This weekend we grabbed our perpetually-packed suitcases and headed to Zurich to visit friends. The weather was what most people call “gorgeous”, and we made the most of it by spending time in and around the lake (and on the roof deck).
Lake Zurich is the part of Zurich I miss most, especially during the summer. The view is unbeatable (Zurich’s charming skyline in one direction, snow-capped Alps in the other), and the water is so clean and clear it begs you to get in and swim around. The lake is surrounded by badis, areas where one can swim, sun, drink crappy beer, etc. for around a CHF 6 entrance fee. But if that’s too steep for you (and you can live without a changing room), you can also just jump into the lake for free in many areas.
And if you’re looking for more free fun in this ridiculously expensive city, this summer you can wander around admiring its latest city art display: painted plant pots. In the same spirit that brought cows to Chicago* and Mr. Potato Heads to Providence, Zurich has decided that this year, giant pots were the way to go. At first I didn’t like them very much, but they grew on me over the course of the weekend. I think the penguin one was my favorite.**
And now, after five back-to-back trips, I think I’ll stay home for awhile. I’ve been missing Munich.
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* Actually Zurich did the cows before Chicago did. Zurich also did teddy bears a few years back.
** Notice how all the penguins are wearing suits, except for one with a mohawk and a t-shirt that says “Lech mich”.
I think you are making me miss Europe more. Although we do have these Eagles here right now that I'm sure they got the idea from Switzerland to begin with or maybe not? And the lakes, we've got lots of them here. I'm sure they are half as clean because of all of the "Water foul" that make it so delightful to swim in…
Having said that, I'll be in the lake lots this summer, but of course still dreaming of being back where you are!
Love the photos!
Sigh…
We had two winters and only one summer in our way too short stay in Zürich. We miss the Lake too…
ET – Hmmm… not sure what city started the whole thing. I think Chicago was the first one I remember hearing about, but it turns out they got the idea from Zurich. But perhaps yet another city did it first. Not sure what to google to find out.
ZMG – Winter was good in Switzerland, too, don't you think? In fact I think I liked it even better.
Those are great photos. I hope to get to Zurich this year. I hear it is expensive though…
Matt – it is indeed expensive, but not too horrible if you're used to other expensive cities such as London or Milan. Drinks are pretty shockingly expensive, though, as are most restaurants.