Our First Day Living Abroad

We survived our first day as residents of Basel!  Not that I thought we wouldn't, but you know, it was our first full day of living in another country.  BK has come here almost monthly for nearly a year now, but he's mostly familiar with where his hotel is (also the one we're living in now), his work campus and his favorite restaurants.  So, needless to say, he hasn't really delved into living here.

It was a somewhat uneventful day, which is what I would think we all hope for on a daily basis.  BK went to work, and knowing that we're here for a while, I didn't feel the need to rush out and find new things, catch all the sights or make sure that I hit certain spots before my time runs out here.  I like the fact that I can take my time really getting to know where we're living.  I also realize that I won't be living in this hotel forever either, so there's a definite desire to spend more time learning about my neighborhood, which will be completely unfamiliar to for us when we get there.  

Another note about the day- it is snowing and very cold here.  The temps are hovering around 35*, but as long as you dress for them, you're ok, especially considering that we're walking pretty much everywhere we go.  I wanted to get up and run, but quickly realized the "winter" running clothes I brought weren't nearly enough for what I need here.  The trams aren't heated either, so it's not like in Texas when it's cold outside and we walk from our back door to our car and then have to peel off the coat and scarf because the heat is up so high.  BK acted like it wasn't that cold, but there's no way I will be caught without my coat, scarf, gloves and hat while temps are like this.

A cold walk home after dinner

We're not "official" residents yet, as we don't get our permits until Wednesday, so we couldn't do much regarding signing any contracts for things like cell phones or bank accounts.  We did buy our train tickets to Paris and annual half-price passes for the train.  The most frustrating thing for me right now is not being able to speak the language.  I HATE that I cannot communicate with people here, and mostly because I feel that it automatically comes across that I expect them to speak my language.  Hopefully after we register on Wednesday I can get enrolled in language classes quickly.

I can't wait to make the transition into our second temporary living setup- an actual furnished apartment.  I think then I'll start to feel like this is our new home.  The dogs arrive on the same day, so it will be a lot to take in, and we'll be out of this tiny room lined with suitcases.  More to come- we're off to Paris in a couple days, so I'll have plenty to report in on!