I have been living in Basel, Switzerland for only a week and already I have begun to create a network of friends in a place I once knew nothing about and had no ties to.
My process was to #hit up everyone I know through social networking (Facebook)- asking for local hookups in Basel. There were about 4 people with friends living in Basel and beyond that they could link me up with. So far, I have only met one but the others are coming...
The next approach I used was #CouchSurfing.org- by posting about my arrival, what I need (apartment) and am looking for (musician meetings) and what I will be doing living in Basel (studying). I was surprised and slightly overwhelmed with the response I received from locals, other expats and travellers from Basel and the nearby towns.
On here I also joined a group for a #tandem or language exchange where I met a lovely Basel-born-and-bread man for coffee. I gave him the chance to practice English and he took me through the basics of German pronunciation. Coz lets face it, I am going to need all the help I can get learning German!
My new #housemates have also made me feel welcome and have eased me into the new Swiss life by taking me to IKEA (of course) and various bars and venues around the town. I have also met a few of their friends and next week we are having a fondue night in our apartment!
Because I am studying here in Basel, I have the advantage of #University life, sports and activities which I can get involved in to continue building up a network and alas, avoid homesickness.
Also, the #University website has a forum, more like a community page, open to everyone and posts about everything- from things for sale, rentals, events, music groups and free giveaways! Definitely something to look into if you are moving to a new city!
So far the transition to Swiss life has been fairly comfortable and full of chocolate consumption. I am not even kidding... Like everyday... Another block bites the dust!
So many people were worried about me when I told them I was going to be leaving the sunny, warm and consistent Australian climate for the more extreme conditions of a European winter. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a reptile who enjoys nothing more than recharging in a sunny spot outside. My own mother says I have "frog feet" so she was probably the most concerned...
But I must say, the transition from Gold Coast summer to Berlin winter has not been too dreadful. Which fills me with the confidence to say that if I can tolerate (and even somewhat enjoy) the minus temperatures, anyone can!
Of course, there are many ways in which I've made this change easier to endure... and it is all in the attire!
When it comes to clothes, one must research to get the best quality products and know what those products should be. Choose your fabrics wisely! Wool is the best option for the cold. In fact, 100% marino wool tends to be the most effective thermal wear. I am trying the 'icebreaker' thermals and have found they do not itch or hold much smell, which is great when your clothes take longer to dry in the cold :)
Only purchase what you really need and then buy more suitable and 'appropriately built' items when you arrive. You don't want to accumulate clothes and objects that are of no use to you in the new conditions. NOTE: interiors are warm. My friends who live here are comfortable wearing t-shirts inside because of the heating. I find myself constantly de-layer-ing when I enter a venue- which can get a little annoying when you have worn so many things. So...
Have a layering system!
On the top half starting from a singlet (in case you need to get rid of that many layers). Wear thin, long sleeved thermals over the top, a shirt on top of that, a cardigan or a hoodie and then your outside jacket for the walk. It sounds extreme, but almost every time I go outside, I am dressed in a minimum of 4 layers on the top half. But then when inside, it goes down to 2 or 3 depending on the heating...
On the bottom half, usually everyone wears double layers. Leggings, thermal tights, thin stockings and jeans are all in my suitcase. A good combination is to start with tights then add your outside layer of jeans, fashion leggings or some cute stockings. The leggings seem to be more of a fashion here over because jeans are generally not warm.
Then of course, accessorise! You will need your socks, scarves, beanies, gloves and even ear muffs to take care of the rest of your body. Again, choose your fabrics wisely, acrylics will not do much to block the icy wind from getting through. Blended items are ok but it is better to get 100% where you can. Some polyester winter gear can seem really warm but remember that it actually prevents your skin from breathing which is how the warmth is kept in, so you may have a reaction or end up smelly from wearing this kind of fabric. Also, have a decent size bag to keep your layers in when you don't need them...
Footwear is the key to your happiness some days... I purchased some UGG sheepskin boots before I left Australia and these have been the only shoes that make it seem like it is not winter at all! The longer the leg of the shoe the better. The grippier the better for when it is snowing. The better the quality the materials are the more likely you will not have waterproof or cold toe problems. If you want to wear basic sneakers or shoes that do not have any faux fur inner lining, you can find innersoles to give you that extra bit of warmth. Thermal socks are also excellent to add and for indoors. If you wear UGG boots (or other sheepskin shoes), stick to plain cotton socks so your feet can breathe...
Its all about the jacket! I suggest investing in one or two very good, heavy duty winter jackets. Have one waterproof for the rainy and snowy days. The longer the jacket, the more toasty you will be and more wind protection you will have, but make sure it is one you can sit down in :)
Feather down jackets feel like you are walking around in a sleeping bag and are great at keeping the wind away. I picked up an Esprit feather down jacket while in transit in Singapore ($135AU) and it has been the one I wear the most. The other, slightly more fashionable ones are my woollen Sportsgirl jacket (Purchased in Aus for $39AU winter clearance) and my Rusty polyester jacket ($35AU) with a giant hoodie- but these two are for the above zero temperatures...
Often the times you will be outdoors will be short. When you plan on long periods outside, this is when you will need the extra accessories. The key really is to have good fabrics, a good layering system, warm feet and a great jacket.
I hope this information helps!
Stay warm :)
