A Journey of Self-Discovery: My Life-Changing Adventure in Switzerland

Who would have thought that moving from the sunny and bustling streets of Manila to the peaceful and picturesque scenic areas of Switzerland would become a journey of self discovery and growth? Well, that’s exactly what happened to me. After transferring in Bangkok and boarding, I landed in Zurich and then took a train to Basel from there. On a rainy Monday morning in May 2019, Ahmed and I embarked on an adventure sailing through the city, soaking wet but excited about the future. I don’t know, this is just the beginning of a transformative chapter in my life.

My Life-Changing Experience in Switzerland

Residing in Switzerland, away from the natural climate of my country, was an extremely illuminating encounter. This isn’t just about moving to another spot; This is tied in with entering a totally new universe of learning and self disclosure. Switzerland, with its mind blowing landscape and rich culture, has shown me examples that I will constantly convey with me. In this soul, I might want to impart to you the pearls of shrewdness that I have gathered in the place that is known for mountains, waterways, and lakes.

The primary example I learned was the craft of thriftiness. Switzerland is known for its significant expense of living, with Zurich and Geneva frequently positioning first among the most costly urban communities. Against the background of my confidence in thriftiness, Switzerland has taken this to an unheard of level. It moves me to further develop my planning abilities and embrace a moderate way of life. From trading francs for pesos each time I shop, to excelling at cooking adobe blocks to save money on eating out costs, my excursion of monetary knowledge is both testing and fulfilling.

journey self-discovery life-changing adventure switzerland, Photo by defense.gov, CC LICENSES

But it’s not just about learning to save money. My life in Switzerland reignited my interest in Philippine history. It’s fascinating that moving to a country with a different history and culture will make you appreciate your roots even more. Sharing the rich historical stories of the Philippines has become a bridge for me to connect with the people I meet. From telling the story of the Spanish colonial era to discussing the legacy of Ferdinand Marcos and Imelda’s famous shoe collection, these conversations not only have educational significance for them, but also remind me never to forget where I come from.

Another surprising lesson is dealing with height issues. The scenery of Switzerland is adorned with suspension bridges, steep cable cars, and cable cars, offering breathtaking views of the Alps region. At first, these experiences made me feel fearful, but they taught me to embrace fear and find beauty in it. My first hiking trip in Interlaken sparked my passion for exploring the outdoors, transforming my perception of height from fear to fascination.

Switzerland’s commitment to cleanliness and environmental sustainability also left a deep impression on me. It is inspiring to witness their meticulous way of protecting natural beauty through recycling and promoting clean living habits. This is a practice that I wholeheartedly accept, recognizing the importance of protecting the earth for future generations.

Adapting to Swiss culture is another important chapter in my life journey. Although people generally believe that Swiss people are conservative and private, my experience is exactly the opposite. I found warmth and friendliness in simple conversations with Bonjour or Gruezi on the street. Learning to manage their values and norms, from punctuality to respecting privacy, has been very inspiring to me and helped me establish lasting friendships.

Independence may be the most profound lesson. Thousands of miles away from home forced me out of my comfort zone and taught me to rely on myself. This was a daunting but liberating experience that shaped me into who I am today.

Conclusion and Insights

Looking back on my journey, I realize that moving to Switzerland is not just about changing my geographical location. This is about embarking on the path of self discovery, learning, and growth. From mastering frugality and culinary arts to embracing new cultures and overcoming fears, Switzerland has always been an incredible teacher.

For those considering moving abroad or finding themselves in a new country, embrace the challenges and opportunities you face. You will find that this is not just the place you move to, but the person you become along the way.

So, what is your story? Have you ever lived abroad or faced situations that made you step out of your comfort zone? How did it shape you? I would love to hear about your adventure experiences and the lessons you have learned. Let’s continue to learn from each other and celebrate discovering the beauty of the world and ourselves.