A newbie here in Geneva and I would like to know how other expat people here in the community handle people with a limited sense of humor and a limited, cold, or non-existant personality. Obviously the key might be to speak French, but will this really work.Should I put my serious miserable hat on when attending these job interview style dinner parties?
Please help!
Global Forums > General > Dealing with or Understanding the Swiss
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Dealing with or Understanding the Swiss
Oct 5, 2007 @ 06:43
The text you are quoting:
A newbie here in Geneva and I would like to know how other expat people here in the community handle people with a limited sense of humor and a limited, cold, or non-existant personality. Obviously the key might be to speak French, but will this really work.Should I put my serious miserable hat on when attending these job interview style dinner parties?
Please help!
Luv2ChatOct 5, 2007 @ 06:43
Please help!
Luv2ChatOct 5, 2007 @ 06:43
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Re: Dealing with or Understanding the Swiss
Post 1
Oct 5, 2007 @ 12:28
quick, write down the following ideas for conversation topics, and you're sure to spend a wonderful evening with delighted hosts :
- the fascinating different ways of stirring your fondue
- the next grand conseil elections (that's a hot topic right now)
- the stade de la praille disaster (an old one but there's always some meat to be picked off the bones)
- the problems with the lausanne tram line
there you go, have fun at your next meeting with the miserable, sad, bland swiss people
- the fascinating different ways of stirring your fondue
- the next grand conseil elections (that's a hot topic right now)
- the stade de la praille disaster (an old one but there's always some meat to be picked off the bones)
- the problems with the lausanne tram line
there you go, have fun at your next meeting with the miserable, sad, bland swiss people
The text you are quoting:
quick, write down the following ideas for conversation topics, and you're sure to spend a wonderful evening with delighted hosts :
- the fascinating different ways of stirring your fondue
- the next grand conseil elections (that's a hot topic right now)
- the stade de la praille disaster (an old one but there's always some meat to be picked off the bones)
- the problems with the lausanne tram line
there you go, have fun at your next meeting with the miserable, sad, bland swiss people
addaxnat, Oct 5, 2007 @ 12:28
- the fascinating different ways of stirring your fondue
- the next grand conseil elections (that's a hot topic right now)
- the stade de la praille disaster (an old one but there's always some meat to be picked off the bones)
- the problems with the lausanne tram line
there you go, have fun at your next meeting with the miserable, sad, bland swiss people
addaxnat, Oct 5, 2007 @ 12:28
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Re: Dealing with or Understanding the Swiss
Post 2
Oct 5, 2007 @ 13:06
Sorry, but as a Swiss, reading your post doesn't leave me impatient to meet you. I'm / we locals are the one(s) making an effort here, speaking a foreign language, to help expats intergrate and enjoy your time in Geneva. If you judge all of us on one bad experience, no wonder you'll have a hell of a time here. And, maybe you should...
...learn french indeed !
...learn french indeed !
The text you are quoting:
Sorry, but as a Swiss, reading your post doesn't leave me impatient to meet you. I'm / we locals are the one(s) making an effort here, speaking a foreign language, to help expats intergrate and enjoy your time in Geneva. If you judge all of us on one bad experience, no wonder you'll have a hell of a time here. And, maybe you should...
...learn french indeed !
Hobbes, Oct 5, 2007 @ 13:06
...learn french indeed !
Hobbes, Oct 5, 2007 @ 13:06
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Re: Dealing with or Understanding the Swiss
Post 3
Oct 5, 2007 @ 14:07
This age-old saying is still valid and advises people to adapt to the culture of places that they visit... and it applies to all, no?
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This age-old saying is still valid and advises people to adapt to the culture of places that they visit... and it applies to all, no?
swisskiss, Oct 5, 2007 @ 14:07
swisskiss, Oct 5, 2007 @ 14:07
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Re: Dealing with or Understanding the Swiss
Post 4
Oct 5, 2007 @ 14:15
Geneva being very cosmopolitan, interactions should be easier than say, Bern, and it is surprising to observe that it isn't the case. It's a fact that here one might very well spend an entire evening sitting next to someone at a bar and never exchange a word. And chances are if you dare address your neighbor, he/she will react as if you were trying to steal their Rolex lol
But all is not that depressing! Go out, avoid "sitting dinners" where one cannot mingle with others. There are plenty of watering holes were both locals and expats go.
But all is not that depressing! Go out, avoid "sitting dinners" where one cannot mingle with others. There are plenty of watering holes were both locals and expats go.
The text you are quoting:
Geneva being very cosmopolitan, interactions should be easier than say, Bern, and it is surprising to observe that it isn't the case. It's a fact that here one might very well spend an entire evening sitting next to someone at a bar and never exchange a word. And chances are if you dare address your neighbor, he/she will react as if you were trying to steal their Rolex lol
But all is not that depressing! Go out, avoid "sitting dinners" where one cannot mingle with others. There are plenty of watering holes were both locals and expats go.
swisskiss, Oct 5, 2007 @ 14:15
But all is not that depressing! Go out, avoid "sitting dinners" where one cannot mingle with others. There are plenty of watering holes were both locals and expats go.
swisskiss, Oct 5, 2007 @ 14:15
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Re: Dealing with or Understanding the Swiss
Post 5
Oct 5, 2007 @ 14:45
Many thanks all! Although I have enjoyed my "working" vacation of 13 years in Saudi Arabia, England, and Holland I may have bit off more than I can chew here and indeed it might be time to go back home.I realize their is a large expatriate community here to overcome the problems mentioned above perhaps I will just get active with other expats that have a western culture.
The text you are quoting:
Many thanks all! Although I have enjoyed my "working" vacation of 13 years in Saudi Arabia, England, and Holland I may have bit off more than I can chew here and indeed it might be time to go back home.I realize their is a large expatriate community here to overcome the problems mentioned above perhaps I will just get active with other expats that have a western culture.
Luv2Chat, Oct 5, 2007 @ 14:45
Luv2Chat, Oct 5, 2007 @ 14:45
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Re: Dealing with or Understanding the Swiss
Post 6
Oct 5, 2007 @ 15:57
am i missing out on important geneva history??? i'm curious!
The text you are quoting:
am i missing out on important geneva history??? i'm curious!
SweetSwede, Oct 5, 2007 @ 15:57
SweetSwede, Oct 5, 2007 @ 15:57
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Re: Dealing with or Understanding the Swiss
Post 7
Oct 5, 2007 @ 16:20
Read all about it at http://www.lecourrier.ch/modules.php?op=modload&name=NewsPaper&file=article&sid=38540
and be up to date for your next dinner party!! :-)
and be up to date for your next dinner party!! :-)
The text you are quoting:
Read all about it at http://www.lecourrier.ch/modules.php?op=modload&name=NewsPaper&file=article&sid=38540
and be up to date for your next dinner party!! :-)
Tasmin67, Oct 5, 2007 @ 16:20
and be up to date for your next dinner party!! :-)
Tasmin67, Oct 5, 2007 @ 16:20
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Re: Dealing with or Understanding the Swiss
Post 8
Oct 5, 2007 @ 16:42
I always find it strange when there is a complaint about how cold or unfunny people of Switzerland are, because I've yet to go anywhere that is full of funny interesting people. It's the same diversity everywhere, so much so that I can recognise the same people in each office I work in the world, it's just their faces and names that are different. Like not all Brits are funny with off the wall sense of humour (Obviously I am) , and not all Swiss are cold and reserved , just meet Hobbes one time and you will see. I appreciate greatly the effort they make to speak to some who hasn't bothered to master their language and integration is based heavily on the efforts made by the foreigner. I have no problem speaking to a foreigner at a bar whereever in the world, several years of travelling/working on my own and I become adept at making small talk and have enjoying the fun of trying to find a commonality for discussion even if it's about how bad the beer is. Give Geneva a chance it's rewarding to find so much diversity in such a small place, my God they have to run in circles to do a Marathon here.
The text you are quoting:
I always find it strange when there is a complaint about how cold or unfunny people of Switzerland are, because I've yet to go anywhere that is full of funny interesting people. It's the same diversity everywhere, so much so that I can recognise the same people in each office I work in the world, it's just their faces and names that are different. Like not all Brits are funny with off the wall sense of humour (Obviously I am) , and not all Swiss are cold and reserved , just meet Hobbes one time and you will see. I appreciate greatly the effort they make to speak to some who hasn't bothered to master their language and integration is based heavily on the efforts made by the foreigner. I have no problem speaking to a foreigner at a bar whereever in the world, several years of travelling/working on my own and I become adept at making small talk and have enjoying the fun of trying to find a commonality for discussion even if it's about how bad the beer is. Give Geneva a chance it's rewarding to find so much diversity in such a small place, my God they have to run in circles to do a Marathon here.
britabroad, Oct 5, 2007 @ 16:42
britabroad, Oct 5, 2007 @ 16:42
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Re: Dealing with or Understanding the Swiss
Post 9
Oct 5, 2007 @ 16:47
i had no idea about all this!!
The text you are quoting:
i had no idea about all this!!
SweetSwede, Oct 5, 2007 @ 16:47
SweetSwede, Oct 5, 2007 @ 16:47
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Re: Dealing with or Understanding the Swiss
Post 10
Oct 5, 2007 @ 17:37
As an American myself, I am always a little appalled when I find other Americans abroad complaining about the rest of the world not changing to accomodate them, when as Americans we are often the group least willing to change to accomodate others. Personally, I havent found the swiss to be the way you describe them at all at least not more so than any other cross section of society. In fact, quite the contrary because I moved here to be with a swiss person who is warm and funny, who surprise...has lots of friends who are friendly as well. Also, I am sure if you went to any town that became overwhelmed with a huge number of foreigners driving the housing markent into a frenzy among other things, you wouldnt always be too keen on being forced to speak their language(s) and adapt to their ways. You dont have to be perfect in language or customs, you would be surprised how far just making the effort will get you :)
The text you are quoting:
As an American myself, I am always a little appalled when I find other Americans abroad complaining about the rest of the world not changing to accomodate them, when as Americans we are often the group least willing to change to accomodate others. Personally, I havent found the swiss to be the way you describe them at all at least not more so than any other cross section of society. In fact, quite the contrary because I moved here to be with a swiss person who is warm and funny, who surprise...has lots of friends who are friendly as well. Also, I am sure if you went to any town that became overwhelmed with a huge number of foreigners driving the housing markent into a frenzy among other things, you wouldnt always be too keen on being forced to speak their language(s) and adapt to their ways. You dont have to be perfect in language or customs, you would be surprised how far just making the effort will get you :)
christamh, Oct 5, 2007 @ 17:37
christamh, Oct 5, 2007 @ 17:37
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Re: Dealing with or Understanding the Swiss
Post 11
Oct 5, 2007 @ 19:21
There have already been many great comments and suggestions. Here are mine:
1) Take a car and visit the towns in the Geneva countryside during the weekends. There are lovely caf?s in Dardangy Soral and other places. People are generally more relaxed on the weekends and they will chat fairly freely.
2) Participate in local festivals. During December there are many events such as the commemoration of the defeat of the Savoyard by the Genevois (L'Escalade). You can enjoy mulled wine, explanations of period arms, and a fascinating walk through a passage in the Old Town that is closed the rest of the year.
3) Have a coffee at the Bourg-de-Four in the Old Town.
4) Go to Ile Rousseau and look at the many kinds of migrating waterfowl visiting there.
5) Attend the French conversation caf? in Les Grottes -- it's listed under member events. You'll feel less self-conscious about your U.S. accent.
6) Stroll around the Plainpalais flea market on Saturday morning and have a drink at Caf? Remor at Place du Cirque. Chat with the sellers and buyers.
7) Go to Wolfisberg in Carouge on Sunday afternoon for tea.
8) Geneva has more parks than any other major city in Switzerland. Visit the Parc des Bastions at Place Neuve and play chess or checkers with someone.
9) Have a fondue at Caf? du Soleil in Petit-Saconnex at Place du Petit-Saconnex (bus #3, direction Gardiol).
10) Make sure to leave Geneva at least once during the winter and "chercher le soleil" -- to get some sun.
Above all, be happy that you are not in the U.S. with all its attendant chaos, Jerry Springer, ad nauseum.
1) Take a car and visit the towns in the Geneva countryside during the weekends. There are lovely caf?s in Dardangy Soral and other places. People are generally more relaxed on the weekends and they will chat fairly freely.
2) Participate in local festivals. During December there are many events such as the commemoration of the defeat of the Savoyard by the Genevois (L'Escalade). You can enjoy mulled wine, explanations of period arms, and a fascinating walk through a passage in the Old Town that is closed the rest of the year.
3) Have a coffee at the Bourg-de-Four in the Old Town.
4) Go to Ile Rousseau and look at the many kinds of migrating waterfowl visiting there.
5) Attend the French conversation caf? in Les Grottes -- it's listed under member events. You'll feel less self-conscious about your U.S. accent.
6) Stroll around the Plainpalais flea market on Saturday morning and have a drink at Caf? Remor at Place du Cirque. Chat with the sellers and buyers.
7) Go to Wolfisberg in Carouge on Sunday afternoon for tea.
8) Geneva has more parks than any other major city in Switzerland. Visit the Parc des Bastions at Place Neuve and play chess or checkers with someone.
9) Have a fondue at Caf? du Soleil in Petit-Saconnex at Place du Petit-Saconnex (bus #3, direction Gardiol).
10) Make sure to leave Geneva at least once during the winter and "chercher le soleil" -- to get some sun.
Above all, be happy that you are not in the U.S. with all its attendant chaos, Jerry Springer, ad nauseum.
The text you are quoting:
There have already been many great comments and suggestions. Here are mine:
1) Take a car and visit the towns in the Geneva countryside during the weekends. There are lovely caf?s in Dardangy Soral and other places. People are generally more relaxed on the weekends and they will chat fairly freely.
2) Participate in local festivals. During December there are many events such as the commemoration of the defeat of the Savoyard by the Genevois (L'Escalade). You can enjoy mulled wine, explanations of period arms, and a fascinating walk through a passage in the Old Town that is closed the rest of the year.
3) Have a coffee at the Bourg-de-Four in the Old Town.
4) Go to Ile Rousseau and look at the many kinds of migrating waterfowl visiting there.
5) Attend the French conversation caf? in Les Grottes -- it's listed under member events. You'll feel less self-conscious about your U.S. accent.
6) Stroll around the Plainpalais flea market on Saturday morning and have a drink at Caf? Remor at Place du Cirque. Chat with the sellers and buyers.
7) Go to Wolfisberg in Carouge on Sunday afternoon for tea.
8) Geneva has more parks than any other major city in Switzerland. Visit the Parc des Bastions at Place Neuve and play chess or checkers with someone.
9) Have a fondue at Caf? du Soleil in Petit-Saconnex at Place du Petit-Saconnex (bus #3, direction Gardiol).
10) Make sure to leave Geneva at least once during the winter and "chercher le soleil" -- to get some sun.
Above all, be happy that you are not in the U.S. with all its attendant chaos, Jerry Springer, ad nauseum.
Translator, Oct 5, 2007 @ 19:21
1) Take a car and visit the towns in the Geneva countryside during the weekends. There are lovely caf?s in Dardangy Soral and other places. People are generally more relaxed on the weekends and they will chat fairly freely.
2) Participate in local festivals. During December there are many events such as the commemoration of the defeat of the Savoyard by the Genevois (L'Escalade). You can enjoy mulled wine, explanations of period arms, and a fascinating walk through a passage in the Old Town that is closed the rest of the year.
3) Have a coffee at the Bourg-de-Four in the Old Town.
4) Go to Ile Rousseau and look at the many kinds of migrating waterfowl visiting there.
5) Attend the French conversation caf? in Les Grottes -- it's listed under member events. You'll feel less self-conscious about your U.S. accent.
6) Stroll around the Plainpalais flea market on Saturday morning and have a drink at Caf? Remor at Place du Cirque. Chat with the sellers and buyers.
7) Go to Wolfisberg in Carouge on Sunday afternoon for tea.
8) Geneva has more parks than any other major city in Switzerland. Visit the Parc des Bastions at Place Neuve and play chess or checkers with someone.
9) Have a fondue at Caf? du Soleil in Petit-Saconnex at Place du Petit-Saconnex (bus #3, direction Gardiol).
10) Make sure to leave Geneva at least once during the winter and "chercher le soleil" -- to get some sun.
Above all, be happy that you are not in the U.S. with all its attendant chaos, Jerry Springer, ad nauseum.
Translator, Oct 5, 2007 @ 19:21
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Re: Dealing with or Understanding the Swiss
Post 12
Oct 5, 2007 @ 21:09
Vick will end up in jail and the Falcons suck. C'mon.
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Vick will end up in jail and the Falcons suck. C'mon.
Casuistik, Oct 5, 2007 @ 21:09
Casuistik, Oct 5, 2007 @ 21:09
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Re: Dealing with or Understanding the Swiss
Post 13
Oct 5, 2007 @ 21:17
that always breaks the ice :-)
Common now, you're in the land of fondue and chocolate, peace and love and neutrality, Rodger Federer, Alingi, cow bells, big mountains, and Hop Swiss....Profit bien! Life is what you make it.
Common now, you're in the land of fondue and chocolate, peace and love and neutrality, Rodger Federer, Alingi, cow bells, big mountains, and Hop Swiss....Profit bien! Life is what you make it.
The text you are quoting:
that always breaks the ice :-)
Common now, you're in the land of fondue and chocolate, peace and love and neutrality, Rodger Federer, Alingi, cow bells, big mountains, and Hop Swiss....Profit bien! Life is what you make it.
pntbreakrick, Oct 5, 2007 @ 21:17
Common now, you're in the land of fondue and chocolate, peace and love and neutrality, Rodger Federer, Alingi, cow bells, big mountains, and Hop Swiss....Profit bien! Life is what you make it.
pntbreakrick, Oct 5, 2007 @ 21:17
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Re: Dealing with or Understanding the Swiss
Post 14
Oct 5, 2007 @ 23:21
My first contact was Swiss German - Bern (order and discipline) and not Swiss French. Is there a difference in these matters?
Judging by their questions I assume they did not like the USA,talking about making money or WW2,jokes, or foreigners in general although I have been invited back!
What subjects are absolutely safe?
Judging by their questions I assume they did not like the USA,talking about making money or WW2,jokes, or foreigners in general although I have been invited back!
What subjects are absolutely safe?
The text you are quoting:
My first contact was Swiss German - Bern (order and discipline) and not Swiss French. Is there a difference in these matters?
Judging by their questions I assume they did not like the USA,talking about making money or WW2,jokes, or foreigners in general although I have been invited back!
What subjects are absolutely safe?
Luv2Chat, Oct 5, 2007 @ 23:21
Judging by their questions I assume they did not like the USA,talking about making money or WW2,jokes, or foreigners in general although I have been invited back!
What subjects are absolutely safe?
Luv2Chat, Oct 5, 2007 @ 23:21
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Re: Dealing with or Understanding the Swiss
Post 15
Oct 10, 2007 @ 16:57
Hello Luv2chat and welcome to Switzerland!
Relax and stop trying to look at the place under a microscope.
Everyone's experience is completely different and so will yours be.
Don't ask others to prejudice you as to how the Swiss are! You'll get as many opinions as answers.
Since you're here, why ask anyone else what Switzerland is like?
Go and experience it!
Relax and stop trying to look at the place under a microscope.
Everyone's experience is completely different and so will yours be.
Don't ask others to prejudice you as to how the Swiss are! You'll get as many opinions as answers.
Since you're here, why ask anyone else what Switzerland is like?
Go and experience it!
The text you are quoting:
Hello Luv2chat and welcome to Switzerland!
Relax and stop trying to look at the place under a microscope.
Everyone's experience is completely different and so will yours be.
Don't ask others to prejudice you as to how the Swiss are! You'll get as many opinions as answers.
Since you're here, why ask anyone else what Switzerland is like?
Go and experience it!
MarmarK, Oct 10, 2007 @ 16:57
Relax and stop trying to look at the place under a microscope.
Everyone's experience is completely different and so will yours be.
Don't ask others to prejudice you as to how the Swiss are! You'll get as many opinions as answers.
Since you're here, why ask anyone else what Switzerland is like?
Go and experience it!
MarmarK, Oct 10, 2007 @ 16:57
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