In my third blog post, I want to share the various experiences and observations that were initially quite new and surprising to me, but over time, I came to understand and appreciate them. These experiences might seem trivial to someone, but they have been significant learning points in my journey and might help you to understand my point of view.
Adjusting to Dormitory Life During my first week living in the dormitories, I realized one habit and practice that people are not locking the main doors in the ground floor. This concerned me, as I feared that nonauthorized individuals might easily enter the premises. However, as time passed, I realized that Liechtenstein is an exceptionally safe place. The low crime rate and the overall sense of security allowed me to relax and adjust my perceptions of safety. This newfound sense of security extended to other areas of my life as well. For instance, I began to feel comfortable leaving my bag and clothes unlocked in the local gym's changing room. That’s one thing I wouldn´t have done before.
Understanding Schedules and Punctuality Another surprising aspect I encountered was the flexible approach to schedules. Unlike the rigid adherence to timetables I was used to from Prague, I found that most schedules in Liechtenstein serve more as guidelines rather than strict plans. This realization dawned on me when I noticed that despite leaving the dormitory later than ideal, I often arrived at class among the first ones. This flexibility in timekeeping required me to adjust my own habits and expectations, teaching me to be more adaptable and less stressed about punctuality.
Navigating Communication Norms One cultural difference that took me some time to adjust to be the laid-back approach to communication, particularly in professional settings. For example, it often took longer to receive responses to emails than I was accustomed to. This was also evident when dealing with institutions like UBS bank, where seeking assistance required patience. Over time, I learned to accept this slower pace of communication, understanding that the important tasks and information would come to me in a right time. This experience helped me develop a more patient mindset and reassured me that essential matters would be taken care of in due time.
Building Gym Habits and Overcoming Language Barriers Over the course of nearly four months, I developed a routine at the gym and became familiar with the habits of other regular gym members. Despite my limited knowledge of German, I managed to understand instructions about gym etiquette, such as closing the gym, using a towel, and wiping down machines after use. This immersion in the local culture and daily interactions helped me improve my language understanding skills and better integrate into the community.
Adapting to Kitchen Chaos Living in the dormitories also required me to adjust to the unique aspects of communal living. For example, I noticed that after a football Bundesliga match, the kitchen would be left in a state of disarray the next morning. The same as a very loud sounds when one of the teams scores a goal. Initially, this was frustrating, but I soon realized that it was a recurring pattern. Instead of getting upset, I adjusted my cleaning habits, knowing that some of my German floor mates would take a couple of days to clean up. This change in my approach helped me manage my expectations and reduce unnecessary stress.
Reevaluating Social Interactions Lastly, I observed that some people in the dormitories preferred to keep to themselves and were not interested in socializing during gatherings. Initially, I made efforts to engage with everyone, but over time I learned to be more selective about my social interactions. I started focusing more on my own interests and well-being, understanding that not everyone is open to social engagement. This shift in my approach allowed me to build more meaningful connections with those who were genuinely interested in communication.
Conclusion My time in Liechtenstein has been a period of significant personal growth and adaptation. From understanding the importance of safety and flexibility to navigating communication differences and social interactions, each experience has contributed to my broader perspective and adaptability.
Of course, this blog does not include all the memories and observations from my time staying in Liechtenstein. The true extent of my changes will likely be more evident to my family and friends when I return to Prague and these people will start pointing out some changes of my attitude and habits.
I chose a photo from a football match of FC VADUZ, where all the other fans and players acted the same way, they do back at home.