Inaugural post

This post is part of an archived series of blogs called The LeVine Line, written by former Ambassador Suzan G. LeVine during her time at U.S. Embassy Bern.

10 June 2014

Welcome!

I’m incredibly humbled and honored by this opportunity to build bridges between our nations! In light of that, for my inaugural post, I want to answer the most common question I’ve received since I landed in Zurich on June 2nd: How do I like it here?

It’s fantastic! BUT – that’s really not enough of an answer.  Digging in to that, here’s what really matters.

  • The people: From the Embassy Staff to the team at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the business leaders at the Swiss Economic Forum to the farmers at the stands in the Bern market, even my highest expectations have been exceeded. Everyone I’ve met has been welcoming, engaging, active, and focused on progress!
  • The place: To say it’s beautiful is an understatement. The mountains weren’t out for the first few days (I’m accustomed to that because the same thing happens in Seattle) but they finally came out in full force for our powerful view of the Eiger, Moench, and Jungfrau, and more. It’s a luscious green here and everything is in bloom! Even the River Aare was putting on its best face for us! Simply stunning!