*** DISCLAIMER :: THIS IS A RIGHT ROYAL RANT. AND A HALF! ***
I know I've already been harping on about the downsides of Switzerland but dear GOODNESS there's SO. much. MORE! Seriously this place, their ways, their rules and laws or whatever they want to call them. I've just emailed a friend and mentioned some of what is to follow and I thought to myself, there's a post in here. Somewhere. I think. And here it is.
We live in a really lovely apartment. It is a new build, all brand spanking new. All modern and sparkly. We chose a ground floor apartment so that we could have a garden for Joseph and Carys. When I was looking around with the Regie {Estate Agent}, I mentioned my concern about the open plan garden and in particular the seven foot drop from the garden into the drive way. Y'know with toddlers, that could be tricky. He told me he'd chat with the owner and get back to me.
He got back to me. The landlord accepts that it is his responsibity to put a fence on the side of the garden that goes onto the road and is willing to do so. He is not willing to divide the garden between neighbours nor put fencing along the side of the garden but will allow you to put a fence up {where the seven foot drop is} after he approves the materials you will use. Typical Swiss. I thought it was ridiculous but the apartment ticked so many boxes we decided we'd lump it and put a fence up ourselves.
We moved in January and in March the workers showed up. Working. Working on a fence. They started along the side of the garden with the seven foot drop into the driveway. I thought, 'Oooooh, they've realised they were wrong. They've realised that a seven foot drop into the driveway should be fenced off. They've realised it is their responsibility to protect their tenants. Gosh, they're doing a good job... this fence is sturdy. This fence is concreted into the stonework.'
Cut to three months later. A letter arrives. We translate it. The Regie requests a 'contribution' towards the fence. A contribution. Five francs? Thirty francs? How much of a contribution are they hoping for?
We replied. We are unsure what sort of contribution is expected. At no stage was this option ever presented to us. At no stage was it ever suggested that you would put a fence up and request assistance with the financing. The fence is a permanent fixture at a rented property. The fence adds value to the property. The fence belongs to the landlord. We're not willing to contribute. Yours faithfully...
Some time passed. Another letter arrived. It has a pink slip. That's a bill. It's a bill for CHF3000. We translate the letter. The landlord is willing to give you half of the fence as a gift. The other half is billed to you. CHF3000. Half a fence to the tune of CHF3000. That's £2064.75. Erm no. I don't think so.
We replied. No, no. How kind of the landlord to give us half of his fence. Truly, we're touched. How and ever. We will not be paying CHF3000 for half a flippin' fence. We did not agree, verbally or in writing, to a fence being put up. We were prepared to erect our own fence. A temporary fence. One that we could remove and take with us at the time of our departure from the property. We did not agree, either verbally or in writing to paying for or contributing to a fence, a permanent feature, at our rented property. {We weren't quite so facetious but that was the general gist}
And so this has continued... every so often we get another letter with a pink slip and a threat to take us to court. Each time they add a penalty charge for late payment. Each time we reply, enclosing all the previous correspondence. We are not paying for this fence. We are happy to take this to a courtroom. Thankfully we had a bit of assistance with our last reply. Our neighbour has an architect friend who was able to help us out with some official speak and professional insight. A drop higher than two foot requires a fence. We await a response.
These Regies are renowned for being a hateful bunch. They can pick and chose tenants because the demand for property is so high. You literally have to apply to live at a property and they choose you. A very different story to the UK where landlords are just happy to get the rent in. These guys will sting you at every chance they can get. The deposits are huge (CHF11,000 in our case) so moving out of a rental is possibly one of the most stressful things to do. Stressing will we get our money back? They scrutinise every corner of the property. I get it. I appreciate they don't want their properties vandalised. We are landlords. We have a flat in London that is rented out and I'd like to think that it was being respected and well looked after by our tenants. But these guys are ruthless. I mean, c'mon.... we're paying our way here, live and let live!
When it comes to doing their job, we don't see much getting done. Let me tell you this friends. Our rent is CHF3900. That is a lot of money. That is £2685 per month. I know, right!? We haven't had hot water on
weekends for over a year. It's sometimes warm but not nice to have a
shower in. Not hot enough to wash oven dishes after a Sunday roast. No. Hot. Water. Every weekend for over a YEAR!? That is wholly unacceptable. Our building has five properties and we all experience this issue. We have all complained. Nothing.
Our lawn is a mess, we have a robotic lawnmower that comes
out every night but isn't working. Our concierge cut the grass a fortnight ago and the grass was everywhere. All over the kids bikes and scooters, all caught up in the shutters. It just sprayed over everything and the bugger didn't clear it up.
The communal tumble dryer isn't
working. It ought to have the filter cleaned by the concierge but the only person who seems to be cleaning it is me.
Have they responded to me? Have they heck!?
The fastest response we have had from our Regie was when we
handed in our notice. Alex
had emailed them the body of the letter with the letter attached and
noted that he had posted it. They replied within TEN minutes 'you need to send the
letter by recorded deliver'. EFFIN' JOBSWORTH!
If you've got this far, you're a saint. I hope you don't have much on today.
I HAVE YOU TWO
It's just me and my Trott Tots this week. Alex is in London sitting an exam. Yesterday this song got in my head and I was singing it and being a bit silly. Joseph and Carys loved it, chiming in with 'you two' when they could.
Growing up, it was something we used to sing a lot. Usually while I was setting the table and mum was cooking. I say 'we', I mean my mum and I (my brother was much of a musical number kind of kid!). It was just the three of us when I was growing up and I likened us to the Potts family, y'know without the haphazard inventions.
I have been looking at Carys lately and wondering what she thinks and how much she understands. What will she remember of this time. My dad died a month before my second birthday and I have no memories of him at all. My brother had just turned five and has some memories but is unsure how much of them are exaggerated versions of reality and mixed up with stories he has been told. My mum was great and kept my dad alive in our minds. If we did something that reminded her of him, she'd say so. If we did something funny she'd tell us how he'd have loved it. It tickled her that we had some of his mannerisms without seeing him to copy them.
My aunt told me that she was looking after me one day, it was about a year after he died. She was wearing one of my his old cardigans and I said quite simply and matter of fact 'that's my daddy's'. It warms me to think that I did have memories of him back then. I didn't just forget him. His face just faded from my mind over the years.
I shall continue to embrace the sentiments of this tune until tomorrow when Alex gets back to us and be thankful that they are not my true reality. Looking forward to having him home and all to ourselves again!
Growing up, it was something we used to sing a lot. Usually while I was setting the table and mum was cooking. I say 'we', I mean my mum and I (my brother was much of a musical number kind of kid!). It was just the three of us when I was growing up and I likened us to the Potts family, y'know without the haphazard inventions.
I have been looking at Carys lately and wondering what she thinks and how much she understands. What will she remember of this time. My dad died a month before my second birthday and I have no memories of him at all. My brother had just turned five and has some memories but is unsure how much of them are exaggerated versions of reality and mixed up with stories he has been told. My mum was great and kept my dad alive in our minds. If we did something that reminded her of him, she'd say so. If we did something funny she'd tell us how he'd have loved it. It tickled her that we had some of his mannerisms without seeing him to copy them.
My aunt told me that she was looking after me one day, it was about a year after he died. She was wearing one of my his old cardigans and I said quite simply and matter of fact 'that's my daddy's'. It warms me to think that I did have memories of him back then. I didn't just forget him. His face just faded from my mind over the years.
I shall continue to embrace the sentiments of this tune until tomorrow when Alex gets back to us and be thankful that they are not my true reality. Looking forward to having him home and all to ourselves again!
DEAR SWITZERLAND...
Where do I start? We've been together for almost four years now and we've been through so much together in that time. You're lovely and you've been so good to me. But, Switzerland, you're frustrating and you make me mad as hell at times. You're pernickety little ways. But lets not dwell on that... we've had some good times, meals out, walks around the lake, remember that time we went to the zoo? You've been there for me in my early days of motherhood, watched me mess up over and over and didn't tell a soul. We have so many special memories that nobody can take from us. You are beautiful, absolutely stunning, if truth be told. Everybody says so. I could look at your beauty all the live long day but I need to be honest with myself Switzerland... and I need to be honest with you. I owe you that much. The truth is, I need more. It's not you, it's me. I need more than your mountains, your lakes, your vineyards, your ski season, your clean air and your wonderful summers.
I need to understand and converse with the old couple admiring my children... if she is admiring them? Whatever she's saying, she's saying it with a smile so I can only assume. I need to understand the old lady criticising me for not having a hat on baby's little fair head. I'm getting her drift but I can't retort. I need to be able to tell that judgemental old crow to mind her own bloody business, that he has SPF50 on his head and that will have to do because, you see, you old bint, he keeps pulling his damn hat off.
My mind is made up. I've thought about it for a long time. You and I, we were never a forever thing anyway. It was always meant to be casual. You knew that. My heart has always been with Blighty. He's the one I really love. He gives me more. You know I've seen him from time to time since we've been together. I've never hidden that from you... you've seen me smuggle the car loads of bargains and treats he can offer across your borders. He knows how I tick. He knows my family and friends. He speaks my language.
So Switzerland, you beautiful beast. It's over. Let's quit while we're ahead. I'm going back.
He's far away from perfect but, my goodness, he's Great. Switzerland, I'm going back to Blighty.
I need to understand and converse with the old couple admiring my children... if she is admiring them? Whatever she's saying, she's saying it with a smile so I can only assume. I need to understand the old lady criticising me for not having a hat on baby's little fair head. I'm getting her drift but I can't retort. I need to be able to tell that judgemental old crow to mind her own bloody business, that he has SPF50 on his head and that will have to do because, you see, you old bint, he keeps pulling his damn hat off.
I need to understand my mail without google translate.
I need soft play centres, however germ ridden they may be.
I need restaurants with sensible opening hours and a menu with enough choices to suit whatever mood I might be in.
I need a bakery that stays open between 12-2pm (while we're here, a word to the wise... you need to advise your local food businesses that they're really missing a trick closing over lunch time!)
I need a bag of ice that costs a quid.
I need Heinz.
I need Galaxy.
I need Kingsmill.
I need Jaffa Cakes.
I need to be able to pick up the phone to make enquiries about this, that or t'other without having to prepare my questions and pronunciation in advance.
I need restaurants that are open on Sundays.
I need pub grub. I need pork belly and roasties. I need roast beef and yorkshire puds.
I need KFC. Don't you DARE judge me.
I need double trolleys.
I need a 24hr Tesco's,
I need M&S... oh sweet M&S with your profiterole stack and carrot and swede mash!
I need Waitrose.
I need shops that don't close at 6pm.
Damn it Switzerland, I need Bluewater!
So Switzerland, you beautiful beast. It's over. Let's quit while we're ahead. I'm going back.
Back to what I know and love.
LIFE LATELY {IF MY iPHONE IS ANYTHING TO GO BY...}
Unedited scenes from family life.
Pictures are in date order... see how psychitzo our weather has been!
Pictures are in date order... see how psychitzo our weather has been!
SHOPPING SPREE...
So the joy of pregnancy took a little dip when Alex and I had a shopping day in Kent last month. Obviously, I'm not really in the market for party dresses or skinny jeans these days but there I was in Ted Baker. Dreaming. My thought process was as follows...
BUY SOMETHING :: DON'T BE DAFT
BUY SOMETHING :: DON'T BE DAFT
- but I wont be pregnant forever
- I'll be back in shape by the end of the summer {well, that's the plan!}
- but I'll be breastfeeding... look for something with 'easy access'
- maybe a jacket
- or a cardigan
- clothes don't have a sell by date... they don't go off
- well they do, when you think of it... fashions have seasons
- you've never cared about that, you're your own person
- you can wear it next year
- but I might be pregnant again {four Trott Tots?!}
- you might not be... you need to see how you go with three babies
- oh, those shorts are gorgeous
- you don't have the legs for those
- true
- Alex will think you're daft
- he always thinks I'm daft
- they'll have great stuff next year too
- isn't it better to save for the move home than having unworn clothes looking at you
- but they'd be MY unworn clothes
EASTER SUNDAY
A successful Easter Bunny hunt. We had a great day... but don't be fooled by these happy little faces. Today came with its fair share of digging in mud, refusing to cooperate, throwing hissy fits, sticky fingers and chocolate moustashes.
And... before you judge me on over indulging my toddlers with chocolate, they got to find it... and then they get to share it. With me. And I suppose if they see any friends this week, we'll share with them too! We are working hard on the art of sharing.
SIX WEEKS :: UPDATE
Blogging failure at your service!
Where have I been for the past few {um, six!} weeks. Let me tell you. So six weeks ago was Shrove Tuesday, the beginning of Lent. I don't do Lent. I never do. I'd fail... forbid me from something, anything at all and I'll want it, crave it until I break. I'm useless. Oh, I could've told you that I gave up blogging for Lent. That would fit but alas, it would be a lie.
1. A week in Belfast to start. I got to see my grandparents most days. You know those two... my very own Lily and Mitch. A precious pair. They really enjoyed seeing Joseph and Carys but we kept the visits short and sweet. Joseph and Carys loved seeing their cousins and got utterly spoilt by Nana and Papa. I went to my old (she's not that old!) hairdresser which was totally delightful. I haven't found a hairdresser that I've been happy with since I left Belfast and Louise gets it right every time. It was great to catch up with her after so long. Thanks Louise for a lovely morning! We had a very noisy and chaotic family meal at Frankie and Benny's for my nephews fifth birthday. A trip to Mookie World made five little people very happy. Try making Carys stay in the baby section and you've got a fight on your hands. That girl is not to be stopped!
2. The week between trips. Back in Gilly, we had a quiet week back in Switzerland. A couple of play dates at ours gave Joseph and Carys some fun without me having to go out in the freezing cold. The snow was mostly melted when we got back from Belfast but we had the remains of a snowman to smash up and two little people up for the challenge. I'd wrap them up and pack them out into the garden, turn my armchair to face the window to keep an eye on them and get a good chapter or two of Sense and Sensibility covered. Such a good read. There was also a bit of fireman and fairy action for good measure. He's a thoughtful looking fire fighter, don't you think?
I had a glucose test {gag!} that made me feel full on nasty grim for the rest of the day. The bonus to that day, and something much more pleasant to note, was immediately after the gagfest experience I had a lovely baby check up with a successful 3D scan. The first attempt a few weeks before was less of a success. T3 was not cooperating.
Now, let me tell you, these pictures aren't my favourite. Yes, they are incredible and yes, isn't technology amazing but lets face it, they aren't very pretty. Being a typical 'blinded by love' mummy, I can see a very cute little face in there but don't worry, I don't expect you to see it!
3. DisneyLand Paris. This really deserves a post all of its own but will you please just look at this! {Hard not to look given I've set it to X-Large!} I do solemnly swear that I will do a Disney post all of its own but for now... look. at. this.
4. And on to Kent.
Another home from home. Another great trip seeing Alex's family and a glimpse into the new life we are planning. We have decided to say au revoir to Switzerland {hurray!} at the end of the summer. Kent will be home. That's a whole other story too. Back to this trip for now. I just take such delight in seeing my children with our family. They play so well with their cousins. Just the right amount of not sharing and squabbling vs hugging, kissing and playing happily together! Perfect. We took ourselves for a day out to Drusilla's with Tim, Kate, Theo and Cosmo. What a great place but I was totally won over by the gorgeous fresh 'too hot to touch' doughnuts. Uh-mazin! Seriously if you ever go there, visit The Station Buffet and grab yourself a treat.
Alex and I took full advantage of Grandma and had a full day shopping in Bluewater. We had such a great day. The children's summer wardrobes are well and truly sorted. Shopping for Carys is easy, too easy. Only problem with girls clothes is the desire to have matching this and matching that to finish off an outfit. Girls are expensive but I was sensible and kept it simple. She got a great pair of silver sandals that will go with everything. Now boys clothes are a different story. Easier in that most shirts will go with most shorts but so much harder to find clothes free of printed nonsense! Joseph is a collar kid. He really suits shirts and polo shirts. I'll see the perfect polo then when I pick it up... MY EYES! Why oh why do they have to put a Tigger or 'Mummy's Little Man' {puke!} on the back of a perfectly gorgeous top!? Anyways, I have pulled together a wardrobe free of Tigger et al and am pretty pleased with his summer lot. It wasn't just the Trott Tots who got treats. Alex and I treated ourselves too. My limit was shoes, I don't need more maternity clothes and couldn't justify buying regular clothes. Believe me, I did try to justify it... especially standing surrounded by dreamy gorgeousness in Ted Baker. I sort of wish I had been a bit foolish and got a treat in there too! Alex is not normally a happy shopper but even he enjoyed our day out. It was almost like being a couple again, no buggy's to push and not a baby wipe in sight. We held hands until the shopping bags wouldn't allow it. So lovely.
Apart from shopping, we had a couple of meals out... I am still dreaming of the pork belly crackling I had in The Chaser Inn on a night out with friends Woody and Hannah! Seriously, too good to be true. We had a big family Mother's Day lunch in The Carpenters Arms. I was seriously impressed the the little Trott cousins sat for over three hours. Granted they needed a bit of entertaining but that's a long haul for littles. I bought some Easter crafts the day before in the Early Learning Centre so they did the job. Those and chocolate. Of course. Always chocolate.
5. We're ba-aack!
The drive back to Switzerland went well. Well, apart from the crazy rain on the motorways and snow storm on the Jura mountains. Our Trott Tot's do so well on those long journeys. The whole way home Joseph was chiming in the back 'let's go this way, let's go back to Grandma's' while pointing to the back of the car. Bless him. We were just back a couple of days when Alex's cousin Jennie came to visit. We had a great time with her. Joseph and Carys were quickly obsessed with our guest. Carys called her 'Ma Chennie'. It was really nice having her around while Alex was at work. We walked about the village and had lunch in the Auberge. I don't like walking around the village on my own with Joseph and Carys. There are no pavements and they aren't fond of holding hands so it's always a bit stressful. What else did we do? We weren't the greatest tour guides now that I think of it. We did go up to Geneva to see the Jet d'Eau and feed the ducks on the lake. Oh yeah, Jennie and I went out for a delish dinner at Restaurant du Chasseur. Another one of those meals you want to last forever! I'm just realising how much I've talked about food in this post. Since Jennie's departure, we've been catching up with friends in the village and I have spent almost every free moment looking at houses in Kent on Right Move.
All in all, being back in Belfast and in Kent confirmed to us that we are ready to move home. We love it. We just love it. We know the weather is a rubbish, we know the government needs a shake, we know the economy has seen better days, we know all the downsides but it's home and it's where we want to be.
So. We've got six months left in Switzerland. They'll be a good six months. We're coming into the spring. We're having our third baby in June. It'll be a busy summer adjusting to life with three Trott Tots. We'll spend it in our garden enjoying the guaranteed sunshine Switzerland offers. I will absorb all the good things about life here and try to ignore all the things that bother me. Trust me, there's a long list. You know I love a list. But the thing is those things don't need to bother me anymore. We're leaving. I can laugh in their face because I know that in six months those things will not pertain to me. In six months I'll be thinking about only the positive things about Switzerland and shedding a tear as we bid life here farewell. I'm a fickle being, I know.
Where have I been for the past few {um, six!} weeks. Let me tell you. So six weeks ago was Shrove Tuesday, the beginning of Lent. I don't do Lent. I never do. I'd fail... forbid me from something, anything at all and I'll want it, crave it until I break. I'm useless. Oh, I could've told you that I gave up blogging for Lent. That would fit but alas, it would be a lie.
1. A week in Belfast to start. I got to see my grandparents most days. You know those two... my very own Lily and Mitch. A precious pair. They really enjoyed seeing Joseph and Carys but we kept the visits short and sweet. Joseph and Carys loved seeing their cousins and got utterly spoilt by Nana and Papa. I went to my old (she's not that old!) hairdresser which was totally delightful. I haven't found a hairdresser that I've been happy with since I left Belfast and Louise gets it right every time. It was great to catch up with her after so long. Thanks Louise for a lovely morning! We had a very noisy and chaotic family meal at Frankie and Benny's for my nephews fifth birthday. A trip to Mookie World made five little people very happy. Try making Carys stay in the baby section and you've got a fight on your hands. That girl is not to be stopped!
 |
| Joseph on the Gator at Nana & Papa's :: Me gettin' ma hur did :: Alex & Carys. She pretty much wore those bunny ears all week :: And ate a lot of ice cream! Alex and I even got to squeeze in lunch for two in Made in Belfast. A rare treat for us and it didn't disappoint. Seriously good food. Alex, ever the worker, sat a couple of exams while we were there. The online type so instant results confirmed he passed. No better reason to celebrate. Apart from that, we did a little bit of shopping and just enjoyed being back with family. |
 |
| Lunch {those chips!} at Made In Belfast |
2. The week between trips. Back in Gilly, we had a quiet week back in Switzerland. A couple of play dates at ours gave Joseph and Carys some fun without me having to go out in the freezing cold. The snow was mostly melted when we got back from Belfast but we had the remains of a snowman to smash up and two little people up for the challenge. I'd wrap them up and pack them out into the garden, turn my armchair to face the window to keep an eye on them and get a good chapter or two of Sense and Sensibility covered. Such a good read. There was also a bit of fireman and fairy action for good measure. He's a thoughtful looking fire fighter, don't you think?
I had a glucose test {gag!} that made me feel full on nasty grim for the rest of the day. The bonus to that day, and something much more pleasant to note, was immediately after the gagfest experience I had a lovely baby check up with a successful 3D scan. The first attempt a few weeks before was less of a success. T3 was not cooperating.
Now, let me tell you, these pictures aren't my favourite. Yes, they are incredible and yes, isn't technology amazing but lets face it, they aren't very pretty. Being a typical 'blinded by love' mummy, I can see a very cute little face in there but don't worry, I don't expect you to see it!
3. DisneyLand Paris. This really deserves a post all of its own but will you please just look at this! {Hard not to look given I've set it to X-Large!} I do solemnly swear that I will do a Disney post all of its own but for now... look. at. this.
 |
| My very most favourite picture of the trip! |
4. And on to Kent.
Another home from home. Another great trip seeing Alex's family and a glimpse into the new life we are planning. We have decided to say au revoir to Switzerland {hurray!} at the end of the summer. Kent will be home. That's a whole other story too. Back to this trip for now. I just take such delight in seeing my children with our family. They play so well with their cousins. Just the right amount of not sharing and squabbling vs hugging, kissing and playing happily together! Perfect. We took ourselves for a day out to Drusilla's with Tim, Kate, Theo and Cosmo. What a great place but I was totally won over by the gorgeous fresh 'too hot to touch' doughnuts. Uh-mazin! Seriously if you ever go there, visit The Station Buffet and grab yourself a treat.
Alex and I took full advantage of Grandma and had a full day shopping in Bluewater. We had such a great day. The children's summer wardrobes are well and truly sorted. Shopping for Carys is easy, too easy. Only problem with girls clothes is the desire to have matching this and matching that to finish off an outfit. Girls are expensive but I was sensible and kept it simple. She got a great pair of silver sandals that will go with everything. Now boys clothes are a different story. Easier in that most shirts will go with most shorts but so much harder to find clothes free of printed nonsense! Joseph is a collar kid. He really suits shirts and polo shirts. I'll see the perfect polo then when I pick it up... MY EYES! Why oh why do they have to put a Tigger or 'Mummy's Little Man' {puke!} on the back of a perfectly gorgeous top!? Anyways, I have pulled together a wardrobe free of Tigger et al and am pretty pleased with his summer lot. It wasn't just the Trott Tots who got treats. Alex and I treated ourselves too. My limit was shoes, I don't need more maternity clothes and couldn't justify buying regular clothes. Believe me, I did try to justify it... especially standing surrounded by dreamy gorgeousness in Ted Baker. I sort of wish I had been a bit foolish and got a treat in there too! Alex is not normally a happy shopper but even he enjoyed our day out. It was almost like being a couple again, no buggy's to push and not a baby wipe in sight. We held hands until the shopping bags wouldn't allow it. So lovely.
Apart from shopping, we had a couple of meals out... I am still dreaming of the pork belly crackling I had in The Chaser Inn on a night out with friends Woody and Hannah! Seriously, too good to be true. We had a big family Mother's Day lunch in The Carpenters Arms. I was seriously impressed the the little Trott cousins sat for over three hours. Granted they needed a bit of entertaining but that's a long haul for littles. I bought some Easter crafts the day before in the Early Learning Centre so they did the job. Those and chocolate. Of course. Always chocolate.
5. We're ba-aack!
The drive back to Switzerland went well. Well, apart from the crazy rain on the motorways and snow storm on the Jura mountains. Our Trott Tot's do so well on those long journeys. The whole way home Joseph was chiming in the back 'let's go this way, let's go back to Grandma's' while pointing to the back of the car. Bless him. We were just back a couple of days when Alex's cousin Jennie came to visit. We had a great time with her. Joseph and Carys were quickly obsessed with our guest. Carys called her 'Ma Chennie'. It was really nice having her around while Alex was at work. We walked about the village and had lunch in the Auberge. I don't like walking around the village on my own with Joseph and Carys. There are no pavements and they aren't fond of holding hands so it's always a bit stressful. What else did we do? We weren't the greatest tour guides now that I think of it. We did go up to Geneva to see the Jet d'Eau and feed the ducks on the lake. Oh yeah, Jennie and I went out for a delish dinner at Restaurant du Chasseur. Another one of those meals you want to last forever! I'm just realising how much I've talked about food in this post. Since Jennie's departure, we've been catching up with friends in the village and I have spent almost every free moment looking at houses in Kent on Right Move.
All in all, being back in Belfast and in Kent confirmed to us that we are ready to move home. We love it. We just love it. We know the weather is a rubbish, we know the government needs a shake, we know the economy has seen better days, we know all the downsides but it's home and it's where we want to be.
So. We've got six months left in Switzerland. They'll be a good six months. We're coming into the spring. We're having our third baby in June. It'll be a busy summer adjusting to life with three Trott Tots. We'll spend it in our garden enjoying the guaranteed sunshine Switzerland offers. I will absorb all the good things about life here and try to ignore all the things that bother me. Trust me, there's a long list. You know I love a list. But the thing is those things don't need to bother me anymore. We're leaving. I can laugh in their face because I know that in six months those things will not pertain to me. In six months I'll be thinking about only the positive things about Switzerland and shedding a tear as we bid life here farewell. I'm a fickle being, I know.
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