Swiss Miss

The following will be all those little things I will miss about Switzerland…this will continue to grow as things pop into my head..that song “A few of my favorite things” is now annoyingly stuck in my head as I write this…

“Birchermuesli”

Pronounced (Beer-chka(hock a luggi)-mew-slee)—go it? While I am not such a fan of the Gipfeli (croissants) that all Swiss eat every morning for breakfast, well I am simply not such a fan of the food here in general, but I have grown very fond of birchermuesli which, every place makes a bit different, but usually consists mainly of yogurt, fresh fruit, and wheat flakes (description does not do it justice). While interviewing in London, I popped into one of those Take Away (To Go (American translation)) places to grab lunch. I was so excited when in a little container next to the yogurts, was labeled “Swiss Birchermuesli”!

Aside from Mexican food, which all Americans living abroad desperately crave, my other vice was Diet Coke..and yes, they do have Cola Light here, but it is not the same! If you disagree with me, then you are not a true Diet Coke addict. Moving to London, my one food craving will undoubtedly be birchermuesli, and so upon seeing this at the little shop, I knew London was meant to be. Needless to say I purchased the birchermuesli, opened up the container and took a bit. I was shocked to find that the British version of “Swiss birchermuesli” was oatmeal mixed with yogurt topped with a single blackberry. If this is an indication of the British food to come…rough times are ahead.

“Gruezi”- (Grietsy)

Swiss German for hello, which you must ALWAYS say when passing someone. Now, I don’t mean as you are dashing through the main train station passing like a hundred people along the way. I mean, come one, that would be a bit deafening don’t you think? But it is common to look at someone, smile, and utter a quick “Gruezi” as you walk by. Much better than the normal quick glance to the ground, cold stare ahead, and ignore the passerby we are so accustomed to.

“Zum Wohl”

Many of you who have seen me recently know this one well as I get completely offended when after pouring an alcoholic drink someone simply grabs it and starts chugging. I mean, we aren’t still in college are we? Although it does feel like yesterday, I mean, how the hell did we end up here?? Anyway, I digress. So, in Switzerland, prior to even taking a sip, everyone needs to raise their glass, utter a “Zum Wohl” or “Prost” and then look at every person in the eyes.

Think that is annoying and too time consuming? Sell if you don’t, it is seven years bad sex. So if your sex life isn’t going so well…now you know why! “Zum Wohl!”