Learn about Sophie
The accidental expatriate blogger behind Plush Valley Trail
Photo: Plush Valley Trail
Hi there, I am Sophie
I work as a project manager. A parent. An expat residing in Zurich, Switzerland.
A few years back I moved here with my family, and what began as a short-term assignment gradually evolved into a new chapter abroad.
How It Began
Moving to Switzerland wasn’t part of the long-term plan. Like many expat relocations, it started as a job opportunity and soon grew into something much bigger.
The initial months were demanding — unfamiliar systems, new routines, high expectations. Daily tasks seemed more complicated than they needed to be.
The Transition Phase
There was culture shock, doubt, and a lot of learning by doing. Gradually, routines took shape. We found places that fit us, met other families, and began building something that felt secure.
What Prompted Me to Build Plush Valley Trail
Most information online was either corporate-level relocation advice or shallow tourism material. What was missing was an honest, day-to-day family perspective.
This site aims to bridge that gap — practical guidance drawn from real life in Switzerland.
What This Site Is (And Isn't)
This site is:
- Hands-on experience from living in Switzerland
- Centered on family life and daily realities
- Updated whenever something truly changes
This site is not:
- An official tourism authority resource
- Not a sponsored review platform
- Not a generic travel blog
Looking Forward
Our time in Switzerland continues, and so does the learning process. As long as the information remains useful, I’ll keep documenting what we discover.
If you have questions about family life in Zurich or anywhere in Switzerland, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Best regards,
Sophie
Zurich, Switzerland