Author: Mark

Five years ago today we arrived in Switzerland to start a new phase of our lives. 2022 has been a definite improvement for us over the previous two years. COVID of course is still a specter looming over us, but we’ve learned how to live with it (being vaccinated and twice-boosted helps). We’ve traveled extensively within Switzerland, getting to know some of the most scenic parts of the country (focusing on the mountains and high alpine valleys).

In the Spring I returned to the US for the first time in three years and finally got to visit family.

I attended (and spoke at) an in-person tech conference for the first time in three years (and promptly got COVID). I’ve been serving as iOS Chapter Lead and building internal IP at YML for over a year now. The role continues to bring me enjoyment and satisfaction.

I hike regularly and when it’s too hot to hike I hit the lake on our paddle board or our foldable kayak.

Integrating into Swiss society remains a challenge, but over the past year I have finally joined and am active in a Swiss “verein” (a non-profit club): Swiss RPG. It’s an RPG club through which I run a D&D campaign (The Wild Beyond The Witchlight) and play in a West Marches-style shared community world. My son and I got into D&D 5e in a big way last year. Now instead of doom-scrolling Twitter I hang out in the Swiss RPG Discord discussing the merits of different character builds or how to DM particular adventures. This past year we also attended our first fantasy convention, Fantasy Basel where we were able to play some in-person D&D at the Swiss RPG booth.

At the end of this month I resume German lessons after a two-year hiatus. In October I plan to take the A1/A2 Goethe test that is a requirement for applying for permanent residency.

I’m looking forward to at least another year living in this beautiful country.