Still working on the order of the Top 10 things I love about Zurich:
1. Public Transportation: Brilliant, Efficient, Convenient. You can get anywhere in Zurich by bus, tram, or train…all schedules are precise and on-time…trains are clean and simple to navigate. All the transport is above ground rather the dark underground caves we call subways…Pia described the above trains as more, “romantic” and I would have to agree. You quickly jump onto a tram, sightsee in any direction, and find the sun on your face.
2. Sophistication: From the clothing to the restaurants, to the bathrooms…Zurich is VERY clean and not much of a square inch has not been noticed and tended to…. Style and design, architectural details and preservation surround each street creating charm and refinement.
3. Chocolate and Cheese: Um, need I say more? I have eaten both enough to completely satisfy both for the next year….however, I’m looking to satisfy for the next 10 yrs.
4. Recycle: It is a mind set – you just do it. It is important and a priority. The government entices and greatly supports all efforts to further reuse products. So simple…why so inconvenient for the typical American family?
5. Outdoor living: Hiking, biking, skiing, walking strolling, running, swimming, etc…. Switzerland provides landscapes to play and exercise, in all seasons….
6. Architecture: My pictures will tell the story. The unique lanterns (of course) and ornate wooden doors seem to continuiously catch my attention.
7. Haribo: I am turning into a gummi bear myself...but determined to try each and every kind before I leave (down 4 types now), regardless of the repercussions.
8. SNOW: I have missed a white winter and the snow here seems to cling to the earth and refuse to melt away. I caught a snow flake on my tongue on Sunday and felt like I was 8 again - and I plan to go sledding and hopefully skiing this weekend (the haribo consumption has provided more cushion for the inevitable fall). Bravo Ginger!
9. Expats: My friends here. The swiss are not as inclined to bring new friends into their circle; it is not a clickish thing, simply a, I have my circle of friends and I am happy with just them. So, most of my new friends are those who have moved here to Zurich from elsewhere typically for an IT/banking job of some sort. And, they love to show off their city - and I enthusiastically let them with pleasure.
10. TBD
NOT SO MUCH: smoking (typical European city - can't get away from it), dangerously expensive, weather (not so much the cold, but I miss the mostly sunny days)
