Since moving to Liechtenstein from Adelaide, Sundays have taken on a completely new meaning for me. Back home, they were busy, often filled with errands, shopping, or preparing for the week ahead. But here, Sundays are sacred—a time to slow down, reflect, and connect with nature and friends. The shift in pace has been unexpected, but it’s made me reflect on my own values and culture.
One of the first things that struck me was how everything is closed on Sundays in Liechtenstein. Shops, businesses, everything closes, and life seems to come to a pause. At first, this felt strange. In Adelaide, Sundays were just as lively as any other day, with shops and even markets open all day. If I needed something, I’d head out and get it without a second thought. Here, though, Sundays require some forward thinking, and that creates a completely different experience. Without the option of running errands or shopping, Sundays have become more about being present and finding fulfillment in non-material things.
I’ve realized how much my Sundays in Australia revolved around consumption—buying groceries, going to the shopping centre, or ticking off to-do lists. I never really noticed this before, but being in Liechtenstein, I’ve become more aware of how often I used weekends to “catch up” rather than slow down. Now, instead of spending the day consuming or working through tasks, I use Sundays for something completely different: hiking and spending time outdoors. Liechtenstein, with its incredible Alpine setting, has nudged me into the mountains. I never did much hiking back in Adelaide, but now it’s something I look forward to each week. The quiet trails, crisp mountain air, and stunning views give me the space to reflect and unwind. This shift has made me reconsider what I value most—time in nature, moments of calm, and the joy of simply existing in a beautiful place. It’s taught me to appreciate the act of slowing down.
The change has also revealed something about how I value relationships. Back in Adelaide, Sundays were more individual. I’d spend the day running around or prepping for the week. In Liechtenstein, though, with everything closed, I find myself spending more time with friends. We’ll gather in the dorms, cook together, share a meal, or just sit around chatting. These slower Sundays have shown me how much I value community and the simplicity of being with others without the pressure to always “do” something. It’s been a reminder that connection doesn’t always come from planned activities or busy schedules, but from quiet, unhurried time together.
This realization about community ties into the broader cultural contrast between Liechtenstein and Australia. Sundays in Adelaide often felt like a continuation of the week—another day to squeeze in activities or get ahead on tasks. But here, there’s a cultural expectation that Sunday is for rest and reflection, not for catching up.
The more reflective nature of my Sundays here has also encouraged me to look inward. With fewer distractions, I have more time to think about my week, my goals, and what really matters to me. I didn’t realize how much I needed this quiet time. I’m learning to value introspection and mindfulness more than I did in the past.
Ultimately, this change in how I spend Sundays has deepened my understanding of my own values. Liechtenstein’s quiet, reflective Sundays have shown me that I can live in a way that’s more balanced, intentional, and connected to what truly matters. It’s a lesson I hadn’t expected to learn, but one that I know will stay with me long after I leave.