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 Brussels, Belgium:  🇧🇪😊
 
Alex Sartoretti is a Swiss native currently living in Brussels, Belgium. She originally moved there to study acting, butreoriented to directing, staging, and writing. Alex misses the mountains and the food of Switzerland, but finds Belgianpeople to be kinder and more outgoing, as well as more opportunities in her field. She returns home every year forChristmas and a few days in the summer but doesn't plan on settling back in Switzerland permanently.
 
What is your name and where are you living now?
 
My name is Alex (Sartoretti), I live in Brussels, where I have been since 2016. I work as a director's assistant and communications manager in theatre. I originally moved here to study to become an actor, but then found that staging and directing as well as writing appealed to me more, so I reoriented in that field.
 
What is your connection to Switzerland? Have you been born there, or do you have some roots in Switzerland? 
 
I was born in Switzerland, where I lived until I finished high school, with the exception of a year spent abroad in Australia to learn English when I was 16. French is my native language, as I was born in Sion, Valais. 
 
What is the thing that you miss about Switzerland the most?
 
Every now and then I really miss the mountains, mostly for the hikes in summer and the stunning views. I also miss Migros's Ice Tea, and Rivella once in a while.
 
What do you think is better or do you like more in your new country?
 
I think Belgian people are generally kinder and more outgoing than us Swiss, and that there are more opportunities for people in my line of work, simply because there are more theatres. 
 
Do you have any plans of returning soon? For vacations or permanently.
 
I come home for Christmas and a few days in the summer every year. As of right now, I don't plan on settling back in Switzerland, which is why Swiss Food boxes are pretty nice!