The hours have turned into days, and this Friday will be one month in Basel!
I’m just getting to the point of my own version of homesickness- which includes food mostly. Missing the daily comforts of the foods I’ve grown accustomed to as an adult in the Bay Area has landed differently for me than the other things I miss (such as people, pets, places, etc…). Things like "regular" sized bread and cheddar cheese. Trader Joe's and Safeway. Junk food and vegetables...
I’ve been searching for a creperie near us for some time, and I finally found one close by! By the time Rafi and I managed to get there, we discovered it was closed for the day! C’est la vie...
While our living situation is not permanent, it’s been hard for me to find a rhythm because one) with the knowledge that we will be moving soon, I don’t want to invest in this physical space, and two) I don’t have a room to even consider decorating or making my own. There are some things that I schlepped that are a part of our lives- like Rafi’s retro clock and a piece of art that is meaningful to me. And, it was important to make Rafi’s room feel special to him with familiar objects around.
I’ve also noticed that I have been disinterested in cooking- even simple pasta- simply because there is almost negative counter space to work on in the kitchen. I’m tackling facebook marketplace to see if I can ameliorate the counter space situation, and I did find a dresser that I might grab so that I can have one thing- one shelf space- that I can make my own.
Something so simple, like a dresser, can make such a difference, no?
New Friends!
There’s Cath who is on my Lesbian soccer team. She’s a graduate student at the University and is very funny, has lots of questions, and is a great defender! (Btw, I am definitely the least experienced player, but, true to form, the Queers are kind and supportive.)
Noemie, who makes vegan cheese, met my beautiful cousin while on a language study program in central America. Noemie and I met up for dinner recently, snapped a selfie for Cous, and made plans to do some second hand shopping together.
Rita, lovely Rita. My Irish kindred spirit friend. She is absolutely hilarious and we send each other dozens of memes about enneagram types and politics and random memories from the 90s.
Benjamin, my soccer game buddy.
Chris is a restaurant manager and a true polyglot.
Isabel, a scholar and fellow single parent.
Then, there’s the Queer/Anarchist/Artist commune in Klein Basel. Community living is called WG in Switzerland (It’s pronounced “vay-gay”). I don’t know if I can adequately describe how madly in love I’ve fallen with this particular space and these humans. Teachers, activists, theater/digital arts people, and bartenders all cohabitate in what was formerly a home for young women. There is energy in this home. Four stories of hallways and bedrooms and communal bathrooms. Pride flags, black & white photographs, homemade sourdough bread, instruments, incense, music, rooftop charcuterie, multiple languages, protest signs, plants…
These new friends of mine have added me to whatsapp groups, given me tips about restaurants and shopping, invited me to parties and dinners, provided support and kindness...
I had dinner with Julian at Hirscheneck the other night- a Queer restaurant collective (not far from my friendly WG). I met one of his friends who happens to own a rock wall gym and I am continually amazed by the people I meet and how gracious, welcoming, and affirming they are.
I am absolutely loving how my social circle is unfolding. I am still making faux pas and stumbling through this new culture. However, I have the privilege of language and whiteness to help me saunter through. Ah, the complicatedness of all of this!
I am also loving the textual exchanges and phone calls with my beloved friends and family back in the States. Thank you all for your support, your time, your well wishes, and your love!
I’m just getting to the point of my own version of homesickness- which includes food mostly. Missing the daily comforts of the foods I’ve grown accustomed to as an adult in the Bay Area has landed differently for me than the other things I miss (such as people, pets, places, etc…). Things like "regular" sized bread and cheddar cheese. Trader Joe's and Safeway. Junk food and vegetables...
I’ve been searching for a creperie near us for some time, and I finally found one close by! By the time Rafi and I managed to get there, we discovered it was closed for the day! C’est la vie...
While our living situation is not permanent, it’s been hard for me to find a rhythm because one) with the knowledge that we will be moving soon, I don’t want to invest in this physical space, and two) I don’t have a room to even consider decorating or making my own. There are some things that I schlepped that are a part of our lives- like Rafi’s retro clock and a piece of art that is meaningful to me. And, it was important to make Rafi’s room feel special to him with familiar objects around.
I’ve also noticed that I have been disinterested in cooking- even simple pasta- simply because there is almost negative counter space to work on in the kitchen. I’m tackling facebook marketplace to see if I can ameliorate the counter space situation, and I did find a dresser that I might grab so that I can have one thing- one shelf space- that I can make my own.
Something so simple, like a dresser, can make such a difference, no?
New Friends!
There’s Cath who is on my Lesbian soccer team. She’s a graduate student at the University and is very funny, has lots of questions, and is a great defender! (Btw, I am definitely the least experienced player, but, true to form, the Queers are kind and supportive.)
Noemie, who makes vegan cheese, met my beautiful cousin while on a language study program in central America. Noemie and I met up for dinner recently, snapped a selfie for Cous, and made plans to do some second hand shopping together.
Rita, lovely Rita. My Irish kindred spirit friend. She is absolutely hilarious and we send each other dozens of memes about enneagram types and politics and random memories from the 90s.
Benjamin, my soccer game buddy.
Chris is a restaurant manager and a true polyglot.
Isabel, a scholar and fellow single parent.
Then, there’s the Queer/Anarchist/Artist commune in Klein Basel. Community living is called WG in Switzerland (It’s pronounced “vay-gay”). I don’t know if I can adequately describe how madly in love I’ve fallen with this particular space and these humans. Teachers, activists, theater/digital arts people, and bartenders all cohabitate in what was formerly a home for young women. There is energy in this home. Four stories of hallways and bedrooms and communal bathrooms. Pride flags, black & white photographs, homemade sourdough bread, instruments, incense, music, rooftop charcuterie, multiple languages, protest signs, plants…
These new friends of mine have added me to whatsapp groups, given me tips about restaurants and shopping, invited me to parties and dinners, provided support and kindness...
I had dinner with Julian at Hirscheneck the other night- a Queer restaurant collective (not far from my friendly WG). I met one of his friends who happens to own a rock wall gym and I am continually amazed by the people I meet and how gracious, welcoming, and affirming they are.
I am absolutely loving how my social circle is unfolding. I am still making faux pas and stumbling through this new culture. However, I have the privilege of language and whiteness to help me saunter through. Ah, the complicatedness of all of this!
I am also loving the textual exchanges and phone calls with my beloved friends and family back in the States. Thank you all for your support, your time, your well wishes, and your love!
❤️
ReplyDelete