Sun, 8 November 2009
A century and a quarter after a cutler set out to supply Swiss soldiers with a survival tool, the Swiss Army knife adapts to the urban jungle.
Read Jessica of Swisstory's adventure in obtaining her Swiss driver's licence, with helpful checklist.
Expatica reader Carolyn Moncel searches for the best salons in Paris and Switzerland serving black women.
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Switzerland is a hybrid of France and the US to expat mom Carolyn, except without lima beans or diverse hair stylists.Name: Carolyn Davenport-Moncel
Nationality: American
City of residence: Lausanne
Date of birth: 9 October 1968
Civil status: Married
Occupation: Small-business owner of MotionTemps, a communications firm specialising in website maintenance
Reason for moving to Switzerland: After living in Paris for five years, my husband wanted a career change and decided to accept a job in Geneva.
Lived in Switzerland for: 18 months. We moved here on 7 October 2007.
What was your first impression of Switzerland?
Wow, I’m at home! I traveled to Geneva for the first time in December 2006. My husband had already accepted a position in Geneva, but we wanted to visit to determine if he would continue commuting between Geneva and Paris or if the entire family would move to Switzerland. Everything about Geneva and later in Lausanne, from the canal area in Geneva to the lakefront views from both, made me feel as if I was back home in Chicago.
It’s also a very beautiful, “green” and healthy place. When we couldn’t find an apartment in Geneva immediately, we decided to try Lausanne. Exiting the train station, I remember having two choices for exploration: walk up those really steep hills toward the cathedral or walk down toward Ouchy and the lakefront. I am so happy we chose the latter because that is how we found our apartment. The steep hills have their own advantages as well because they definitely keep the entire family in shape naturally. 
For me in terms of culture, this part of Switzerland is a strange hybrid between France and the US. The language and bits of the culture remind me of France. However, the politeness and modesty of the people reminds me of midwestern America, where I am from. Plus, I love seeing the change in seasons and snow!
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