One hundred things you love about where you are living

[MmeLindt]

Inspired by Maninadirndl's Britain thread.

I am not sure that I could think of one hundred things, but here goes.

MmeLindt Switzerland

• How children are a welcome part of society here and not a burden and a disturbance (in comparison to Germany)

• That I can walk down to the lake in 10 minutes for a swim. It is bloody cold so I don't do it much but I could.

• The infinate variety of cheese

• The farmers' markets where people actually do their weekly shop; The fact that it is normal to spend quite a bit on groceries and buy good quality food.

• The little villages in the mountains

• The fact that in less than an hour we are in Chamonix

• The chocolate

• Shopping in France and the accompanying adrenalin rush when crossing the Border back into Switzerland hoping that the Border Police do not stop me and ask if I have anything to declare.

• That I can drive for an hour and be in a German speaking area. They might understand me, even if I don't understnad them.

• That my children are in a lovely school with only 90 pupils where the teachers are able to hug the pupils without anyone looking strangely at them.

• That my DC are already, after just 8 months, speaking reasonably good French.

Sounds fabulous, ML

I'm not sure my place is as nice as yours!!!

I'll have a think...

Oooh, good one:

France

Driving home takes me past the most beautiful chateau, which has a stunning view from the road. I live behind the chateau. The views and the general history of the place are mind-blowing.

I live in a country village (ish) but can be in Paris within 45 mins (car) or 20 mins (train).

Shopping at the market - the importance of fresh produce is paramount and as above, people pay more for it, but appreciate it, and only eat what is in season.

The food, the food, the food. (very un pc some of these but I like the readiness at which they are available here and they are my favourite foods, although most of them off the list now I'm pg: steak tartare, foie gras, oysters, blanquette de veau)

Drinking champagne as an aperitif. The fact that when friends come together it is always worth celebrating with a bottle of bubbly, whether its Champagne or Cremant.

The climate - it just is better than England, this summer has been warmer (I keep checking the forecast for my old home in England and for here and it is better, and winter is colder)

A more refined aesthetic appreciation, things should look good, whether its food presentation, your home, shop displays or whatever, of course the downside is there is a bit of a shallowness to that but in general it makes for a more pleasant experience.

The different parts of France: I love where I live, I love Paris, I love Normandy where we go often to see friends. I love the food and wine in Burgundy, I love the chance to visit the south of France, the Alps, etc. This country has it all in terms of different regions and activities to do.

I wish I could put a webcam up. That view, right now, across the bluish waters towards Ardnamurchan, a few sailing boats heading out towards Mull, I just love it. I can't think of many more beautiful places (and I have lived/traveled abroad quite a bit) than the Scottish West coast on a glorious early summer day like today.

Otherwise:

• the invariably friendly and welcoming people
• the otters down by the loch, the wildlife in general, except for the midges
• the fact I can get to work in about 5 min
• the seafood
• the nursery that actually caters for parents with full time jobs (which seems to be quite rare in Germany)

Singapore

I have a wonderful view of the city skyline (flyer, Esplanade, skyscrapers) from my balcony. In the foreground it is green and leafy.

The rainforest is all around the island and there is an abundance of wildlife.

The huge variety of food and drink available. From hawker centres to five star hotel restaurants.

Wonderful holiday destinations just a short hop away (Bali, HK, Malaysia, Thailand).

An interesting mix of people, cultures and languages.

It is never cold; no scraping the ice off the car here.

The roads take some getting used to do but I love being able to pass cars on the inside. It is allowed here.

Good shopping and nightlife, a night safari and an excellent zoo.

Oops must stop- I am starting to sound like the Singapore Tourist Board!

struggling to find 1 positive thing regarding Saudi, let alone 100! oh yes, the money is good

affordable childcare
local markets

(France)

proximity to ILs

Is that round the corner or 'the other side of the channel'?

North west Spain
The climate- not too hot, not too cold.
The fact that people like children and are not scared to smile at/ ruffle the hair of/ talk to unknown children.
The delicious and varied seafood, fish, seasonal fruit and vegetables.
The dramatic landscape and green coastline.

Portugal.

This might be tough but I'll give it a go.

The weather.

The coffee and Pasteis de nata, yum.

The way that children are accepted and enjoyed.

You can go for a day out to do something fun and it doesn't cost the earth.

The school my son goes to, it may be tatty and run down but the teachers are fab and they sure know how to put on a show (end of year performance today).

Going for a run along the beach.

Going to the beach.

All the things to do in and around Sintra.

Good public transport.

Superbock.

Meeting my best friend.

Oh, and the fact that where I live I can see the hills of Sintra from one window, the sea from another and it takes 20 mins on the train to get to Lisboa.

PortBlacks, actually nearly 2 hours drive!
But it is the closest we've ever managed to live.

Walking to the beach,
our local pub
friends
family
woods
lots of great things to do