- Puzzle
Daniel Kistler, Cyprus
The “Fifth Switzerland” is a colourful, varied and multilingual puzzle with well over 800,000 pieces.
Today’s puzzle piece is …
… Daniel Kistler, 34, diving instructor and diving school owner in Protaras, Cyprus, where he has lived since 2018.
Is it possible to have several homelands?
It certainly is. I feel very much at home in Cyprus, because my life is based here right now. At the same time, I grew up in Switzerland and my family is still there. I also feel at home in Switzerland. As some of my family also live in Thailand, I feel at home there too.
What references to Switzerland do you have in your house?
You will usually find chocolate and cervelat in the fridge.
What relationship do you have with Switzerland?
Since I left Switzerland, I have grown to value the country much more. It’s a wonderful place with breathtaking scenery. But it is a holiday destination for me, somewhere I go from time to time and really enjoy visiting.
What was your impression of Switzerland the last time you visited?
I went back there for two years to do a tourism course. I left with a very positive impression of Switzerland. However, I also saw again that the lifestyle there is not for me. I miss the ocean-island flow. Many people complain about all sorts of things and there is a lot of stress.
What do you miss the most about or from Switzerland?
The nature with the mountains and the wonderful lakes and rivers. Cyprus is a very dry place. And my friends and family of course.
Do you maintain personal contact with other Swiss Abroad?
Yes, it’s a given for me. We are a Swiss diving school and many people come to us from Switzerland. You also bump into Swiss Abroad here. Some of my best friends here are also from Switzerland.
What language do you dream in?
It’s always been Swiss German. Even though I speak a lot of English here in Cyprus. We do still have German-speaking customers daily, though, so German is still present for me.
What is your greatest wish at the moment?
I wish the Mediterranean were better protected and respected more as part of nature and not just a sea for leisure activities.
For me, being Swiss means …
… being privileged. We are well respected all over the world. We are often multilingual, well-educated and even as Swiss Abroad have a home to which we can always return.