A Valencian Couple in Zurich
Valencia International throws caution to the wind to bring news about some Valencians, Borja Lopez and Maria Ferrando, who have gone to Zurich, Switzerland, not to hide millions of Euros, but to work hard and to learn new skills.
Why did you go to this place?
We both found a job in an International law firm and we thought it was a good challenge for us.
What can you tell us about your parents and family?
Our families think that is a good opportunity for us but they are also a little bit sad because of the distance.
Where did you study?
Borja: Nuestra Señora del Pilar School in Valencia and Deusto University in Bilbao; María: Paidos School (mainly, I have been in other schools) in Denia and CEU-UCH University in Valencia.
What other places have you lived apart from Valencia?
Borja: Bilbao and Madrid; María: Denia, Tarragona and Ohio (USA).
Since when have you lived in Zurich?
Borja: 11 months; María: 1 month
Occupation: Lawyers.
Reason for moving to your new country of residence:
Our main reason for moving was the opportunity of working in a different country and on international law matters.
What was your first impression of your new country of residence?
It is a clean and quiet country, with lots of green and wonderful landscapes.
What do you think of the food?
Our experience is that Swiss people like international food. You can find almost the same food as in Spain in the supermarkets, but more expensive. The dairy products are delightful.
What do you think of the shopping?
Zurich is a city designed for shopping. The shops are very nice but the main problem is again the price. There are lots of exclusive shops.
What do you appreciate about living in your new country of residence?
The landscape, the silence in the night (we only hear the cowbells…), the closeness of the mountains, the Zurich Lake. We are also learning a new culture and way of life. Our outstanding issue is learning the language.
What do you find most frustrating about living in your new country of residence?
The unpredictable changes of the weather, the fact that we do not speak the language.
What surprises you the most and what do you miss the most since you’ve moved here? What most surprises us is the control of everything, the punctuality of the public transport and the efficiency of the public services and administration. We miss our families and friends, the sun, the Spanish ‘jamón serrano’ and the ‘paellas’ with our families on Sundays.
How does the quality of life here compare to the quality of life in other countries that you’ve lived in?
Switzerland has a very good standard of living; there is no unemployment and the employees and professionals, in general terms, are proud of their jobs and workplaces.
If you could change anything about your new country of residence, what would it be? Nothing, we like it as it is.
What advice would you give to a newcomer?
Do not try to argue with Swiss people, they are very determined.
How are people in your new country different from Valencians?
We think they are more serious and they like to do everything in their own way. This is our first impression because we have been here for a short period of time.
What things are better/worse than in Valencia?
Better: the weather, the sea, the closeness to our families and friends, the light.
Is your family with you? If so, how have they reacted?
No. We are just the two of us.
Under what circumstances would you return to Valencia?
We are not thinking about returning to Valencia as we just have arrived to Switzerland.
Do you think that living abroad has changed you?
No, but we have had to modify our daily schedule.
Who is important to you in your new country?
Borja: María; María: Borja.
What is a typical day like?
We get up, go running around the Lake, go to work, buy some things if we need anything, go back home, have dinner, read or see a movie and sleep.
Do people in your new place know much about Valencia and Spain?
Yes, of course. They know about the beaches, good weather, Fallas, Copa America, paella, wine, olive oil, olives, etc.
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