The Fifth Switzerland puzzle: 1/800 000
Puzzle
- Puzzle
Vanessa Meister, India
25.11.2025
The “Fifth Switzerland” is a colourful, varied and multilingual puzzle with well over 800,000 pieces. Today’s puzzle piece is …
… Vanessa Meister, 44 years old, living since 2010 in Kerala, India. She is a designer and creative consultant.
Photo: Srinath Rao
What does it take for you to be able to say, ‘This is my home’?
For me, it was when I felt I could have children in India. It took a while until I understood the culture well enough and found a daily rhythm that made it possible to imagine giving birth here. It was worth the wait – and to break a few healthcare clichés: both my birthing experiences were amazing and unforgettable.
Is it possible to have several homelands?
Yes, I believe it is. The connection with the homeland that raised me – Switzerland – and the one that welcomed me – India – is of a different nature but equally powerful. Both are filled with deep respect, immense gratitude, and a loyalty that runs very deep. It’s not about choosing one or the other – it’s about embracing both with trust and strength.
How and when do you show your Swissness in your everyday life?
I am punctual and reliable – in life and in work. I think I inherited that steadiness and quiet power from the mountains and rivers of Switzerland.
Which dish makes you think of home?
At Christmas, my relatives usually send me a parcel that makes me cry profusely every time: Nussstängeli biscuits, Paprika chips, Thomy mustard, Gruyère cheese, Tourist chocolate, and Cenovis (food paste). I savour these and share them – very sparingly – only with my closest friends.
Do you ever feel like a foreigner when you visit Switzerland?
Yes, I do. Not exactly a foreigner, because I blend in easily and know how to adapt and play the role, but I do feel a little disconnected at times – and probably behave terribly according to Swiss rules of politeness.
What do you miss the most about or from Switzerland?
I miss the change of seasons – that moment when summer turns to autumn, the chill in the air, the golden light. I miss long walks and cycle rides with my dad and coming home afterwards to a warm cup of tea and chat with my mum.
Do you have any specific expectations of Switzerland?
I expect Switzerland to stay sharp, remain at the top of its game, set a high bar, and push for a fairer world. I have a sense that Swiss people can achieve a lot and should carry that responsibility with care. I also hope that a certain rigidity can soften into gentleness – without losing structure.
Are people in your country of residence aware of Switzerland at all, and if so, in what way?
I get asked all the time why I would want to live in Kerala when I could live in Switzerland. It’s a complex question that touches on what one truly seeks in life – stability, comfort, adventure, purpose? I don’t have all the answers, but I know that my life calls me to India at this moment in time. The future feels open and free – and that, to me, is a privilege I value greatly.
www.vanessameister.com
Instagram: vanessameisterdesign
About
Vanessa is a designer from Switzerland, based in Kochi since 2010. Graphic design, illustration and creative consultancy, her work plays at the intersection of colour, line, shape and pattern - expressed across both analog and digital mediums.
She thrives on exploring how design transforms as it shifts between format, scale, and context. Her creative process is intuitive and ever-evolving, rooted in personal exploration and a deep love for visual story telling.
With a panoramic skill set and sharp playful eye, Vanessa offers a unique vision to every project trying to bring about positive change in the world through impactful design solutions.
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