I finally have it. Today, after complications and headaches, I picked up my long-awaited Niederlassungsbewilligung. The leo.org English-German dictionary translates this compound word as the, "freedom of establishment and services permit". I'm now a permanent resident of Switzerland! Cool!
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On Saturday Bryan and I hiked an incredible 19km from Rieden to Schaenis (google earth). We didn't bring much food and so we were very happy to find the Ober Bogmen mountain hut open and serving hot soup and wieners. Delicious! It was three days ago and I'm still sore. Unfortunately I didn't take any photos.
I found the hike on the 100 Wandervorschläge (100 hiking suggestions) website. I highly recommend this site if ever hiking in eastern Switzerland.
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Five years ago I arrived in Switzerland to start a new chapter in my life. My intention was to explore Europe for a year, learn about Swiss culture, and then move back to Canada to be with my other. Circumstances changed and one year became five. It's been a good time and each year has been progressively better than the last. This year has been especially rewarding after losing weight and getting in shape. I've never felt younger.
Five years brings some rewards. First, I received confirmation of my Niederlassungsbewilligung (permanent resident status or "C-permit") which comes with a few extra rights: I can now search for employment and live freely in any part of Switzerland. Second, my employer recognizes five years of employment with a small gift. I've seen what coworkers have received and I couldn't be more excited.
I'm often asked how long I plan to stay in Switzerland. I sometimes thought that I knew the answer but clearly I don't. For now I'm happy, living well, and see no reason to change. Ask me again in five years.
While reading an online discussion forum I came across Godwin's Law that states,
As an online discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches 1.The wikipedia page on Godwin's law adds,
Although the law does not specifically mention it, there is a tradition in many Usenet newsgroups that once such a comparison is made, the thread is over, and whoever mentioned the Nazis has automatically lost whatever argument was in progress.This law says volumes about the quality of online discussions and I find it particularily applicable to heated topics such as politics. It is difficult to find serious political forums that don't end in verbal bashing or extremes such as Nazi or Hitler comparisons. I once heard a claim that newsgroups are the armpits of the internet. I believe it more and more.
Last night I saw the local production of Sister Act, Das Musical. It's the story of a gum-chewing high-heeled cabaret singer who goes into hiding at a convent to escape from her mob boss. Personalities conflict, hilarity ensues, and they all become best friends.
The performance ranged from amateur to professional. The production borrowed from the Blues Brothers with two mobster characters in the characteristic black suit, tie, and hat and performances of Everybody Needs Somebody, Think, and Shotgun Blues (a Blues Brothers cover not on the soundtrack). The lead role of Sister Mary Clarence was excellent and sometimes, I believe, out performed by two of the supporting nuns (I don't know the names). It was obvious the cast enjoyed performing and this was well reflected and received by the audience. It was a fantastic show and I recommend everybody go see it. Too bad it's sold out.
It's probably good practice to unmount your iPod before rebooting your PC. Yesterday morning I forgot to unmount after installing a Windows XP OS patch. After the reboot the iPod went wonky and would no longer mount on three different PCs and two Macs. It still played music but would no longer synchronize. After numerous resets and running diagnostics I was ready to send it to Apple for repair. I gave it one last try and suddenly it sprung back to life. I'm relieved, of course, but I'm left puzzled as to how it fixed itself.
Update: Jeff forwarded a link on how to fix a hosed iPod with Linux.
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