First Impressions

Get the Alphorn out Bert - we gots company!

They always say it's best to start at the beginning, so I shall!

I first came to Switzerland in 1999. I had met my husband in the UK, and was going to meet his family for the first time. It was an exciting moment. He picked me up from Zurich airport, and as we sped along I was absolutely blown away by the beauty of the scenery. Majestic, craggy mountains, surrounded by picturesque villages, sparkling lakes, and green farmland. The air felt cleaner somehow.

His family live and work a free-range Pig Farm. I was surprised to see how small it was, but it was situated in the middle of a large valley, and had a wonderful panoramic view of the mountains all around. Perfect for watching multi-firework displays on Swiss National Day, as I would discover later! That's their equivalent of Guy Fawkes Night, I think.

As we went into the house, a tubby blonde woman came to the front door, smiling. I expected a hug, or maybe a friendly nod; but I got an extremely firm handshake instead, and a "Pleased to meet you, I'm Vreni!" Six firm handshakes later, and I was acquainted, Swiss Style, with the whole family! The fact that his brother came fresh from the shower, in just his tee and underpants, didn't seem to faze anybody... except reserved British ol' me! This unabashed flashing of male flesh went on for the rest of my 5-day visit, and although I never quite got used to it, at least I managed to control the flinching!

I should just say; handshaking as a greeting is very much de rigueur over here. Even pre-schoolers are taught to do it. You've no idea how comical it is to be greeted with an outstretched hand, and an earnest expression when meeting a 3 year old! But at least they are polite. Very polite.

The next culture shock was when dinner was served. Bread, assorted cold meats, cheeses and salad. And red wine, always red wine! Although that could just be OH's family! His father, 'Dadi', does love a large glass, or three! Anyway, after the lazy susan, (or in Swiss german 'Faul Freda!') was brought to the table laden with aromatic tidbits, I looked around to see where the plates were. Everybody was tucking in with gusto, using no plates, table only. OH, seeing my confusion, offered to get me one. "No!" I hissed, embarrassed, "I'll do the same!"

Having slightly OCD tendencies, it almost killed me though; especially as there were about 300 buggering flies bombarding us at the same time. Well, it IS a Pig farm! No one seemed to be bothered about them except for me though; very Englishly 'eeeking' and 'aaarghing' throughout the whole meal. Sigh! Talk about first impressions!

Part 2 of my First Impressions next week.

Thanks for stopping by now!

Angela x