Final Days in Switzerland

After arriving in Switzerland on Sunday afternoon, I started to do preparations for moving back.

Before describing the crazy days ahead, I want to highlight that at this point that I had already obtained my notice to leave the country from the canton office (this involved a first failed attempt after waiting for 2 hours and having to leave line for a work meeting followed by a successful 2nd attempt after waiting for 1:40 when arriving at 7:30AM the following day).  As all of my household goods have now been shipped, I moved my suitcases to a neighboring Senior Manager’s apt. (Bob) as I would be staying there the next two nights before flying home.  I also went to my apt. and removed any last items as the following day there is a large cleaning planned at my apartment prior to the exit inspection on Tuesday.  

Monday's Initial Plan

• 8AM - Gives keys to cleaner and go to PwC to meet with colleagues and turn on computer.
• 11:30AM - Leave for lunch with client.
• 4PM - Be at apartment to meet DHL to ship some luggage home then relax and dinner with friends.

The actual day...
I arrived at my apartment to wait for the cleaner and after waiting 30 min. (Swiss are never late!), I call and learn that the scheduled cleaner called in sick so they would need to find a ‘solution’ during the day and will keep me updated.

I then go to CAT to meet a colleague and learn that the cleaners will now come at 3PM so I plan to go to a client lunch and then drop my PC at the office to be back to meet the cleaner.

Following the client lunch and near 1:30, I receive a call while on the bus to the office that the cleaners are at my apt. and need access so I then abandon course to meet the cleaner.  After meeting the cleaner, I then get to the office near 2:30 and do not get home until about 4:15.

I wait until about 5:15 and after seeing a DHL truck near my apartment that then leaves, I call DHL to ask when they will be here to pick up my bag as the picked was arranged for 4 to 6.  I’m then told that the driver was at my apartment at 3:55 and will be back within an hour to pick up the bag...The bag is picked up at 6 so I’m able to relax before meeting friends for dinner at 7:30PM.  

Dinner was as planned, at a small Italian place and it was fun to catch up with my ski friends and the Kilimanjaro crew one last time!

Last Day

After a relatively sleepless night in anticipation, I awake at 7:15 to get ready to depart from GVA one last time.  I learn quickly that my phone service has already been terminated, which is OK; however, I was expecting to have service extend through the day rather than end at 4AM of the last day of the contract.  This adds to the already complex trip home as I needed to meet a coworker at my place to provide all my keys as he would be meeting my landlord on my behalf later that day.  The key exchange went well and I then use his phone as hotspot so that I could order an Uber.

I arrive at the airport and learn that my flight is in the French sector, which is a slightly further walk and normally not a major problem.  On this particular trip, I’m toting my carry-on backpack, my 45L camping backpack and 3 suitcases each holding a case of wine so this is not an easy process, but I find a cart and manage.

Upon reach the France sector, everything goes well:

1) At check-in, all baggage fees are waived after I had expected to pay for 3 bags.

2) At security, the agent helps remove the gas from a souvenir gift lighter so that I can fly with it.

3) I’m able to meet up with a friend also flying out that day.

Flights during the way go well until reaching Detroit when none of my bags make it; however, this resulted in avoiding the awkward conversation at customs that I have 3 cases of wine packed.  This is both a blessing (time saver) and a disappointment as I had been prepared for this matter by contacting the MI Dept. of alcohol to understand the customs/import process and paid the taxes in advance to avoid this being an issue at the border.

First stop upon reaching the US was getting dinner at the Coney in the Detroit airport; this was a recurring visit of mine every time when arriving in the US (along with Chipotle).

I'm happy to be back in the US, but will definitely missing friends and certain aspects of life overseas.  Having already planned a trip back to Geneva when running the Berlin marathon in September has definitely helped as part of the transition process back to the US and leaving Switzerland.  It’s surreal reflecting back at the people I’ve met, the traveling memories, and experiences had while living abroad.  My time in Switzerland has been an amazing experience and even with its challenges at times, I’m quite happy having had this opportunity.