Swiss Expat Story: Yvonne in Sydney, Australia
by MySwissWorld & Swiss Food Box Team
We welcome you to our newest interview in our weekly series. Here we interview each week somebody from the community and learn a bit more about their lives. This week, from Sidney, Australia: 🇦🇺
Yvonne, born in Geneva, has been living in Sydney, Australia since 1988. In our interview, she shares what she loves about both Switzerland and Australia and her plans to return to the Swiss Alps soon. She also talks about her favourite Swiss snack, which she can't find in Australia.
What is your name and where are you living now?
I live in Sydney, Australia since 1988. I was born in Geneva and lived there until high school finished, studied in Lausanne and the worked in Zurich.
After completing the École Hôtelière de Lausanne, I was keen to spread my wings and arrived in Australia in September 1988, with limited English.
My husband Rob is Australian and my kids were born here, they are now 22 and 24yo, they're all keen travellers, my children learned French at school and still keen to practice.
What is your connection to Switzerland? Have you been born there, or do you have some roots in Switzerland?
Yes, I was born in Geneva - still love it very much & visit every few years.
What is the thing that you miss about Switzerland the most?
I miss my dear Switzerland, esp the mountains and beautiful walks in the fresh air, our family's favourite destination is Valais, we love the hikes and Swiss Alps beauty.
I also miss Zweifel Paprika chips, this is by far the best you can get, Australians are yet to create a similar flavour. Nothing makes me happier than a box of Zweifel chips!
What do you think is better or do you like more in your new country?
Over the years I developed a fondness for the Aussie spirit, lifestyle ... it's been a fabulous to discover an amazing continent and wonderful people; I am still working in the hotel industry fora tropical resort in the Whitsundays/ Great Barrier Reef.
I also flew as an international cabin crew with Qantas for few years, this was great start to discover many Australian cities and then also neighbouring Asia/ Pacific nations.
Do you have any plans of returning soon? For vacations or permanently.
Hopefully soon to go hiking in the Swiss Alps.