Avery's Travel Blog

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    All settled in (mostly..)

    On Thursday I got all settled into my apartment and had the chance to meet my male french roommate (no this will not be a rom com moment he has a girlfriend lol). Anyways I met him and gave him the statue of liberty figurine I got him during my layover in JFK. He was very surprised when I gave it to him and was laughing as it was a gag gift since the french gifted the U.S. the statue. To say this is a learning curve for me is very true as I have never lived on my own or lived with a roommate. I made friends with one our neighbors who is a Italian girl named Melania here for a masters program. Very nice person who even helped me furniture shop (news flash a nice pillow cost around $100 here 🤯) Even though it was a pricey shopping trip I got everything I needed. The one downside about our apartment is that there is no oven at all which is a bummer since I won’t be able to bake chocolate chip cookies when I miss home. I have about a week left until my events at the University of Neuchâtel start. The first being a welcome day on the 13th. I have yet to meet anyone else who will be going to my university which is kind of lonely at times. I have mostly been exploring on my own.

    View from outside housing complex
    Our outdoor area
    View from my hotel room for my first night in the city
    Lake Neuchâtel
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    One response to “All settled in (mostly..)”

    1. Beth Ann Fiedler

      Hi Avery! I am so glad to hear that you are getting settled and finished your main needs shopping excursion. I am sure you will need some time to get over the sticker shock. Sorry about no oven but I wonder if you can ask some locals to recommend a small appliance, like a toaster oven, that might help with small items to cook like 6 cookies or mini muffins? A new place is always challenging and doubly so when it is the first time and so far from home. But you are right to go exploring now and when class starts, you will find mates! No worries.

      The weekend you were getting ready to leave I told your mom about some Swiss companies like Max Felchlin and Haco Swiss. Max makes dessert items like decorations and also sells 20kg bars of chocolate for ganache, icing, etc. Haco Swiss sells other restaurant staples like soup bases and herbs/seasonings. Both sell to large US distributors in the US. Midwest Imports in Chicago (I worked there in the 80’s) and Swiss Chalet in the South are two that I know. Anyway, while you are there you should consider writing a letter of interest to them because of your interest in hospitality and baking. They train people on their products so more people will use them in cooking. They also do restaurant shows and such. It is something you might want to look into while you are there. Anyway, I have been reading your posts but for some reason can’t acknowledge on the blog. But know you are in my prayers and expect good things! Best! Beth Ann

      Regards, Beth Ann Fiedler, PhD Jacksonville, FL 32204

      All correspondence is meant solely for the intended recipient. Unauthorized copying or distribution of this message or any attached documents is prohibited. Beth Ann Fiedler

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