Living in Switzerland isn't that different than Calgary/Canada. Of course the whole European lifestyle is the main difference which for those who don't know is walking around everywhere instead of driving, small supermarkets, and everything is just smaller overall. For example, the freezer is for ice and ice cream, no such thing as freezing meat, vegetables, or having instant pizza. But for the most part, it would be as expected except for a few things....
One thing I didn't know about Switzerland is that it is mandatory that each resident have a bomb shelter in his/her residence. I currently live in a small apartment complex and when you go to the basement, there's a vault with a huge concrete door and a submarine-like wheel to secure shelter. Inside, the vault the apartment building has created it into storage units for each apartment (useful but still funny).
Getting a Visa to enter a country or live/work abroad is pretty normal but for Switzerland they take it a step further. Not only do you have to signup with the country, when you arrive you have to register for the Canton (state/province) and the city you live in separately. Additionally, numerous passport photos are needed for bus/train passes and other documents. Finally, your finger prints and other biometrics are taken for further security. Funny how inside the walls of chalets or a floor above a chocolatier is a scene from Minority Report.
Now for a little perspective and this is for the Calgarians. In Calgary, the garbage is split into three bins: waste, recyclables (paper, cardboard, certain plastics, etc), and compost. I remember complaining having to split these things and making multiple trips, etc. Stop complaining. The Swiss have taken it even farther. First there's 6 bins one must distinguish. Waste, Paper/Cardboard, Glass, Metal, Compost, and Recyclable bottles. Second, compost isn't just food, it has to be uncooked food. Third, anything that goes into the 'Waste' bin is taxed. How do you tax garbage? The government makes it so only government issued garbage bags are sold at the grocery store, and trust me its expensive....
On the expensive note, everyone knows Switzerland is expensive but let me explain of how expensive it is with one product. I just checked Superstore online for steak and today's price is CAD$11.98 for 1kg, not that bad (I bet I could find something cheaper). Going to the discount store down the street, the discounted meat is CHF 15.95 per 450g. To be conservative, just doubling that so I have 0.9kg, that would be CAD$46. Triple in price applies to most products here in Switzerland, except chocolate and cheese (I'm not kidding lol). Thankfully, these mountains are so picturesque that my hunger is somewhat subdued....
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