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 Lisbon, Portugal:
 
Meet Mélissa, a Swiss expat living in Lisbon and pursuing her passion for music. Originally from Neuchâtel, Mélissa's parents emigrated from Portugal to Switzerland before she was born. Despite missing Swiss delicacies such as cheese and paprika chips, Mélissa enjoys the warm weather and welcoming people in her new home. Learn more about her expat experience in this week's interview.

 
What is your name and where are you living now?
 
My name is Mélissa, i am living in Lisbon (Portugal) and I am a singer. My music is a fusion of Trap, R&B and Pop. I left Switzerland because my parents decided to comeback to their country of origin: Portugal. And since i was still a child, i didn't have much choice! 😅
 
What is your connection to Switzerland? Have you been born there, or do you have some roots in Switzerland? 
 
I was born in Neuchâtel and i lived there for 11 years. My parents are portuguese and decided to emigrate to Switzerland. I speak french, portuguese and english.
 
What is the thing that you miss about Switzerland the most?
 
I miss the snow when it's Christmas and i really miss the food like chocolate, cheese, paprika chips and all kinds of snacks and desserts!
 
What do you think is better or do you like more in your new country?
 
The weather is really good in Portugal and people are very welcoming, these are the things that i like the most.
 
Do you have any plans of returning soon? For vacations or permanently.
 
I try to go to Switzerland once a year, for about 3 or 4 days. But because of the pandemic i haven't been able to go. The laste time i went was in 2019.