As one can see, I have returned to Switzerland in March 2008. What I have experienced in India is what you can read in over 130 articles of my blog. But maybe you are interested in what happened to me after my return, how life’s going in Switzerland. This is what I try to abstract on this page.

Work
In IBM, I have been assigned to a new project. Not surprisingly it is a Global Delivery project where the development is done in India. It is about the social insurance system of 17 Swiss cantons (Swiss equivalent for states). First I was mainly in a testing role, now I am responsible in the maintenance and further development of the part which is already live in use.

Spring 2008
When I went to India, I lived at my parent’s home in Nussbaumen (»GoogleMaps). But it was clear that I would search for an own flat after my return. I finally found a nice 2.5 room in Fahrweid (»GoogleMaps) - a bit nearer to the office (»GoogleMaps), but not too far away from my friends and family. There was a lot of furniture to buy, transport and assemble, but I got a lot of help and I enjoy spending my spare time in my very own rooms. Oh yeah, it is clearly visible that I was in India and have been inspired by this country. Have a look at the Indian souveniers:

1) SPECTIVE Good-Bye card 2) Picture of Ganesha 3) Incense stick holder 4) India travel guide 5) Sand from the desert Thar 6) Wooden Elephant 7) SPECTIVE Good-Bye gift 8} Statue of Ganesha 9) Singing bowl from Darjeeling 10) Bollywood movies 11) Indian saucer/decoration 12) Indian carpet

Being out of “Hotel Mama” also means being responsible for the new flat and… cook whatever you want. Mexican, Thai, Swiss and… Indian style.

Summer 2008

Sports clubs are very popular in Switzerland. I am member of the sports club TV Obersiggenthal (TV is for “Turnverein” = sports club). Once a week we have training sessions in different kind of sports, like football, volleyball, Unihockey (aka Floorball) and athletic sports. Year’s highlights are different tournaments and festivals with other sports clubs and every two years the gymnast’s show, where artistical and funny things are presented. By the way, my girlfriend Steffi is also member of a sports club, but the local one from her former hometown.


The sportive highlight for the mass public was the European Football Championship (UEFA Euro 2008). The 16 best national teams of Europe (also Switzerland) met each other at the big Stadions of Switzerland and Austria. As it is quite difficult to get tickets, a lot of public viewing zones were established where you could watch the games on huge screens with some thousands of other football fans.

Vacation in Indonesia
Unforgettable holidays for a young couple, that’s what Steffi and me were dreaming of - and made come true. We arrived in Jakarta on the island Java (not the programming language!), then we made a guided tour across the island for 6 days, on which we were overhelmed by palaces, temples, art, culture and volcanos! After this, we relaxed at the beach on the (Hindu) dream-island Bali. You find the pictures on my Picasa gallery.

A Big event for our party community Boomerangs is our yearly Ibiza Schaumparty (foam party) - organized by ourselves. Foam parties emerged from the Italian island Ibiza. Shortly said, at these kind of parties you’ll have a lot of fun getting wet. More than 1′000 people joined - a big success to be proud of. Pictures on the Boomerangs-Homepage!

Winter 2008 / 2009
The most important festival for Christians is Christmas, and I think it’s quite comparable to Hindu Diwali. A time for relaxing, family, presents and cookies! Below you see me baking “Mailänderli”.

It was a strong winter with heavy snowfall - perfect conditions for skiing. Skiing and snowboarding is extremely popular in Switzerland. This year we were in Surcuolm, Davos and Klosters for enjoying sun & snow in the mountains.

Spring 2009
When Oliver and Karin last year came to Switzerland for a visit, I offered my home as a place to sleep and stay. When they invited Steffi and me to Vienna (”Wien” in German), we happily made a visit and stayed for some days in the beautiful capital of Austria.

Summer 2009
In August, it was time for me to join once more the Swiss Army. Yeah, right, I try to explain our military system: In Switzerland we have a compulsatory military service. That means that every Swiss man - if he is physically able to - joins the army when he’s around 20 years old for the “Rekrutenschule” (recruits school) which once lasted 15 weeks, nowadays 21 weeks. There you have general drill and fighting instructions at the beginning, later on you are educated in your speciality, in my case radio operator. After recruits school you have to do a 3-weeks military service (”Wiederholungskurs” - refresh course) each year until your duty is over, either because of the sum of days you spent in the army or when you reached the age of 34.
This year’s military service was during a very hot August, but that’s much better than being wet of rain. A big military parade marked the end of my army duty for this year.

Fall 2009
The hot time in Switzerland is over, the days are getting shorter. Steffi and me plan to go to Munich to visit Christian - and the famous Oktoberfest.

What else this year will bring… we’ll see.
How is YOUR live going? Looking forward to hear any news from you.

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