Laowai

Brian moved into his new Zurich apartment on Friday, December 12th. So it’s all brand new and I was so eager to see it in person.

As soon as we arrived Brian and I went across the lake to a brocki (second-hand shop). He needed to stock up on lots of stuff like dishes and lamps and small furniture and a fondue pot (essential).

His apartment is in the same town where we lived a few years ago – Wädenswil. You get such a nice view of the whole town as you pull away in the boat.

There I am basking in the clear fresh air – almost the only sunshine we saw on our whole trip.

Later that day, after hauling our second-hand stuff back to the apartment, we put Brian’s IKEA couch together. Here is the sorry state of the main room.

That night we went into Zurich to enjoy a Christmas market.

The next photos are from after our Christmas trip to Munich to see Bea. We had a couple more days to spend with Brian. I asked Claire take a photo to commemorate our first meal together in the apartment. We look tired!

I cut up the mountain of cardboard that was leftover from all the IKEA furniture. It has to be neatly stacked and put out outside on a specific day. I know how to recycle in Switzerland!

Brian took us on a hike in the hills of Wädenswil. Winter is a little less harsh here compared to Chicago. Primrose bloom in December!

Hills!

I spent almost the whole of our last day hemming curtains that we bought at IKEA. I had an iron and I just sewed running stitches by hand. I was happy to be able to help Brian with something that I can do a good job with. He needed the curtains not just for extra privacy but his place is very echoey right now too. It will be a good apartment for a few years. Long term we will want something a bit nicer with a view. But it’s great for now – easy access to the train station and a comfortable bed for everyone when we are all together.

I took a few more photos early in the morning before Claire and I headed to the airport. He’s getting settled in and after he gets a couple rugs I think it will feel nice and homey.

It’s good to be able to picture the apartment now that I am back in Wilmette.