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We got through the front door and got all checked in with insurance and I signed a bunch of forms and then we made our way to the waiting room. I took off my coat and hat and scarf and then Theo's coat and hat and looked around for somewhere to hang them up, but I didn't see anything to hang our coats. So I walked back toward the front desk and peeked around the corner into an adjoining room, and still nothing. No coat rack, no hooks, no hangers.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIn Switzerland, everywhere you go there is always a Garderobe, or cloakroom, as pictured above so you don't have to schlep your coat and deal with the bulk of it during your visit. Restaurants, doctor's offices, anywhere you're going to stay for a while and need to be unencumbered, there will be a Garderobe. It's such a nice touch and so practical and makes everything more comfortable. The practice is so common that when I called to set up our insurance, the woman gave the example of having \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/shopstyle.it\/l\/vDbi\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eyour coat\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;(!!!) taken from a Garderobe as the example for itemizing something. ;) And it was actually really hard to find a photo of a Garderobe to use for this post because it's a given, not a special feature.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSo at the pediatrician last week, I was sure I was just missing it and I asked the receptionist where we should hang our coats. She looked at me like I was from Mars and then laughed and shook her head and said there was no coat check. So I just ended up piling everything onto a chair next to me. Once we were in the exam room, I thought surely there would be hooks on the back of the door, but still nothing! So, in the end, our huge puffy coats just got shuffled from chair to chair and kept falling on the ground until it was time to go. How ridiculous!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSpokane has long, cold, snowy winters every year without fail, so I'm surprised this hasn't caught on yet! Do you have (or need) cloakrooms where you live? Would you use one?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n(Photo via \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.zahnarztpraxis-dr-freichel.de\/seiten\/praxis.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EZahnarztpraxis Dr. Freichel\u003C\/a\u003E. Psst...Garderobe are also very much a thing in Germany;)"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/feeds\/4821141581927602752\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2018\/01\/garderobe-wherever-you-go.html#comment-form","title":"25 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/4821141581927602752"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/4821141581927602752"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2018\/01\/garderobe-wherever-you-go.html","title":"Garderobe wherever you go."}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Lindsey"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/04836394671525240199"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhfDughE1VoCg9nmg5XpS_94lnhxkmiXJokrIOtc3t9VSvHm0QNoBDAgqVf9Pd5Ynf-kJSDmmZz4qb9TfqlWotSA4Ej-1S6JKX-PPmLzJptAe85MFj7qqg6x8wkJ9l_1Vk4llKoHBB-eQ\/s72-c\/02_garderobe.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"25"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556494314801577420.post-3845358346150627018"},"published":{"$t":"2016-08-24T21:30:00.002-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2019-11-04T11:13:04.269-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"babies"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"culture"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"expat"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"motherhood"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"repat"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"repat problems"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"switzerland"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Babies Lie Flat"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgknuiNTIUC_cESuiS5qXqLVPmEnizGnJOhIApH42Q3RlHdtvrnAPqyjGNEKLT0UYEC5guoiPg3LAufsWZ6xl_j_amIz4JTKFfrrwOce-RpHnzKXUjgfTnEcGi2JcuU0Qz0mudAM_56Kg\/s1600\/IMG_2067.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nEver since we took the Bugaboo to Silverwood, I've been thinking about how crazy it is that we hardly ever use it living here! In Zurich, I couldn't have survived a week without it. It was a member of our family! But here months will go by and we won't use it once. In fact, it has been floating about our house, taking up ridiculous amounts of precious space in our living room or kitchen for the past week. It may be time to break it down and take it back to the storage unit. Sniff. Which brings me to the topic of today's post.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIn Switzerland, babies lie flat.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca name='more'\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgTAjC26O0TsMd2cs-pkDrkja-GQxu4LhlTq1NJrqZiTQgmiUrYXflRoqYnUtxECL0KgBcEFx9ausddcBYKzPO2tf24T7X8GS5t5YTWP22j4DC31aaAanHCEn4pJ-llNr4oBhBlotAvAg\/s1600\/IMG_2261.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nIn Switzerland, midwives, doctors and old women on the street will all tell you that babies must lie flat. For the first six months, it is crucial! It is good for their backs and spines and it allows their organs to move into their proper places after being all curled up in the womb. In order to make sure your baby is lying flat, every parent has what, to my American eyes, looked like an old-fashioned pram. Except prams aren't something people used to use a long time ago. Most people are still using them in most places today! Just not here in the USA. ;)\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjDzBGILkEFC60ESBzLGC3ML3_MJmhOgT8woljoT40XyLBCyOwZXgW8LDvfv7ox7Uslszavfz5YSCLAUp2k2jaFKfo5jVQ20OioUJpWVcDzB5u-fPEH6CcVHNeSSaLRB8CIUPBIAxP9ZQ\/s1600\/IMG_0204.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nLike any nesting and hormonal first-time mother, I researched all of the options and immediately fell in love with \u003Ci\u003Ethe one:\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;The \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/diapers.7eer.net\/c\/88225\/83376\/2052?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.diapers.com%2Fp%2Fbugaboo-cameleon3-complete-stroller-off-white-1196507%3Fsku%3DXB-971B%26qid%3D311162689%26sr%3D1-26\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EBugaboo Cameleon\u003C\/a\u003E. Its clean lines were so attractive. It was a stroller that could safely carry around the baby without looking like utilitarian, cluttered or unrefined. It was also very expensive. But, I made one of those vision boards and put it on there, and then, I kid you not, a mom in my class gave me one! She said she didn't need it anymore and asked if I would like to have it. Um, yes. I had to buy the bassinet attachment, which had gone missing somehow. I also ordered new handlebar covers as the old ones had ripped. And, being a nesting and hormonal first-time mother, I went ahead and got a new \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/diapers.7eer.net\/c\/88225\/83376\/2052?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.diapers.com%2Fp%2Fbugaboo-cameleon3-tailored-fabric-set-red-520508%3Fsku%3DXB-579%26qid%3D3352128560%26sr%3D1-3\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Efabric set\u003C\/a\u003E, but otherwise, it was all there!\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjHZwElpMm1TaLUsI_Vs8fHLVnGtCZIx8OJudMNJlrIt7qVwjOMSPez6vDj9gbAnLunkVn2WD86OTV70B7LEoRU-R-vJXqNXs6Lyc0YU3H0F6fD05IuWQWX2SMlP-WDEmiE-nAlJ9yDLg\/s1600\/IMG_2064.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nCoco loved the Bugaboo so much. When we were getting ready to leave the house, I would get her all dressed and ready and then put her in there so I could get ready. She was instantly content and quiet inside. More often than not, she would fall asleep. One night in early winter, when Coco was just a few months old, we walked from our house down to Bellevue and she fell asleep about halfway there. Then we let her sleep while we ordered sausages at \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.sternengrill.ch\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ESternen\u003C\/a\u003E and chatted over beers for an hour. So easy!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhM7I7HrAesu3yS0Abl18bSrVrtbfgkSABaeKOfJgta9jD-U4ZqzTelRIxR0SHsYaHpXo-fpAi0I_UnwjKb4Uyu4QnYhivrv31aw0Vflj4lXcKTgxAmPLds5oiML83hzRlSCFaNz_yazQ\/s1600\/IMG_0212.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nDay to day, Coco's back was aligning just as it should, and I was free to do errands and go about my business without interruption while she slept happily or looked around. These days, since Theo was born and we use the car for absolutely everything, my plans are constantly being derailed by his falling asleep. Worst of all, he won't transfer. It's so bad that the other day, I finally just took his entire car seat out of the car (with him sleeping in it!) and hauled it inside and let him nap in it in his bedroom! So not good for his back - even at two years old!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjDzBGILkEFC60ESBzLGC3ML3_MJmhOgT8woljoT40XyLBCyOwZXgW8LDvfv7ox7Uslszavfz5YSCLAUp2k2jaFKfo5jVQ20OioUJpWVcDzB5u-fPEH6CcVHNeSSaLRB8CIUPBIAxP9ZQ\/s1600\/IMG_0204.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI'm curious if this is something that is encouraged and talked about for babies born in more urban areas in the US. When we took Theo home from the hospital, they wouldn't let us leave until they saw him properly strapped in his car seat! But no one ever said a word about not letting him be in the car seat for extended periods of time. Honestly, I think it's just a given that babies whose lives are car-based will spend extended periods of time in their car seat. With Coco, they discouraged us from having her in the car seat for more than an hour per day or something, which was fine because we didn't even have a car seat until she was three or four months old!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nDid your baby lie flat? Does (or did) your doctor ever mention it? What about books - have any expectant mothers come across anything about lying flat?"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/feeds\/3845358346150627018\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2016\/08\/babies-lie-flat.html#comment-form","title":"27 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/3845358346150627018"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/3845358346150627018"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2016\/08\/babies-lie-flat.html","title":"Babies Lie Flat"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Lindsey"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/04836394671525240199"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgknuiNTIUC_cESuiS5qXqLVPmEnizGnJOhIApH42Q3RlHdtvrnAPqyjGNEKLT0UYEC5guoiPg3LAufsWZ6xl_j_amIz4JTKFfrrwOce-RpHnzKXUjgfTnEcGi2JcuU0Qz0mudAM_56Kg\/s72-c\/IMG_2067.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"27"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556494314801577420.post-820268924066278930"},"published":{"$t":"2016-08-01T10:02:00.002-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-06-06T10:16:39.992-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"culture"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"switzerland"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Happy 725th Birthday, Switzerland!"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiTEC0HN94Sk4FPpDCJSak_8hF3VvpS1DpqvhAB_mefTilqTvWqrh85SIlz8mCvVpHYf8-xui6dQo2WMMEPPZh9rfsPcipjKSB_HqtZgdOGmgVbttAmuAvoZg4ATGTth5Rmpi4eMRY1hg\/s1600\/FullSizeRender.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nToday is the \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Swiss_National_Day\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ESwiss National Day\u003C\/a\u003E. Man, do we ever miss it. In honor of Switzerland's 725th birthday, I thought I would share a few items from our Swiss Bucket List with you. We always planned on doing these things someday, but somehow never managed to get to it all while we were there. Sigh.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nFirst up is the Seealpsee. When I saw the photo above\u0026nbsp;on \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/visitswitzerland\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EInstagram\u003C\/a\u003E the other day, I immediately sent a screen shot to Joel with the caption, \"We need to go here.\" And he immediately wrote back and said \"It's famous. That's the lake on the label of the bier I used to drink.\" HA! That made me laugh out loud. In my mind, I instantly saw \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.appenzellerbier.ch\/en\/beer\/quoellfrisch-hell.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ethe beer label\u003C\/a\u003E!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEj0KYhTZj6ZRBiB4xbKUWocPpwLUxc1pV2SmTtaGHxWhVerp7I8_IaiKGDe4zRE3vSbZx7cvCdZPYuCH3m4bT2vc1zE_fyfHVB7nLXy8LLgSvRZQgp-Bjr7uGRnAolwdveamoBEERQRSQ\/s1600\/Aescher-Hotel.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOn \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.myswitzerland.com\/en-us\/interests\/hiking1\/hiking-and-aescher-cliff-restaurant.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ethe same hike\u003C\/a\u003E, you pass by the Seealpsee \u003Ci\u003Eand\u003C\/i\u003E the Äscher Hotel, which is built right into the side of a cliff overlooking a gorgeous valley. Isn't it breathtaking? That hike and those views are definitely number one on the bucket list for me.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgMCT6pU2jQa4PqQWOy19LMzmqVMiWdV8DMqaLHUQjy9p2msaLHsITTAfS6OQ0LOeTsXJQ8NNMnxyLpDvlbeZjNmyVnf80B55qps8aO0hjMCDvnrZJm6ZCRWVNUXfAHRLGTDIhKWX0eVw\/s1600\/lavaux+wine+terraces.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nNext is the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.myswitzerland.com\/en-us\/lavaux-vineyard-terraces-the-swiss-wine-route.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ELavaux Vineyard Terraces\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;hike. This walk goes up and down along the wine terraces that grace the northern shores of Lake Geneva. With views of the lake and Alps, it is quintessential Switzerland.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjt9n4n6v7XCbNvFRi6wsbkThXIsdtlddL1ZBP8P0ke-3LkuItiowSWDwb5GvvrE8idrICcLN4wu-Aj6SrwC4CyNcPk9zom-uNDDWWMO79yQKH7TmtF9Na28iEIQdTKt7wJZPcqpxRyWQ\/s1600\/berninasummer.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiT3bg6BMquMb48d5wBMh0eY6HQrK1vvtJiZUAYSON8IJ_0qzxiB5-cY1wnKd5ROXxiKilvqLWdenFwPTet4TSEI6lIiOkC3Hgm02zNEd2HWkXjUc8CcqPxmayPs7NOL5tI0zL2TN96MA\/s1600\/berninawinter.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.sbb.ch\/en\/leisure-holidays\/day-trips\/ideas-for-your-freetime.angebotdetail.ferien_kurz_trips_schweiz-panoramazuege-bernina_express_klassik.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EBernina Express Railway\u003C\/a\u003E is equally beautiful in summer or in winter. The train cars have special panoramic windows that allow incredible views. It's absolutely magical to relax and take in the views as you glide along the slick Swiss rails.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjImuapYfHmG9ZLWihbh5XS57fCbkw9cdQgMgrkMyBkNplNDoK9QDGFp_cGhyphenhyphennrAgYn-Ug42vFw12yepr361ows5dlgjexC7CGJA4kT8T0uQ6H6LbqmMs8BvGiAysexerCCt6grLK0C_A\/s1600\/aareschlucht.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThen there is the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.myswitzerland.com\/en\/video\/index.cfm?id=5196\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EAareschlucht\u003C\/a\u003E, or Aare Gorge, hike with its pristine milky glacial waters. The trail is built into the rock on platforms that hang over the water in some sections. It looks ridiculously wonderful.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEieru41is8UUDnT3NGQ9xAKKM3p9cxHpMb5BSSPkGh8CnHUwvSLtul2MtKDjreVqWspOdekeIbN2ECwfrW0XUcmigUsxtn6Qzvtp87Tpcr_03TC67qM3-93UJdSbFcUVj-KcmJTGvUskw\/s1600\/pizol+five+lakes.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.myswitzerland.com\/en-us\/pizol-a-peak-and-five-lakes.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EThe Five Lakes\u003C\/a\u003E hike is one that we actually attempted, but had to abandon due to lack of visibility. We got up there and couldn't see more than 15 feet in front of our toes. It was a no go. So sad, because on a clear day, it's really magical!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhMt03SpyRsUDpD_GzG5Rpkj3dkgqccxe3GK5VFABEDheivHkvOXY_OyQbl7a6RYRuXJlqg4jF_QEoQ74rlNCOuHq9imSFCbbirppierHiBnVOuwk4ogRng8JKqHlrNY0nYfEWhpTVmeg\/s1600\/verzascatal.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nFinally, we always wanted to visit the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.myswitzerland.com\/en-us\/artful-hiking-in-the-valle-verzasca.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EVerzascatal\u003C\/a\u003E, or Valle Verzasca, in Ticino, the Italian speaking region of Switzerland. The water is ultra clear, green and sparkling and there is an impressive tall dam upriver. Scuba divers love to take amazing underwater photos here. It's absolutely gorgeous.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIf you're ever visiting Switzerland, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.myswitzerland.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EMy Switzerland\u003C\/a\u003E, curated and run by Switzerland Tourism,\u0026nbsp;is the absolute best resource in existence for discovering and planning every and any type of excursion, from food to hiking and skiing, to boats and trains. \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.myswitzerland.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EMy Switzerland\u003C\/a\u003E was on our bookmarks bar the entire time we lived there - and still is! ;) Happy Birthday, dear Switzerland! xo\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/feeds\/820268924066278930\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2016\/08\/happy-725th-birthday-switzerland.html#comment-form","title":"48 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/820268924066278930"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/820268924066278930"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2016\/08\/happy-725th-birthday-switzerland.html","title":"Happy 725th Birthday, Switzerland!"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Lindsey"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/04836394671525240199"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiTEC0HN94Sk4FPpDCJSak_8hF3VvpS1DpqvhAB_mefTilqTvWqrh85SIlz8mCvVpHYf8-xui6dQo2WMMEPPZh9rfsPcipjKSB_HqtZgdOGmgVbttAmuAvoZg4ATGTth5Rmpi4eMRY1hg\/s72-c\/FullSizeRender.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"48"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556494314801577420.post-7137633551611447196"},"published":{"$t":"2016-06-16T17:34:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-06-06T10:16:03.675-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"#myswitzerland #visitzuerich"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"adventures - travel - see"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"day trips from zurich"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"switzerland"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"travel"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Zurich Summer Guide"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhg3JhktTUvh79UZtJI1DFrduGYgzthFKOeRplkDWSxkJn4wBrwgTkhp25bsaVnqwTbm1LysfN47AgloqAhOCkwRPpr6PT5S7ztXVRBc5LBdoaYaPZR1LcwfHx_IsmWmInUkZdFT4dKFQ\/s1600\/Adobe+Spark-2.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nLast week, a reader wrote to me to say that Swiss Lark had inspired her and her husband to visit Zurich this summer! Naturally, I was thrilled. She was looking for tips, so I offered to put together this post for her. Gathering all these photos and ideas made me remember all the many reasons I love Zurich in the summer! When the weather cooperates, it's pretty tough to beat. All my favorites and must-sees, straight ahead!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca name='more'\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhrirTrst-gGY_HCsUA4EkYxK9qerG9Mop62kJyB3RpFirPEH-HArTwhxzi-rzGb8GBAUtQa9rVeEooX94LobDb9tQVIgy5uNtHnDPxcn7CrfuejNbponWvIRrtwrJ5C01Vf0EAjC6dtA\/s1600\/salt+cinema.jpg\" style=\"text-align: center;\" \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjJlHCYuuThRAbhLVHW6J2rG1XOFwE8t0nVZG9lNMnaPtkbPHmN3LlV-W9lkFEBy3ljilYGTLGUqsS0GKNOiQunFc7ztClU1HO2eyeI8zXX5akn4aRFcmILZx1zApQmyGVVkk8Hekjp5g\/s1600\/salt+cinema+2.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003ENighttime\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe first thing that came to mind was \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/allianzcinema.ch\/zuerich\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EAllianz Cinema\u003C\/a\u003E (formerly Orange Cinema).\u0026nbsp;To call this an outdoor movie is a massive understatement. A temporary complex of bars, restaurants and stadium seating are erected right on the lakeside. It's dreamy and luxurious, yet intimate and cozy! Go early to reserve good seats and eat dinner on one of the upper decks. Then enjoy an Aperol Spritz as the sun sets ahead of the show. The Zurich dates for 2016 are July 14 - August 14 and you can \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/allianzcinema.ch\/zuerich\/tickets\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ebuy tickets here starting July 1st\u003C\/a\u003E. Choose an American or other English film that says VO with d\/f for subtitles. It will be in English with German and French subtitles. Do not delay in getting tickets on, or shortly after, July 1st! The Swiss think ahead and tickets will sell out quickly. You can read all about when J and I went\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2012\/07\/zurich-orange-cinema.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjdk2lQcukRruDhGRyExF37BoweLwwPpRxOlWKAPgMrVZrNajRBaRJmHmvRTsaMbE1NyskVmkd_CHhgnqWvq84JfrUxfh7dSGtlVxvYxOhZndqyALS5LfHEoZ3rf-luEgk0OeawiJPtsQ\/s1600\/FGGGastroSommer.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.fraugerold.ch\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EFrau Gerolds Garten\u003C\/a\u003E is a super cool, ultramodern outdoor restaurant made from recycled shipping containers. Most of the food is grown on site and the restaurant transitions from hip eatery by day to relaxed, laid back club scene by night. You can read all about it by day \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2012\/09\/zurich-family-bike-ride-to-frau-gerolds.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E. Frau Gerolds Garten is located in the Hardbrücke area of Zurich, which has lots of good restaurants, bars and nightlife in general.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjEmsSz0pC_2Lsx0J5wRtuTusy0csaOdURdlqa7vgCdDU_EdjHa63A26a6ZNSf_wjOWDYQUkKIAF7FN5drQRvP5ADm0uE5YXIqOiRmVa52vSo7qTiyVFj-9Kqp9ybCJH8mhxfmi04ivkg\/s1600\/IMG_3415.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhx-1YKTzQazpHEg604yGKV2Q516zhWJ7fqyvJ_yWXMfQdpJ2dxvRiOnuL98ayXFzaVyY2VVCcMhLB80ndtTmabtwuOsdmW4ftBou-krE-tl-9ZLzhxgFbfPB2nwonIhrB-1zMG-WeJfg\/s1600\/IMG_2214.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhh6MxD0rQ4n6KdbH_BiSLwiYGmpPPXo9DWf8qxo0k1nG2ez7vMJPDslHc3WvhGHw85Q0qN3mALIL-tR5ZNAnPoFWWFRvSqiObXQChIHdZlIU0Ebn5QvH5oCGQVHiOYDtDXlr0V0mE_CQ\/s1600\/IMG_2215.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhOkL3aUKzkHM0K2H8fbpyL3qlyY3_exMbnKIRYJPNMeprf1lnZf6FHMLBvz1mX1tSKGeCZVbqhdSdUh7hD3kAYWNqpEAKInQXBtiEyN42uNA5x1CLIC5pg3E6xwGQzQF0byrsYLgFaRw\/s1600\/IMG_5532.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nGrilling by the lakeside is one of the best things about Zurich in the summer. Make sure to snag an airline blanket or two to have for going to the lakeside. Take the 2 or 4 tram to Höschgasse. Then, pop into Coop or Migros and ask for an \"\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.coopathome.ch\/#$\/grillsaison\/grillzubeh%C3%B6r\/einweggrill-mit-stand\/C27018\/P4728161\/de?rs=184064\u0026amp;itemCounter=0\u0026amp;itemPageSize=12\u0026amp;lastVisited=itemList\u0026amp;display_scenario=query\u0026amp;isQuery=yes\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EEinweggrill\u003C\/a\u003E\". It's a ready-to-go grill, already loaded with charcoal and lighter fluid, and with a little stand. All you need is a match! The Coops and Migros also have loads of \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.coopathome.ch\/#|search\/?areaid=workarea\u0026amp;requestserial=5321\u0026amp;query=grillsaison\u0026amp;searchCategory=COOPATHOME\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eready-to-grill mini meat and veggie kabobs and the like\u003C\/a\u003E. Grab some red wine, chips, grapes or whatever strikes your fancy. Refrigerated drinks are not super easy to come by, but D-Vino (also at Höschgasse tram stop) has refrigerated champagne and wines. Don't forget cups, wine opener, etc. But, there will also be so many people down at the lake, you can probably ask for whatever you need anyway. :) Go early evening to the \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/8XQxuCRsNxF2\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EBlatterwiese lawn\u003C\/a\u003E and stay long after the sun sets.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgWMQ6m61pL8YpMI8ZiRoyPhu8_-1cY32sxQI22b7IOnZsK5iLrHDgnj7-qUjHqpVNo8xpnZ-53HbcYeEJRjOTj7WbQy2bh9Yl8agquv-XZC7MuO4pBd2_BDiyGazs6mV0NuoR8c_EFag\/s1600\/kunsthaus-zurich-museum-dada-5901.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEj06RtpA8BaOz2pUra_PuBegvXUq_dwKYEpS84J8c8tqbbe22c0eHXCT_bxl5xJgsRWBlaSp502sM1yB6YBcaoalVcgxDupMP-VqLXDJdEUZhpud5gDwgKk-gW3rHaTc8pl4hBrw3Wx-w\/s1600\/IMG_9262.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EDaytime\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.kunsthaus.ch\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EZurich Kunsthaus\u003C\/a\u003E has a really impressive permanent collection and it's free on Wednesday afternoons! Just go into the concierge desk and ask to see the permanent collection and they'll give you a little S badge to clip on your lapel. Lockers and bathrooms are downstairs.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjexBMjNEluEHfE3R5Jr4A57iakDwgwk1IEwitvbnl8OskETKFx-4FmXiOHFvkB_mOI_sTk0QoOW8Xi7GatBS-ICrC3sMD33ZeRa_73ZWBK6VzQt-rkrBD4CqJ9fJ20m4xzpbvoPTrVtQ\/s1600\/Badi_04_DB_6235.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhPddN1ooxorx3VhPmq4xVjdCD2ns2dxcHY6YxIRFGWEKJlrY5If6dHZQvG5AYJhL70qaKy2gCAPbZ01lNPOR7BNwKFg20Cluhj6D3bl1ubhMxQrKfriheOe1id000Gjf-9smwlu9LqdA\/s1600\/enge.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nGo swimming. All around the city are public Strandbad, or in Swiss German, Badi, for swimming, relaxing and sunbathing. Our favorites are Tiefenbrunnen and Enge. Bring a towel and suit, picnic and drinks, or purchase on site. There are floating docks, in-lake pools, diving boards, grass and beaches, locker rooms, bathrooms and more. It's pure heaven! Check out all the Badi \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.stadt-zuerich.ch\/ssd\/de\/index\/sport\/schwimmen.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eright here\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;and look for See or Strandbaden.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhLxSRFyn0jIpQ46tzuzqwHsl1cK8iDUJXC8LC-wLiYPoTsiHd3Jk6Kc07lrGs7JwJS-KSNtiw5WkMMsYaJnrtfxU1wnC4dGEl0ffxKPj20GBNSrQ2VTv8CeZimrXc0amnDevDVPKYS4Q\/s1600\/IMG_0310.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhj18UtYf1YB-dQ-R0FilLWHxR3H7v7N6XAo5yWYtB1U38VU-gAKtklMYAjcvw1F0Bkrb8l1B4p_sUAVxUZJLOinIZSdETqauAaZUBCdPF243eE4yxm4nIrGf7frxfnnui7piUcHQchCA\/s1600\/Adobe+Spark.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEghVtXfECpDWFBnZSnAANCBVa87qiObXU2pMdGEj_s9aAbweWx7nwOQeZtosvoCDSdRWZHtga6RHQbW-eN4n0oaINmTgKd4rXMnamni920cdrBWH3q06EcH9UeFwtHFn9hU21N8ZkkLyQ\/s1600\/IMG_0754.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nTake a self-guided walking tour of the Old Town. I've put together a little map for you above. Start at the Neumarkt Tramstop. Walk west toward the Neumarkt square with fountain (1). Then get lost in the little alleys and work your way up over the hill and back down again to the Cabaret Voltaire where the Dada Art Movement was founded (2). Continue on Munstergasse which will take you along some of the shopping area in the Niederdorf. Follow this to the Grossmunster (3). Go inside to see the stained glass windows and on a clear day, climb the stairs to the top for amazing views of the city. From the Grossmunster, go down the stairs to Teddy's Souvenir Shop (4). It is awesome!!! Cross the Helmhaus Bridge and head on into the Fraumunster with the famous Chagall windows (5). Continue on and up through the alleyways to the stairs with Roman ruins (6) leading to St Peterkirche square (7). Then wind your way to Augustinergasse (8), one of the loveliest streets in the city, before finding yourself on the Bahnhofstrasse (9). More on the Bahnhofstrasse later! Finally, head back into the alleyways to make your way up to Rennweg, a cute street with fountains and flags and shopping \u0026nbsp;(10). Finally, climb the long stairway up to Lindenhof where you'll finish with gorgeous views of the river and city. If anyone would like a full size copy of the walking tour map, just email me!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiXA7ndX0GiTxKgMt1-gfKRnf8Ssg_Dx5hn_ArtzGyttB13aZFNH7G7DLIJ30ucG3fydZ0s_-fvH_29drMypmib8LnmfKr3mXbvt6_MhtttTIO8LAq8liKnksa3ceoOfv7yxgQFRnA-rw\/s1600\/switzerland-bahnhofstrasse.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgk4eoGdF-O72ziUSaqXvYmufnp8oGp6vfjWcXXxeMJqAeEwkuNe3MZZXZcJocA8wVpyHGz6_xxbaZyK2SudehiK1J27ecjKJpdsc6RPH2GVWGtOACF5qmYyumhC1_2taNkWd4Tfo8xCQ\/s1600\/imviadukt.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhrXDtXazjlA-ga5RP2Cx4pMN4ws59bb0qtmt0WinPl_9l2wHOC5XJk8WiRSPnCwaIJRQF4meb-OvLO4QIX73cejF4R-xpqbfUwdueRhL2otqE5CfhCXB_HrF1lRD7hKm65rMoMH9qHRA\/s1600\/imviadukt.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEi-VvY50muNbL_XcDBDumDQd69SQTSEbkjnOuUj5sjxxJZxHOi3z8cm8KKvdgsrqsrXx97DWbRQzEJkUQiITKi8QTCW2FNb_DPMzalSqojR5YxFNAkDuO1nHujSkE0dnDAbZ83tPZLFgQ\/s1600\/burkliplatz+market+.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EShopping\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe Bahnhofstrasse is a must-see, even if you don't buy anything there. You'll find every luxury item in the world from Jimmy Choo to Louis Vuitton. There are loads of jewelers and watchmakers. In fact, a few weeks ago, there was an actual diamond heist on the Bahnhofstrasse. Paradeplatz is home to Credit Suisse and UBS, so you'll see lots of well-dressed bankers out for lunch at noon. And be sure to stop into Sprüngli Confiserie for delectable Luxemburgerli and fine Swiss chocolates.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOne of our favorite places to shop is \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.im-viadukt.ch\/en\/home\/?lang=set\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EIm Viadukt\u003C\/a\u003E in Zurich West. It's right near Frau Gerolds Garten, and also just next to the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.freitag.ch\/store-locator#freitagflagshipstorezuerich\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EFreitag Flagship Store\u003C\/a\u003E, another must-see. Im Viadukt opened in 2010. It's a totally unique shopping experience with many restaurants and cafes as well.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe Burkliplatz Market is your quintessential farmers market and flea market. You'll find all sorts of delicious veggies, fruit and local meats and fish. There are also incredible flowers and a really sweet bistro where you can sit for hours chatting with friends and drinking coffee.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhYqvPV4dKksWRCIpvDSnE1WOi3z0x1GLzcMf52ue9-gN0qaV6veB77kceECrkykmZXbQKWL8BhyphenhyphenBu_qXn-ojwaSUPxEv1e7YAOn4T1R5n0SBLXFKHNw0f-7uS60eUYr87qi8ZCus5vzg\/s1600\/IMG_2440.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjYUnQChV9Ks6Undila0gepJocRbIgrgb60n1av2mrk-hBuxIHiF3H8C9P6dRPb24YCyCHGjePi6Sc-1AQtnkKxyhPV8Ttp7vL1FyJJfePamwazLBHVzYiJQZf5ubMKtLwT97l5rcbrtw\/s1600\/tschingg.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EEating\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003ELike everything else, food in Zurich is mind-bogglingly expensive. You'll experience enough sticker shock for your entire life while visiting there, so I've chosen some really cheap eats to share with you here.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.spuntino.ch\/bhf-tiefenbrunnen-zuerich\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ESpuntino at Bahnhof Tiefenbrunnen\u003C\/a\u003E doesn't look like much, but it is the best Kebab you'll have in Zurich. Get the Dürüm Kebab mit Pommes. Be sure to add the spicy sauce (Scharf) and you will not be disappointed!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.tschingg.eu\/contatto.php\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ETschingg\u003C\/a\u003E on Oberdorfstrasse has awesome takeaway pasta, fresh fruits and smoothies. The pasta is always al dente and the rotating selection of sauces and toppings are authentic and delicious. Try the arrabiatta if it's available!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/Miracle\/@47.3545263,8.5560819,15z\/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x8cae9193862ec379!8m2!3d47.3545263!4d8.5560819\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EMiracle Restaurant and Bar\u003C\/a\u003E was our old neighborhood place, but it's known as being some of the very best pizza in all of Zurich. They're so old school they don't even have a website. Don't let that deter you. Order the pizza with prosciutto and add the mascarpone. It's worth the extra francs!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjihVHv7Qx2eXJgfGIswOoNyufR23El8bjuEOUnD-zTb2E0GbmEk2aWywZRk0syRzQVxPvGe0ybleB_-JvY-p8AiYbFjmMok5P2yMrOt1hDP8QHJxe6Zjft-IqKrW8htAVdSkYvrb4aJQ\/s1600\/IMG_6433.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EGetting Around\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\nThe trams, trains and boats will take you everywhere you want to go. Depending on how many museums you want to visit, it may make sense to get a \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.zuerich.com\/en\/visit\/your-city-travel-pass\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EZürichCARD\u003C\/a\u003E for 24 or 72 hours. My mom and brother did that on one visit and were very happy with it. Otherwise, you can get punch cards for 24-hour tram passes within the city limits. These are available at the ticket windows in the airport or at any train station throughout the city. Don't ever take a taxi - they're prohibitively expensive and totally unnecessary. Depending on where you stay, you might be able to walk most everywhere and won't need to spend much on tram tickets anyway.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOne little tip: on every tram ticket machine, you can select a \"Kurzstreck\" or Short Distance Ticket and it will list the available stops. If you're tired of walking at the end of the day and are within 8 or so stops of where you're going, that can be a good option. But for roundtrips, it's doesn't make sense as for just a few francs more, you can get a full 24-hour ticket. A Kurzstreck is only good for 30 minutes within the allowed stops (usually 8 or so from where you stand).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EWhere to Stay\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\nThis is the hardest recommendation for me to make as I never stayed in a hotel in Zurich! My first recommendation would be to stay in the \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/citystay.ch\/hotel\/2324\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ECity Stay Apartments\u003C\/a\u003E in our old street in Seefeld. It's the perfect location, in my opinion, and also gives you the option of cooking at home rather than eating out. They have weekly rates that aren't terribly reasonable, but aren't outrageously over the top, either. If you look into Airbnb, search for something in the city center or Seefeld. You want to be close to the lake and the tram.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjUTk6VEeKYuudvwqKDvqwlbNHE4Ya2Is9tHYG1YAxnrdgTS156Uyg6nS9k0Tu7Gsni05z8rPo6IDgsx8emDundTGVDSl2EpzPyP-U8_RFwsnzl6p9o53OCBPS-_S3vQNxNMjxC2I-qWQ\/s1600\/streetparade.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EBONUS\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\nIf you're in Zurich on August 13, 2016, you'll be there for \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.streetparade.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EStreetparade\u003C\/a\u003E. We've never been because we always had a baby, but I can tell you that it is insane. The city fills up with people who come from all over Europe. The trams do not run. It's nuts. If you love techno and dancing in the streets and seeing people in crazy half-naked costumes, then you are going to love it. If you would rather avoid that and all the noise that goes along with it, by all means, take a day trip. \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2013\/01\/our-holiday-mt-pilatus.html\"\u003ELuzern and Pilatus\u003C\/a\u003E is a fantastic option. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EOne last thing...\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIf you decide to do a day trip, try to decide ahead of purchasing any tram or train tickets. It may make sense for you to get the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.sbb.ch\/en\/leisure-holidays\/holidays--short-breaks-in-switzerland\/swisstravelsystem\/swiss-halffare-card.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EHalf Fare Card\u003C\/a\u003E. If you can tell the ticket window person all that you're planning to do during your time in Switzerland, you can trust them to make sure you get the most sensible and best-priced tickets. Also, be sure to have your hotel address handy so they can give you specific directions to get there!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe Swiss are very helpful and organized. It's quite a lovely place to be a tourist. That said, they are very attached to their rules and customs. I would say don't speak loudly on trams or in public. But, no stress. Summer tends to be more relaxed. Soak up the beauty, spend as much time outside as possible and enjoy! xo\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: x-small;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003E(Photos via \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/afkinsider.com\/97563\/how-much-does-south-africas-richest-1-earn\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E1\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/thewardrobeorganizer.blogspot.com\/2015\/07\/event-salt-cinema-ladies-night-in-zurich.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E2\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.zurichkreis8.ch\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E3\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.fraugerold.ch\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E4\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com\/2016\/01\/21\/celebrating-100-years-of-dada-in-zurich\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E9\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/dellabella.ch\/gallery\/summer-zurich\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E10\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/dellabella.ch\/gallery\/summer-zurich\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E12\u003C\/a\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.seebadenge.ch\/wp\/bad\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E13\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vizts.com\/zurich-the-largest-city-of-switzerland\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E17\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.myswitzerland.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E18\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/mykugelhopf.ch\/2008\/08\/to-market\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E19\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.glaeser.ch\/de\/home\/gastro\/referenzen\/referenz\/tschingg-zuercher-oberdorf\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E21\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.glaeser.ch\/de\/home\/gastro\/referenzen\/referenz\/tschingg-zuercher-oberdorf\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E23\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.streetparade.com\/lomos\/lovemobiles?lang=it-it\u0026amp;content=13\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E25\u003C\/a\u003E)\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/feeds\/7137633551611447196\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2016\/06\/zurich-summer-guide.html#comment-form","title":"11 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/7137633551611447196"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/7137633551611447196"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2016\/06\/zurich-summer-guide.html","title":"Zurich Summer Guide"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Lindsey"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/04836394671525240199"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhg3JhktTUvh79UZtJI1DFrduGYgzthFKOeRplkDWSxkJn4wBrwgTkhp25bsaVnqwTbm1LysfN47AgloqAhOCkwRPpr6PT5S7ztXVRBc5LBdoaYaPZR1LcwfHx_IsmWmInUkZdFT4dKFQ\/s72-c\/Adobe+Spark-2.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"11"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556494314801577420.post-4691925813686306311"},"published":{"$t":"2016-04-18T17:03:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-06-06T09:45:25.382-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"culture"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"switzerland"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"switzerland - expat - foreign"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"zurich - city - kanton"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Züri Sächsilüüte (Zürich Sechseläuten) -or- The Exploding Snowman Day off of Work"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhrVMwlb5D4iirZzsJnyaQflo_qHKOCryJk0zEY7e7u3OCm4pMNX9N4_e29df155pef3l-Rn8KD-Nv2SPh3rYVmb5llKOAukjqBOJN23BJqu8K556vRZNEl7IU2CIjjkBZScmT_ju3v_Q\/s1600\/sechselauten+4+swiss+lark.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nOne holiday that we never participated in much in Zurich was Sechselauten, or in Swiss German, Sächsilüüte. It happens on the third Monday in April every year and in our minds was mostly just a lovely and welcome three-day weekend! But the actual reason for the day off of work is an elaborate celebration to usher in summer. There is a big parade in which the guilds march, which is rather hoity-toity. Then there is the burning of the Böögg. What is a\u0026nbsp;Böögg, you ask? Why it's a giant snowman packed with explosives and perched atop a huge bonfire, of course! The apex of the day is when the Böögg is lit and everyone waits to see how long it takes to explode. The results are said to predict whether summer will be rainy or beautiful.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEid2hjNkAk6iXtq4vY7ceU611s4fmm21o0Mvp8FGyAcTgaUC2ttDAhqvskR4xmPx1N-JjEXB90hKsBS1Oh_qs8yZ9wHBlmWNc2VFI39uVk4g06gJrNw2uOWSYFD9MwpgJKU_vurVJqXow\/s1600\/sechselauten+3+swiss+lark.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nSechseläuten translates literally as \"six o'clock people\" because the guilds made workers work until dark all year long, except in summer. During summer the law was that work had to end with the six o'clock bells, therefore, the celebratory factor came in because summer was the only time of year people had non-working daylight hours. Cheers to that!\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhHHl-aw8Hyxifs6SeKaZPAwyR34K99UdP8rhP8enkKIakTB7lcDi9LAdlvmzaYfhAvTATY-cX4Zfi-wyVrOMGXD0pL3XaVFfb4kFAoVXYwFzfhGjLVFY_JdKxLbynkk-ujqhtmMTisBw\/s1600\/sechselauten+2.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nWe never once attended the burning of the Böögg, even though we lived so close to the Sechseläuterplatz just in front of the Opernhaus. In the photo above, you can see the street that we lived just a few meters off of down the tram line. From right there, you could catch a tram, ride 4 or 5 stops and be at Fröhlichstrasse, our tram stop. Or you could just walk 15 minutes or so. It was that close. Crazy!\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjYbAE3_IAHvOr_j7FzsFQxwiw7B1mMmTOGbc8VWjC5-HHkfg7TcC6iTtO9HCmsqiaab-e018_2GPnFjisoJUMSShR__Kykda2kXbxLT35oOiIg1B739wHHad2mrCZjxu13LUPMsBr9ZQ\/s1600\/sechselauten+swiss+lark.png\" \/\u003EBut, as you can see,\u0026nbsp;\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003ESechseläuten is not\u0026nbsp;baby-friendly. We took Coco to the parade a few times and she loved that, but the burning of a very tall bonfire topped off with a snowman filled with explosives? No, thanks. I think we always thought we could go when Coco was older, but I also\u0026nbsp;can't really say I regret not going. Some holidays and customs you adopt and some you\u0026nbsp;don't. Today the Böögg took an unprecedented 43 minutes until it was so\u0026nbsp;thoroughly burnt that the head fell to the ground and finally exploded\u0026nbsp;there. It looks like it's\u0026nbsp;going to be the most miserable summer ever in Zurich. Shoot!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003EHave you lived\u0026nbsp;abroad? Which holidays and\u0026nbsp;customs did you adopt? Which ones didn't take?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003E(Posters from\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.compostella-perrot.ch\/de\/grafikwerbung\/sechselaeuten\/#sechselaeuten-plakat-2008\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ECompostella+Perrot\u003C\/a\u003E, Böögg aerial photo from \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.luzernerzeitung.ch\/nachrichten\/zentralschweiz\/ur\/uri\/Schaechental-springt-am-Sechselaeuten-fuer-den-Kanton-Luzern-ein;art97,515420\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ELuzerner Zeitung\u003C\/a\u003E, exploding Böögg photo from \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/houseofswitzerland.org\/index.php\/swissstories\/society\/10-typically-swiss-celebrations\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EHouse of Switzerland\u003C\/a\u003E)\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/feeds\/4691925813686306311\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2016\/04\/zuri-sachsiluute-zurich-sechselauten-or.html#comment-form","title":"6 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/4691925813686306311"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/4691925813686306311"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2016\/04\/zuri-sachsiluute-zurich-sechselauten-or.html","title":"Züri Sächsilüüte (Zürich Sechseläuten) -or- The Exploding Snowman Day off of Work"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Lindsey"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/04836394671525240199"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhrVMwlb5D4iirZzsJnyaQflo_qHKOCryJk0zEY7e7u3OCm4pMNX9N4_e29df155pef3l-Rn8KD-Nv2SPh3rYVmb5llKOAukjqBOJN23BJqu8K556vRZNEl7IU2CIjjkBZScmT_ju3v_Q\/s72-c\/sechselauten+4+swiss+lark.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"6"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556494314801577420.post-6995042381550470677"},"published":{"$t":"2016-03-22T15:05:00.001-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-03-22T15:05:18.495-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"culture"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"entertaining"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"swisssick"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"switzerland"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How To Host A Typical Swiss Luncheon Party"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhHfSdLRVmuU3wopSOczA-Tgh5iH3H47d83STBMmPLdmQCDItkTf09IFRl9TiJPXtpd_kdMtXcPKOkgHmYodKOOajmctbBX5PIBDEyrLvaYWRFdtNVMMAQ5ivclEd06VuYV2IlrP81FNw\/s1600\/IMG_2966.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nMore often than not, when living in Switzerland, you'll be invited to, or host, a luncheon party rather than a dinner party. The Swiss like to stick to the old ideas that \"the early bird gets the worm,\" and \"early to bed early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise\" and so on. In line with this thinking, they're not going to make a habit of staying out late. Dinner parties all too often mean cranky children who stayed up too late, but not when you have a Swiss luncheon party! When you have young children, there is one word for this: Awesome.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nMore Swiss perfection and the one time we screwed it all up, after the jump!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca name='more'\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEif8wWCRqQp4wY8P1rYOFobynJk5Dpk-tmwyY7UFmPeLCdQgTl4GPFlZrU3YL-6M5RIAbMEPQ-7-DHEneBIyizEbK36IchNMizqpyrMLEcSvmSqGfTk3Yw5KhHme-dVB8Yte9YLAKTNng\/s1600\/IMG_2974.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nThe Swiss Luncheon party follows a strict rubric every time. When your guests arrive, the food is warming and finished. This is totally doable because they will show up perfectly on time, or at maximum, one or two minutes late. The table should be fully set before the guests arrive. Everything is ready and the doorbell rings! After everyone has removed their coats and shoes and exchanged hugs and kisses (three cheek-to-cheek air kisses!) you pop open a bottle of bubbly. It can be champagne, or cava, or prosecco, but it's bubbly.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgfXu7JTuVDq25TT5R4UR4Qy1vZGouhc43VMBtn9G8IiZE9HgThfqi6vlRxyXggaGbk-L73cUGYHK6LjBtMl5x8ktGfUePZDfyxluDBBy_SiPMl4R86Qt83dr9VYDjh9go5AtJdpw9I4w\/s1600\/IMG_2962.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nBubbles in hand, everyone relaxes and chats either in the living room or on a balcony if you've got one and the weather allows. Depending on what you're serving, you may or may not decide to have some snacks or appetizers. Once everyone has finished their aperitif, you make your way to the table and eat.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjtOK1UuO_Q6ZY_I_VsELvbHgUix3w2MYiwWAZ93VR1aaa9foSncUnC7EgHaYHBT_UO7aQYYIljuV5yiR0JVu79aIbG9iVrGbI5If-hdCEKF-YNr4h7ajVOuq_j8nJUAFY-AWTaz6b_xQ\/s1600\/IMG_2979.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nTypically, your guests will bring dessert. How ridiculously gorgeous is this cake from Sprüngli? Oh my goodness! It's just perfect. I really do miss that place. Everyone will have coffee, tea, or espresso with their dessert and then after a bit more chatting perhaps, it's pretty much over. Your guests leave amid more hugs and kisses and then you have your whole evening ahead of you. It's quite lovely. That is the ideal, anyway. We hit every mark on the rubric when we had friends from our birthing class for tacos, as pictured above.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nBut, one time we hosted friends for lunch and screwed up absolutely everything!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe doorbell rang and the food was very much still in progress. Okay, I had just started cooking. We always made Mexican when we had friends over because we missed Mexican food and loved any excuse to make it and there was no good Mexican to be had in Zurich, so we enjoyed showing people what real Mexican food tastes like. That was great, except we had to make everything from scratch, even the salsa and enchilada sauce! On this particular occasion, J tried to be the charming host and attempted to usher everyone into the living room while I frantically made enchilada sauce from Italian passata, but it didn't work.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOur guests had brought a gift for Coco, which they wanted to watch her open, and I couldn't miss that! Then, they wanted to chat with me, too, during the bubbly stage of the plan. Luckily, we knew them quite well, so we all piled into the kitchen and I chatted with them while I cooked. But, that only lasted for so long. Their kids got super hungry because naturally they had arrived hungry. And then Coco got into a foul mood and threw a glass that she grabbed off the counter onto the kitchen floor! Unlike American kitchens, Swiss kitchens always have hard tile floors instead of linoleum. It is not the least bit forgiving. The glass shattered into a billion pieces that flew straight up and all over the kitchen. Oh my god. I couldn't tell if shards of glass had flown into the chicken I was shredding in a bowl. I just looked at everyone thinking lunch was a total bust and said as much. But they just laughed and reassured me that it was probably fine. Then they asked for a plain flour tortilla for their starving daughter, which she munched on happily as I slid the enchiladas into the oven.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIt was such a mess, but finally lunch was served! When we got to dessert, everyone was too full of enchiladas, rice and beans. Being American, and particularly without the dessert, I didn't think to still serve coffee without fail after a meal. So then our poor guests had to ask for espresso! Fail number I-lost-count-a-while-ago. Ugh. It was so embarrassing, because it's supposed to go like clockwork every time and we pretty didn't do any of it right. Live and learn, right?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nBeing naturally a bit of a hot mess, I have to be deliberate about organizing things. When I was about 10 or 12, I would always run out of hot water in the shower because I would be singing and dancing and daydreaming, and by the time I washed my hair, I was stuck rinsing with cold water! After this happened lots of times, my mom basically gave me a list to get out of the way first thing so that when the water ran cold, I could just jump out. That list, as you might imagine, went something like this: shampoo, conditioner, wash, then you're free to prance and daydream. The beauty of the Swiss Luncheon being the same at every single house we went to was that it gave me a similar list for entertaining. Once we had that list, all we had to do was follow it!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAre you naturally talented at entertaining? What is your go-to formula for a dinner party? Or lunch party? Or similar? Please chime in in the comments below!"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/feeds\/6995042381550470677\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2016\/03\/how-to-host-typical-swiss-luncheon-party.html#comment-form","title":"8 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/6995042381550470677"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/6995042381550470677"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2016\/03\/how-to-host-typical-swiss-luncheon-party.html","title":"How To Host A Typical Swiss Luncheon Party"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Lindsey"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/04836394671525240199"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhHfSdLRVmuU3wopSOczA-Tgh5iH3H47d83STBMmPLdmQCDItkTf09IFRl9TiJPXtpd_kdMtXcPKOkgHmYodKOOajmctbBX5PIBDEyrLvaYWRFdtNVMMAQ5ivclEd06VuYV2IlrP81FNw\/s72-c\/IMG_2966.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"8"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556494314801577420.post-656214787193077286"},"published":{"$t":"2016-02-24T10:50:00.003-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-06-06T09:45:43.057-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"culture"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"mercer quality of life study"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"no car lifestyle"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"switzerland"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"travel"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"vienna"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"zurich - city - kanton"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"The best and worst cities to live in 2015."},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEguatm7R6iAYOGSdYIMhBjyaBQnmMQQFHPySRVFNnWBRk6VZhm3Bltx6fBPo1tVNH607bq5zSUy7C8fByLQEMhgvWwuFWHv3c4nut4migVuFvT9vFXmJC09PoeliK8Sn9DLFyWYXNzirA\/s1600\/IMG_6577.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThis week, the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mercer.com\/newsroom\/western-european-cities-top-quality-of-living-ranking-mercer.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E18th Mercer Quality of Life study\u003C\/a\u003E was released, and - no surprise - German-speaking cities took half of the top ten. That Teutonic approach to efficiency, maintenance and work-life balance is pretty much perfection. Vienna topped the list and Zurich came in at number two, followed by Auckland, Munich, Vancouver, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Geneva, Copenhagen, and Sydney. If you've never been to, or lived in Vienna, just watch the time lapse video below and you'll be searching airfares! (You're welcome:)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ciframe allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"365\" mozallowfullscreen=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/156161909\" webkitallowfullscreen=\"\" width=\"650\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\"Quality of life\" is a phrase that gets thrown around a lot, but I have to say that until living in Zurich and actually experiencing top notch quality of life, I didn't really know what the phrase meant. Now I can say that to me it's many things, including easy access to the outdoors, safety and security, reliable public transportation, cleanliness, parks and public spaces, access to high-quality, nutritious food, and cosmopolitan urbanism. But don't take my word for it, check out this video from Monocle.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Ciframe allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"365\" mozallowfullscreen=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/44413640\" webkitallowfullscreen=\"\" width=\"650\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nKilling it on all fronts, Zurich! Did you hear that? I think it was my heart breaking.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nI am writing this blog post from the car parked in front of our house. This has become my defacto office because when Theo falls asleep in the car on the way home from dropping Coco off at school, I have postpone my errands and leave him until he wakes up. It's a bummer, but that child \u003Ci\u003Ewill not\u003C\/i\u003E \u003Ci\u003Etransfer\u003C\/i\u003E from the car seat to his bed, or to our bed, or to the couch, or even to the stroller. \u003Ci\u003ESometimes\u003C\/i\u003E, dependent on some elusive combination of the alignment of the planets and what he ate for dinner three days ago, he will transfer to the stroller, but only \u003Ci\u003Eonce\u003C\/i\u003E. So if I do a quick errand and then put him back in his car seat, it's nap over. Ugh. This was simply never a problem with Coco. It was perfect if she fell asleep while out and about. She was in her Bugaboo and I was free to run \u003Ci\u003Eall the errands\u003C\/i\u003E while she slept. We went from the sidewalk to the tram, to shops, through lines, to the post office, back onto the tram or bus, even onto a \u003Ci\u003Eboat\u003C\/i\u003E and I didn't have to disturb her through all of it! How I miss that. Sigh.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nHere in the Northwest, we have the great outdoors, but we do not have easy access to the outdoors. When I say easy, I mean without a car. Driving for 20 minutes, an hour, two hours to get to a trailhead is not easy, in my humble opinion. From our apartments in Neuchâtel, Adliswil and Zurich, we were able to walk right out our front door and to a trail head. No train, no tram, no car - no joke. Even in Seefeld, right in the middle of the city. Is that not rad?!\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nThe ol' cliché that you don't know what you have until it's gone comes to mind. But it could always be worse! Baghdad was the very last city on the list (even after Damascus!) And New York, Paris, San Francisco and London didn't even make the top 25. You can see the full list and read about the study \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/business\/2016\/feb\/23\/vienna-named-worlds-top-city-for-quality-of-life?CMP=fb_gu\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nHave you lived in one of the top eleven cities? (Beautiful Amsterdam is number 11:) What is wonderful or dreadful about where you live? What matters most to you when it comes to quality of life?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/feeds\/656214787193077286\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2016\/02\/the-best-and-worst-cities-to-live-in.html#comment-form","title":"65 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/656214787193077286"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/656214787193077286"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2016\/02\/the-best-and-worst-cities-to-live-in.html","title":"The best and worst cities to live in 2015."}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Lindsey"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/04836394671525240199"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEguatm7R6iAYOGSdYIMhBjyaBQnmMQQFHPySRVFNnWBRk6VZhm3Bltx6fBPo1tVNH607bq5zSUy7C8fByLQEMhgvWwuFWHv3c4nut4migVuFvT9vFXmJC09PoeliK8Sn9DLFyWYXNzirA\/s72-c\/IMG_6577.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"65"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556494314801577420.post-1769821241458355144"},"published":{"$t":"2016-02-09T13:48:00.001-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2019-11-04T11:16:22.370-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"culture"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"motherhood"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"personal"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"repat"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"switzerland"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"toddlers in zurich"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"zurich - city - kanton"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"On missing Zurich"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiWZJnOi3cbNorrQT9zGuwLUgubX6sz9VJJDAfoV1h1VwS9CbocoN8Uz8jI-NulrQk8ga7fNsdldCExJyqIBskHcas_2lWtB2QSyllNG7rnku5xacEpiq2Hkm6tJzddXFEFOzEi-KiAeQ\/s1600\/IMG_6248.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIt's been nearly 20 months since we left Zurich, and I'm still hoping against hope that we will fall in love with life in Spokane. You don't understand; I really want to! Right now, we are essentially living the life I dreamed of when we were in Zurich. I even wrote a\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2012\/09\/do-you-own-house.html\" target=\"\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;post about it\u003C\/a\u003E, back in 2012, which I remembered last night when I was trying to fall asleep. The photos are all blurry because they were just taken off of a real estate listing, but you get the idea. I thought \u003Ci\u003Eit\u003C\/i\u003E \u003Ci\u003Esounded like heaven\u003C\/i\u003E to live in Spokane with pies cooling on windowsills, backyard grill parties with my mom and sisters and walking the kids to school through crunching leaves. Pretty much exactly what we're doing right now.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSo what I'm hoping for is that it all pans out something like this: When we grow out of this little rental house in a year and a half, I hope that we will buy a home a little farther up the hill and that Coco will start kindergarten fall of 2017 at either Hutton or Wilson school. But, the truth of the matter is, this does not feel like heaven. I'm not sure it's going to work for us to leave city living behind and embrace the Spokane lifestyle we thought we wanted. I'm more than a little baffled by it all to be honest.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhiPGOHfrNaP9N4n1osOwxUYFkp-r2x6rZhNZfT21chjAJBkEBRLy3jqVV2LTTu5rf7Q__XJJNhY4qHdQqTgW5H_fP6TsPm_yea23FFg08U4o3vFiTrGnpjl7cPvHIiG9pI0fWrE0IHEg\/s1600\/IMG_6278.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003EYou know that whole saying that life is what happens while you're making other plans? Well, I think something\u0026nbsp;happened to us in\u003C\/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;Zurich\u0026nbsp;\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003Ewhile we were making Spokane plans. It seems\u0026nbsp;ridiculous, but while we were there, distracted by the idea of pies cooling on windowsills in Spokane, we were falling\u0026nbsp;completely and totally in love with Zurich (and cooling pies on our windowsill there, something our American windowsills aren't even big enough for FYI). Looking back, I can see that there were glimmers of recognition. I\u0026nbsp;remember saying to J once that I wished we were from Zurich because then our\u0026nbsp;family would be there and we wouldn't have to choose between the two. But overall, we were largely unaware of what was happening.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEi4IXqWSCscruZGgN_mJy61rS8H74aHNoyzp2hiznTrKPYwc8XZncsIKX5MqCck2fFcLnCsuNggjdu-O-y25aIY1-_QOgolNbED48rUqFVIwm7RZNB7eCywkmvqxUtQpOGiektwG_8yhA\/s1600\/IMG_6260.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHere's the cold hard truth: We are not from Zurich. And it looks like we are going to have to choose.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhAI-IncPoqE_uxDJTKHSetc8Sevs-37cH-Rl_EF6Sf32LjvF7v7HA3L22kVRR8gpamcFq1BOuLVfF3uJD4wt0MnRTboFfkDVjeabvlPfbaEZ82b92XOIj6V5Jb4Mh1A7dk5UmfSXAjxg\/s1600\/IMG_6301.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nThese photos are from one of the countless walks that J and Coco took during our time there. We took lots of walks all together, of course, particularly on Sundays. But their daddy-daughter walks were my time to take a nap, or go have coffee with a girlfriend, or even listen to a podcast and clean the house if it were particularly disgusting. It was their special thing. They would go hiking, or take sausages into the forest for a\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2013\/09\/hot-dog-roast-in-forest.html\" target=\"\"\u003Eweenie roast\u003C\/a\u003E, or just \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2013\/11\/zurich-with-kids-chinagarten.html\"\u003Eexplore\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2012\/07\/zurich-monocles-most-liveable-city.html\"\u003Ethe\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2012\/09\/zurich-family-bike-ride-to-frau-gerolds.html\"\u003Ecity\u003C\/a\u003E. Coco loved life in Zurich.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEivyH_v2VMLlgFca0M8RMx6uUj4Vk8YWFIe7MibU5TcBYQGa43zTOb1ONppQMXzpF3agqU8FeLzyQa45CHT9PznYK1960wNI8qPyBTnneqFd3-uu2by1RLTt_ZLMdo1olj43sFD1F4wZw\/s1600\/IMG_6304.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nLast year, she often cried as we walked to the car, saying \"I want to walk! Why can't we walk?\" And now, when we're leaving for school, she still says from time to time, \"I wish we could walk or take the train instead.\" If we buy a house up the hill, it will be a priority that they're able to walk to school. But in terms of parenting and day-to-day life, I, too, prefer the lifestyle we had in Zurich. I was under the impression that having a car would make everything easier and more enjoyable. And while I can appreciate the convenience of Costco and driving, that doesn't mean I like it. I would rather not have a car and go everywhere with the tram and buggy instead. I miss it.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhHLvAKagsoWAnwkjg7j7BbOuewnFG-6s-PCqjPrWuj_mIsQbgiFkxGjKHeaQwV5IldUhgOWirwpqPhbImR4HN_pRnZOjrH95BDlP_wmQAvoAticGNc0s_RmPCVtBbOhSDXkMZIYRy9DQ\/s1600\/IMG_6306.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nAll of these thoughts were swirling around in my mind before I finally succumbed to sleep last night. When I woke up this morning, I was still feeling a bit pensive about it all. Coco, Theo and I went through the motions. We all got dressed and everyone was fed; I packed Coco's lunch and we got her off to school. After we got back home, Theo and I didn't even bother coming inside. We set off on a \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2013\/02\/signs-of-spring-and-our-comfortable.html\"\u003Emeandering walk\u003C\/a\u003E around the neighborhood and I was shaking it all off. It was sunny. I was feeling pretty good.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjw_PgB0i-cXLQp22Or2796IPOA0GLFA8HsyCR__aqL4U7Io5gf2LvGr2m1TZnHJEz7WwK1Fd3nb11XeEe49v1H_6o_sam3J4ceqAmJXrRjPwzvWhqPqLx6_kT7TyLhnH_bBqa4xvfzgA\/s1600\/IMG_6309.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThen, I happened to see that my friend Chantal had published a\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/news\/parenting\/wp\/2016\/02\/09\/searching-for-fun-at-an-american-birthday-party\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;new article in the Washington Post\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;about the rough adjustment back to American life after living in Switzerland. The topic was American birthday parties. (Side note: With Coco's birthday being in September, we made the exact same mistake as Chantal. And we'll do it again next year, too!) But it wasn't the topic itself that was so upsetting, as it was the reminder of the reality we're living in now. We feel out of place and unsettled in our own country. On top of that great thing, we miss everything about our life in Zurich: city living, Swiss Sundays, the trains and trams, mommy group, no car, the lake, wonderful friends, life-work balance, everything! And yet, family is so important. I love being near my mom and my sisters and my dad's brother and my cousins and other aunts and uncles and everyone. It really is so great!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhOPhH1h8PU2aGuD0m0nLn6w-xELZXhephfDztZ9JaW3WGCDRBqAb21qARZuQz4Lz_NG27E-TwuukCinKJwisPpFM2duXBkP2yfz8uf2KlUjdXZ-SqdUUBrC2BOzmRDVuyj2_9zX83wQA\/s1600\/IMG_6327.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWalking along with Theo this morning, reading Chantal's article, I wanted to scream out loud! But I just cried a little bit instead. So the question is this: Does being near family make up for \u003Ci\u003Eabsolutely everything else\u003C\/i\u003E?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nI have no idea. Luckily we've got all the time we need to figure that out.\u003C\/div\u003E\n"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/feeds\/1769821241458355144\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2016\/02\/a-random-post-about-missing-zurich.html#comment-form","title":"33 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/1769821241458355144"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/1769821241458355144"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2016\/02\/a-random-post-about-missing-zurich.html","title":"On missing Zurich"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Lindsey"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/04836394671525240199"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiWZJnOi3cbNorrQT9zGuwLUgubX6sz9VJJDAfoV1h1VwS9CbocoN8Uz8jI-NulrQk8ga7fNsdldCExJyqIBskHcas_2lWtB2QSyllNG7rnku5xacEpiq2Hkm6tJzddXFEFOzEi-KiAeQ\/s72-c\/IMG_6248.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"33"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556494314801577420.post-1798261297454299284"},"published":{"$t":"2015-12-14T14:08:00.001-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-06-06T09:45:58.700-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"christmas"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"culture"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"switzerland"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"switzerland - expat - foreign"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"zurich - city - kanton"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Getting a Christmas Tree in Switzerland"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjDyD1opnozEQKr0WIe6u5k3hSPVBKwctpkU3qSIUndAKqBWWF9aLOrwtJWh3CqsP4PvCpt9XbKi-MvVPSlcEk0aKW-YuyjXPc4YWwkyhyey1ZzdCrUVMU0azaAIu3T0t3rLSH2PHwtsA\/s1600\/tree+on+foot.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nGoing to get a Christmas tree in Zurich was always a fun adventure. After you selected your tree, the shopkeeper would wrap it in netting for you. Then it was easy to take on the train or tram - or both! Our last year in Zurich, we kept things simple and all went together and got a tree pretty close to home. One of us carried Coco, and one of us carried the tree to and from the train, which we only had to ride a few stops.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjYhfcEzw8GPJ1NFxIys5kagD34MPm5HAaYcGdxSVitd_HEUItON9drJnRWncqi_tqc-oZ5NZTaxAWta4kbJLrtDg74tYl_VzTqQj4K-3DmJMeNYPD_hF1j1HVu4rhVigIV1FVQLsAxKg\/s1600\/christmas+tree+platform.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nBut the year before, most of the places close to home didn't have trees yet and I was itching to have one, so when I saw them in the Migros in Adliswil, I bought one - and took it all the way home to Seefeld on the train and tram. Here we are waiting for the train. The Bugaboo really is the minivan of strollers!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjZzSiDsHBBA7Brx5AULIUQmnA9UjiUOSuFszAfR7j__UHnHtZWAp15J2SB0pdfauJyrzjmyU9n0glkT1cp6mFbH75K85WiXaPfwITbsUv_h9yyt1vXArayQPACLATXa-H2RUbfv2aLog\/s1600\/tree+train.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nAnd on the train. It was nearing rush hour and as we got closer Zurich's main station, the train was more and more crowded! I opted for more walking, but fewer crowds, and got out one stop early.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiwS40o3Wfhn8WOfUDjDWVjCGkH2njioCIp5obkgJXrwPQB_oxo_fSHj0g0fyWT4UYURVqzFgRFRc7ylySX7HdkyNOPEzdvy2soKQ3G0A6v_7zn4QS1z0MnXyR9xn_2sdvn2jgEm4FV1w\/s1600\/tree+tram.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nIt was pretty romantic to cross over the bridge and go past the circus between Bürkliplatz and Bellevue with a tree in the buggy!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjl8WW5ZrEVmsrPdmc61rsX7QCdXbACk2zxWtHOzonMYOekIMY36YNSWKbc0PSBVP0et-ij2pXG25chaZRsJxmBml_Z_2kY31fjxjPMkYhkpkd_wpM0gyNAnwlCJYG_XBuFmNdpb__wZw\/s1600\/IMG_4457.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nCoco was just one-year-old and thankfully slept in the Ergo most of the way.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiWiAijjH269i7RDVmH9NL-dFR2l4DE4W6w5JTXdxbVGOxBjgHKUxZ00VqgzfqgtM72a7fwmVEFMtmwYOKligdx_x7eDFa14R8WdJD-etpsnRNuaeS_RUxz5as4QB85SZZZUUlFB19aIw\/s1600\/christmas+tree+kieselgasse.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\nWhen we got home, J saw us pull up and leaned out the kitchen window to snap a few photos. City living is such a fun adventure. I miss it! This year and last, J and Coco just went to pick up our tree at one of the local tree spots after school and brought it home in the car with no fuss. Honestly, the fuss was half the fun!\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\nHow do you get your tree? Do you carry it home in your buggy? Chop it down in the woods? Tie it to the top of the car? Dog sled? ;) Chime in the comments below. xo\u003C\/div\u003E\n"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/feeds\/1798261297454299284\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2015\/12\/getting-christmas-tree-in-switzerland.html#comment-form","title":"8 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/1798261297454299284"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/1798261297454299284"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2015\/12\/getting-christmas-tree-in-switzerland.html","title":"Getting a Christmas Tree in Switzerland"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Lindsey"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/04836394671525240199"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjDyD1opnozEQKr0WIe6u5k3hSPVBKwctpkU3qSIUndAKqBWWF9aLOrwtJWh3CqsP4PvCpt9XbKi-MvVPSlcEk0aKW-YuyjXPc4YWwkyhyey1ZzdCrUVMU0azaAIu3T0t3rLSH2PHwtsA\/s72-c\/tree+on+foot.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"8"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556494314801577420.post-7559730042876082242"},"published":{"$t":"2015-11-04T12:43:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-06-06T09:46:08.286-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"culture"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"switzerland"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"switzerland - expat - foreign"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"zurich - city - kanton"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Customer Service in Switzerland"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgUd4xsGktDQSkR0dALN6uHuAjl_TYKVzCEq1SOUHbIjtnEsKUvN1Wy_aCbhVo75SlXsXk3lj7ydEJEXxO6BlOLifmREEzY_gsTQIlMRnWQZ-5yY3XdD62KQwYIAj5R_IRgf6DDiidmDg\/s1600\/einzigart_seefeld_1-1024x721.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nOddly enough, I am feeling wonderfully comfortable with my ambivalence following our trip to Zurich. I had hoped to come back with clarity on our future plans to either a). move back to Zurich or b). settle in Spokane. Now, I feel totally at ease with going back and forth multiple times a day. What's coming? We don't know, and it honestly doesn't matter. Clarity, shmarity!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nBut, one thing that I have 100% clarity on is the total and utter lack of customer service in Switzerland.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ca name='more'\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhNCkvpNq2IV5qE0IKKm43MoTgMmRRk8mJzyfuneYFsk6hMoIQmtngtATclsly9EXNhIAoTDkmnVIDvFHB7Ohq1qax8U2GD05PnIgLP3cnrI9vPntuRDEgVnuOPz31HrXNqOjBYKGGd3Q\/s1600\/einzigart_image_8-721x1024.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSwitzerland is known for horrid customer service in retail settings. Here are a few examples:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe photos above are of \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.einzigart.ch\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EEinzigart\u003C\/a\u003E, my favorite store in Zurich. I love that store despite the fact that no one greets me when I walk in the door. In addition, questions are met with scowls and scoffs. During our trip, I bought Coco a pair of slippers there. I tried to pay in cash, which is the norm in Switzerland. The total was 22.85 CHF, but the store didn't have any change. IN SWITZERLAND! The land of cash. No change! What followed was a big confusing hullabaloo in which a friend tried to step in and shuffle everything about, until I finally paid with a card. Ridiculous. What would they need money for anyway?! It's not like they're selling stuff. I'll still go back. ;)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nNext was the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.apple.com\/chde\/retail\/bahnhofstrasse\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EApple Store\u003C\/a\u003E. As I mentioned yesterday, I happened to drop and smash my phone after a night of too much champagne. It happens. In fact, it happens a lot. This is actually the third time I'll have my screen replaced. When I just happened to be walking by, I popped into the Apple Store on Bahnhofstrasse to see how the price compared in Switzerland. At that point, little chunks of glass were falling out every day. It seemed better not to wait until we got home. It went like this:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWalk in, find a guy in a blue shirt.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nMe: \"Hi, I need a new screen for my phone,\" holding phone so he can see.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHim: \"Yes, you'll need to schedule with the repair department, which is that line there.\" Points to long line of six or more people waiting to see girl in a blue shirt hunched over an iPad.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nMe: \"I was just wondering what the price is.\"\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHim: \"She can tell you when you schedule.\"\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nMe: \"But, depending on the price, I might wait until I'm in the States later this week.\"\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHim: \"I don't have that information, you'll have to ask her.\"\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nMe: \"You honestly don't know?\"\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHim: \"No.\"\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nMe: \"Seriously?\"\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHim: Silence\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nMe: \"Okay,\" walk out the door.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHow many times a day do you think people go in there with that EXACT SAME question?! Maddening. My screen is still broken, by the way. As soon as I'm done with this post, I'm scheduling a Genius Bar appointment. Any recommendations on full-coverage cases? They're all sooooooo ugly. Woe is me!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe final example happened at \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/en.starbucks.ch\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EStarbucks\u003C\/a\u003E and comes from my friend and comedienne \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.sylvia-day.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ESylvia Day\u003C\/a\u003E. I think this status update says it all.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgr53vjoRJDJDYwf39_ThKORLpfXe9AozScft8vCUtNnFVyw159potC93Jw2kYO2Vbjo2D0A34CA75rj_V2AQVKGdMOMC9xnBdGuM1CW93480z3guWSxK3USe99FiD_ciOvob3SfVUCfg\/s1600\/Screen+Shot+2015-11-04+at+12.31.54+pm.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nOne morning before the Writers Workshop, I stopped in at Starbucks and they were \u003Ci\u003Eout of coffee\u003C\/i\u003E! They offered to make me something else (and charge me more!) so in the end, I just waited five minutes and was late to the workshop. Not cool, Starbucks. Not cool at all.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIf you're not already\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sylvia.day.14\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Efollowing Sylvia Day on Facebook\u003C\/a\u003E, you should be. And if you're in the Zurich area, she has a \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/events\/475305459308354\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eholiday show\u003C\/a\u003E coming up. J and I went a couple years ago and it was great fun. Don't miss it!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nTell me your hilarious (lack of) customer service stories. I would love to hear! xo\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/extension\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdraft.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2556494314801577420%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard\u0026amp;media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-5nyRrBOn1Ec%2FVjpfYUpJs_I%2FAAAAAAAAauw%2FBstwk5se1jk%2Fs1600%2Feinzigart_seefeld_1-1024x721.jpg\u0026amp;xm=h\u0026amp;xv=sa1.37.01\u0026amp;xuid=cnp_qnHf4Viw\u0026amp;description=\" style=\"background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image\/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/extension\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdraft.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2556494314801577420%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard\u0026amp;media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-5nyRrBOn1Ec%2FVjpfYUpJs_I%2FAAAAAAAAauw%2FBstwk5se1jk%2Fs1600%2Feinzigart_seefeld_1-1024x721.jpg\u0026amp;xm=h\u0026amp;xv=sa1.37.01\u0026amp;xuid=cnp_qnHf4Viw\u0026amp;description=\" style=\"background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image\/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/feeds\/7559730042876082242\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2015\/11\/customer-service-in-switzerland.html#comment-form","title":"17 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/7559730042876082242"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/7559730042876082242"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2015\/11\/customer-service-in-switzerland.html","title":"Customer Service in Switzerland"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Lindsey"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/04836394671525240199"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgUd4xsGktDQSkR0dALN6uHuAjl_TYKVzCEq1SOUHbIjtnEsKUvN1Wy_aCbhVo75SlXsXk3lj7ydEJEXxO6BlOLifmREEzY_gsTQIlMRnWQZ-5yY3XdD62KQwYIAj5R_IRgf6DDiidmDg\/s72-c\/einzigart_seefeld_1-1024x721.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"17"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556494314801577420.post-1513894496794995617"},"published":{"$t":"2015-11-03T13:33:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-10-17T20:54:06.789-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"adventures - travel - see"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"culture"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"switzerland"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"zurich - city - kanton"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"zurich writers workshop"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Zurich in Photos"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjCVdetG-hpqimDUAhjQxKB5YF7EvjGqNHXLbCOViw5mZ0ZBm2IUJ4occLPJ2FF_iX9NAFch4MxxFKC_HuZIM6QVnwnzuDaG0HX_GBzTTh5X7Nr_92huQZwRQPGb4-2utfNviSFZ2ujLA\/s1600\/IMG_9366.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOur trip to Zurich was absolutely magical. It was just like riding a bike. Much to my surprise, it's all still there, just waiting for us. Nothing has changed, nothing is gone or lost. It's all there, and we could be too.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgFPU8o7vhW4OQwSLVUncYJrraBZbApnJ8isvK6w0IxSdbmaTbHImItVJNkmGeUP2L04Re7nyXuffAMlU_fFiXpo8BpgziZQG6_Y3O60R6tlAv3EdxPMf7GNImsNyIzOfcoARC-clqBNQ\/s1600\/kieselgasse+neighbor+swiss+lark.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjjeAD3EUWv7nYf7hEWUTKMiM-IrzxBzHBPj79AEXur7vAy84wKuBtzc2qanUPC71rA1sh7kiqBWZP13YdNBO1flr5sljfZ8YwmzAYZ9JNHA2vAnqerd14afHOZ7ULab_6JcwrHe2tJKg\/s1600\/kieselgasse+front+swiss+lark.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe first thing I did was go to see our old street and apartment to say goodbye. \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2015\/10\/goodbye-kieselgasse.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EIt was hard, but good\u003C\/a\u003E. Then, I felt free to just enjoy the city and time with our friends after that.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhWpuMKkpA-fcD7J7UZ6OOPMALJsaznoiXqBxkunVbEq9n17jodMke6lSj3f7LJUywUhzFPuoJHiciqHzplwPuuBDQJePBkUCAPMBsPslHg2iQ2I1G0546AsLT_d0n1Ipk1WQY4WMNiTw\/s1600\/zvv+swiss+lark.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhYUK-ur9k0Q0nMK0MYpIy-7-fYYx2d9NmkFWt1919G-9vNGY4IgHTtwyv96MnaOaXrUlC1ymbc_Cocvhh4AXoBMtMWwEIsA9WeXLcTYLR_MCKKKjFyjf4yFrWBXd4qtcvckHDGXo1_NQ\/s1600\/theo+tram+2+swiss+lark.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nTheo loved riding the trams, of course. We went all over the city and its surrounds on the tram, bus and train. I even stopped in at the Ticketeria to buy magnets with the numbers of our trams for our fridge here at home. Our fridge now looks like a bit like a \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/instagram.com\/p\/9owAhCza6B\/?taken-by=swisslark\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eshrine to Switzerland\u003C\/a\u003E. Oh well!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgQ4ECM5GsrCgk-ITSUzuoiIUNt88ezEHyO-CxlBvjL5mnN6_0Qjn9F0uFP4nVQQzMrhvMmmS6PMlwZRFaJiyezSO4IRGG49OcRYPl4U2_UHEkYfSB-6xd8z2XTP-v-hyg7FCx_r1qTaQ\/s1600\/enge+swiss+lark.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiaymYjQBh-7HoyKkhuIyG53CgXoZZIEzlEsNAgpGbF1hYIlCQ942-Z8E58wJga-YjaXghwWvX2-ZqCZtuzTd0gFQp3bH87SWBBohAPTHQgK3eAY46zTfl7N4s5TYYFdN21qWJvIsz__g\/s1600\/rietberg+cafe+swiss+lark.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjYv_uhr4dLclm-TdhJ8SWSHfdUXNuCX0adCg6w9R71dSExoqH_niWKMNRnH0hUoKzPh0JRySjy63Ykt_aVzOJ4tzCoEeXJZv8G5TzQ_Wq8kh9VD6rRtRn9alaGD-vIikaI6av-A51s7Q\/s1600\/museum+rietberg.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgEcgeLFDAke90N4rCbxuZozmIOU4pMbs5Mp7CIGAFPXjuRTcMCt_rNWmvneFIlEtXPOxpCQdDS4GfCFPj5wXl2lnUigh1mT2bEVbo25l1n3LYWH20qcgWSRiClgh-cQi0MCbL3j8zcHQ\/s1600\/quartiertreff+swiss+lark.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOne morning, I went to see Joel's former colleagues and principal. It was so nice to stroll through that neighborhood. Every street had memories of a walk we went on while pregnant with Coco or Theo or outings we took as a family.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEj0zYjwLO-BzB-4AlN3e_0NsfRpPvSlJpj3pG0IJ7eSzJJJzM2YR2n2K9xqFuWoaliuyNKjF2pXHUPJsHUplT29jIGCECdbI81fmY0znizOezT-ppHPeHpXNEbKuaRl-puuh7KuJn8gPQ\/s1600\/limmat+pano+swiss+lark.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgvs-KZdMnbdRMc4yqpMaW_HRQbmCjyrWVS946iqNOcgym9dN6380a2WKgBdYWk_o_ldY3yX07nUbmAMbVdelkYJRPUtTfQHmiuw92PKBpRBXG5aI7lhwrxFRihPuJ-VtKrlguDkMmkLA\/s1600\/honold+swiss+lark.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI had the best egg salad sandwich in the world from Honold bakery and enjoyed it with a view of the Limmat.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEh4DBNyohRgChNn4zSpsVoQJKB1bQchRyn5hqBwxPk7ccLpFkl0hbB96P84EwdsjkjIhLaWEx5ozEXV33AUXpaSlpi8BS7x7wVeDz-3Y8qDja-PVQ_J-ZTr_GSpHVQm7dMyRaMUw9AisQ\/s1600\/chinagarten+sandbox+swiss+lark.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgU3f7SAijSPGtLNZcxLl_5vgowrfVLsp_Ks8A2aU2gGoEBw-ngodeOcNgu8gP-ldcnIeikqTIFQ-dh9C14LR2ngOb4ahfveOTG9erIbU5E3-J9p7cmVgnMOwPCc33csppfWm5bQCHVDw\/s1600\/chinagarten+spielplatz+swiss+lark.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiqeIeavY61WFhgml9mST4aEmn2H7Y6WDUExcVu2JRP4Yk6Usf9cqWHFXwEhQ_BkOb9Rn-xndpwB3PaQVOLa5gQvtjzdh8lJWxp7aKB3FB-2NCV2H286z65XifLRvW6Wfs5ll7MfsWlnw\/s1600\/chinagarten+zurich+fall+leaves+swiss+lark.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI loved seeing Theo play in the Chinagarten playground that was always Coco's favorite. He dug around in the sand and practiced walking all over. The fall colors were absolutely gorgeous.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgPpNXr1yiwQnFaJFbvTb5prnvqufopPKJu8Jqj-kpsK3MsGFryQ9B1xEWIj8EP4hftHc-gbCyH6W8s688czBN6G8BnajJRkAPnXTfxzaWzbMK3pxp2kv68qvwDJh0zgfKrPtHamWNyzA\/s1600\/opernhaus+caffe+swiss+lark.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiCPdIcFuXUDBpOM002SBcV1rIU-zOnazRG19purLbgtdVL6mYgZgzC5azhAaqxOJLnQ3ntfBpRW9OWDskdldRdkqf-f6Qp_Cwdj2XYt1985CZpyv7-0zU1x9aKTkk557G6VhCmqmiSrg\/s1600\/opernhaus+pano+swiss+lark.jpeg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe weather was amazing. We really lucked out. It was fun to see the square in front of the Opernhaus all finished and in use. It's a beautiful space. If feels like an outdoor living room.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEh9Gk0fAn_6UACew46p68lLxa-vcVtnlqth_smoP0uUiBxVD8EpR4yvs0utntmwiQler3ArKvkPuR4Y4QNI7faCICYfdro_IV0JKwMGByN4SriBmCenTU0acnwqUcRfsmItbij3o5pJZQ\/s1600\/toto+seefeld+swiss+lark.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjwqbwv9yKccvpcyQSiFkBF2UOmrpeeSScmBhlNfgJSzFc6M2Lj2jLFYHiznmhbPlMdA8FR9PDbiP9-DzB3w56yOcr0veugktSBmArdM7GEEX8V3pWIr0NlC69TWcyou1bfkPbXaRjDqg\/s1600\/12140584_10156111636335573_9050838877816781064_n.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nNo time in Zurich would be complete without Cüpli. I met two girlfriends for champagne in Seefeld one night and it was absolutely brilliant. So brilliant, in fact, that I accidentally dropped and smashed my phone and got lost on the way home and cancelled all of my plans and stayed in pajamas the entire next day! ;)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjqIdUO8YQneJssFlcJuoVHrQB-REnbmHJJgMhmNvL9dg56rYYYOaTlZCxqqPLvooDdMCgy1nZAoyxVIZi5gGrxTvJX2bkTCXMChSpbIvzXel86mN2PCb9DmrEW_zDGUCAX0r1Kq6996w\/s1600\/theo+babysitters.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nDuring the Zurich Writers Workshop, Theo had an amazing time staying with friends of mine and their children. He was an absolute angel apparently. The workshop itself was fantastic. I met lots of writers and copywriters and got great feedback on my work. Now I just need to find the time to devote to writing! J and I are working on it.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiCFnS1CxKHG1SnyCjZ-go6JGdlqWw3EyLOgO8kviHFsNFIyuv4tNFUScPGQ5ilIbDLDjyCDp2XO-jO4tltuc00aSoQEkxEkQEJTxUXMVtKIdE-r6VaHOoan7GU9UTjExTb4oQ0WqxLCA\/s1600\/zurichhorn+swiss+lark.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEirfPXBXomA23m7M_I2gpXEyvBhkw1jkhPwrqSJ6A1y6GRRWXaUxWFkTPkpkRKM4wdIY8yfJcXX9Kb1Uy0DJwwpaxt4JbDe8Vt56BJMOjZtFTx8ftjTc0QhLucGXV-RWsL4F5VylS-xFA\/s1600\/theo+chinawiese+swiss+lark.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgpSdU0NqErpnx_kXN2fPEYCWJrct4meI0nGgawU786iIC1vBq6ByaKQdzCXXXRiG3_BsDtoVyGJhyuQ4ylTnz6YoNMJaixkyhTDMpwf34nNC71P3Shb8QqoxdESQflyCqV25eMQpXiQw\/s1600\/bellevue+swiss+lark.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThat Sunday was an absolutely stunning evening. Buskers were out by the lakeside and Theo explored to his heart's content on the Chinawiese lawn. He and I walked for forty minutes along the lake as the sunset. It felt just like home and I found myself really missing J and Coco and wishing they were there with us.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgg6xA3msxrh73RmDyfFK39yurKfr8PuUaCFFhbsnS-6aiqDWng-ru0nLSh70FFLFaR9FNvNI-3BGpleWgIx5x_AV91Q4oXCfrGsdZ6mXMvrAueqjJrgqjTOoAjHzr4r37EJpB5Fiwk-A\/s1600\/fork+and+bottle+swiss+lark.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEha7BakCI3QhD0MeaBUO_gG8F-hx39_bcFCnqokVmbwmr1R3lG7yGJAhF51vafjYXlFUr4-E6jhL3949UccW8hbfMKe0vVCKN4_CNHtMkNu96kanIyAVxyBP-7ymFsGUOAi9bWTWiDWvg\/s1600\/mamas+lunch+swiss+lark.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOn our last day, we had a huge lunch with my Mama Group at the Fork \u0026amp; Bottle restaurant. It was sunny, warm and golden. We chatted into the afternoon and had the greatest time catching up.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEglbDPLcmEJG2ieqUa2C3ZTSunQDpK2yhHlhXSJzMtKAZoxcDW5_syZoz9GlKxoyjZYQeMl5e9yeI5fWhk0XW12awxxafrLh3mF6SjLQzfaMyGfaYyuT69F6QsYvJ6N9lZtev1nMeXvkA\/s1600\/goodbye+zurich+swiss+lark.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIt was hard to believe it was time to go when it all came to an end. I'm so glad I went. Arriving home to J and Coco was so nice. I can't believe how much we missed them. As we go along, I think I'm getting more clarity on the Zurich question, too. But, it's a process. Best not to say anything just yet. ;) Thank you for reading! xo"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/feeds\/1513894496794995617\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2015\/11\/zurich-in-photos.html#comment-form","title":"4 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/1513894496794995617"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/1513894496794995617"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2015\/11\/zurich-in-photos.html","title":"Zurich in Photos"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Lindsey"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/04836394671525240199"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjCVdetG-hpqimDUAhjQxKB5YF7EvjGqNHXLbCOViw5mZ0ZBm2IUJ4occLPJ2FF_iX9NAFch4MxxFKC_HuZIM6QVnwnzuDaG0HX_GBzTTh5X7Nr_92huQZwRQPGb4-2utfNviSFZ2ujLA\/s72-c\/IMG_9366.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"4"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556494314801577420.post-3287236607869897852"},"published":{"$t":"2015-10-16T22:23:00.001-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2019-11-04T11:17:05.492-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"culture"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"dreams - life - chance"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"kieselgasse"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"love"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"motherhood"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"repat"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"swisssick"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"switzerland"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"zurich - city - kanton"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Goodbye, Kieselgasse"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjkgTb0TzPj2QhW9DaDrpm2q6MV5JluvPT4UyzyTYC9o3bA-YSXQo7WPiYvuN_laIxRYRuGUz0RDvRfWSoZaeBj84vyrt-zmHlq2W_gTXZCG74SRsjpUMuvrOlOY3j0I4rXL52SutFrzA\/s1600\/IMG_6347-1.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nYesterday, Theo and I landed in Zurich. I didn't waste any time in finally going to say goodbye to our old apartment in Kieselgasse. When Coco and I left Kieselgasse, on June 23, 2014, the very last day of my pregnancy my doctor would allow me to fly, I went out the door and down to the tram just like I had for every other trip we'd taken to the US from that apartment. I didn't pause, I didn't say goodbye. And because J was still working and didn't go with us, it didn't feel any different. Of course, it was different, very different! We never went back. Yesterday, I finally did.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca name='more'\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiOC7-kJMU_cWd2bNWPaXD7vctF_cfjo4a4l0WqOlQlTC9iPqG6ZHQQJMPtjQejtKd_Ts5b52KLHX99MClt_v_j9ls98sMGdekNyOCKezVendJWrpCNO4KjXRKdzGxBCFmuvk35NHo74Q\/s1600\/Zurich+arrival+Collage.jpg\" style=\"text-align: center;\" \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2015\/09\/zurich-bound.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EI had wondered\u003C\/a\u003E, when planning this trip,\u0026nbsp;if I would get emotional at the airport when we landed in Zurich. I did not. We got through customs and baggage claim and made our way to the train and arrived at our friends' house where we are staying and I wasn't emotional through any of it. In fact, I was struck by how normal Zurich felt. Everything feels exactly the same. It feels completely natural and normal. It feels good.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003EIf it hadn't been for the suitcase and bags, I would have gone straight to Kieselgasse. But it was good that we got settled first. W\u003C\/span\u003Ee had a little bite to eat, I drank an entire French press on my own and then Theo and I took a nap. When we woke up, we got ready, went out and got on the tram. It was time to go say goodbye.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhrXTOrkBZdRW2jc8dpqc6gU6mZw7Cr5yUylRSI72P0tWB1Lfla25pg8m7bIdPdE6IfEskmA9j3iHnnsaBuqAg-oFS0kyJZNiebU19J_XoiuBv-TYWEpWlmRHVH0NdxjLxgBPFGWQ2PDg\/s1600\/IMG_6339.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nA few tram stops before ours, I had to blink back tears. Once I alighted and started walking down our little lane, I began to cry, and when I rounded the corner of our house and saw the sticker of the strawberry on the dumpster, I started sobbing. I walked up to the corner of the house and leaned my head against it and cried and cried and cried. I was glad no one was around to see me and that I didn't run into our rather difficult and nit-picky former neighbor.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhzneBmRWuOKXaHhztkdYoGpKg_H522FRF6DKvQOvKSSF9bbi9DhWXn-uoI0Ynt0jetvjCz0QEWUYK3xWyjCgC5g3AZ4ymANvnaYqNeoKismqzNH4-3dm1uTbLA7GaYOuUORr5n2M-BIA\/s1600\/IMG_6346-1.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nBeing here is like waking up from a nightmare. I had to keep reminding myself that it's not all over and I am not back home. As I made my way down our little lane, I half expected to see our stuff on our window sills, and J's head sitting on the couch reading. Of course, I did not. I saw some weird big lamp and it was helpful. It gave me a jolting sense of closure. This is not our home anymore.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjIoTO130M2SclVjYJz27u5Lisi_RHLGCVnZH2h31G9eDM-KLwBwt-1-9UKvJFP19RN9RemMUcBXAj2ZOSWq74w7hrwjDu66KaNxjIv_5BXETqjKiU-CBCXMZGOJmZeYRqCldOPReLAyg\/s1600\/IMG_6343.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI walked around the block crying, memories flooding back at every step, path and gate from my time there with Coco. She and I spent countless hours wandering that neighborhood after she learned to walk. She jumped in puddles over here and practiced climbing steps over there. She learned to ride her balance bike there. I cried and wiped tears and cried some more. Then I went back to the house and actually hugged it. I put my arms out and grabbed it and hugged it and sobbed quietly. I felt relieved. A weight lifted.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEi6fd2UrQy3uIQCcLLuuBsfR7jFm3sQWxeFrfEI4ldLSQLjoMCzTg_zWDnRPIyB0oTxRV8m4Ro79PY-TArMP-b-6xmhkFh6an_Y2Beu8S1Gcg9yqsC0yKs63e9Yn7xHXVJ0kRHYdRxZGQ\/s1600\/IMG_6362.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIt doesn't make me miss it any less, but I finally got to say goodbye to that apartment, to that time, to that life, to all that it was to us, and always will be. It will always be the home to which we took Coco from the hospital and it will always be\u0026nbsp;the place where we\u0026nbsp;became parents. It is the first place we put down roots. I'm so grateful for that time and place. I love it forever.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nTheo and I are in Zurich for two weeks while I attend the Zurich Writers Workshop, network and figure out if we want to call this city home again. Follow along on \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/instagram.com\/swisslark\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EInstagram\u003C\/a\u003E. xo"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/feeds\/3287236607869897852\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2015\/10\/goodbye-kieselgasse.html#comment-form","title":"16 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/3287236607869897852"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/3287236607869897852"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2015\/10\/goodbye-kieselgasse.html","title":"Goodbye, Kieselgasse"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Lindsey"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/04836394671525240199"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjkgTb0TzPj2QhW9DaDrpm2q6MV5JluvPT4UyzyTYC9o3bA-YSXQo7WPiYvuN_laIxRYRuGUz0RDvRfWSoZaeBj84vyrt-zmHlq2W_gTXZCG74SRsjpUMuvrOlOY3j0I4rXL52SutFrzA\/s72-c\/IMG_6347-1.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"16"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556494314801577420.post-1354658250007245382"},"published":{"$t":"2015-10-06T15:06:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-06-06T09:46:32.070-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"culture"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"dreams - life - chance"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"switzerland"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"zurich - city - kanton"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Zurich Plans"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEg5POnF64pDHMiO32WaCfcuOQAXSOrI2w9xAjIIu4EYzJW7Qyt6mivnhYdFUtDnhMr0exMX87jwaWHF-EuBtGTp6kFd3dAFSBcAxZ1bSrvvRHlF0tDXVRbFicJoMJ42fYZSG7iZ9HHTRQ\/s1600\/zurich+plans+swiss+lark.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nOur trip to Zurich is just 9 days away. I honestly thought I would be more excited than I am about going, but I feel conflicted. I can't help but run down the list of possible outcomes in my mind. The idea, after all, is to go to Zurich and come back with a sense of closure. Then, I can leave all that behind me, fix my gaze straight ahead and move forward in establishing a full, rooted, permanent life in Spokane. Perhaps it will help that we'll be in Zurich when the weather is cold and grey and nasty?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nDeep down, I know that doesn't matter. \u0026nbsp;The fact that we were always out and about regardless of the weather is one of the things I miss most about Zurich. Just this past weekend, someone was telling me to make sure and walk to the parks here in Spokane while we can because soon it will be too cold. But all it made me think was that I need to remember to pack baby scarves and get Theo a pair of rain pants so we can take advantage of the parks in Zurich while we're there. In the same conversation, this person asked if I have been making friends or finding mama groups to join. I have not. Until we know, absolutely 100% sure, that this is where we are going to stay long term and raise our children and put down permanent roots, I'm not doing any of that. When we left Zurich, we didn't fully appreciate that we had put down roots there. It was so painful to leave our home, our apartment, our lifestyle and those meaningful friendships. I simply cannot go through that again. Beyond this darling house of ours here in Spokane, (which I absolutely love, but that we will grow out of in two years anyway,) I am not interested in establishing any attachments just yet.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThat's why this trip is so important. I'm not convinced we are done with Switzerland. But I can't be sure it's right to go back until I've been there as the person I am now. We have grown and changed so much since we left. Nothing is the same. So I suppose it's only natural to feel a bit of trepidation at going. But, we are moving onward. This is the first step.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: x-small;\"\u003EPhoto via \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.stylemepretty.com\/vault\/gallery\/32728\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EStyle Me Pretty\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/extension\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdraft.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2556494314801577420%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard\u0026amp;media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-RkblDdMTrds%2FVhQ8K2kFY-I%2FAAAAAAAAHmA%2Fn1zVKroDat0%2Fs1600%2FIMG_2581.jpg\u0026amp;xm=h\u0026amp;xv=sa1.37.01\u0026amp;xuid=cnp_qnHf4Viw\u0026amp;description=\" style=\"background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image\/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 791px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/extension\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdraft.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2556494314801577420%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard\u0026amp;media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-RkblDdMTrds%2FVhQ8K2kFY-I%2FAAAAAAAAHmA%2Fn1zVKroDat0%2Fs1600%2FIMG_2581.jpg\u0026amp;xm=h\u0026amp;xv=sa1.37.01\u0026amp;xuid=cnp_qnHf4Viw\u0026amp;description=\" style=\"background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image\/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 791px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/extension\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdraft.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2556494314801577420%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard\u0026amp;media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-RkblDdMTrds%2FVhQ8K2kFY-I%2FAAAAAAAAHmA%2Fn1zVKroDat0%2Fs1600%2FIMG_2581.jpg\u0026amp;xm=h\u0026amp;xv=sa1.37.01\u0026amp;xuid=cnp_qnHf4Viw\u0026amp;description=\" style=\"background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image\/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 791px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/extension\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdraft.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2556494314801577420%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard\u0026amp;media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-RkblDdMTrds%2FVhQ8K2kFY-I%2FAAAAAAAAHmA%2Fn1zVKroDat0%2Fs1600%2FIMG_2581.jpg\u0026amp;xm=h\u0026amp;xv=sa1.37.01\u0026amp;xuid=cnp_qnHf4Viw\u0026amp;description=\" style=\"background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image\/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 791px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/extension\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdraft.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2556494314801577420%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard\u0026amp;media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-RkblDdMTrds%2FVhQ8K2kFY-I%2FAAAAAAAAHmA%2Fn1zVKroDat0%2Fs1600%2FIMG_2581.jpg\u0026amp;xm=h\u0026amp;xv=sa1.37.01\u0026amp;xuid=cnp_qnHf4Viw\u0026amp;description=\" style=\"background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image\/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 791px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/extension\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdraft.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2556494314801577420%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard\u0026amp;media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-RkblDdMTrds%2FVhQ8K2kFY-I%2FAAAAAAAAHmA%2Fn1zVKroDat0%2Fs1600%2FIMG_2581.jpg\u0026amp;xm=h\u0026amp;xv=sa1.37.01\u0026amp;xuid=cnp_qnHf4Viw\u0026amp;description=\" style=\"background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image\/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 791px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/extension\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdraft.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2556494314801577420%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard\u0026amp;media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-RkblDdMTrds%2FVhQ8K2kFY-I%2FAAAAAAAAHmA%2Fn1zVKroDat0%2Fs1600%2FIMG_2581.jpg\u0026amp;xm=h\u0026amp;xv=sa1.37.01\u0026amp;xuid=cnp_qnHf4Viw\u0026amp;description=\" style=\"background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image\/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 791px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/extension\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdraft.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2556494314801577420%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard\u0026amp;media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-RkblDdMTrds%2FVhQ8K2kFY-I%2FAAAAAAAAHmA%2Fn1zVKroDat0%2Fs1600%2FIMG_2581.jpg\u0026amp;xm=h\u0026amp;xv=sa1.37.01\u0026amp;xuid=cnp_qnHf4Viw\u0026amp;description=\" style=\"background-color: transparent; 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background-image: url(data:image\/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 791px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/extension\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdraft.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2556494314801577420%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard\u0026amp;media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-MTPewnDxCNg%2FVhQs3Vi1fLI%2FAAAAAAAAHlw%2FvRP8BzGe9IE%2Fs1600%2Fzurich%252Bplans%252Bswiss%252Blark.jpg\u0026amp;xm=h\u0026amp;xv=sa1.37.01\u0026amp;xuid=cnp_qnHf4Viw\u0026amp;description=\" style=\"background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image\/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/extension\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdraft.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2556494314801577420%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard\u0026amp;media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-MTPewnDxCNg%2FVhQs3Vi1fLI%2FAAAAAAAAHlw%2FvRP8BzGe9IE%2Fs1600%2Fzurich%252Bplans%252Bswiss%252Blark.jpg\u0026amp;xm=h\u0026amp;xv=sa1.37.01\u0026amp;xuid=cnp_qnHf4Viw\u0026amp;description=\" style=\"background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image\/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/extension\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdraft.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2556494314801577420%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard\u0026amp;media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-MTPewnDxCNg%2FVhQs3Vi1fLI%2FAAAAAAAAHlw%2FvRP8BzGe9IE%2Fs1600%2Fzurich%252Bplans%252Bswiss%252Blark.jpg\u0026amp;xm=h\u0026amp;xv=sa1.37.01\u0026amp;xuid=cnp_qnHf4Viw\u0026amp;description=\" style=\"background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image\/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/extension\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdraft.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2556494314801577420%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard\u0026amp;media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-MTPewnDxCNg%2FVhQs3Vi1fLI%2FAAAAAAAAHlw%2FvRP8BzGe9IE%2Fs1600%2Fzurich%252Bplans%252Bswiss%252Blark.jpg\u0026amp;xm=h\u0026amp;xv=sa1.37.01\u0026amp;xuid=cnp_qnHf4Viw\u0026amp;description=\" style=\"background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image\/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/extension\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdraft.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2556494314801577420%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard\u0026amp;media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-MTPewnDxCNg%2FVhQs3Vi1fLI%2FAAAAAAAAHlw%2FvRP8BzGe9IE%2Fs1600%2Fzurich%252Bplans%252Bswiss%252Blark.jpg\u0026amp;xm=h\u0026amp;xv=sa1.37.01\u0026amp;xuid=cnp_qnHf4Viw\u0026amp;description=\" style=\"background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image\/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/extension\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdraft.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2556494314801577420%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard\u0026amp;media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-MTPewnDxCNg%2FVhQs3Vi1fLI%2FAAAAAAAAHlw%2FvRP8BzGe9IE%2Fs1600%2Fzurich%252Bplans%252Bswiss%252Blark.jpg\u0026amp;xm=h\u0026amp;xv=sa1.37.01\u0026amp;xuid=cnp_qnHf4Viw\u0026amp;description=\" style=\"background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image\/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/extension\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdraft.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2556494314801577420%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard\u0026amp;media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-MTPewnDxCNg%2FVhQs3Vi1fLI%2FAAAAAAAAHlw%2FvRP8BzGe9IE%2Fs1600%2Fzurich%252Bplans%252Bswiss%252Blark.jpg\u0026amp;xm=h\u0026amp;xv=sa1.37.01\u0026amp;xuid=cnp_qnHf4Viw\u0026amp;description=\" style=\"background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image\/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/extension\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdraft.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2556494314801577420%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard\u0026amp;media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-MTPewnDxCNg%2FVhQs3Vi1fLI%2FAAAAAAAAHlw%2FvRP8BzGe9IE%2Fs1600%2Fzurich%252Bplans%252Bswiss%252Blark.jpg\u0026amp;xm=h\u0026amp;xv=sa1.37.01\u0026amp;xuid=cnp_qnHf4Viw\u0026amp;description=\" style=\"background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image\/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/draft.blogger.com\/blogger.g?blogID=2556494314801577420\" style=\"background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image\/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/draft.blogger.com\/blogger.g?blogID=2556494314801577420\" style=\"background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image\/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/feeds\/1354658250007245382\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2015\/10\/zurich-plans.html#comment-form","title":"5 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/1354658250007245382"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/1354658250007245382"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2015\/10\/zurich-plans.html","title":"Zurich Plans"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Lindsey"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/04836394671525240199"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEg5POnF64pDHMiO32WaCfcuOQAXSOrI2w9xAjIIu4EYzJW7Qyt6mivnhYdFUtDnhMr0exMX87jwaWHF-EuBtGTp6kFd3dAFSBcAxZ1bSrvvRHlF0tDXVRbFicJoMJ42fYZSG7iZ9HHTRQ\/s72-c\/zurich+plans+swiss+lark.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"5"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556494314801577420.post-3515961186684076313"},"published":{"$t":"2015-09-22T06:00:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-06-06T09:46:39.925-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"adventures - travel - see"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"culture"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"switzerland"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"writing"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"zurich - city - kanton"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"zurich writers workshop"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Zurich Bound"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiYJ-OtIpqnhpdeH8LW7PJZSDllzY3_t8Br9CKkh81WjGfmLsnA6V70VWzeMkplDCNLbworhSUXSQbReU7aAn0MyrbJS9ki8Q8_FDHN_y64qH7hJGVSsGqCc83ZT5in_tU756orXodgrg\/s1600\/zurich.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nTheo and I are going to Zurich next month. I cannot imagine what it's going to feel like to land at that familiar airport I've landed at so many times before. Will it still feel like home? Will it not? What will it feel like when I get on the little underground train at the airport and we begin zooming along toward customs and baggage claim and the \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/vine.co\/v\/hZX1tMZFDu9\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eflip book style movie\u003C\/a\u003E of the Alphorn players and Heidi pops up on the walls of the tunnel, and the sound of the yodelers and cowbells fills my ears? Will I cry? Probably.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWhen Coco and I left Zurich to move to Minnesota, it was all so rushed. We really did leave without saying goodbye and \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2015\/04\/regret-moving-onward.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eit's been killing me ever since.\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSomehow, we managed to get through\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2015\/08\/my-long-absence-and-blog-redesign.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Elast year\u003C\/a\u003E, and then we made the move to Spokane, and slowly, the dust has been settling. Not too long ago, toward the end of the summer, I saw a friend post about the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/zurichwritersworkshop.com\/workshop-2015\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EZurich Writers Workshop\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;on Facebook and I really wanted to go.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOf course, it's a terrible time to go! J and I are both still unemployed and looking for work, and despite the airline miles we had from our time in Zurich, I was worried that traveling would affect my unemployment. So I gave the Unemployment Office in Minnesota a call, and it turns out that traveling to attend a workshop and network with editors and publishers is completely allowed and won't affect my unemployment at all. Well, there you go. Nothing is holding me back.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nTheo and I are going to Zurich. We're really going. I'll be attending the Zurich Writers Workshop and networking during our stay. I'll get to see my beloved friends, Theo is going to meet his baby friends whose mothers and I shared our pregnancies. I'm going to visit our old neighborhood, stroll through its streets\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2015\/08\/sorting-it-all-out.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eas I once did with Coco\u003C\/a\u003E, shop at our old grocery store, mail J and Coco a postcard or two from our old post office, walk by the lake, breathe it all in, arrange to visit our old apartment and give it a big hug. I'm going to do all this in the hopes of saying goodbye, of letting it go, of moving on.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOne way or another, if we are to move forward in this life, I must do this. I hope that being there, I will realize that I am back where I belong being in Spokane. I hope that I will remember all of the reasons I believed Zurich was never a long-term possibility in the first place. Because I sure can't now. Is our life there all gone? Is it still there? Is there any hope of touching it or claiming it once again? There is only one way to know. Away we go.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgj5xHfauUs3EMV1I8P8tLauQaVhswlIvLgkLqQY8-ldHmcaF-jNuOI2x_rc3KXlp5SKyNuhe6oUQkT2hmhVg3sKXx7uQo30uik3ZW5JpBWkvydnOJw4Co5pgQgfGbkJYM9PT3-U5LIMA\/s1600\/tiefenbrunnen.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: x-small;\"\u003EZurich Airport photo via \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/airviation.tumblr.com\/post\/61687405706\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EAirviation\u003C\/a\u003E. Tiefenbrunnen photo via \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.panoramio.com\/photo\/97108616?source=wapi\u0026amp;referrer=kh.google.com\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EMartin Strobach\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/feeds\/3515961186684076313\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2015\/09\/zurich-bound.html#comment-form","title":"68 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/3515961186684076313"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/3515961186684076313"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2015\/09\/zurich-bound.html","title":"Zurich Bound"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Lindsey"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/04836394671525240199"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiYJ-OtIpqnhpdeH8LW7PJZSDllzY3_t8Br9CKkh81WjGfmLsnA6V70VWzeMkplDCNLbworhSUXSQbReU7aAn0MyrbJS9ki8Q8_FDHN_y64qH7hJGVSsGqCc83ZT5in_tU756orXodgrg\/s72-c\/zurich.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"68"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556494314801577420.post-713487747809697058"},"published":{"$t":"2015-09-14T14:03:00.002-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-06-06T09:48:17.747-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"culture"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"day trips from zurich"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"swiss life"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"switzerland"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"toddlers in zurich"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"zurich - city - kanton"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Insel Ufenau"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjDkXruSNrT7fnGJQyzp-2o9NdhNpOctxWU-FfI7z2MPYi3jNqt7oRhrCinlKNM_KmBfrd9zHYFMhIKKzNpsEmyXC85wtVYWN3rVqQgTudVFor6RMNzPOFCWuzuuLjdmaKe20q0vz9t2w\/s1600\/IMG_5826.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nFall is an excellent time to visit Insel Ufenau in Lake Zurich. Boats depart regularly from Bürkliplatz and it takes a few hours to get to the island. Once you're there, a short walk will take you to the old Roman church and the restaurant. It's never a bad idea to call ahead and check \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.ufenau.ch\/\"\u003Ethe restaurant\u003C\/a\u003E is open. However, there is always a sign visible from the boat telling you if it's open or closed before you alight.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiLgAo5hR7W2nrMQD0IejxTQNwuutc8f0Bgww7uPEwdbg_zLxEc3ErcsX1FRDzB5HMffWILCdx333d7UHCE9lzsCRUJtbef1G-a5nN4jdxsurelGgWK8zFQr7m89hpUsBurGgaNRSjHvw\/s1600\/IMG_0830.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhoSlvR-mq0XZo4PtNUmtpBdCEThh37b36T7u_bNCkDaPdGJeJlSz2rxT0uiCuqg2gD1IRNmwArXXmvphpE_uFxm4g32pIpcXbA0T-pd4wESCt8cbxp3ExaC53EIQo1I0a6LFojofJRBg\/s1600\/IMG_0824.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nWhile I was pregnant with Coco, we did a lovely trip to Ufenau and had food from the restaurant. It was so relaxing.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEg3g_tVDwMKI_WMA45VkwZUbpWtdxJS8v8v6UcYEtyp_4SuLoM0j7VyDBOd0__wMK6fgCIW5iEA_PtTvv56I8HfksGuLn0ZXXtZlPvxfOUrSr-BYYYLj7MqmkGiWr3-5Kil3Ghtcrev5Q\/s1600\/IMG_5816.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgfizg_rNKp1O4sW_IUj2EZX-zfO5Xxnp7pde9VbIQEaBS_ltda3JiEu8PSgu9cjpVXFcURhw9YArOvws8-7JQaoxHmeh07ns6hR6R5Vdt8KU9fyr6cg3GHRor_t-nb28dquxtZPRd_nQ\/s1600\/IMG_5815.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nThen, when Coco was a toddler, we took her there. Instead of eating from the restaurant, we brought a picnic and got a full bottle of the wine made from grapes grown on the island! ;)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEg2YqI6b3uq186Niy0hPwuOhT2vgNZ8bkk7YgfZJa9DHwRtNbMJvmhpSi_vDaHV0G1KhuWu-54ffK-8z6t9pyEf-GaREwU1yFq9n3C5n7OLxU5jGrwmmf1-B4AZSewNeR0Fhyj3nqX4iQ\/s1600\/IMG_5820.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEghnObu-3QrxQtHF4ZjQE1xNgX_jX5I_Nz6rP7HK9X2hzTek6zvAhnaUzbJY42twDM1gGsWhFGNs4fdllF_tPUWRZ2ePPuc-8dep3vuKS8p1F931ZlAZTL09Nkci0kubuVPr6OsN6M-yg\/s1600\/IMG_5824.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nCoco loved running around and seeing the animals. Best of all were these lunching rabbits. Then we took a little tour of the island and made our way back to the dock where the boat pulled up perfectly on schedule to take us back to Zurich. It is a full-day trip from Zurich, but a very relaxing and enjoyable one, particularly if you enjoy sitting on (or following a toddler around) a boat.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHave you been to Insel Ufenau? What did you think?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/extension\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdraft.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2556494314801577420%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard\u0026amp;media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-x3mPQkhNpUY%2FVfczTRaZMTI%2FAAAAAAAAHYE%2FRrLXoi7Nu_I%2Fs1600%2FIMG_0830.JPG\u0026amp;xm=h\u0026amp;xv=sa1.37.01\u0026amp;xuid=cnp_qnHf4Viw\u0026amp;description=\" style=\"background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image\/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1303px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/extension\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdraft.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2556494314801577420%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard\u0026amp;media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-x3mPQkhNpUY%2FVfczTRaZMTI%2FAAAAAAAAHYE%2FRrLXoi7Nu_I%2Fs1600%2FIMG_0830.JPG\u0026amp;xm=h\u0026amp;xv=sa1.37.01\u0026amp;xuid=cnp_qnHf4Viw\u0026amp;description=\" style=\"background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image\/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1303px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/feeds\/713487747809697058\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2015\/09\/insel-ufenau.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/713487747809697058"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/713487747809697058"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2015\/09\/insel-ufenau.html","title":"Insel Ufenau"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Lindsey"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/04836394671525240199"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjDkXruSNrT7fnGJQyzp-2o9NdhNpOctxWU-FfI7z2MPYi3jNqt7oRhrCinlKNM_KmBfrd9zHYFMhIKKzNpsEmyXC85wtVYWN3rVqQgTudVFor6RMNzPOFCWuzuuLjdmaKe20q0vz9t2w\/s72-c\/IMG_5826.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556494314801577420.post-8742058864061211235"},"published":{"$t":"2015-05-05T12:20:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-06-06T09:48:43.649-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"culture"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"reading - writing - books"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"swisssick"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"switzerland"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"zurich - city - kanton"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Good Read: Hausfrau"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgQ95KeINwd5w161YNPs8Uu73blpRVecqkqCyjXvALX9mWqbophrwEd9xlMVSHpBFL8q60WGZEblgKM6Cdt-waE544GNmUtg2WZl9LsFR_WjvGwaXWyvjNewabY17VVk3z6nJgyubQ7cw\/s1600\/hausfrau.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nLast weekend I zipped through the novel \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/1EV9Mc6\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EHausfrau\u003C\/a\u003E at an astonishing rate. It was so good. The author, Jill Alexander Essbaum, is a poet and her use of alliteration, imagery and metaphor is phenomenal. The book is set in Zurich, which despite the dark subject matter, made me so homesick for the trams and trains, the lake, the winding streets and parks, even the horrible, depressing fog. How is that possible? I'd really like to know.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nI've struggled all year with wondering what our life would have been like if we had stayed in Zurich this year instead of taking a leap of faith on the job opportunities that cropped up here in Duluth. What would Theo's birth have been like? Would he have had the same birthday? Would Coco's potty training have stuck the first time around or would we have had the same regression after Theo came along anyway? How would we have all fit into our tiny apartment? I think about holidays, seasons, friends, daily life. What would it all have been like? Would it have been better than what we experienced here? Probably. This has wound up being the most difficult and challenging year of our lives. In what ways might staying in Zurich have been better? In what ways worse?\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nReading Hausfrau only plunged me deeper into that dark, melancholy and really pointless line of thinking. We are nearly ten months on and I'm still struggling with the fact that we left Zurich too soon.. I still weep for the life we didn't finish there. But here we are. Moving onward and (hopefully) upward.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nIf you haven't read \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/1EV9Mc6\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EHausfrau\u003C\/a\u003E, I highly recommend it. It's dark, dirty, contemplative, riddled and compelling. In a strange way, it gave me the beginning sense of closure that I needed on our Zurich chapter.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/feeds\/8742058864061211235\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2015\/05\/last-weekend-i-zipped-through-novel.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/8742058864061211235"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/8742058864061211235"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2015\/05\/last-weekend-i-zipped-through-novel.html","title":"Good Read: Hausfrau"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Lindsey"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/04836394671525240199"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgQ95KeINwd5w161YNPs8Uu73blpRVecqkqCyjXvALX9mWqbophrwEd9xlMVSHpBFL8q60WGZEblgKM6Cdt-waE544GNmUtg2WZl9LsFR_WjvGwaXWyvjNewabY17VVk3z6nJgyubQ7cw\/s72-c\/hausfrau.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556494314801577420.post-2851198363964755177"},"published":{"$t":"2014-03-13T02:26:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-06-06T09:50:56.194-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"cooking - baking - eat"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"culture"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"dinner"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"food - dining - wine"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"switzerland"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"vidis kochtüte"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"zurich - city - kanton"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Vidis Kochtüte Dinner Service "},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjzrqLz9lD95CuW_gUrPtGJ5CnSpacUADccfytc2C1PL6S_cnKh5Aguzt-EyI9UkhYhWOhn64x71ChDUtwD-W9JsIMZaRH-P5oubwuQeugkLkJCmQeRnvpHFOcApuKirjQkKIDHwo1TbA\/s1600\/4C5A3370.jpg\" width=\"426\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003EWhat should we have for dinner?\u003C\/i\u003E seems to be the eternal question in our house. It plagues me day after day, week after week. This pregnancy, I've been so tired and grocery shopping with Coco has become so difficult, I can't tell you the number of nights I've sent Joel for\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;take-away pizza and salad! :( So I was delighted to learn about \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.vidiskochtuete.ch\/en\/offer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EVidis Kochtüte\u003C\/a\u003E. It's a dinner service here in Zurich that aims to put healthy meals on your table without any fuss. Here's how it works:\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"283\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjVE7po4JV8rroN4taWsZIkRTiaCMaeHx_JEZsChDUalm4OEIn4LPYn3RdQKBWqXFCWjgp9K-hwR5FPdpYUOk0QoN6-GYnJF-0SMI4_MHALiNr3c4b45Dm6I5pVizJ8zeQWYu2lMeG0qg\/s1600\/4C5A3402+comp.jpg\" width=\"426\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nOn Monday, at the time of your choosing, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.vidiskochtuete.ch\/cms\/front_content.php?idcat=6\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EVidis Kochtüte\u003C\/a\u003E deliver a bag of fresh ingredients to your door. Within the bag is everything you need to make three delicious hot meals, right in your own kitchen, without stepping foot in a grocery store! The recipes are tucked in with the ingredients and you only need to provide basics like oil and vinegar, salt and pepper and butter.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"448\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEghG6WuvdN7b7rUE7P-2Uhicl05h8WdVK0jM13B6sqeYSHqMsaF9-Tk80bubZomhpu2BCaIqBuJZQmWW19JGE883MJyw0n-o44olv5lR5XS_yIcPbPsYSqTxm8yMOw6LsPpeqC_Iul7Sg\/s1600\/Wu%CC%88rstchenpfanne_342.tif\" width=\"426\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nEach of the recipes takes about 30 minutes to prepare and then dinner is served. I practically jumped for joy when they asked me to give it a try. ;) Next week, we are getting the Classic Small Bag, and I'm so excited that I don't have to plan meals, or grocery shop, for three nights! I honestly can't wait.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003ESpecial offer:\u003C\/b\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.vidiskochtuete.ch\/cms\/front_content.php?idcat=6\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EVidis Kochtüte\u003C\/a\u003E is offering all Swiss Lark readers a 20 CHF discount on their first order. Just enter the coupon code SWISSLARK at checkout. Offer good through June 30, 2014.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nThank you so much, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.vidiskochtuete.ch\/cms\/front_content.php?idcat=6\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EVidis Kochtüte\u003C\/a\u003E!\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/feeds\/2851198363964755177\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2014\/03\/vidis-kochtute-dinner-service.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/2851198363964755177"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/2851198363964755177"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2014\/03\/vidis-kochtute-dinner-service.html","title":"Vidis Kochtüte Dinner Service "}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Lindsey"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/04836394671525240199"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjzrqLz9lD95CuW_gUrPtGJ5CnSpacUADccfytc2C1PL6S_cnKh5Aguzt-EyI9UkhYhWOhn64x71ChDUtwD-W9JsIMZaRH-P5oubwuQeugkLkJCmQeRnvpHFOcApuKirjQkKIDHwo1TbA\/s72-c\/4C5A3370.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556494314801577420.post-1930536118046462282"},"published":{"$t":"2014-03-12T01:41:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-06-06T09:51:29.813-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"celebrate - holidays - festive"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"costumes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"culture"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"fasnacht"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"switzerland"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"toddlers in zurich"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"zurich - city - kanton"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Coco's Fasnacht Costume"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"771\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEivFzk6ZAoj1OyQ1LaCFNhIJyjB3Jp63dGPeznqn3wEPI_gjUPj63Q_2wEDw0ypYSvqQF8XZrQ-LcZZJjSIctx2DfM0EqNp5FLRZkoxR0664pP5itjCuJjSBuipw63HmQfLFnpjEvOpiQ\/s1600\/IMG_6525.jpg\" width=\"512\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"771\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiObhiLiv17VHOemPnrt3qbuzQaio06GZVJtbIpp60-DVpYRlxTFMC52xQlYjTmX12w5n58U7x-WyJfUvH_NwicDgFSROgLAceNUmuQm8zrpZpRfqJw3_XnpbVRZ4YiJ10lY0SRMdMVaA\/s1600\/IMG_6488.jpg\" width=\"512\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nLast Saturday we took Coco to a children's Fasnacht celebration in Neumarkt, our favorite part of the old city in Zurich. It was a beautiful sunny day and just the right amount of festivities and excitement for our little 2-and-a-half-year-old sweetie. Her costume was a roaring success. Click through to see more photos and read more about Fasnacht.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ca name='more'\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEj4k5T7dvLf6ioMKP5VGuxjsgxmf6-Ur1akWM5cWVU0IEbmEneUo-Q6EGDI-si-8XL9cgS8XRcPEap-BvDgGTl9dEyO3f0tUccvU8VKcfgnhD0h0M6te4Uk70X_ie18NqMHh3WsFEfJcw\/s1600\/IMG_6497.jpg\" width=\"425\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival_of_Basel\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EFasnacht\u003C\/a\u003E is actually a pre-Lent celebration based in Basel. You could call it the Swiss Mardi Gras. Basler Fasnacht is so popular and famous, that other cities around Switzerland have created their own Fasnacht celebrations, not to be confused with the real thing. Because Basler Fasnacht starts at 4am on the dot! (This is Switzerland, after all;) it's not exactly child-friendly. So we were happy to take Coco to a much tamer children's version right here in town. It started at 1:33 pm, also on the dot apparently, because we missed the opening.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"283\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjprEYESK8ZQ70BYDaVEdSFaAdJUiVJ1EEbsPN1_ni1t-SYE3aUJHLdNwfBJ_sV99Yb8gKaXaYiy0EgKp4cAwGdMJIQg5mYnZMDh3ICTqxYhhFMtiJvJI0rR7Z1TN1E4pTqqUp3NzWbzQ\/s1600\/IMG_6427.JPG\" width=\"426\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjYBeFH43h0XU29Z8uHFIoFNWfuRD4YW_XYFWZx7sF9kyRNZuGBkbPXJfBv7Pqcjvsbus_zCBpmZi0WpXA-Sgq1YvSiARixUbMSG3iKLiAJxEtU3WABiLAWFDLgqguaOoAGU2ZP4jZoPg\/s1600\/IMG_6458.jpg\" width=\"426\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjROMNXgsORX0Nnl53_uUR2QUzBRbkzoztAdrlkozcE98I5x-RCtJY66hfXI5z68Z8LVv1s5MaovrYApAtipmCiWMWqwqbiShZ_ZefL2G6NdE8lzviHa_ZwRhvTru-0RcIuOe6inVnhjQ\/s1600\/IMG_6459.jpg\" width=\"426\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEi5Ljm-ChuhfI3yy0JbO3VloNS140cKgrvSWGTSx7WBO4nJ4pf_KeGMghSIz22V4SPI2Cnj5J_K58q3no8xtj3QGIhPgF1LSorvXaYjaRYRqdmjBI1_M1hQwoD2MLxAliUL3pBy_VuFsA\/s1600\/IMG_6460.jpg\" width=\"426\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nFasnacht is marked by confetti and costumes, in my humble opinion. J was super on top of it and sourced a costume for Coco. After trying a few shops, he couldn't find anything, so he opted to make something. He popped into the art teacher at his school and together they rustled up the necessary components to make something fun. We really have no idea what Coco was, but she was adorable. :) And she was positively enamored with the confetti!\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiysVyxc_2wZ_cQCFPH1q7suUnG9h-25IvptRtpAVQAfjV_j1SIC6BE6udBezvC7iIijxseKfkMBCeMvqR5Zhl6RY0QvfEz8G3tiXVYXRrxY56hp5OgPeaI55PND_IlHa9hIo9Q6GbKqA\/s1600\/IMG_6479.jpg\" width=\"426\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEheN7b8KihZIslqctYlYGyJPbQ_1VDWxUcc_I6kcN9479XVUauFDsAeWM6-BRHFhUeWqAKSAonfBt1RLfj3-iZXc3y_i_w5TwBBXoK5h8Qn0TURNBdmQCo54F-OPs8FiwInJoYmg1QNFA\/s1600\/IMG_6480.jpg\" width=\"426\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nCoco ran all over and we were surprised at how well her costume held up!\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"282\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjJowgDG0JmhZW8R32AZw-H4rhjVfmP7DA_Tfk-etgpjKTzxf-m1EvDRoMZF1T7_9HQCw9m7cEfdnWBL1oRCa09zUj0_LDquBjSebVK5xmyQBUQ9EzUhow8hX6TZcokS_bkxAF_qcA_MQ\/s1600\/IMG_6492.JPG\" width=\"426\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"282\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjC0mXdt2qUIlgiPcVDmDIl7_nxLBpPiaeKfDqUzi4tDu_ChE2uevLoC-KBemtG1Z4Cn2U0XEpTgOEVqdLcTs_EgdfMajcsFO0sqUkXbB04vlqrQU32xl8TQL-e2D1Z6shckMUjuPJvlA\/s1600\/IMG_6518.JPG\" width=\"426\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nWe hung out in the mostly empty square for a bit, thinking we had missed the festivities all together while J dutifully showered Coco with confetti. Then we heard the little children's parade approaching. At first, Coco was a little bit afraid. It involved lots of drums and shouting from the revelers.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjs5SGo5tsx0QBoDwON6eagWjLA6yBzJeoyzcksgHh-YM0fFunYWzrSnBz3HEDr6R4FX5SYFP6nh4AtZjp05KEhIVXl-_DGUYwz0mjyZ-9kijgXGZbyIigxTPyrbmbIrkk_jpKXa9JDkw\/s1600\/IMG_6521.jpg\" width=\"426\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nBut pretty soon she got the courage to go off and find them.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"283\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgTj9f-e8ASwEsw9b2kXu1xSJFPxpeWL5dioZnGsRetLxwYPN0hv1xzS6JeUjK81rxnAJYZGb5-AwAkRVsN4EnQHxvNFiGqgfMDbtQliEj4Xiq_tQ_ksdBafSidhxGdr2wfAOJvL0G5eQ\/s1600\/IMG_6523.JPG\" width=\"426\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nEverybody stopped to oooh and aaah over how cute Coco was in her little costume. Probably more than a hundred people took her photo. No exaggeration!\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"283\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEh4kLHr1GrxlyB8Z2sWypI2_bDPgAMvvBoeDUfgzjAe7kIBHFmLqCgIZqfAifsvTN5qfCLdZmTf3fu65RDA-kYxNwbYupy1i-LnnBTj33oE_w9B06cpT8ailODmQd1k64PYhrJb-I7VWw\/s1600\/IMG_6530.JPG\" width=\"426\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"283\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjVGAUYEm1E5wvObMrNe59aPu-Z6a6VEWSj0AdM6_MEKtJlH59lx4pWBhmSnAWYqYdXrLXb9JeDmI5Gy8u-GvbJHOqIEeYjq_kycXG8is05ybTNyx6ymshLeaOrsm8wHGoh4iAkLlZdcw\/s1600\/IMG_6531.JPG\" width=\"426\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nWe only joined the parade for about 200 meters. That was plenty. Coco liked it, but she preferred to keep to the side and she was pretty leery of the scary masks and costumes.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiQIupyxgbokYav9IYBK3WC6fLrULaqg5_tEXsOni-TBull0NLWXO54sGAAMNRua5SGv0kzXTpxt_Bq8JeGmspyl-EiBILG-hLs8dwMoYeaa_viu7tVVz729Neerjl_qPlP0DokTXT6QQ\/s1600\/IMG_6541.jpg\" width=\"426\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nWe listened to the band play in the square for a while and then continued on to enjoy the sunny day - with smiles on our faces and lots of confetti in our hair. Overall, it was a total success and I highly recommend it to parents of toddlers in the Zurich area.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/feeds\/1930536118046462282\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2014\/03\/cocos-fasnacht-costume.html#comment-form","title":"3 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/1930536118046462282"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/1930536118046462282"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2014\/03\/cocos-fasnacht-costume.html","title":"Coco's Fasnacht Costume"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Lindsey"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/04836394671525240199"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEivFzk6ZAoj1OyQ1LaCFNhIJyjB3Jp63dGPeznqn3wEPI_gjUPj63Q_2wEDw0ypYSvqQF8XZrQ-LcZZJjSIctx2DfM0EqNp5FLRZkoxR0664pP5itjCuJjSBuipw63HmQfLFnpjEvOpiQ\/s72-c\/IMG_6525.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"3"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556494314801577420.post-372249902027194078"},"published":{"$t":"2013-11-19T02:30:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-06-06T09:51:39.892-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"culture"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"home - tasks - clean"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"motherhood"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"recycling - waste - garbage"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"switzerland"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"toddler"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"zurich - city - kanton"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Recycling with Coco"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEg6lY2paQQwKW4tKfrFUhm56AeS5WLH7rjDuUViBw0_lOV9QSJU5oMSRkO1evffyFMWKmCPEvTCvL_-W_YB8p4W8dev6qB2FvtYnanSq2zbK3dnaqhgYkZyydrxDikVUdGoTmMF2ELtng\/s1600\/photo+1.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nDespite the terrible twos we've been experiencing lately, the past few days with Coco have been completely sweet and lovely. She has started saying \"Danke viel mal\" (thank you very much in German) when we're out and about and it is so adorable. Yesterday, a woman let Coco pet her dog for a little while, much to Coco's utter and total delight. As we parted ways, Coco chirped happily to the woman, \"Danke viel mal!\" and I couldn't help but swoon. What a little dream boat she is!\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nThen we continued on our way and took the recycling together. She absolutely loved it! After years of hating the tedious and complicated system of recycling here in Zurich (more on that another time!) it has finally become something fun. That's one of the unexpected benefits of having a toddler around - mundane everyday activities are endlessly exciting for them. ;)\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca name='more'\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiRppwkzHyLK35vw5HRoIWrN_fV-NWB4obGvlxdIB3VKgxcBNR-jPqQcZ_Jl5s6frzo3WG8BhLjhs_r86QAVduSWf3CIKkdv8lBbiWZidVXmgiC5qp_5ESrMpbCL46M6O1u7JxRI_uGrA\/s1600\/photo+4.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nThere's our gigantic bottle and can recycling bag. Once it fills up, we have to schlep it several blocks away to these glass and can receptacles. It's a stinky job, but that didn't deter Coco. Here she is putting some old Corona bottles in the proper container.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiorpXF3hGWcCj8MPxq2S_8tfBBJV4qArY82omet1opT-LaN9A2-DY_V7z2GkigkTC2IX-oTRvwtsacCx6svhA9gmKUNzB_xnu3XAdj4VqM1wY5w1mKYx46VEAVbJ_WF-Em_Kd-mj2udg\/s1600\/photo+5.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nThis being Switzerland, the recycling schedule is clearly marked. 7am to 8pm Monday through Saturday. No recycling on Sundays or holidays!\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhdAv2xzicw2b6lvJDbZWonAGvvZuwewqiI1dkIvP6h32Tiv3o9FdQinYDUAKrEhWnqBYz_OAH7W8kAMyd_52J8fq8YvBl2XDn8j88U5RHVND11wQNVB0_z1x8qoW_wEYBSVieZ5KdPxQ\/s1600\/photo+2.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nPure excitement! Who knew old beer bottles could be so fascinating? It just never got old.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEh00xmY5SHIr2w2vO_UynNkR3O5VfAHIKj0kLTX5sopUtSU8rdylCQAquXr-zO52sa9oqT-b1KPEhVJuWevCCNBiuFoKqtPB-aRsh2Qk-fCXvJzhFwfcvetE135-0qI4XausEIBG8RnWQ\/s1600\/photo+3.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nIt will only become more fun as she gets older and understands the different containers for different colors. After we had finished, she looked at me and said, \"Wow! Thank you, mama!\" and naturally my heart absolutely swelled with love. Oh thank you, my sweet Coco, for being you!\u003C\/div\u003E\n"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/feeds\/372249902027194078\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2013\/11\/recycling-with-coco.html#comment-form","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/372249902027194078"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/372249902027194078"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2013\/11\/recycling-with-coco.html","title":"Recycling with Coco"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Lindsey"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/04836394671525240199"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEg6lY2paQQwKW4tKfrFUhm56AeS5WLH7rjDuUViBw0_lOV9QSJU5oMSRkO1evffyFMWKmCPEvTCvL_-W_YB8p4W8dev6qB2FvtYnanSq2zbK3dnaqhgYkZyydrxDikVUdGoTmMF2ELtng\/s72-c\/photo+1.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"1"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556494314801577420.post-8295319874956568308"},"published":{"$t":"2013-11-14T09:02:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2019-11-04T11:18:36.449-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"culture"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"expat"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"swiss prices - money - finances"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"switzerland"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"switzerland - expat - foreign"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"toddlers"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"zurich - city - kanton"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Three little differences between Switzerland and the States"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"339\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEifuiin-HLyGhJDnu5z0yDWINyWO7m5fkg1UrzV_4Anoh3Kg63LNvwSfjMloMheezbmXns1vniBrRr3yKz2Zte7m5moT0JCs76ALTh8WcxmIM2jvVSy1zfgGYffBD3gg8I8WL0x4XzyGg\/s640\/Zurich_winter_presence_switzerland.jpg\" width=\"512\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nSince living in Zurich, I've been surprised by these three little differences between the States and Switzerland.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ca name='more'\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEilJkyanZ7jHstCCnJ4z9mIcVCo23Y_aGHG5K80XohyphenhyphenG2kJR82T_tXn9yIQ_tBbg2uVeCWoEpc3GZPIe5J12TyPLyEhN7CNS93gzUesK19JLwjnsnbGgAz5RBj72hBJV1uTZdW9tuz7XA\/s1600\/IMG_0207.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EBabies lie flat.\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nWhile pregnant, and nursing your newborn in the hospital, and visiting the pediatrician, something you're told again and again here is that \"\u003Cu\u003Ebabies lie flat\u003C\/u\u003E.\" Every pram or stroller is configured to be a lie-flat rolling bassinet for the first six months, and then it turns into a sitting stroller after that. It's something that is taken very seriously for the health of the baby's spine and the movement of their internal organs to their proper places after being curled up so long in the womb. It is a steadfast rule here and very important. Yet in the States, babies never lie flat! I saw baby after baby curled up in a car seat, or slumped into a stroller before they could sit while visiting home and I wonder why that is!?\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiUkVZo1hohhJ8yWdF1qCMhdaGpfp6udMbt83Tf_SEZx69y62xv7fIe5gFo299SJ0Tf7finqt1xnV_xtRDhnXBNYAfnBVbrYkBVifxPnd4Gz1A8wJXOKwdbPTV1nfrfBEPhisHUpIdqag\/s1600\/photo-4.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EEvery child has rain gear.\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nHere's Coco in her massive rain gear. I bought it to last several years because it was expensive! Normally, I buy expensive items in the States and have my mom bring them to me when she visits. ;) But, after some looking, I realized rain gear for kids in the States is pretty uncommon. It was expensive there, too. That had me scratching my head. Plenty of Americans live in urban environments and need rain gear, surely. But it's just not a thing. You will not encounter a Swiss kid who doesn't have rain gear. They have at least two sets - one is kept at school or daycare and one is for at home. They go out everyday! I have to say, it's really nice having rain gear. When we arrive at a friend's house for lunch and strip it all off, Coco is warm and dry underneath. So where is the rain gear in America? Are people really in their cars that much?!\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjxAKNzRABeKLtBLzj1e2K-_1etSCMs8l70ekhIp1a2uBJ9OH9b6x4s7WVtXTbqoL8f9ncXU59_IGJeSl5JuTpJGliVbd0HUWPtK9J85uYE825X3mBbj4BzMrKp_dIFiWeDovFRZvb4oQ\/s1600\/IMG_5536.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003ETwo duvets.\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nWhen we arrived at our first apartment in Adliswil (that our Swiss employer had set up for us), we chuckled at the two duvets on the bed. \"Weird!\" we said to ourselves with a little eye roll. Wrong. Having two duvets is the best thing ever. No more fighting over the covers. No more waking up freezing in the middle of the night while J is snug as a bug in a rug cocooned in our duvet. It's rad! I just need to find an attractive way to make the bed. And Coco is left out. For a while, I tried to cover her with mine, but now the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2013\/11\/zizzz-all-natural-swiss-wool-sleep.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EZizzz\u003C\/a\u003E is the solution! We will never go back to one duvet. (And we ditched the ridiculously fussy top sheet long ago.)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EDid your baby lie flat? Does your child wear rain gear on a regular basis? Would you switch to two twin duvets in lieu of one big one? Tell me in the comments below. :) xo\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n(Pretty photo of Zurich dusted in snow from \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.apes-presse.org\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E.)"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/feeds\/8295319874956568308\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2013\/11\/three-little-differences-between.html#comment-form","title":"5 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/8295319874956568308"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/8295319874956568308"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2013\/11\/three-little-differences-between.html","title":"Three little differences between Switzerland and the States"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Lindsey"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/04836394671525240199"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEifuiin-HLyGhJDnu5z0yDWINyWO7m5fkg1UrzV_4Anoh3Kg63LNvwSfjMloMheezbmXns1vniBrRr3yKz2Zte7m5moT0JCs76ALTh8WcxmIM2jvVSy1zfgGYffBD3gg8I8WL0x4XzyGg\/s72-c\/Zurich_winter_presence_switzerland.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"5"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556494314801577420.post-788624466426607752"},"published":{"$t":"2013-11-12T02:34:00.004-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-06-06T09:52:09.615-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"chinese garden"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"culture"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"daddy"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"motherhood"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"motherhood - coco - childhood"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"switzerland"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"toddler"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"zurich - city - kanton"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Zurich with Kids: Chinagarten"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjHPf-sDFOkcAs9awu6yoZzOi-1pUSCQNhdrE_dHOhzzxmgDOrrRCHzOR9hn9tcYLFBdxoMsYxhxn1RThMlCX6WAEtNerL3oeu5FHdAHkHxBPzPzpvC7tEMrFJ5N4f3Gpazt2o7yy7OIw\/s400\/2013-10-10+18.35.16.jpg\" width=\"512\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nDuring his fall holidays in October, J took advantage and went on lots of outings with Coco. He loves that now that she's older, he can take her on his own and they can spend a day together. \u0026nbsp;So they \u0026nbsp;made the most of of a rainy day by visiting the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Garden,_Z%C3%BCrich\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EChinagarten\u003C\/a\u003E together. It's just a quick walk from our house!\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgS0XyoYMdKraaeqWIyV1IQXqaTa7zO8L22klopeT730fdz8pe-CpTEietVSHkY8Wv-V4lbCyscbehX7f5Zu5nIj5UKC9U_tvIOSOTjCLjcLXs5coJlHwSND8flYl-0iz_hJIGsC0Q1KA\/s400\/2013-10-10+18.31.15.jpg\" width=\"512\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgmkjOZavBlhv6Y2cCOUkG_JznQAHvAjVGFnYg0TtgIETvZkE4MyANGs7fKgyCeZxSSghpMFjqQXF3QJu_kdmd8in3lJkqatEYGAqdPkWIklQfVpdGBziMGCxlYw1YdWiPEfg3uFKlO1w\/s400\/2013-10-10+18.37.02.jpg\" width=\"512\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nCoco loved exploring all of the passages and walkways.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"382\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjaLGtRxJqYQ0ACN5HgI-n1AF8VgSJ3Lz_p8Z4VmrL6BLCHGKQyMvkmgeRy9HreDNUh1ux29of1A4yhrMPKKvEd0pb46sTsmq4THooZMKtqKOUR_K_gdaeoVVuHTLyojKkgA4OO-1Gl7A\/s640\/2013-10-10+18.20.31.jpg\" width=\"512\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"382\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEj3iNY6SJFeD90_kfv19OSoHdnYApGRP9XSvg8xe2q_W0mRL8506tJ0MgyOB_4q-1yiRaCZeYKD2acN52C57hBf-TS2hZC5q3daPKS4fQPAdPCtseLN5Py6p9NnzRMiG8ts2yFZu4jGAg\/s640\/2013-10-10+18.10.35.jpg\" width=\"512\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nThen she was amazed by the colorful carp in the pond. The fish were so friendly, as soon as Coco and J stood at the water's edge, they all swam over to say hello. Coco wanted to pick them up!\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"686\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiGXdUmVfVRCGsu-Gpv6lBZOiDjzl0WQR8jQNXZWl3ZPcfnnGJB49JeDOGeiF0xBQeShD7xS2CfPe6rew8RNZ2dADLuyDw-zZXo7QOK1g0DcDlLG6FydAxTx8dRY2FxQZ9HZvBRhaIeew\/s640\/2013-10-10+18.22.51.jpg\" width=\"512\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"382\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEitK2EJ0upe2KoDvwmDt0ITwdzgEuFiOgZLG7gBBKEYBi5bF-rCOSybjiWpTNBhsKFh2aOL6OoZemPz7pFihjbwaeLAosb5tY1QZniLe1iQMJI-H7-H3I06FLri2E5MYR3-Q_zKfBNoBg\/s400\/2013-10-10+18.32.50.jpg\" width=\"512\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nTo cap off the experience, they saw a blue heron and got to watch it move around gracefully as it eyed the fish.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nJ said he was really surprised at how much she loved it. Now, whenever we walk past the entrance, she wants to go in and see it again. I've even had to run in after her and stop her from going in on her own! \u003Cb\u003EWhat are your favorite outings where you live? Or, what sort of unexpected toddler-friendly discoveries have you made in your city?\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/feeds\/788624466426607752\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2013\/11\/zurich-with-kids-chinagarten.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/788624466426607752"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/788624466426607752"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2013\/11\/zurich-with-kids-chinagarten.html","title":"Zurich with Kids: Chinagarten"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Lindsey"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/04836394671525240199"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjHPf-sDFOkcAs9awu6yoZzOi-1pUSCQNhdrE_dHOhzzxmgDOrrRCHzOR9hn9tcYLFBdxoMsYxhxn1RThMlCX6WAEtNerL3oeu5FHdAHkHxBPzPzpvC7tEMrFJ5N4f3Gpazt2o7yy7OIw\/s72-c\/2013-10-10+18.35.16.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556494314801577420.post-7878705231566811417"},"published":{"$t":"2013-10-22T06:00:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-06-06T09:52:21.721-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"culture"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"lost and found"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"switzerland"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"switzerland - expat - foreign"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"zurich - city - kanton"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Switzerland: Lost and Found on Display"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjrifbglGEJBK44ik528Socywly2CnciWFoJlYO-DeS38soXOdPLCAcRsR3nPI_MVMRk1a-iUBPA2dQCCUFCyG4q8398HuhWQOYiimClxQzru_IY8-g3WxARwrEwlfZw_k9-3ztKHSrAw\/s1600\/finders-displayers.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"686\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjXPv-oIHKcKybVBwsGOOKt0ZrvsGuFyN6jfZlpX0QDjF4TkjDTQk93Qd0bCivvhyphenhyphen_nsQhb0kNeGRiZq2us9uMJKpB_Av4WUrbvoVHjLfK8QdgBkWrYAlDJXbzsaY7Pvh80kycsf3Z7mQ\/s640\/IMG_5887.jpg\" width=\"512\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nOne thing I really love about living in Switzerland is the way people display lost items they have found. If someone sees a hat or scarf lying on the ground, instead of leaving it where it is to get dirty (or taking it for themselves) they put it on display. That way, when the owner realizes it's missing and retraces their steps, there it is, just waiting for them! Isn't that wonderful?\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nI love how that pink\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2012\/06\/baby-essential-nuscheli.html\"\u003Enuscheli\u003C\/a\u003E is perfectly clean and without a speck of dust in the top photo, even though it's in the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Paradeplatz\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ebusiest square\u003C\/a\u003E in the city. Then last summer, I happily found a lost hat of Coco's tied to a street sign in our neighborhood. It totally made my day. With babies and toddlers, it seems we mamas are always losing things, doesn't it?\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nAnd it's not just Zurich, I saw this trend in action in Neuchâtel when I lived there, too. I think it is just completely rad. \u003Cb\u003EWhat do you think? Will you start doing this where you live? Do people do this already?\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/feeds\/7878705231566811417\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2013\/10\/switzerland-lost-and-found-on-display.html#comment-form","title":"2 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/7878705231566811417"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/7878705231566811417"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2013\/10\/switzerland-lost-and-found-on-display.html","title":"Switzerland: Lost and Found on Display"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Lindsey"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/04836394671525240199"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjrifbglGEJBK44ik528Socywly2CnciWFoJlYO-DeS38soXOdPLCAcRsR3nPI_MVMRk1a-iUBPA2dQCCUFCyG4q8398HuhWQOYiimClxQzru_IY8-g3WxARwrEwlfZw_k9-3ztKHSrAw\/s72-c\/finders-displayers.png","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"2"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556494314801577420.post-2163254055184697432"},"published":{"$t":"2013-10-07T11:30:00.001-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-06-06T09:52:48.526-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"art - museums - see"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"culture"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"switzerland"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"zurich - city - kanton"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Zurich Kunsthaus with Coco"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiRV4lbCQejhnQlHk3laye7iSgCei-T4lqBZT_rIBSRPx_b7_ny33DovM1qWak7AJT6MSM3NagSnNMun7SY4NJK3WS6vko8k6o8pmlIPs05ze-gwLL5EeA9CV2ACu57CrUP9RPKLls3ZA\/s1600\/joel-and-coco-kunsthaus.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nWhen Coco was just a little baby, one of our favorite things to do with her was visit the art museum. Zurich has a \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.kunsthaus.ch\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Elovely art museum\u003C\/a\u003E and the permanent collection is \u003Ci\u003Efree\u003C\/i\u003E on Wednesday afternoons! Coco loved going and seeing all the art. Especially while being in the Baby Bjorn facing out in order to take it all in.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjzZee7LlXQKsgfLTcSGSTEZy6EDnN886vBAqyeMmGnWwX_lL_VrwZ6kql8kBIeUvEc14xUmcJ4ikArgWCp-itlBKiulLZQqpQ7_-wjsXYAqLGHA7SCUaP805YgU3HHjj5wkRf7JvCwfg\/s1600\/museum-nursing.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nWhen she got hungry, we stopped and nursed on a settee surrounded by giant paintings. It was rather idyllic. It's hard to believe how fast and dramatically our little baby girl has grown in such a short time. I'm looking forward to sharing photos from her 2nd birthday party with you this week! xo\u003C\/div\u003E\n"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/feeds\/2163254055184697432\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2013\/10\/zurich-kunsthaus-with-coco.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/2163254055184697432"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/2163254055184697432"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2013\/10\/zurich-kunsthaus-with-coco.html","title":"Zurich Kunsthaus with Coco"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Lindsey"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/04836394671525240199"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiRV4lbCQejhnQlHk3laye7iSgCei-T4lqBZT_rIBSRPx_b7_ny33DovM1qWak7AJT6MSM3NagSnNMun7SY4NJK3WS6vko8k6o8pmlIPs05ze-gwLL5EeA9CV2ACu57CrUP9RPKLls3ZA\/s72-c\/joel-and-coco-kunsthaus.png","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556494314801577420.post-816262173691131654"},"published":{"$t":"2013-06-13T09:21:00.001-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-06-06T09:53:01.386-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"adventures - travel - see"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"switzerland"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"zurich - city - kanton"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Zurich Airport Observation Deck"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nTomorrow I will have a full post for you about our \u003Ci\u003Elong\u003C\/i\u003E flight from Zurich to Spokane. But first I wanted to tell you all about the amazing Observation Deck at the Zurich airport.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEi9gKjZO1OkRZQ98EGSLKC9gaYDJlBwsS3M-L-t6OUEL2X6xPRifJgy9f6o37c_GlBZBQrWKEv76AwoguZLH0i4Zz0gSo6PjBGd4_jlyrGdgtmHvwTZJshhqt8udnGstQiaCZlOhNo3Ow\/s1600\/blogger-image-1297698790.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nAfter we got checked in, we took Coco up to the observation deck to play outside in the fresh air before we were trapped on the flight for 9 hours. She didn't waste anytime getting to it.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgdJPFfbyHDPyK6YsxwhtFAvR64sL6a8_Q86wSQ2DCBcZqpGszCXOU2jICJm5KImQRm3g_KFTNGSKrc0ELAUT5vQKiefSfAZvIy1XlBKMbxBp7IPoru-E-TeYYPVGXVsdknZUYt88NHkQ\/s1600\/blogger-image-604813010.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nThen she and J watched a few planes take off.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhd8SxaexA9ds18yYa6hLMbac-8rXIhRxg-hfOJ_PoPEfbPLULnpB9hDYXI9V20l-SlRooJ6tkChRDMv9T12rS_59iqULGPO-UBcgM8YOyOZOgFhzGTXp1pnaAxK6JMplLbQN4vdwi0IQ\/s1600\/blogger-image-2085215531.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjrAubpjocimr2WF3cFr7T9HZXxjNsAk2Xe1Kf7f0EB0HjXZuckX8-dbHghMt1dULKXQQJ5He2m111ltOD7FSS3m6gFLGQ5p7XR2KAC-EXvWoRYCWnxPnAi3Why814os21lj3xxekD7vg\/s1600\/blogger-image--1370716030.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both;\"\u003E\nShe thought it was amazing!\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjWO1f8F8xvtBptBb20whIl4vjph3Ek5B7VOe8vnKytmX6ORK-Sh15wlyw_6_nSam1o9hwd8DJqjZhAzFwPH2XXa1fIROWLFWMseKYBqIYe2rRdyoERdRPcvFDUdzQF3IqcltBzny-l7Q\/s1600\/blogger-image--516850048.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nAnd then she was genuinely puzzled as to where the planes had gone when they disappeared from view.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEg8S5NJVt-N4sVfrHyuZQFypiFtKi7yuiujQTwkr84sECVw5TZKrDyeo98mqgYe17lyyCQMUk4HOe4mu0lZp3TduPcD5ZrxNABz99fLNJ69fxno3KJqz0koWKPBst2KY7MvHoYJq13RuA\/s1600\/blogger-image-2001813030.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nThen it was back to the fun and imaginative playground until it was time to get to our gate. Next time we will leave home even earlier so she can have more play time and so J and I have a chance to get a coffee at the little cafe there and relax a bit. Nice work, Zurich! Pretty much the best thing I've ever seen in an airport. :)\u003C\/div\u003E\n"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/feeds\/816262173691131654\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2013\/06\/zurich-airport-observation-deck.html#comment-form","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/816262173691131654"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/816262173691131654"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2013\/06\/zurich-airport-observation-deck.html","title":"Zurich Airport Observation Deck"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Lindsey"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/04836394671525240199"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEi9gKjZO1OkRZQ98EGSLKC9gaYDJlBwsS3M-L-t6OUEL2X6xPRifJgy9f6o37c_GlBZBQrWKEv76AwoguZLH0i4Zz0gSo6PjBGd4_jlyrGdgtmHvwTZJshhqt8udnGstQiaCZlOhNo3Ow\/s72-c\/blogger-image-1297698790.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"1"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556494314801577420.post-3871044931571988148"},"published":{"$t":"2013-02-21T08:44:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-06-06T09:53:13.366-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"switzerland"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"switzerland - expat - foreign"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"zurich - city - kanton"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Learning to be On-Time"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjIC4prchTk6mO787S-ilmW2NEITxS3ayKRiHuN6VnOcXqxeDU5INUJpaFaLU1WVEaU6FGMdTMzmo1F7VuwSpSS6A8X3TlnGAf5ZhnlpQ7FU_Guc87yN8WH5_omwZzLV8FrQ1ZXHoZyuA\/s640\/clockzurich.jpg\" width=\"512\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nSince moving to Switzerland, I have had to completely rewire my brain when it comes to time and punctuality. I \u003Cstrike\u003Ewas\u003C\/strike\u003E am one of those people who never gets anywhere on time. :( Ten minutes late is my usual, but I've been known to be half an hour late (or even more!), depending on the occasion and situation. Obviously, it's not a good thing to be \"a late person\" anywhere, but in Switzerland it is literally unacceptable. (Can I just say that I am the last person on Earth who should be living here?! ;) After two and a half years, I am beginning to gain a whole new understanding of time. I am still late more than I'd like to be, but I'm seeing time in a whole new light. It's rather amazing.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ca name='more'\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgVcGW_v0s2UKbB_Mbt8Q9-GoSSGYVR2fq-idbbNge_JyClpexjgozlFcte33vaD_lJqU9Pk52b9RwBifu7eS86etRyL3yfQETdxPiPOJhc5dI7CBnnCOhIiHWBTNgYvzCsQyOgUp_78Q\/s640\/photo+(2).JPG\" width=\"512\" \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nTime is sacred here. In the trams, the driver has a little screen that shows if they're exactly on time, if they have a surplus of seconds, or if they running on a deficit of seconds. \u003Ci\u003ESeconds!\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;Can you imagine? If a tram driver \"waits\" for you when you're pregnant and waddling as fast as you can to get on the tram, it's not because they're being nice to you; it is because they have a surplus of seconds.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cu\u003EThat's all.\u003C\/u\u003E If they pull away and leave your waddling pregnant self behind, it's nothing personal, they just don't have any time to spare.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nDoes that not blow your mind?!\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nIt seems cruel not to wait \u003Ci\u003Ea few seconds\u003C\/i\u003E for a pregnant woman, doesn't it? But now that I've lived here long enough, I actually get it. A few seconds here and there will compound over the course of the day and at some point, it will become enough to throw off the whole schedule. In Zurich, if the tram is ONE minute late, people are annoyed, checking their watches and looking around for some sort of explanation. If it is two minutes late, an announcement comes on over the loud speakers explaining why. It is incredible. On the other hand, in Portland, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/trimet.org\/howtoride\/bus.htm\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ETri-Met recommend\u003C\/a\u003E you arrive at the bus stop a full five minutes ahead of schedule, just in case the bus is early. In my experience, it was often just as late. That's at least 10 minutes of your day wasted! And a schedule that isn't worth the paper it's printed on.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\nSeeing how well things work when timeliness is a priority has been really helpful for me. And along with that, understanding time as an absolute has been huge. A minute is a minute. It takes me two minutes to get to our tram stop. If it's 9:55 and the tram leaves at 9:56 and I'm still standing in our entryway and have yet to put on my coat and lock the door, I know I won't make it to the tram, not even if I run as fast as I can. For whatever reason, that blows my mind. I guess it's because in my mind, a minute is small, a minute is almost insignificant, and a minute is hard to measure. I don't \u003Ci\u003Efeel\u003C\/i\u003E time, and unless my eyes are trained on a ticking clock, I'm not aware of time going by at all. So you see what I mean about having to rewire my brain? Those big train station clocks with their ever-moving, bright red second hands are helping me, but it's hard. It also helps to wear a watch, and I think I have reached the point where I hate the feeling of that adrenaline rush that comes with trying to race against time enough to want to do something about it. And so, my education in punctuality continues. ;)\u0026nbsp;\u003Cb\u003EHave you overcome being chronically late? What worked for you? Or are you still chronically late? Does it bother you?\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: justify;\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: x-small;\"\u003E(Photo of clock in Zurich Main Station via \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/mondainewatch\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/feeds\/3871044931571988148\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2013\/02\/learning-to-be-on-time.html#comment-form","title":"2 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/3871044931571988148"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2556494314801577420\/posts\/default\/3871044931571988148"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.swisslark.com\/2013\/02\/learning-to-be-on-time.html","title":"Learning to be On-Time"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Lindsey"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/04836394671525240199"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjIC4prchTk6mO787S-ilmW2NEITxS3ayKRiHuN6VnOcXqxeDU5INUJpaFaLU1WVEaU6FGMdTMzmo1F7VuwSpSS6A8X3TlnGAf5ZhnlpQ7FU_Guc87yN8WH5_omwZzLV8FrQ1ZXHoZyuA\/s72-c\/clockzurich.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"2"}}]}});