CSI Zürich

At four o'clock this afternoon my place was rockin'. I thought about opening some wine and it would've been just like the housewarming party. It was six neighbours, the police woman who took the report, two police advisors, the construction manager, the guy who was here to fix the glass thing for the open fireplace and a guy to do something on the balcony. I love meeting new people but seriously prefer to do it in other circumstances.

But the damage to the balcony doors (even more than I had discovered this morning!) was thoroughly documented and even taped for "residual values". Meaning if they ever find the tool they tried to break in with they can match it to the stuff they collected.

Crime scene

Shaky

Today it has sunk in what happened. I feel really shaky. I do not want to feel unsafe in my own home, and I do not want to be worried when I’m away. I know that it is most probably a person looking for cash or things that can easily be transferred into cash, but still. I really do hope they can secure some foot- or fingerprints, so that they can catch this bastard. He deserves to be hanged in his balls over an open fire! The police said that we were not the only victims last night. There were others in the same hood. And I always thought that my area is one of the better in Zürich! So this afternoon it’ll be full house at my place. The police advisor as previously planned as well as the fireplace guy to look at the door that is loose. On top of that now another police is coming to make the report on the burglary-try. The construction guy is joining to see if my balcony doors can be repaired or have to be replaced. And all the neighbours are joining to hear what the police advisor has to say. The only positive thing was the professional attitude of my insurance company Zurich. They promptly gave me an incident number and told me that repair or replacement of the balcony doors will be paid by them. I just need to get it fixed and send them the bill. Neat. But I gotta say, this is a happening I really don’t need in my life.

My new best friend - the polizei

Fucketyfuck. This morning when I was looking out over the magnificent vista, enjoying the view of the mountains I noticed some mud on the balcony floor. When I opened the balcony door I noticed break-in marks! Turns out both balcony doors have marks from somebody trying to get in! This ain't good people. So not only will the police advisor come this afternoon, but another police to take the report. I have also been asked to not clean on the balcony (as if I would!). I guess my flat is now also a crime scene! This is so bad. Now I will never be able to leave my flat without having all the blinds down for extra protection. I hope there is a death sentence for burglars in Switzerland!

Police action

Tomorrow we in my new house have booked a police advisory session. The excellent police in Zürich offers free advice to house owners to prevent crimes like break-ins. Tonight I came home from the wine fair about 21.30. About an hour later neighbours came home, finding their home in a mess. Paper on the floor, clothes all over the place like they (he?) had been in a hurry finding things to steal. They lost 250 euros but the laptop was still there, and there were break-in marks on a bedroom window and from the inside when they tried to get out through the balcony, apparently in a hurry. Perhaps it was I coming home scaring them off? It is really unusual that all four flats are empty, but when I came home this evening it was dark everywhere and had been so since 18.30 this evening according to the other neighbours. The police was quickly here and secured the crime scene, just like in CSI. Now they are waiting for the technician to arrive to go dusting for fingerprints or whatever they do. In other circumstances it would've been exciting, but when it's my friends who are the victims and I live really close it is not. The irony of having the session booked for tomorrow...

Vino

Discovered today that the evening we had planned on Friday wouldn't work. The wine boats close tomorrow, and since I'm busy then today was the only chance. Good thing I have friends who are spontaneous and as eager as me to have a drink on a Wednesday.

20 francs entrance fee and then as much wine as you can drink, walking from one of the 12 boats to the other. Only you have to play a bit since they only serve a few drops in each glass, so there was much talk about acid, bouquet and body in order to get the next glass that had an even better whatever (aroma, taste, flavour, pick your choice).

And leaving it looked really nice from a distance.

New friends rock

It is amazing that two people who have absolutely nothing in common, doesn't share a single interest, can get along effortlessly for four hours.

Blender guy was coming around bringing the new and fault-free glass plate for the oven, as well as the new mixer.

Without any problems whatsoever we talked for four hours (yeah I know what you're thinking but I wasn't the only one speaking).

He was interested in music, snowboarding, photographing, mountains and motorbiking.

I want music in the background, do not care for ski activities (ok, after-ski is a maybe), want a camera without extra functionality, enjoy looking at mountains but not climbing them, and go by tram, train or bus most of the time.

On top of this I learned that my two new ovens have a lot of functionality I could never dream of. Much less use to be honest. But if I want I can defrost, steam, grill, crisp and even put on a normal oven function (i.e. if I can find the right button). At least it's now programmed.

But it was a fun evening. And we were not short of things to talk about!

Mango marguerita

Turns out my nearest shops (which also coincidentally is a liquor shop!) doesn't offer any strawberries this time of the year, but mango. So mango it was. After all, had to test my new blender.

Blender guy gently suggested to maybe peel the fruit next time...

Permanent

So yesterday we finally managed to find the time to put the whiteboard up in the entrance of the house. I used to have it in my old flat, but it doesn't really fit in the new one and I thought it was better it came to use somewhere else. Neighbour with drill and me assisting, and it looked perfect. Thought I'd write something so that people noticed it was up. Like "Finally up! Welcome!". So did. Today coming home I thought I'd take it off. No fun with messages that are there more than a day. Hmmm, it didn't come off easily. Permanent marker! Oops. How did I not notice that yesterday? Well, resourceful as I am I went and got acetone and voila, off it went. Soon I will celebrate with appliance guy who is on his way with my new fancy blender. Hurray!

You know you're drunk when...

...you call your mobile phone from the fixed line. Twice. Seriously, I thought the first time I had it and still couldn't find it. Second time, I located it in the pocket of my jacket in the closet. Good so. But then I had two un-answered calls on my mobile, and although the number looked familiar I had to think about who it was. Jeez. Time to go to bed.

Basel candy

But gotta say, bringing candy makes up for a lot. I never before had candy from Basel, and apart from the marmelade it does look delicious.

I am always right

See, they couldn't keep their hands off...

Cooking time

My apron.

Loooove the serial killer way

Amongst all my friends I have two couples who cannot keep their hands off each other in public. Don't take me wrong, I think it's endearing to be in love and to be able to show your affection, but if you live together, seriously, must you do it all the time? Most couples I know act like "normal" people, not having to touch and kiss when with others. And I'm not referring to teenagers, I do remember what it was like. But grownups? Once ok, but like a serial killer they seem to must have to do it repeatedly. I don't find it repulsive, just unnecessary. Reason I bring this up is I'm having one of these couples for dinner tonight. Was contemplating seating them on opposite sides of the table, but I'm sure they would just toe-flirt or something instead. And yes, I like them as people, otherwise I wouldn't have invited them but I'm dreading the lovey-dovey a bit...

Sisters

When out the other evening I was asked whether it was my sister who was with me. She's a couple of decades junior to me. MOOOHHHAAAAAHHAAAAAA! Made my day.

Let your hair down

What was really really fun yesterday, was definitely blurry this morning. In fact, not even sure I was sober. But looking at the pics now, it seems like it was blurry already yesterday!

Germany 20 years ago

“Can you imagine the East Berliners disappointment when they tore down that wall, and on the other side was just more Germany”.

It wasn't my fault!

Bit of a bad luck with new flat lately. Today I was gonna grill some chicken (my favourite in case you didn't know), put the pot into the oven and started the grill. And see what happened! What did I do!?!

Keep the flu to yourself

Met a neighbour yesterday and we kissed-kissed-kissed as you do here. I then said "so how are you?". Him: "I think I might have the swine flu". Jeez! Was kissing really necessary?

Slovenian floor-heating

Was informed today about how floor-heating is no good for older people, apropos talking about me staying in my flat the rest of my days. Apparently the heat goes from the floor into the bones of your body. All this according to a Slovenian study, that hasn't been translated into English. One wonders why. Good thing I ain't old.

Table

Finally got a table! Now just some chairs are missing...

Mishap

Now I have learned my lesson re open fireplace. Had a bit of a mishap yesterday, something with the air shaft not being open or something, resulting in a slight discolouring of the walls. Hmm. And I did it all by myself.

Good thing the construction guy owes me one after not fixing my telephone line. So apart from that I had to endure his laugh on the phone, he's now sending around a painter to fix it. Good guy.

Pedi-something

Had a friend over for dinner tonight and had to excuse myself for wearing extremely unsexy socks. While explaining this to my friend I said "because I did a pedophile earlier, and used some babyoil". Hmm. Perhaps not exactly what I meant. Heard of pedicure?

Barolo

Bro was in Barolo yesterday, sending an sms saying "I'm in Barolo, and I'm ..."drum roll" drinking Barolo". Yes, what else would you do in Barolo?

Cooking

This is what it looks like when I cook in new flat. Loadsa space, cig and cooking wine nearby, slicing veggies, the chili-chicken already marinated and ready to go in the oven.

Notice the new "Kitchen aid" stand with knives to the right. Fancy-schmancy sharp knives from Whirlpool. Wonder who I got that from?

Partytime - again

What can I say? Most people claim to "hate" my fav place in town, but when there it does certainly seem like they enjoy it.

Rock on!

Neighbourhood watch

I am so glad I'm not the only one smoking in the house, but I may have to lend the neighbour an ashtray...

Palm tree - ze Swiss way

Got an email yesterday from a neighbour, telling me that a palm tree is now planted outside my bedroom "balcony" door. Excellent! Like living in a tropical climate in the middle of Zürich, as well as giving a bit of extra protection.

Until I saw the "palm" this morning. The tiniest little plant thingie, that won't even protect a hedgehog wanting to walk all over it. Apparently a palm tree is not a palm tree in Switzerland, but a "stechpalme".

Mahjong

You know when you're bored and have to stay in front of a computer? You may play Solitaire or Freecell or something similarly boring. But I have discovered Mahjong! Ok, so it may be 2,000 years old as a game goes, but it doesn't matter. I think it's fun. It's with cards, and you have to find available ones and click and they go away. And then you keep on clicking until no more options are available. I know, I am easily amused. But it's good for coordination and even though I'm just up to a 7% winning rate, it makes me more clever. Or so I would like to think. PS. My favourite layout of the cards is "Fortress". Does that surprise you?

A fine balance

Living in a flat building in Zürich city is usually what people refer to as "urban". Meaning you do not know your neighbours. You say "Grüezi" when you run into each other coming or going, but not more. I am very happy to say that in my new house that is not the case. Here we care about each other. But I admit, it's a fine balance. You cannot ring the door at the neighbours every day, thinking you are welcome. And I do not want to host an open house. But on the other hand, you do not want to appear distant. I think we all are finding our way in how to interact with each other. So far it seems to be working fine. We interact, we care and we meet. Have to say I love it. Just hoping it's not the "honeymoon phase". But what do I know, having never been married :)?

Dangly bits

See the two tiny white and blue cables to the left? Those were dangling lose, that was what has caused my telephone problem now for nearly two months. And as my hero said "they didn't pop out by themselves".

So I now know that I am the No 1 connection in the house. These are important things.

That plus the fact that I now have a functioning telephone and permanent wireless internet connection!

My hero

After all the hassle about talking to the construction people and Swisscom about my communication problems (phone doesn't work) I finally convinced Swisscom to send a man through. This was after my response to their email trying to blame the internet provider (who was innocent since I hadn't friggin installed the skybox...which I couldn't since I had no telephone line!) saying:

"Jeezez, 2 months and my telephone is not working. The ADSL is not yet installed and yes, I have chosen another provider. But as long as the telephone does not work, I cannot install the adsl. Again, I have talked to the "Bauherr" who assures me that all electrical work is correctly done. You assure me the telephone line is fine, but the TELEPHONE IS NOT WORKING. What else can I do? Annika"

As I suspected it wasn't Swisscoms problem at all, but the electricians. The construction guy has repeatedly assured me that it wasn't a problem from their side. They will now have to pay for the Swisscom guy. Here he is, my hero.

Saturday

Yes, my kitchen is like made for parties...

Chili

Still blooming!

Burned

There are so many functionalities in one of my new ovens (the other one I haven't even tried yet), but I have now learned the hard way which functionality not to use in connection with cheese thingies.

Burned all the way through and nearly destroyed the pot.

Fashion

I don't think that anyone who knows me would accuse me of being a fashionista, or even remotely interested in what is in and what is out.

When I go clothes shopping it is purely out of necessity, and now after the cleaning-out frenzy in connection with the move it really was necessary.

Ok, so perhaps it wasn't completely necessary to spend nearly 500 CHF on a winter jacket :)...but gosh, is it beautiful and comfortable! This one will last me another 20 years easily, which is probably how long I keep my clothes on average.

Diapers

Two of my good friends called today. They are very special to me since I was the one who introduced them to each other, am btw still waiting for the reward, and they are very happy so I know I would have a future in matchmaking if things were to go bad. But nevermind that. They told me they are expecting a second kid. At which time I told them to postpone the trip to Zürich with about 14 years. What I especially like about this couple is that she goes back to work after birth, and he stays home minding the kid(s). He then got lost into details about one kid - one diaper change - and how to manage two. Told him that the big kid (1,5 years or something) should ditch his diaper and problem would be solved. Told him also that I'm sure I was very early in losing the diapers, like any clever kid. This is when he told me that I'm closer in age to using diapers again than a newborn. Charming! It's nothing like a birthday having so called friends reminding you of your age...

Floor-heating - a science

I am a simple person. I thought that floor-heating meant that the floor can be either warm or cold, depending on the thermostat. Hah! I have now lived with a floor that on one half is nice and warm, and the other half is ice-cold. So yesterday the floorheating-man came around. Turns out there is a lot to know about floor-heating, even though I must admit I wasn't very interested. Just make it work is my approach. There was talk about airing, about main pipes and other pipes, about layout and whatsit. Plus the fact that there is 5 centimeters of concrete between the pipes and the floor. Why you ask? I have absolutely no friggin idea. But I learned that if I put the thermostat up on maximum the whole floor will be warm, but unfortunately so will the whole room and 25°+ is really too much. Meaning I will probably have to live with a warm floor in the kitchen and a cold floor in the rest of the room. Ah well, I'm sure there are worse things in the world.

A package

Last Saturday I was at a party and without me probing I was told that this womans boyfriend had a real "package". Jeez, I so didn't want to know that because next time I speak to him I will not know whether to look at his face or his crotch. Today on the way home on the tram my friend and I were reading 'Blick am Abend' and in the agony-aunt column there was a question from a 13-year-old who thought he had a too small a penis...at which time my friend said "well, I don't have that problem". Too much information. The rest of the evening were dedicated to "packages"...big or small.

UFO

You may think this is a unique picture of the universe, but it is much more important than that. This is the first contribution to my lift.

So not the Saturn, but a real 5 rappen from ze Switzerland.

And my disco kitchen in the background...

An expensive lift

Today we officially formed the building association, consisting of the owners of the 4 flats in the building. I can see that we will have very few problems getting along. There is a real estate company that will maintain everything, and all we have to do is to take decisions. And pay of course. The most shocking thing today was that a lift requires 6 inspections every year in Switzerland, despite the fact that it is a new lift! 6 inspections! That is just ridiculous. And guess who has to pay for it? I think I might have to charge all my visitors a lift fee...

Baby-shower

Discovered today that baby-showers are fun! Who would've thought? It's like a revelation. All these years I have never understood that a baby-shower is just an excuse for a party. There were food, alcohol and women without babies. Actually noone of the invitees had children. Excellent! The only cooing made was when the hostess opened the presents, and I have to admit I cooed a little too. Baby clothes are really very sweet. So even though the walls in the building are too thick to effortlessly surf the internet (on the free network from the neighbour), I am happy that they are since neighbours chose to have baby-room next to my living room. The only weird thing about baby-showers is they are at 2 o'clock on a Sunday. But who cares? Any time and day is good for a party.

Housewarming - 3rd time around

The question is now what we gonna do when all the housewarmings are done. Luckily there is still one to go. Only they claim they are going on holiday to Florida. Why? What can be better than the best house in Zürich?

Oktoberfest is so 2008

After queueing an hour to get in to the Oktoberfest in Bahnhof we decided it wasn't worth it. The interesting thing was that most people had pre-booked for 7pm, but we started to queue already at 5. Instead of having people come in for a few hours using the tables that are reserved for 7, they choose to not let anybody in. So tables empty, and a long queue outside. What sense does that make? For ze Swiss is apparently more important with rules than common sense...

So we took the approach of fuck them and went to another bar for a good liter of strawberry marguerita. Not a bad idea, a nice environment, a good drink and some good talk.

And on the way home I was presented with a gift by a guy on the street. Me: "what's this for?". Him: "the swine flu". Me: "but I am very healthy, I drink lots of alcohol". Him: "me too", while laughing behind his mask.

Now I'm contemplating whether I should wear the mask when going out later...

Health

Today was all about health, believe it or not. Well, at least the first part of the day. Remember that walking challenge I took part in? 125 days of wearing a pedometer, measuring my steps. It turned out not to be so bad actually, since I without much extra effort walked 7 kilometers a day. In fact over the course of the competition I walked all the way to Nairobi. Had I started in Zürich and kept on walking...

1.3 million steps, 851 kilometers, 10,639 steps a day on average. Not bad.

Was at the award ceremony today, and gotta say the president of GCC is a total hunk. Might even consider participating next year too.

Swisscom

Like it wasn't enough problems with Orange, I also do not have a working fixed phone line. Which is why I think I cannot install the Livebox. This issue has been going back and forth between the construction guy, who assures me everything is in order, and Swisscom, who assures me everything is in order on their side too. But the phone is not working. And I have tried two different phones. I still think it's the electrician who fucked it up, which is the construction managers problem. Which in turn becomes my problem. Sometimes it feels like it'll never end...

Orange had a system update!

So plan C was effected about 3 weeks ago. I caved in and bought a Live-box from Orange. Of course I thought I was gonna go home with a package in my hand, but I had to wait 2 weeks for them to send it to me by post. Then I didn't receive a welcome letter with ID and password, so waited. Impatiently I might add. A few days ago I wrote them an email and today I got the answer: "Unfortunately we had a system Update lately and we have still some issues with the Welcome Letters, this is why you did not receive one." Wow, a system update. Everywhere I have been involved in business the key word is to not let it affect the customers negatively. I guess Orange missed that class. But to their credit they also said "You will have on your next invoice a credit of CHF 44.- because of the delay." This is Annika, writing to you using the neighbours network...

Time for a table

Off to Ikea in a little while to get myself a new dining table, and possibly some chairs. I know I will come back either disappointed (not in stock), or very very frustrated and sweaty. Ikea is only good after, not during. It's a good thing I'm going with the ex, since we already broke up.

Jehovas witnesses

Yesterday evening the door bell rang, and when it rings it rings several times like the person pressing the button is impatient. I have learned that this is not the case, it does that by itself, but it nevertheless makes me running to the door. And because I haven't learned yet which button is for speaking and which one is for opening the door, I opened the door directly even though I didn't recognize the man and woman outside. I then figured it was some relatives to somebody in the house, but opened the door just to check. Turned out they were heading for my apartment (how did they know I lived on the 2nd floor? It doesn't say down below...). And yes, you guessed it by the headline, Jehovas friggin witnesses wanting to speak god to me. They were promptly told I'm an atheist and warned not to ever bother me or the neighbours again. But to their defense they were still polite and left the house immediately (I checked thru the intercom camera). Ha, did they approach the wrong person!

Plants?

For quite some time now I've heard that we are getting autumn plants outside and around the house. Since it is the 13th of October and we have lived here 1,5 months already I figured it would already be here, and today I wasn't disappointed. Or?

Perhaps this wasn't exactly what I had in mind. They must be friggin joking!

Weather station

Got myself another little treat today, a weather station. A must in every home with class.

Shows inside and outside temperature, humidity, time and date. It is wireless and hooks up to a atomic clock in Frankfurt for time. Pretty cool I think.

Oktoberfest

And the world goes around and around and around...it's time again for Oktoberfest in Zürich. And unlike the weird Germans we actually do it in Oktober. In Bauschänzli and in Bahnhof. And most of them end up at my fav place, being pretty friggin drunk. Went down there this evening, and since it was fairly packed I was hanging around the bar with my drink. No less than two people came up and wanted to order drinks from me. It might be time to find myself a new fav place...

Saug-Peters adventures

Having saug-Peter is like having a pet. Not only do I talk to him, but today I discovered that he talks back! The first problem was a twig that he had munched from one of my plants, and once removed he went on his business. Second, there was beeping in the bedroom. He had sucked up my socks on the floor, and refused to go on with them inside him. I can sort of understand that, since they were used. When I tried a third time to start him again he talked! But with a womans voice! Something is very wrong here. He told me in three different languages to clean his brushes. Haha. I like him more and more...

Trivia

It's been 25°C here in Zürich today. Hurray for global warming! Unfortunately shoe shops no longer sell summer shoes, and I walked around with socks and real shoes. Hot-hot-hot. Now I've gotta deal with a box that I just picked up from the post office. Suspect it's the network from Orange that finally arrived. Only I had ordered it to be installed, and thought they were bringing it, but it seems customer service is scarce as usual. Then I have to have a serious talk with saug-Peter. He's just blinking yellow, refuses to suck and won't even charge. With the help of the semi-useful manual I actually managed to open it yesterday and sure enough, it was filled with hmmm fluff. But it was only a compartment on the side. Have a suspicion there is a bigger compartment, but manual didn't cover that. This is how I know it's a male device, it only works when it wants...

A little treat

I gave myself a little treat today. I bought a new and very Swiss oven glove for my new kitchen. I think it fits perfectly with its white and black and a little red for ze Swiss.

This is part of my go-native approach (well apart from ze language then!).

Buy your own paradise

Was out having a quick drink this evening, and found a clip in my pocket that I ripped out of a (free) newspaper the other week. It says "Thank you crisis, an island off Queensland's cost costs you less than a house in Zürich". Hmmm. They continue "many people dream of owning their own tropical island, but for most it remains just a fantasy. Now, though, a slice of paradise has become almost afforable in Australia, with dozens of islands on the market and the global financial crisis driving down prices." That's all fine and dandy if you ask me, but who wants to live on an island for more than maybe 3 weeks each year? I am more than happy with my "house" in Zürich thank you very much. And I don't care that "whales pass by twice a year, oysters can be plucked off the rocks and that sea turtles nest on the beautiful sandy beaches". It cannot beat a dead duck just outside the house!

Baby-shower

Jeez, I am invited to a baby-shower thing. What do one do at these gatherings? Discuss throw-ups, diapers, pre-chewed food, the colour of poo or what? I am at a loss here. Figure I just go there, bring some baby paraphernalia and hope that there is some food and drinks...