Good morning! Tuesday is here and while my week still doesn’t feel normal yet, it’s feeling a lot better.
My Day
I survived my first day of work and even have an official Geneva office badge to prove it! I would also consider having 4 “coffee meetings” but only 2 small cappuccinos during the 9 hour day a caffeine win as well. Overall my day yesterday went really well as everyone was very friendly and welcoming. This week will be lots of paperwork to ensure all my Swiss work visa processes go smoothly, meeting with many new people for on-boarding sessions, running errands, and ensuring that by next week I’m set up and ready to go with my new Swiss iphone and storage places in the office. One of the most refreshing things about the environment where I’m working is the lunch hour.
The Sacred Lunch Hour
This is a sacred thing and evidently very Swiss but unless there is a special situation, almost everyone enjoys lunch in the work cafeteria from 12-1pm. People either sit with their team or schedule friendly lunch dates with people during this time. But, the fact that the step away from their desk and invest in an hour of recharging while eating lunch is such a refreshing concept. In New York City the vast majority of people in my office dashed out to lunch to grab a salad or sandwich and then ate it during a meeting or at their desk while working. No one schedules work meetings during 12-1pm for the most part in the Geneva office so people can really enjoy this time.
Since there is also a small gym in our office, some people use this time to workout instead or take advantage of the yoga classes offered two days per week onsite. As I do not have a family here in Geneva, I will most likely focus on working out before or after work and enjoy the lunch hour with colleagues. I am most looking forward to eating on the outside terrace which is open during the warm months of the year!
My Evening
I left the office around 6 yesterday and was home by 7pm after taking the tram back and stopping at the grocery store, Migros, for a few essentials. While there I found that salmon was on sale. I was immediately inspired to sauté salmon for last night’s salad which was an incredible decision!
After a 4.1 mile run along Lake Geneva, I came home to make the salad which I thought about during my entire run! I highly recommend you make this salad this evening as it was one of the most delicious summer salads I’ve made and only took 10 minutes!
Warm Salmon Summer Salad
- fresh mixed greens
- 1/4 an avocado thinly sliced a top the greens
- 4 small tomatoes sliced a top the greens
- green onions chopped
- 1 peach sliced a top the greens
- 1/4 cucumber sliced a top the greens
- sprinkle of feta cheese
- fresh dill sprinkled on top
- sautéed salmon
- drizzle of olive oil and balsamic on top of the salad
- salt & pepper for taste
I spent the next hour and a half enjoying some quality time with my friends and family back home!
It took a while to figure out some kinks with both Google + Chat and Skype but by the end of the evening I enjoyed a 30 minute conversation with Theodora and almost an hour conversation with Bo. Unfortunately, due to internet connection I could see both of them and hear both of them but they could each only hear me. This afternoon Swiss Com is coming to the apartment to set up our phone and wireless so hopefully that will help.
Last but not least, I won’t have my new Iphone until later this week or early next week which means taking pictures will be limited. In addition, I have to buy a new SD card as I lost mine during the move. Hopefully by tomorrow I’ll have this and be able to return to taking pictures.
Hope you all have a great Tuesday and that the heat breaks shortly for those of you suffering! I hear that even some of the banks have deemed this week business casual so no one suffers by wearing suits to work in New York City! Be safe out there if you are running outside!
I am glad you are enjoying the lunch hour! When I relocated to Edmonton, Alberta, I also went through the same ‘shock’ of actually stepping away from my desk for lunch or a workout. It’s wonderful and truly balances your day. I know you will make the most of it! 🙂
Julie I am definitely trying to make the best of it! Today we sat outside in the sun and it was absolute bliss!
Sounds like you are having an awesome time already – you are great to cook on your first night! I miss living in Europe for the lunch hour! They don’t really do it here in Australia either. Same as NYC – just grab a sandwich and eat at your desk. 🙂
Europeans are just so much more civilized 😉 Especially Swiss people don’t let work get in the way of living well. Sounds like you are off to a good start!
Haha Silvia you’re so right! In some ways they are DEFINITELY more civilized!
Seems like things are going so well…and so NORMAL! A run and cooking just like you would at home.
Clare, as you know it will be an adjustment. There are good moments and tough ones but I am blessed regardless!
I live and work in Norway and we only have a 1/2 hour lunch break (but still very sacred). I think it is really great after working in the US and eating lunch at my desk all the time. But I was recently at a workshop aimed at helping foreigners adapt to working an Norway and others – who were actually from Switzerland – were complaining that the lunch break was too short. I guess it is just what you are used to.
That is hilarious Kelly! At least you get a half hour – better than nothing!
So glad we got Skype working 🙂
YAY!
My favorite thing about lunch in Switzerland is… apéro! Not sure if you learned this essential word yet, but in some areas in the country they not only have drinks after work/before dinner, but before lunch as well (typically wine) :).
Good luck in Geneva!
Wow Aleks I’ve never heard of that! You live in Switzerland as well? Which part?
Not yet! My boyfriend is Swiss though and lives in Zurich, so I’m there 50% of the time. I’m working on the move right now within my company so fingers crossed I will be there in the next few months. That’s what brought me to your blog (through Theodora, whom I read but rarely post) – it’s great to read another Swiss expat experience! And there is a chance I might get a 5-month project in Geneva so really interested in your life/fitness experience there.
Oh wow! That’s fun! Good luck on the move. I’m hoping more Swiss readers join the party!
Sounds like you’re having a great time! 🙂 I’m really looking forward to reading your posts about exercising in Geneva! I’m sure there are some gorgeous views while you’re running.
Jenn I too look forward to these posts. It’s tough since I don’t have a camera or phone right now to capture pictures!
I just have to say this. I now want to move out of the country even more because of the lunch hour. Job hunting! Thank you for this great post!
Thanks Rachelle! I couldn’t agree with you more – what happened to the US lunch hour? Such a shame!
I love the concept of lunchtime yoga! I’ve done yoga before on my lunch hour and come back to a full inbox. Not so fun in the US! I’m jealous! 🙂
Hi Ashley, good luck with assimilating in your new environment. I’ve been reading your blog for a while, but first time posting a response. I live in Amsterdam (moved from NYC about 5 years ago now), and have friends in Geneva (U N). I can totally relate.
Enjoy your new adventure in Geneva. Look forward to hearing your stories.