You have to admit, it’s a good reason not to smoke.
Not sure how I managed to miss this sign in the entryway of the Zeughauskeller on our first three visits there. So is that what this stuff (sitting below the sign) is?
Julie
We’re number four
GENEVA, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) — Oslo and London are the world’s most expensive cities, followed by Copenhagen and Zurich, according to a report released on Wednesday. The Prices and Earnings report, compiled by Switzerland’s largest bank UBS, compares the price of a basket of 122 domestic goods and services in 71 cities on all continents. … Read more
Cheap groceries, safe inline skating, and Icelandic art for the Swiss masses
If you’ve ever spent any time in a Swiss city, you’ve probably not been able to avoid noticing the omnipresence of things labeled ‘Migros’. I first got to know Migros as the slightly more affordable of the two major supermarket chains in Zurich (Coop being the other one), but groceries are just the tip of … Read more
Shall we talk about the weather?
After living through the hottest July EVER in Zurich (since they started keeping records 140 years ago), I have been rewarded with chilly, rainy fall weather since the start of August. Unlike many people here (those who actually like summer), I’m not complaining. It’s so nice to be able to leave the house between 11 … Read more
Alphorns!
Today we checked out the Swiss National Day celebration in downtown Zurich. In addition to food and beverages from various cantons, there was a parade and a cultural program. Somehow we managed to miss the promised yodelling performance, but we did get our fill of Alphorns, accordions, and traditional Swiss singing and dancing. Alongside the … Read more
Alas, no fireworks for Zurich
Despite some last-minute rain, the powers that be decided to ban fireworks for Swiss National Day after all. The ban is in place for almost the entire country and is due to the dangerously dry conditions that exist thanks to a summer of unbearable heat. But never fear, the rest of the celebration will go … Read more
Yet another Swiss holiday celebration tragically close to not happening
For the second time this year, Zurichers are biting their nails wondering whether a holiday celebration will be able to go on as planned. The first time was back in April, when the Böögg’s disappearance threatened to bring Sechseläuten to its knees. This time around it’s not quite as exciting as a political kidnapping, but … Read more
Cinema under the stars
A couple nights ago we went to the Orange Cinema, an open-air movie theater on Lake Zurich that is set up for a month in the summer. A different film is shown every night, and tickets sell out far in advance. (Many thanks to Ali for hitting the ticket office the day they went on … Read more
From Badi to Wurst
(Alternate title: more hot, sweaty summer in Zurich, with guests) The visitor parade is almost over, and none too soon. Don’t get me wrong – I have adored the chance to spend time with each and every one of the dear friends who have come to see us this summer, but I am the worst … Read more
Is there such a thing as Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Because I think I have that. Wait, I just googled it…. apparently it does exist! At least according to the New York Times. Man I wish my freezer was big enough to freeze giant bottles full of ice to cuddle with at night like the lady in the article does. Lucky American.