Swiss Banking

We are trying to open a bank account. Not the secret Swiss numbered kind, but just a regular bank account on which we can draw. This is important for several reasons besides being able to withdraw funds to pay for groceries and restaurants. Without a bank account you can't get a cell phone contract or a transit card for busses and trains. 

We were advised to go to the main Post Office in Lausanne. This was an interesting experience. The PO not only does the ususal thing with mail but also sells scarves, candy bars, cell phones, ipads, office supplies, gummy stickers for windows, etc. The USA should take a lesson in diversifying to stay solvent.

There were two clerks in the section near the electronics and no customers so we started there.  As soon as we opened our mouths the first woman ran to the other woman as she had more English. They continued to consult each other throughout our transaction. After a while we made them understand that we wanted to open a bank account and not buy a cell phone. There was a lot of paper work which we signed and other papers which were mailed to us where we had to declare we would not avoid US taxes by banking in Switzerland.  

Steve went to the bank today to get a credit card for this account.  After a protracted conversation with the teller she finally asked where he worked. When he told her he didn't have a job and was retired she said he can't get a credit card.  He could get a debit card but he had to wait for that to come in the mail.  When he asked combien du jour (how many days would that take) she was clueless.  So we wait.

Last night we had our first petit soiree. We invited our two neighbors for un verre de vin. Christelle, from the third floor, who is a psychologist in private practice, and Anabelle from the second floor, who is a lawyer (most recently taking our case of appeal) and her 4 year old daughter, Gabrielle attended. Steve made guacamole which they loved and we had three kinds of nuts and chevre with baguette. 

It was a lovely hour and we learned more about our neighborhood like where the good Italian and Chinese restaurants are that do not break the bank. We learned about our landlord who is very old and if you complain to him that the hallway light is out he blames your children for causing the problem. He never comes to fix anything. Earlier in the day Steve changed the light bulb on Anablelle's landing. She was thrilled.

In keeping with the small world concept, it turns out that Gabrielle is at the same school as Tern and the kids know each other. Anabelle has organized a visit to the zoo this Saturday for us three adults and three kids. That should help us get through this weekend. Sunday Jed will stay home from work and is taking us to the hot springs. So though I know we will be exhausted being in charge of the two kids from Friday afternoon through Monday morning, it is nice to know we will have other more experienced adults around.

Now I am going to cook a couple of dinners so we will have in our tiny fridge what we need to feed everyone for the weekend.
Bonjour et adieu,
Anita