Beyond the Heidi Tale: My Own Story of Becoming Swiss

By George Londob

Trading swaying palm trees for the snowy Alps, George unwittingly catapults himself into a rollercoaster of an adventure after he ties the knot with a Swiss sweetheart. As he tries to navigate the quirks of his newfound Swiss existence, he transforms into a bona fide insider, peeling away the layers of the mysterious and stereotype-laden Swiss l

• Language: English
• Publisher: Luminare Press
• Release date: Apr 17, 2024
• ISBN: 9798886794809

George Londob

Originally from the Philippines, George Londob has called Switzerland his second home since 2014. George's remarkable ability to vividly and accurately recall events, a condition known as hyperthymesia, has inspired him to write articles reflecting on his nearly decade-long Swiss adventure.Nature serves as his muse, and in addition to his culinary pursuits, he finds joy in gardening, foraging, and hiking. His daily train commute to work has transformed into a haven for writing, providing a much-needed respite from the world of number crunching. He currently resides with his partner in Zurich.

Book preview

Prologue

A Story of No Expectations

In the whirlwind of January 2011, while I blissfully juggled work and play in the city of Bangkok, Markus, with his unmistakable Swiss charm, waltzed into my world and swept me off my feet.

Our love story blossomed with no expectations. We met, sparks flew, and our meetings continued. Then, one evening, in a moment of shared introspection, one of us mustered the guts to address the elephant in the room: Does this act of meeting again mean something more to us? To our surprise, the question did not impose on either of us. It felt natural, and so with hearts brimming with excitement, we said, Yes!

But hold on, there was a twist. Drawing wisdom from our past experiences and considering our current life circumstances, we both agreed to approach our relationship without expectations. This meant that when his exchange semester ended, he would return home, and we would happily resume our separate lives, uncertain when fate might bring us together again. It was a simple agreement, tinged with a dash of masochism (perhaps more than we’d care to admit).

And so, the cohabitation saga began! He moved into the same building, a couple of floors above mine, renting his own space. Division of labor came about naturally. As it turned out, he couldn’t cook to save his life, so he was relegated to doing the laundry, the dishes, and the cleaning. His organizational skills literally put my chaotic life back into order.

In return, I took charge of the kitchen! Channeling my inner Jay Fai meets Marianne Kaltenbach, I whipped up every imaginable dish. I even experimented with recipes from home, friends, and those quirky cooking shows on TV. Cooking for love suddenly became my raison d’être.

But like all summer romances, our time together had come to an end. He returned to his life, and I went back to mine, just as we had agreed. Despite the distance, we managed to stay in touch whenever our schedules allowed. Skype was the limit, we sang in unison, joining the chorus of those in long-distance relationships during those pre-WhatsApp days. Indeed, even with its occasional unreliability, Skype became our lifeline.

He would visit again for a study trip, and our connection persisted through holidays and another master’s program, allowing him to return to Bangkok for a year to work on a project. It felt as if the universe was rooting for us, conspiring to bring us together at every turn. And just when I thought the twists couldn’t get any grander, in 2013, out of the blue, he posed the Gretchenfrage (the ultimate question): Will you marry me? My heart skipped a beat, but as you might have guessed, I quickly recovered, just in time to scream "Yes!" And just like that, the next chapter of our lives began.

In midspring of 2014, armed with a single suitcase and an open mind, I arrived in the lush village of Rothenburg, Luzern, leaving behind the comforts of my life in Bangkok— lovely friends, colleagues, delicious Thai cuisine, and the tropical weather. I was well aware of the many adjustments that awaited me, from biological to cultural. I must admit, the thoughts of it all initially overwhelmed me. However, with the love and support of my partner, his family, and some newfound friends, everything fell into place smoothly. Before I knew it, I was fully immersed in the Swiss life, gradually embracing the Swiss culture while enriching my Filipino heritage at the same time.

After nearly a decade of living in this beautiful country, I couldn’t resist the urge to pen a book about my adventures and misadventures in Swiss wonderland. This collection of narratives is dedicated to those who may one day find themselves in a similar situation or simply to anyone captivated by the allure of life in Switzerland. So, brace yourself for the roller coaster as I unveil the surprises, challenges, and cultural quirks that shaped my life as I integrated into Swiss society, ultimately becoming a Swiss citizen. From living with Swiss in-laws, learning German, navigating the world of studying and working, embracing unclehood, excelling at jassing (you’ll find out what that means!) to foraging wild edibles, I have got it all covered. Oh, and let’s not forget the profound topic of death because as they say every good story needs a dash of existentialism.

By indulging you in these compelling narratives, I earnestly hope to offer you a more intimate and vivid view of life in Switzerland beyond the usual Heidi tales.

Under One Roof

Living with My Swiss In-Laws

In 2014, when I made the life-changing decision to relocate to Switzerland, my in-laws generously accommodated us in their home while Markus and I pursued our studies. This arrangement proved to be both practical and beneficial for integration. I am particularly grateful for the opportunity it provided to forge a closer bond with my in-laws. From the moment I entered their lives, they embraced me wholeheartedly, treating me as an integral part of their family.

I came to live with them as they were transitioning into retirement life. This fortunate timing not only gave them plenty of time to finally pursue their hobbies but also allowed them to guide and support me as I navigated my new surroundings. Their wisdom and support became invaluable as I embarked on this transformative journey.

My in-laws wasted no time in introducing me to the rich tapestry of Swiss life, where every aspect seemed thoughtfully separated into distinct realms—the familial sphere, the neighborhood, the Siedlung (quarter), the Vereins (clubs), the Dorf (village), the Gemeinde (municipality), and so on. This cultural shift was fascinating for me, as I came from a place where such clear socialization domains and boundaries didn’t exist and where spontaneity reigned supreme. Suddenly, I was embracing the organized and planned nature of Swiss living. However, I couldn’t deny that I missed the spur-of-the-moment gatherings for coffee and chitchat, which simply were not the norm here. Family and community events were meticulously planned, and people led busy lives, always occupied with something to do—or, at least, that’s how it seemed to me. Despite this adjustment, I wholeheartedly embraced the dynamic and found myself immersed in diverse, vibrant experiences that gradually made me feel like a bona fide Swiss day by day.

In no time I was cooking traditional dishes like Auflauf (similar to potato gratin) according to my mother-in-law’s recipe, gradually conversing with them in standard German, familiarizing myself with the flora and fauna, collecting mushrooms in the summer, hiking at the snow-covered valley of Eigenthal in winter, and my personal favorite, playing Jass, the Swiss national card game.

Undoubtedly, cultivating a strong bond with my in-laws felt like a seamless journey. However, as with everything in life, it was a two-way street. Our connection thrived on the foundation of mutual trust and respect. I melded into their lives with an open heart and mind and did my best to integrate into their way of life with their unwavering support. From our initial meeting, their genuine kindness and warmth flowed naturally, assuring me that they will have my back.

Speaking of that inaugural meeting, let’s rewind to 2012. Markus and I were residents of Bangkok back then, and it was during that time that my in-laws embarked on a visit, an event that set the stage for our shared journey.

An Instant Coffee-Infused

First Meeting

Leading up to that meeting, I often overheard Markus engaging in phone conversations with his parents on weekends. Their exchanges were in Swiss German so I couldn’t understand a word despite my little knowledge of standard German. However, I couldn’t help but notice something intriguing. Markus affectionately referred to his mother as mami, which was endearing, but he addressed his father by his first name, Peter. This piqued my curiosity, leading me to wonder if Peter was a cool stepdad or simply someone who preferred being called by his first name. At that time, our relationship was still in its infancy, so I didn’t dare pry into their family dynamics.

Fast-forward to the fateful morning when my in-laws finally arrived in Bangkok. It was a rainy day. And as luck would have it, the newly built Jasmine Hotel at Phrakanong Station where they were supposed to stay wasn’t yet open for check-in. So, being the considerate son that Markus is, he decided to bring his parents to my apartment. Oh, the joy of being caught off guard! You see, Markus and I were living separately in the same house, and my apartment had more amenities since I had been in Thailand longer. So, it made sense to have them drop by my place first.

Our residence was the charmingly named K-House, nestled in the heart of Yaek see, Preedee Jetseep-et, soi sip song, Phrakanong—quite the mouthful of an address, I know. But there was something exotic and tongue-twistingly delightful about it that made me jot it down, and surprisingly, I still remember it after all these years. The owner, Khun Ngor, obsessively maintained the place to keep up with her so-called hi-so standards and of course the rent she demanded. Talk about premium positioning!

As the clock ticked, my phone rang, and it was Markus on the line, letting me know they were en route to our abode. Panic ensued instantly. I was in the middle of getting ready for work and realized that I might be a tad overdressed to quickly tidy up the room and yes, for the occasion. Well, can you blame me? It was my first time meeting the boyfriend’s parents! The thought of them conducting an ocular inspection of my humble abode put me under some serious pressure.

I had to do something, anything, to make a good impression. Coffee! Yes, serving them coffee would save the day. The only problem? My apartment lacked any semblance of a kitchen, not even a water boiler. Bangkok, being the city of convenience, has little eateries on every corner, so most people eat out. Desperate times called for desperate measures, so I rushed downstairs to the ever-reliable grandma next door, who ran an improvised coffee stand. On weekends, I would often hang out there, sipping kofe yen (iced coffee) and indulging in local pastries.

I arrived at her bustling stand where neighbors chitchatted over steaming cups. Her trusty kettle was in full swing, and I gathered the courage to ask if she could spare some hot water for my instant coffee back at the apartment. Bless her soul, she not only obliged but even lent me a thermos-like container to keep the precious liquid warm. Back in my room, I rummaged through my meager stash of three-in-one coffee mix sachets. Sure, it wasn’t the finest brew, but hey, it was better than offering them plain water.

And there they were, Markus and his parents, Peter and Anita, standing before me. Before I knew it, I was shaking their hands and extending a warm welcome to Bangkok. My first impression? They were warm and authentic people, which was a relief. They thanked me for being flexible and apologized for the unexpected visit. Originally, we had planned to meet for dinner after work. I genuinely expressed my happiness at finally meeting them face to face, having only heard their voices on the phone. Markus played translator for his father, who could only muster a word or two in English. We chatted briefly about their trip, and then I proudly served them the instant coffee concoction I had managed to rustle up. I did warn them that it might be on the sweeter side as we Southeast Asians tend to enjoy a sugary kick in our coffee. With that, I bid them farewell and headed off to work, looking forward to our dinner plans.

Their visit turned into a two-week stay, and I managed to take a day or two off work so Markus and I could show them around. One evening, I even surprised them with a home-cooked meal of chicken adobo, thanks to the kitchen utensils available in the hotel apartment. They truly appreciated the gesture.

In that same year of 2012, they extended an invitation to visit them in Switzerland and join their family’s sailing holiday in Italy. It was my very first trip to Europe, and let me tell you, I was abuzz with anticipation. That visit proved to be an eye-opener on many levels. Not only did I get to experience the joy of meeting Markus’s extended family but I also had the chance to see where he grew up. His hometown of Luzern was living up to its reputation as among the foremost Swiss attractions—the beautiful old town, the lush surroundings, the verdant hills, the towering mountains, and the very clean lake. It was like finding a piece of my heart had been waiting there all along, making me feel right at home. I shall be back, I told myself while on my way back to the airport. Little did I know that fate had a grand plan for me. A few years later, I found myself returning to Switzerland for an indefinite stay, starting a new chapter in my life that I could have never imagined during that first unforgettable trip.

Now, let me tell you more about my in-laws; after all, they are the stars in this narrative. Those Sunday breakfasts and dinners became our cherished moments for indulging in long, engaging conversations about anything and everything under the sun. While Markus was off gallivanting in Zurich on weekdays with his studies, I found myself basking in the company of my delightful in-laws at home when I came from school. It was during these heart-to-heart talks that I truly got to know them better.

A Musical Matriarch with Culinary and Green Thumbs

Allow me to introduce you to the incredible force that is my mother-in-law, Anita. A retired primary teacher, she has an undeniable passion for the piano and the flute. However, when arthritis began to affect her fingers, she faced a challenging moment