Author: Socially Swisspicious

After four years of living in Lucerne, Switzerland, I realized I haven't actually integrated. And I’m not alone. As a Latina, I thought my naturally friendly vibe would help me settle in, but turns out, even with great intentions and decent German, building friendships here can feel like solving a puzzle with missing pieces. I love a good time, great conversations, and turning strangers into friends (especially over cocktails). I’m ridiculously friendly, laugh at good (and bad) jokes, and believe food is the best way to connect with people. When I’m not eating my way through life, you’ll find me reading, binge-watching Korean dramas, or obsessing over languages - my favorite is German (yes, people give me weird looks when I say that). Oh, and I have a cat named Panqueque (Spanish for “pancake”). She’s orange, opinionated, and completely uninterested in my Swiss friendship struggles - unless food is involved. Then, she’s all in. So this blog is my attempt to figure it all out - one awkward Grüezi, failed small talk attempt, and questionable fondue opinion at a time.

From Foreign to Familiar(ish): Lessons from Switzerland

Part 1: The Beginning  Trying to Understand Switzerland Eight blogs later… countless awkward Grüezis, and an overly ambitious Älplermagronen attempt, many failed Swiss German phrases, and one trivia night that almost broke me, I find myself at the end of this series, standing somewhere between …

Swiss Compliment Culture: Too Much, Too Soon?

They say compliments are free but in Switzerland? It sometimes feels like they come with a hidden tax. Coming from Latin America, where compliments are practically a form of social currency, this took some serious adjustment. Back home, we compliment everyone – friends, family, and strangers …

Swiss Social Rules: A Guide for the Socially Confused

Switzerland is known for its breathtaking views, efficient trains, and world-class chocolate. But what they don’t advertise is the unspoken social rulebook, one that no expat gets handed at the border. After years of observing Swiss Germans (think: cafés, Uni, public transport), I’ve realized that socializing …