Pros and Cons

Our time is up.  I figured it was fitting to create a list of what we will miss and what we look forward to in Minnesota.  When we first moved, the list was much longer on what we will miss- on the Minnesota side!  When creating this list, it was more difficult. 

What we will miss...

*Friends-  I have said it over and over, but having a network of friends that become family is in my eyes how you survive as an expat.

*Multi-Culturalism - Chris's office consisted of 38 employees coming from 21 different countries.  The girls attended school where more than 50% of their class spoke multiple languages.  It is hard to obtain that type of environment in Minnesota. 

*Affordable Travel - I'm not sure why it is so expensive to travel in the U.S.  We were able to fly the smaller airlines in Europe many times and averaged about $300 for all of us round trip. 

*Food -  The produce is coming from either Switzerland or nearby countries, the freshness is hard to beat.  Fresh baguettes/pastries everywhere.  We also enjoyed authentic Italian, French and Spanish food. 

*Wine - Oh, how we have enjoyed the wine! 

*No Mosquitoes - Our windows here don't have screens because we don't have to worry about bugs.  You get the occasional fly once in awhile, but we have really enjoyed being able to keep our windows open and enjoy summer nights outside. 

*Landscape -  We have fallen in love with mountains.  We will miss waking up and seeing Mount Saleve staring down on us. 

*Climate - The climate is similar to Minnesota, but without the harsh winters.  If we want snow, we go to the mountains, and actually enjoy it.  The temperature rarely gets below 40 degrees. 

What we are looking forward to...

*Family - We are very excited to be back with our families.  FaceTime was wonderful, but we are looking forward to spending time together. 

*Friends - Social media helped us stay connected to our friends, but we look forward to reconnecting in person. 

*Clear Communication - I'm excited to be able to get through my day without GoogleTranslate. 

*Customer Service- The customer is never right over here!! 

*Air Conditioning - We are all about conserving energy, but when it is 95 degrees plus, we all need some cool air.  Homes and most public places do not have air conditioning.

*Driving - Wider roads and spacious parking spots.  When we park here, sometimes you are exiting out the passenger side or backseat depending on where you have room.  I am also excited about a much shorter commute to get the girls to school.  Currently it takes one hour round trip, twice a day- not all driving time, but most of the time spent at their school parking lot since it is so tiny you need to arrive 1/2 hour early to get a spot. 

*Pace- Sometimes we grew to love the slow pace, but other times it was a bit too much.  I wait at many crosswalks and it still amazes me at how slow people cross, there is no running across.  If you go out to dinner, you have to allow at least two hours. 

*Convenience-  I am excited to reunite with Target and know that what I want will be there waiting for me!!