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!

What do you think of the food?  
I have to admit that I am not a lover of fondue yet. However, I love the freshness of food and that everything seems to be locally grown, which is nice. I wish there was a greater variety of food though. I’d kill for a lima bean!

What do you think of the shopping in Switzerland?  
Shopping in Switzerland is very expensive compared to Chicago and even Paris, but I’ve gotten used to it now. You can find bargains if you are willing to look. However, I love the fact that sales or soldes occur more than twice per year!  

What do you appreciate about living in Switzerland?
Some people complain about this, but I actually appreciate the government’s efficiency.  Everything happens exactly when it is supposed to happen. Some would say that there are too many rules here, but I actually like that as well because I like things to be orderly. It also seems to be a very safe place for raising children and a very family-oriented place. I have two little girls, ages 11 and six, and it is great that they can walk to school alone if I choose to allow them. There is also excellent transportation as well.

What do you find most frustrating about living in Switzerland?  
It’s frustrating to me that stores close too early and they are closed on Sundays. I had gotten used to this (to some degree) in France but in America, many stores are open 24/7 and I miss that. To get around this, I shop a lot online. The price of meat is absolutely shocking! As an African American, I wish there were more hair salons that could cater my individual hair care needs. I finally found a terrific stylist in Geneva but it would be nice if there were others.

What puzzles you about Switzerland and what do you miss since you’ve moved here?
Although the Swiss are very nice people in general, I find it a bit difficult getting to know them. I wish I could figure out how to make better friends with them. They are a bit reserved but so am I, so I guess it’s okay.

Otherwise, I don’t really miss anything here in Switzerland. It’s a very comfortable and welcoming place, so I have found it easy to adjust to living here.  Who could argue with waking up and running along the lake and seeing those beautiful mountains! When I cannot find anything on television to watch, I watch American television from my Slingbox. I still hold very long conversations with my family and friends back in the US over Skype. I listen to American radio from the Internet. American food that I miss I can usually find at one of the American stores in either Geneva or Nyon. It’s a relatively quick trip to visit friends back in Paris or London or anywhere else across Europe. It may seem like it but I don’t live a completely American existence here. I have just found a way to merge the best parts of my former life in America with my current life here in Switzerland.

How does the quality of life in Switzerland compare to the quality of life in other countries that you’ve lived in?  I love my home country overall, but Switzerland has got to be the best-kept secret in the world. People work really hard here, but they also know how to relax and enjoy vacation. Plus, my children could potentially add German and Italian to their growing linguistic palette.

If you could change anything about Switzerland, what would it be?
I am not completely happy with the education system or maybe I just don’t understand yet. I just find that the Swiss approach to public school, at least in the lower grades, seems too laid-back for my taste. I would like the education system to be a bit more aggressive so that when the hard work comes later, children are not blindsided or surprised by the sudden influx of work. Plus, I don’t agree with track systems because they force children to worry about future career choices way earlier then they need to do so.

What advice would you give to a newcomer?  
Learn French because it will help you settle in a lot easier. I still struggle a lot with my French because it’s hard but people are so nice and patient. Many times they will attempt to meet me halfway by speaking English but that is not a guarantee. Also, do your homework and be prepared for how difficult it can be to find an apartment – especially in Geneva. It took us six months to find an apartment in Lausanne.  

If you would like to share your perspective about life in Switzerland and contribute to Expat Voices, send an email to EditorCH@expatica.com with 'Please send me an Expat Voices questionnaire' in the subject line.