Collision of Expat Life and Everyday Observations
In October, I arrived in Switzerland, a country I had longed to visit. I stayed in a small town on the French border with my friend. Those days, we would set out from our Airbnb before dawn, walking 15 minutes to the train station. Purchasing a round-trip train ticket to Switzerland, we would then embark on a two-hour train journey to reach our true destination. This was a trade-off for a more affordable option, albeit less convenient. However, the landscapes along the way alleviated any frustration I had about those two seemingly wasted hours.
En route to Interlaken, every frame outside the window resembled a field from an oil painting. Snow-capped mountains, lush green meadows, and crystal-clear lakes—these images will likely be the first to come to mind whenever I recall picturesque scenery. My friend and I were so captivated that we wished we could attach our phones to the window and record the entire journey.
One of the most fascinating phenomena I’ve discovered during my travels is the stark contrast between locals and tourists. While the locals briskly pass by the stations, commuting to and from work without sparing a glance, I find myself lingering in fascination. In the hustle and bustle of the city, I stand still, marveling at the buttons of traffic lights.
On trains, they diligently work on their laptops, engrossed in their tasks, while I anxiously hold up my phone, afraid to miss the scenic views outside the window. Their routine includes attending evening prayers at the church, while my visit to the church is more about capturing photographs. In parks, they peacefully read books, and I’m there to appreciate the beauty of the trees. What seems mundane to them is awe-inspiring to me, as each new experience becomes a remarkable encounter.
Yet, upon returning to my familiar environment, I find myself perplexed, watching people on skytrain recording videos. This difference in perception towards daily life, between locals and travelers, turns the journey into a captivating revelation. It prompts me to reevaluate the norms of life and appreciate the vibrancy that lies within the everyday.