Terra

Hi All,<BR><BR>My company is relocating me from Amsterdam to Luzern (I am American and don't speak German). <BR><BR>I believe a few other people on this board live there. Can you give me some inside information? Are thre a lot of foreigners also living there? What are the conditions like? Housing? How much German is really needed? Weather? <BR><BR>Basically, I have never been there or to CH at all, so any any any any information would be much appreciated. <BR><BR>I have loved living in Amsterdam, a fun and lively city. I am single, 28yrs old, so I am concerned about going to a small, and seemingly remote area where I don't speak the local language. Although the prospect of this adventure I find very exciting! <BR><BR>THANKS!<BR>Terra

Ursula

Terra hello! <BR>Let me give you a couple of thoughts. I am sure Chris and Jan (Lucerne residents) will follow with more details.<BR>I judge the quality of living in Lucerne very good. Small walkable town on the lake and close to the mountains. Within a very short time you can reach other Swiss towns such as Berne, Zurich, Basel. Lucerne is known as the Swiss rainy corner, but it is not that bad. Culturally, there is a lot on there, you will find out, once you live there. Some gorgeous museums and of course, the wellknown Musikfest-Wochen in the summer that host the most famous musicians and directors. <BR>German, if not Swiss German, is definitely an issue and an asset, although a lot of people, esp. the younger crowd, definitely speak English, at least some.<BR>Sorry, don't know about the housing situation. But my guess is, that it is easier to find something at a decent price there, rather than in Zurich or Geneva.<BR>As to the differences of way of life between Holland and Switzerland, I think the gap isn't that large, although Amsterdam is a lot larger than Lucerne.<BR>Good luck, Terra.

Jan

Hi Terra,<BR>Welcome to Luzern! I have lived here for 2 1/2 years and enjoy it tremendously. Let me answer your specific questions first.<BR><BR>There are alot of foreigners here--from all corners of the globe. I find the Swiss to be very patient with us Auslanders...as long as we are from a first class country. At this point, America is still a first class country ;-). There is a very active Swiss American Club and that is a good place to start meeting people (besides work associates).<BR><BR>The quality of life is extremely high here. It is beautiful, safe, clean and easy. Wonderful sporting opportunities from skiing, cycling, hiking, camping etc. The Swiss regard being active outside almost as their gospel. Their country's facilities reflect that love. Housing and shopping (for everything) is expensive. I would estimate that most things (exc. housing) run about 20% more. You can get by without German, but it is helpful to take it. Many people speak English, but when you attempt High German, they are willing to work with you and try to understand. Don't even worry about the Swiss German at this point!<BR><BR>Weather...ahhh...well, when it is nice, there is no more beautiful place on earth! We have a lot of cloudy days, but winters are mild and summer is fabulous. Not alot of snow, maybe 2 weeks below freezing and summers are 70-80's.<BR><BR>I am happy to answer any other questions you may have.<BR><BR>

Terra

Dear Jan,<BR><BR>Thank you for the detailed reply. I will be coming soon to look at apartments. Can you give advice on good neighborhoods? Also, how much necessity is there to have a car? In Amsterdam I ride my bike all over the place (of course this is the most flat place on earth!). <BR><BR>Again, thank you for your comments, it is SO helpfuL!!<BR><BR>Terra

Terra

I meant to thank you Ursula as well!!

Jan

Terra,<BR>As far as apartments go, I would look in the Downtown area, Schoenbuehl area, around the Transportation Museum and Meggan (more family oriented, but a large number of ex-pats). Skip the outer areas, Emmen, Littau etc. Your Realtor should be able to help you, but a few of the prominent ones like to waste time and show you places in inappropriate areas. You can easily do without a car here. Public transportation is clean and timely and bike lanes are everywhere. Drivers are extremely courteous to the bikers.<BR><BR>Good luck,<BR>Jan