The privacy laws in Switzerland seem to be less strict here compared to the UK: The other day we received a letter from the Concierge service that comes with the building (not that we have our own doorman or a baldakin!) saying that it was time for the yearly window-cleaning session.
I knew our rental contract mentioned us having to clean the windows on a somewhat regular basis but thought this could be done once we moved out, or couldn't see out - whichever came first. Also, I wasn't too keen on either Paul or me trying to clean the windows on the outside, seeing we're on the 11th floor and NOT surrounded with a balcony on all sides.
We could perhaps hire that French guy who climbs buildings without any safety equipment. (Though I don’t think scaling our building with his teeth and a bucket of soapy water and a piece of cloth is enough of a challenge for him.)
Luckily, and there is a link to the privacy laws emerging, the letter told us that dates had already been set for when our windows will be cleaned, as they'll do it for us. It's apparently all part of the rent. And this is where one of the big differences between Switzerland and the UK lies: With the letter was a schedule for three floors stating when the cleaners will be in which flats. How big the respective flats are including flat numbers and everyone's first and last names!
I actually like this relaxed attitude to personal information (to a certain degree, I hasten to add), perhaps because it’s the same in Denmark.
After the cleaning of the windows, we might be able to see mountains from our balcony again!
I don’t have any pictures to illustrate this entry, so I’ll suggest you close your eyes and picture your favourite dessert in double size waiting to be devoured by you. (Mine is currently merengue with vanilla ice cream (must include real vanilla from a vanilla pod!) with a separate helping of warm chocolate sauce on the side. As enjoyed twice in Lyon during our recent three day visit there.)
Rumour: Spring’s here!
Lots of love,
Karen x
