Happy New Year!

Just in time before the New Year is about to ring in here in Switzerland. I had guests who insisted to go into town to see the fireworks, and was very worried about me being alone here at midnight.

Not even a million francs, ok maybe 100thou, would make me leave the comfort and warmth of my home to venture into a cold and rainy and very crowded Zürich at this time. Nope, instead I'm off to my neighbours who has a fab view of the whole city (incl fireworks) and from there I can roll home in no time.

Happy New Year!

Democracy at its finest

Tonight was a great evening. I had invited a couple, quite a bit older than me, for dinner. At the same time I had talked to another friend about meeting up, and as it turned out, he could only make it today. So I decided to let them meet each other.

On one hand we had the older conservative been-together-forever couple, dressed up nicely and always behaving, on the other hand the motorbike guy clad in leather with tattooes and an attitude.

And it was a hit! At least for the guys who discussed politics, religion and who-knows-what. We, the women, were shakin' our heads and tried to butt in but to no avail. I think it's great that different generations, backgrounds and cultures can still have a nice evening together.

They kept on talking, talking, talking and when I served the dessert the mc guy was drinking out of the bowl to get the last bit of juice, to be followed by the older and more conservative guy doing just the same. This is what I like to see when I throw a dinner or party. Unruly behaviour and not being predictable.

A fab evening!

Christmas 2015

It was a fairly quiet Christmas Eve this year. There were four of us, having a mixture of ethnic food. And I was impressed by one of the visitors, a friend of my flatmate. She was very young, but engaged, had an education as a baker (the schoggi-mousse was fab!) but has now chosen another career, together with volunteer work for refugees. There is hope yet for the future.

So no stress, just a very pleasant evening with some Christmas music on the computer and no presents in sight. Good so.

Horse show

Last week I went to the stables to watch a show. It was interesting. A combo of professionals (I'll never be able to ride like that!) and students like myself riding in formation, a tiny pony who clearly had his own will and refused to jump, a white unicorn (a white horse with wings attached) and a "bull", consisting of two men under a cloth being chased by a horse. Funny. Sorry about the quality of the pics.

The postman never rings

Yesterday my door rang and the wee neighbour came to deliver a letter for me that had been put in their mailbox, together with a note from the postman:

"Sorry, I put the letter for Annika in your mailbox". And a smiley. How sweet!

Have to remember to give him/her a few cookies on Christmas Eve.

Swiss XXVI

It seems like we're not done with the paperwork. Today I received a "Bürgerrechtsurkunde" (like a citizen formal document) with the city symbol carved out in the paper. The mayor congratulates me and welcomes me to Switzerland and Zürich and tells me I can now vote. Plus that I am invited to a party next year! Who would've thought?

And all I can think about is that where is the bill for this?

Trash men

I dunno what's wrong with men, but something it is. What do they think it means when a trash bag is placed next to the door? That it's decoration?

Swiss XXV

I won! Almost exactly 48 hours after I applied for ze Swiss ID-card, it got delivered directly to my door yesterday. It's like ze Swiss had given up. Ok, so we've given her permission to be a citizen, now we'll show her how quick we can act.

So here I am, a Swissie at last!

Swiss XXIV

Today I went to the "Kreisbüro", the office that handles the applications for a Swiss ID. Yes, you'd think that the paper from yesterday would be enough, but no. Ze Swiss requires you to have at least an ID, even if you don't want a passport. Another 70 francs.

And of course I didn't think to bring a photo. I wasn't the first, since a photo-machine was placed in the foyer. One of these modern ones, which the staff knew, so I was guided through the whole process. Even when we left, me being 10 francs poorer, the machine was still talking.

You're not allowed to show teeth on the pic, why I have no clue, but I remember one time when I took a photo for a passport and had to show an ear. New year, new rules.

So of course I looked really silly, not being made up for a pic. But that's almost always the case, isn't it? I've never seen anybody look good on a passport or ID pic.

I was promised that it would be delivered to me in ten working days, so I hope to have it all done this year. Wouldn't that be something to celebrate on the 31st?

Swiss XXIII

As per 10th of December, coincidentally the day the Nobel prize winners are celebrated, I finally got it! I feel like a winner! Not a Nobel prize mind you, but a win over the Swiss bureaucracy!

I am a citizen!!!

Breast pics

Today I've seen pictures of my breasts. Why you ask? It's not like I haven't seen them before, but to be honest never on a picture.

I went to do a routine mammography, and this time I brought the x-rays from last time, which was five years ago. I remember when they blamed me for not doing that, so yesterday I was locating them, making sure they were in my bag.

Not necessary, as it turned out, they already had my former pics on file. Guess progress has been made the last ten years.

And indeed it has. When leaving the clinic today I had a CD with pics of my breasts instead of these voluminous x-rays. And of course I had to look at it. Not that I got much out of it, other than that my breasts looked really fine. Nice and round and perky (even though it felt like they were flat as pancakes during the mammography). Seriously, I have no clue. Yes, I could see it was a breast, but that was about it.

But as everything was fine, I'm happy. Breasts ok, check!

No jinx

Was visiting some friends this evening, and was proudly telling them that I'm almost Swiss. At which time one of them presented a Swiss ID. WTF!?! Here have I been telling them all about my struggles and the preposterous process I've been going through, and I haven't heard beep from them.

I tell you, some people. The reason was "we didn't wanna jinx it".

And I know, they have been here three years longer than me, but not enough years in Zürich. What I didn't know was that Zürich changed the rules from six to three years some time ago. I'm not one to read the fine print. Still twelve years in Switzerland though.

But I can still win, they started their process in February 2014 and got their ID's in October this year. One year and eight months. I started mine in September 2014 and am almost there. But considering ze Swiss admin, who can be sure?

At least we can celebrate together. If and when I get mine.

Apts available

I'm considering renting out a few of my flats here in central Zürich. Ah, you didn't know that I am in possession of more than one?

Well, as a matter of fact I am. Seems like I'm trustworthy and keys are given to me left, right and center. Hehe.

The only catch is that one of the apts is only available for one day, the other two are empty and up for grabs. Any takers?

Pipe-rinsing

Since a couple of weeks the water in the kitchen hasn't drained properly, and every time the dishwasher was running it collected dirty water in the sink. Yikes.

We've tried everything from cleaning the bit you can reach, pumping to various kinds of cleaning products (avoid, avoid, no good for environment, but when desperate...). Anyway, I had to give in and call a professional.

And professional he was, bringing the heavy artillery with hoses, pump and all sorts of gadgets. Loud they were too, but after an hour or so my pipes were as good as new. Apparently you're supposed to do this every 4-5 years and I've been living here 6.5.

But he gave me a good tip. Instead of trying the useless products on the market, boil several liters of water and splash it down the sink, all in one go. That will clean out fat and things stuck. I shall do this now and then.

But for now, I have a pristine sink with pipes as clean as a whistle.

Zoo III

And the last round is always through the Masoalahalle looking at the giant turtles and enjoying the rain forest.

Zoo II

This is like Kingkong, reflecting the girl in the glass. And a very cute gorilla baby.

And I think there shall be camel babies next year, since I had the pleasure of watching foreplay. Camel-style.

Zoo I

Last year I missed going to the zoo, but yesterday I was there, enjoying the penguin parade once again. They just look too funny.

I was on my own this time, and I almost got lost so I missed the tigers and the lions, but no regrets. I always feel bad for them, having such a small space to live in. But I saw lots of others.

On the countryside

I was at a party last Saturday. It started with us going on horse carriages, two of them drawn by six horses, the biggest 728 kg and about 1.80 cm tall. Big, impressive, well-trained horses. And a joy to join the ride so to speak. It did help with us having wolly blankets and glühwein served.

It felt almost mystical, being in front of the wagon listening to the click-clack-click-clack from the horses hooves, driving through a misty village from dusk to total darkness. Cool. I don't think most people understood how difficult it is to be a driver under those circumstances.

Then we had a fab dinner with tablegrill, a buffet with all sorts of food from bacon, three different kinds of meat, to cheese and garnish. It tasted fantastic after being outside for hours.

And I do think my speech went down well. I cannot be sure, maybe there were just polite, but I have a good feeling and I know my birthday friend had too.

All in all it was a great evening spent with a bunch of nice people of all ages I've gotten to know quite well here in Switzerland. Makes me feel welcome being an almost-Swiss.

A German poet

I'm invited to a birthday party on Saturday. A biggie. An even number, and a dear friend of mine. So tonight I had a few glasses of wine, trying to write a poem in German. Trust me, it needs quite a few glasses.

It's not like she's not fluent in English, but being an almost Swiss, I think it's important to show that I can do it in her language.

Just to give you an example, try rhyming on "Schweizer", and all I could come up with was "Jägermeister". Which is something I'd never drink, but white wine didn't work with my rhyming skills.

But in the end, I think I got it. Well, I don't really know until I've given the speech. Which is another worry. Swiss people don't do speeches at parties. Ah well, maybe it's time they learn to deal with foreigners :)?

Smelly rider

I was riding again today, and I've come so far that I know instinctively what I'm doing wrong. But to correct it, is another matter. A lot of it has to do with my fitness level, I don't have enough strength and endurance. And before you comment, I know, I need to reduce my smoking. It's something that's been on my mind for a long time, and I will do my best, beginning next year.

Nevertheless, I still enjoy it, riding i.e.. And when it's going ok I feel it. The teachers are almost always on about what to improve, and very seldom saying anything positive, but that's ok. That's their job. And thanks to them I do better.

Another thing, when I go riding in the morning I don't shower before, no point, since I'm sweating a lot, but when I go back home on the bus I feel myself stinking, both from the stables and from body odour, so I try to stay away from people. Maybe it's only me, 'cause nobody ever complained or even looked at me, but I don't wanna annoy people.

And I was thinking, if I reduce smoking which is getting to be more and more expensive, I could invest more money in my riding. I don't think anybody would vote against that!

Divine evening

I was hanging with church people yesterday evening, and one thing that struck me was that they are no better than "normal" people, i.e. antireligious. Of course I knew this, but still, it's easy to think that "Jesus-lovers" are obliging to the bible, always doing the right thing.

But the matter of the fact is they have struggles with relationships, weight, work and what have you, just like most people do. Myself excluded mainly because I don't fit in two of the categories and the third I have taken care of:).

For example one woman with an approx weight of 90 kg's was wearing such a short skirt it hardly covered her buttocks. An unfortunate outfit to say the least. One man was loudly talking about him and his wife going to therapy to make the marriage work (annoying his wife and the three other people around him that heard his monologue). Another guy was on stage telling a story about him losing his work, and (I guess, cannot be sure since it was in Swiss German) how Jesus saved him. Yawn.

Then they were playing "I'm going to see the king", and I remarked that Switzerland is not a monarchy, which I thought was hilarious. And for once my friend got the joke, and slapped me on my arm.

But the food was totally ok, bami goreng and a buffet with desserts. The chocolate mousse was divine :).

Swiss XXII

Hurray, Swiss government has accepted me. So you'd think I could celebrate. NOT! I still have to provide the original document, the acceptance letter, together with copies of payments to the city and to the canton. Neverending bureaucrazy in this country. But I did it, after a quite extensive search for a copy machine. I wanted to keep a copy for my files, and nobody in the vicinity had one. Eventually I found one at a travel agency next to the train station. Weird that the post office didn't have one.

But now it's on the way, could it be possible that everything goes through this year?

Two slices of lime

I changed my bank around maybe six years ago, and since then I had as many "advisors". If it's one thing I learned in my many years living in different countries, it is that none of them have been good for me. I always had to rely on my own instinct, which I might add has given me the privilege of having a good life without exhausting myself.

But today I was visiting the bank, the called me and wanted to review my "risk profile". I obliged, since it's no point in being unfriendly, although I didn't expect any revelations. And right was I. Turned out my new "advisor" is a woman who wasn't even born when I first was on the stock market, she didn't own any shares of her own, but wanted to be able to retire early. And she was supposed to give me advice. I don't think so.

But as I understood during the meeting was that she was covering her back. My "risk profile" was too high, and if I just signed a paper stating that I was aware of the risk, she'd be safe to go on "advising". Fine. Just doing her job.

And when I was shown into the meeting room, declining water or coffee, I was offered a hot napkin, just like in business class on an aeroplane. How weird is that? In a bank? But I dutifully wiped my face and hands, then placed the napkin on the plate provided next to two slices of lime.

Tip-top shape

Today I visited my gynecologist for a yearly check-up. Ok, hadn't been there for maybe five years but better late than never. I am pleased to say that I am in tip-top shape down under.

My doctor is a very loud but small woman, with very strong opinions. I like her a lot, she doesn't beat around the bush (so to speak).

And she was delighted to hear that I lost weight, and immediately went into a rant about how I am not to lose anymore, "'cause with age you lose without trying and" and "it's always good to have a little bit extra if times get tough".

Then I told her that I might consider cutting down on smoking starting next year, and got another infomercial about how not to quit right away but gradually, how to change my habits and on she went. Nothing was new to me, but she's refreshing. Very to the point.

She also checked my breasts, and I am due for another mammography. It was funny when she asked me to strip, and before she was done with writing down whatever in my journal, I was standing half-naked in front of her. "Gosh you're quick". But she didn't find anything alarming, so I think the mammography will just be a formality.

So another doc's appointment done. Next year I plan to stay healthy.

Just cheese everywhere

Had a nice group of friends over for dinner last night. Great to catch up, and be social over plates with raclette.

Talking about cheese, I am about to visit a neighbour who has birthday today and also loves cheese, so I prepared a little present for him.

10 years

Amazing, today I've been blogging for 10 years. I cannot be bothered to count but let's say 1-2 items a day on average, so maybe 6-7,000 times I've been sharing my wisdom with my readers :).

Here's my first blog item: http://afo828.blogspot.ch/2005_11_01_archive.html

Bottom of page, for some reason I cannot link directly to item.

Please keep your shoes on

I find this habit of taking off your shoes in a house or apartment really strange. Ok, I admit when it's wet outside you are to wipe off your shoes carefully before stepping inside, or let's say, you have one guest, and you want him or her to be comfortable, it's ok. But to have a party with 20-30 guests and demand them to take off their shoes? What were they thinking?

That they don't have to clean afterwards? That people feel comfortable without shoes? So to dress up for a big party, and then walk around in socks or tights. I get this white-trash-feeling. And definitely people I don't want to get to know.

Plus, let me tell you, with that many people there'll be all sorts of stuff on the floor. Chips, greasy stuff, spilled wine or whatever. Who cares? A party is fun, and the fact that you have to clean afterwards is maybe not a joy, but a must. Shoes or not.

Domestic elegance

I'm very pleased with my new curtains. Out with the old and dirty, and in with fresh and modern.

Biker friend

Had my new biker friend over for dinner this evening. And this time he had covered his tattoos. Not in the way intended though.

And throughout the evening I realized that if I ever get in trouble somehow, and cannot deal with it myself, I will have a squad of him and his friends "taking care of business" for me. Hmm.

Bag

Was donating blood again the other day, and as it was the 25th time I got a gift. A bag. And I'm happy since my old boat-bag has seen better days, and so it comes in really handy. I know, it may not seem much but still, it's a nice gesture and the bag has the right colours.

Wildlife on a Sunday morning

Was out doing a vitaparcours round this morning (well, morning and morning, but still, most people greeted with a "morgen" so I guess it was). And I saw animals. First an older man on a wagon behind a horse. Why? Have no idea. Aren't you supposed to transport something if you go on an old-fashioned wagon drawn by a horse?

Then I was doing a light jog and saw a man with two leashes, and as I was glancing at the "dogs" my head kinda twitched and I looked again. You know the way it does when you expect something and it turns out to be something else, and it takes a split second to realize what you've actually seen. A man walking two goats on leashes. Wtf? Wish I would've had a camera with me.

After that I saw an ardenner horse, at least that's what I think it was. It could've been a shire, the biggest horse in the world, but I'm pretty sure it was just an ardenner. Big, bulky and with giant hooves walking majestically through the forest with a man on his back.

It made me remember when a friend and I were riding together on an ardenner, belonging to her grandfather. We were maybe 10 or 11 years old, and were riding bareback. No helmets or any safety equipment. Those were the days. But then the horse felt it was tired of two little flies on his back and decided that going back to the stables was the name of the game. So he galloped back, and the two of us, probably weighing about 10% of what he did, together, had no chance.

But we weren't hurt physically, but I guess our pride took a hit.

Riding

Had a riding lesson again today (on Feri, my first love), and my flatmate came to see if it would be something for him. I think not. He's never been on a horse in his life. A challenge I might be able to talk him into. Or not.

We arrived early and were watching a pro riding, doing things that the Spanish riding school in Vienna does, and he asked if I could do that too. Duuuuhhh! I wish, but sadly no. Shows how much he knows about horses.

He was asked to take some pics, and out of 25 these were the best. Not seeing him being a photographer. Ever.

Tintin

I couldn't belive it. For some reason yesterday I made a reference to Tintin. A ficture figure that everybody have heard of. Except the crowd visiting me. How is that possible? Didn't all of them have a childhood? Or parents reading to them? Or have they ever read a book themselves?

A big mystery.

Toothless but happy

I was at the dentists today to check up on the healing of my wound, after removing a tooth. I was sorely disappointed when another dentist showed up. He apologized saying the other one was busy, and would I mind him checking me up. Hard to refuse.

Anyway, he just stated what I already knew. The healing process have gone exactly according to plan, and I have had no problems whatsoever. Another check-up in a couple of weeks and I'm home free. With a big hole in my mouth. Actually I was surprised how big it actually is, considering it's just one tooth.

And then I got a nice surprise. My first and hunky dentist showed up just to see how the healing had gone, and to say hello. Omg, he's a 10 out of 10 of a man! Had a just been 10 (!) years younger I would have dragged him outta there, concession or not.

Tuesday dinner

We had a really nice dinner yesterday, and for once I didn't have to do a thing. Turns out flatmate can cook. A bonus I didn't count on.

So we had spaghetti carbonara and tiramisu for dessert. Yum! And I got flowers! Not from him mind you but from another guest.

But I think not to exhaust the poor guy, 'cause today he fell asleep. And it's fine, I can cook too!

Curtains

Some 4-5 years ago I spent three hours together with a nice neighbour, putting together cheapo paper-like curtains from Ikea for one of my windows in the living room. They are now done. Dirty and not very practical, since they cannot be folded and put out of the way when cleaning windows.

So today I ordered new ones. I love the fabric, and think it's gonna look gorgeous and elegant. At least I hope so.

Sunshine sunshine

This sun has no spots. Just saying.

Cruise

It is unbelievable to be able to cruise the lake in November, enjoying the sun and not freezing anyones butt off. So we were overlooking the Expovina, that row of ships parked in Zürich where you can try all different kinds of wine, while we ourselves were sipping on my new house wine. A chilled Pinot Grigio from Italy.

Had a couple of new acquaintances with me, who in the beginning disappointed me a bit. First, they turned out to be as untechnical as I usually am. They were trying, I give them that, to help me prepare the boat. It would've been quicker if I had done it myself, but still. They tried.

Then we were cruising slowly, the only speed my boat can muster btw, and I was thrilled, looking at the mountains (some still with snow on them), the city behind and all the people everywhere, and I saw the two of them staring at their so called smartphones. Silly name, since I don't think it's smart. I had to shout to inform them that irl is better!

And they listened. Eventually. And after that we had a nice time with some picnic and a refill of wine.