In this personal report, I describe the first week of my emigration to Tunisia – between farewell, overwhelm, organization, and settling in. The text is not a guide but an emotional snapshot of transitions, loss of control, and the simultaneous feelings of fear and relief.
The first week of my emigration feels at the same time like one long breath held – and the moment when you finally get to breathe again.
Emigrating to Tunisia – Farewell to Switzerland
The last walks in Switzerland
Luna and I spend the first days still in Switzerland. We take many walks. Not because we have to, but because we want to consciously take in every step: the lush green, the familiar smells, the buzzing and chirping of the crickets, that soft light that only feels like this during a Swiss summer week.
We sit in the grass. Luna dozes. I save everything like memory backups before completely resetting a system.
Last appointments, final pinpricks
On Tuesday, I pick up the final vaccination and a bag full of medication from the family doctor, enough to cover an entire village. On Wednesday, I sit with my therapist for the last time. I try to explain what it feels like: weeks of planning, functioning, organizing – and now there is a kind of shock paralysis.
Not negative. Just… unreal.
Zia and Luna board a plane to another continent – without return tickets.
I am happy. I am scared. I think it’s completely crazy. All at once.
The moment of departure – between fear and functioning
Departure day: functioning instead of feeling
On Thursday, my mother drives us from Grenchen to Geneva. She cries. Nadia cries. Even Luna cries when we have to check her in as luggage. I stay dry – functioning takes priority. But every step hurts.
The Nouvelair flight is delayed by two hours. Sitting. Waiting. Hoping Luna doesn’t completely freak out in the cargo hold. It’s torture.
Arriving in Tunisia – orientation in a state of emergency
Landing in Tunis
Late evening in Tunis. I am exhausted and at the same time wide awake.
A friend of Wajdi picks me up and smoothly bypasses all the lines. Tunisia is really the land of connections – and I am grateful for that.
Outside, the driver from shuttledirect.com is waiting for me. He’s just as happy as I am that we are finally heading to Kantaoui. The ride is quiet. I can’t talk right now, I need all my energy not to fall apart.
First arrival in Kantaoui
Sameh, Chaker, and Riadh are waiting for me in my new apartment. Luna and I are completely wiped out – physically and emotionally. Shortly before three in the morning, the family finally says goodbye.
I step onto the balcony. Kantaoui lies silent before me.
I hold Luna in my arms and breathe.
Hello Tunisia. We are here.
The first weekend: orientation & survival
The next days consist of numerous small missions:
Where do I withdraw money? Where do I buy bread? How the hell does this washing machine work?
On Friday evening, Riadh shows up unexpectedly – with homecooked food. Then just stays for hours. His interest is… let’s say: not subtle.
But: He is there. He helps. And in this first strangely floating time, I am glad about that.
- The text describes the first week after my emigration to Tunisia.
- The focus is on emotional transitions, farewells, and being overwhelmed.
- Topics include departure, arrival, initial orientation, and dependencies.
- The article is intentionally subjective and not generalizing.
- It is intended as a personal snapshot, not as a guide.