather Henry Rüedi, who was also born in Switzerland. Grant is a smiley, wriggly, chirpy three-month-old who has stolen our hearts (and our sleep!). We…
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In preparation of bébé
This week I ironed our draperies, organized our spice rack and donated shoes I haven’t worn in a year. To say that I’m in “nesting mode” would be an understatement. The nest is clean and I’m running out of things to feather it with. Honestly, I can’t help myself. When it comes to expecting a…
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What it’s like living in the world’s ‘best country’
US News & World Report ranked Switzerland this week the “best country in the world” on its annual Best Countries report. The ranking does not surprise me–life here is pretty good–but it’s far from perfect, so I thought I’d delve into what Swiss life is like for an outsider. More on the report The report analyzed 80…
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Traveling with a bump: Should you?
We discovered we were expecting a baby about three weeks before leaving on our planned trip to Thailand, which gave me just enough time to question every part of our itinerary–including whether we should go to Thailand at all. I felt a weightiness in our decision like I had never experienced before. I now realize…
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Why I’ll never become a Swiss citizen
After a few months of living in Switzerland, I quickly came to the realization that I’ll never obtain that coveted red passport, even if I go through all of the motions of becoming a Swiss citizen. I’d heard enough stories of half-Swiss families and long-distance lovers who’ve been rejected for Swiss citizenship to fill a…
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On tracing my Swiss roots
Have I ever mentioned that I am Swiss? Not in the passport carrying way, but in the way that Americans brag about their heritage–“I’m Irish,” “I’m French”–since we all seem to find being simply “American” so un-exotic. At any rate, my great-great grandfather Henry Rüedi immigrated from Switzerland to California in the 1890s. He was 14…
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On a new year
I don’t know what is going on with you, but I’m really happy to have officially entered a new year. No matter where your political beliefs lie, 2016 was tough. More than tough. Uncomfortable. Unbearable. Almost unendurable. Well, the last nine weeks of 2016 were all of those things. Which, coincidentally, is about how long we…
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Merry Christmas!
“What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.” -Agnes M. Pharo
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On unfamiliar territory
This thoughtfully-written piece in the New York Times puts into words some of what I’ve been feeling for two years and some of what I’m just coming to terms with this morning. American journalist Jim Yardley reflects on what it is like to be an expat during these strange times. Be warned, the piece is long…
Paige Langton 