Denhi in Gruyeres

Published on 03 June 2015

Denhi was born in Mexico. Following her marriage, she moved to Germany where she spent several years. Nowadays, she is living in Gruyeres where she works in the hotel sector. Denhi also enjoys going out and seeing her friends.

Where are you from, Denhi, and what are you doing nowadays?

I was born in Mexico City, but my family moved frequently due to my father's job. I grew up between two different cities: Monterrey, N.L. (near the Texan border), and Cuernavaca, Mor. (near Mexico City). Since I was passionate about reading history and knowing about culture, I wished to be an archeologist. But my father thought it would not be a good profession. Then my mother helped me to join the tourism school. When I completed my bachelor in Hotel and Tourism, I started to work in a five-star hotel in Monterrey as a reservations clerk.

Why did you choose to move to Switzerland?

Actually, I arrived first moved to Bavaria, in Germany. I had met my ex-husband in a language school in Cuernavaca. Following our wedding, we spent the first 3 years in his home town, Pfronten-Allgäu, another 3 years in Heidelberg, and finally 1 1/2 years in Stuttgart. Since my ex- husband could not find a job in Germany, his mother advised us to move to Switzerland.

What were the procedures to follow for a Mexican national to move there?

In general, a Mexican can stay for 3 months in a European country without visa. In my case, due to my marriage, I got a resident permit first for 3 years, then for another 5 years and finally the German nationality. Thus, moving to Switzerland was really easy with two nationalities.

How long have you been in Gruyeres?

I have been in Switzerland for 10 years and in Gruyeres for a year only. In fact, I used to work in season hotels in Gstaad, Lucerne, Grindelwald, Bern, Lausanne, Engelberg, and finally in Gruyeres.

What are the local labor market's features?

Since I work in one of the professional fields with the highest demand, that is hotel business, it is not really difficult to find a job, especially since I've got good references from Germany. I admit that it was really hard to find a job in Germany, firstly because of the language barrier (as I have to be flexible as chambermaid), and also due to the fact that job references in the country are very strict.

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Switzerland?

As the Swiss do not feel very comfortable about renting their apartment to seasonal workers, particularly to foreigners, it was very difficult to find an apartment at the start. We had to ask to request a Swiss friend to recommend us. Then, we finally got an apartment. Afterwards, it was easier with the good references.

How do you find the Swiss lifestyle?

Like in all countries, it has positive and negative sides, depending on our own culture and lifestyle.

Have you been able to adapt yourself to the country and to its society?

My first big shock was in Germany: not understanding the languages made it difficult to understand some things. I could not to be sure of what was good or bad until I saw people's reactions. In Switzerland it was easier to adapt.

What does your every day life look like in Gruyeres?

Since I am the Front Office Manager, the job's responsibility absorbs a lot of my time. The rest it is like in the other countries where I lived: visit friends, cleaning my apartment, going to the movies, taking language courses (I actually speak four languages and I wish to continue learning others), salsa dancing, etc.

What has surprised you the most at your arrival?

To learn that the people here are very conservative.

What is your opinion on the cost of living in Switzerland? Is it easy for an expat to live there?

For me it is easy. Although life in Switzerland is expensive, salaries are good enough. You just have to set your priorities.

How do you spend your leisure time in Gruyeres? What are the activities which are accessible to expatriates?

There are many leisure activities over here, but one has to look for people who share the same hobbies. As I mentioned above, I like going to the movies, dancing salsa, visit friends, etc.

Your favorite dishes?

I love cheese! Anything with cheese is fine for me.

What are the differences between life in Switzerland and in Mexico?

Well, there are many. Switzerland has a democratic government, less criminality, provides better salaries. You can also make good savings while living in Switzerland. In Mexico, people are more open, parties are funnier and my black humor is more tolerated.