Goldenes Schwert Zürich

so... es nochet... no die letschte Sache schnäll erledige.. ond scho gli stoht d'Sabine do zom öis abhole! - be dene doch öppe 7 Grad ond dem Räge verosse eschs om so schöner chöne mer ed wärmi! Es sett aso am Mettwoch doch 37 grad warm wärde en darwin.... :O)

so... i ben no a de letschte Vorbereitige ond denn esch es bald sowiet ond mer chöne go. Es esch chum z'glaube aber de Roger esch ab 7ni uf ond no es Gschäft go die letschte Sache erledige... - hoffe er chonnt bald weder hei ond helft mer nochli.... <br>Bes Bald!

I had never thought of travelling to Zurich only to take part in the Street Parade. But back in 2008 some friends wanted me to go there and I did not regret it. It is a real special parade with many friendly people in a very nice city near the Lake Zurich. The central station was also decorated and used for the party, and during night time the big station hall became one of the largest dancing clubs in the world. I can only tell people to go there and enjoy the great ambiance!<br>

... if my dismount had landed an inch to the right I would have a split kneecap, but the second tree allowed me to get a good four meters up. The view was incredible. Simply put.<br>Oh, and I ate way too much Swiss chocolate, both Milka and Lindt brands. I left the bulk of it in Evert's fridge.<br>I have to come back to Switzerland and hike the Alps. That's now on my TDBD (to-do-before-death) list. And hell, if I get a chance maybe I'll live there for awhile.

... with a tram ticket machine (the most confusing public transport ticket system we have encountered), we managed to get a tram to our hotel. The hotel was a bit out of the city centre, right across from the "Hallenstadion" - Zurich's arena for ice hockey and concerts. But the hotel was almost brand new and the room was plenty big enough. We also had a great view of the hills behind us, and were woken by the local church bells every morning ...

Just a day trip to see this old city. Lots of brightly painted buildings with ornate oriel windows. Most of the windows were carved with scenes or fancy designs, sometimes painted, sometimes both. Lots of fountains and statues. Found a chocolate shop and pigged out.

... docked boats. I tell you... the Swiss sure do know how to put together a wine expo. Think elegant (did you catch the part about the boats?), think of the best Swiss local and European wineries, but perhaps more importantly...think UNLIMITED tastings!!!! Yes, that's right...unlimited tasting of 4000 wines! ....Hmmmm can you say, tipsy before 4pm??? Or "when ALL ...

... lake. I walked down Bahnhof strasse where all the high end shopping is (so kept walking, cause even 50% off at Armani is still expensive!) and tried to get myself lost down all the winding little streets and cobbled alleyways. The old town is really quite picturesque. Had to duck into the $2 shop briefly to buy an umbrella as it started raining and continued for most of the day, but I still did a fair bit of walking. Had lunch in a cafe and managed to order entirely in German ...

... two of the playgrounds. It is interesting that although it is very cold today (at about the freezing point), many animals were out and easy to see. This makes the case for going to zoos when it is cold and not during those hot, lazy days of summer when it is almost impossible to see the overheated animals hiding in the trees and grass! Today K came home from the TuLab with a handmade recorder!

... pews, though. Some of them have high wrap-around back rests. (I took a picture of them so that you can see what I am talking about.) Just outside the church were some of the most picturesque buildings I have seen here in Europe. The pictures should be fantastic. I&#8217;m glad I had this time by myself so that I could explore this part of Lucerne. I really got to experience the beauty of the city. (BevNote: While I was ...