No, it’s not really my birthday. But it’s a year today since Stephen and I moved. It’s been wonderful, horrendous, tiring, invigorating, bizarre and fun.
I’ve gotten used to things I thought I’d never be able to live with, like no shopping on Sundays or at night. I now get irritated by things that were a normal part of life before, like 30-minute bus journeys. Things I expected to stay the same have changed, and things I expected to change have remained the same.
Overall? Definitely a mixed year. I’m glad I did it, glad I came here, glad I’ve had the experiences I’ve had. It hasn’t all been fun and games, and if I knew then what I know now, I’d have been a lot more cautious about coming here. But in the grand scheme of things, it’s been a great opportunity, and I’d probably do it all over again. (Although I’d throw out a lot more stuff before the move!)
I’ve often said I could live anywhere (almost!) for a year. I still think it’s true – but in the case of Switzerland, I’m happy to report that a year is not enough 
Here’s to next year!