Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Good service
Good service is nothing we are spoiled with here in Switzerland. In fact, I only know it from America, but then they expect a 20% tip so it doesn't really count.
Today in Ikea we got it. In the food shop my friend was told that the 2-francs voucher he had was only valid if his purchase was more than 10 francs. It was 9.90, so the shop assistant suggested I "give" him one of mine. Then I was told that buying four glass containers with herring (I had only three) came with a discount. Buy four, pay for three.
This is the kind of behaviour that makes you go back. Even if I only bought two packs of serviettes in the Ikea store, and had to wait fifteen minutes to pay for them. A good feeling 'cause of the food shop assistant. There should be more of them.
Today in Ikea we got it. In the food shop my friend was told that the 2-francs voucher he had was only valid if his purchase was more than 10 francs. It was 9.90, so the shop assistant suggested I "give" him one of mine. Then I was told that buying four glass containers with herring (I had only three) came with a discount. Buy four, pay for three.
This is the kind of behaviour that makes you go back. Even if I only bought two packs of serviettes in the Ikea store, and had to wait fifteen minutes to pay for them. A good feeling 'cause of the food shop assistant. There should be more of them.
Australia and a kid
I have a friend who's absolutely crazy. Even though she's married, she agreed to fly with a small kid all the way to down under on her own. Without the spouse, and with a kid on her lap for like 20 hours. Maybe that's why I'm not married or have a kid. I would never have agreed to something like that.
Anyway, I'm sure she's gonna tell me that it all went fine. Just to prove me wrong.
Well, that's when I'll hear from her. As she so eloquently put it "getting onto internet just to tell you might not be my first priority". Hmm.
Anyway, I'm sure she's gonna tell me that it all went fine. Just to prove me wrong.
Well, that's when I'll hear from her. As she so eloquently put it "getting onto internet just to tell you might not be my first priority". Hmm.
Panache and gucki
I have gained respect for people in the gastro business lately. Even if I only work in a cafeteria serving old people drinks and cookies, I have realized that it's not so easy as you think when being a customer.
Today I had four people around a table, two coffees, but one with extra milk and one glass of water without bubbles served lukewarm and one glass of water with, but served cold. Ok I can do that.
Three people at another table wanted one Rivella, one coffee but served in a tea-mug (the man was 98 years old and his hands were shaking too much to hold a normal cup), then with cold milk therein, and one person ordered Panache. My co-worker didn't have a clue what that was either. I had a feeling it was a mix of something, ask me anything about wine and I'll know, but with beer I'm lost. Had to ask and used my youth (!) as an excuse. "Sorry, I'm inexperienced, can you please tell me what a panache is". Haha, only place my youth plays to my advantage.
Anyway, turns out to be a mix between beer and a soft drink called Citro. Yikes! It was only later we discovered that there actually was a bottle with a mix ready-made in the fridge.
Then one person ordered a "gucki", and even after asking three times I didn't understand at all. This switze-dutch is killing me! Turns out she was saying "coki" meaning Coca-Cola. Aha! Why didn't she say that in the first place?
But I'm getting to know the people slowly and what they like, so it can only get better. And I'm really good in parking walkers!
PS. When you google Panache it's something completely different. Only in Switzerland my friends.
Today I had four people around a table, two coffees, but one with extra milk and one glass of water without bubbles served lukewarm and one glass of water with, but served cold. Ok I can do that.
Three people at another table wanted one Rivella, one coffee but served in a tea-mug (the man was 98 years old and his hands were shaking too much to hold a normal cup), then with cold milk therein, and one person ordered Panache. My co-worker didn't have a clue what that was either. I had a feeling it was a mix of something, ask me anything about wine and I'll know, but with beer I'm lost. Had to ask and used my youth (!) as an excuse. "Sorry, I'm inexperienced, can you please tell me what a panache is". Haha, only place my youth plays to my advantage.
Anyway, turns out to be a mix between beer and a soft drink called Citro. Yikes! It was only later we discovered that there actually was a bottle with a mix ready-made in the fridge.
Then one person ordered a "gucki", and even after asking three times I didn't understand at all. This switze-dutch is killing me! Turns out she was saying "coki" meaning Coca-Cola. Aha! Why didn't she say that in the first place?
But I'm getting to know the people slowly and what they like, so it can only get better. And I'm really good in parking walkers!
PS. When you google Panache it's something completely different. Only in Switzerland my friends.
Friday, December 27, 2013
Adjustable bed
People should learn to listen to me. And to women in general.
Some years ago I bought an old-peoples-bed. An adjustable bed that you have in 5-stars-hotels if you're lucky. My thoughts were that you have a bed about 20 years, and I'd rather have one now when I don't actually need it, 'cause you never know when you will. Plus it's nice to be able to move the headboard up when you're reading.
A friend of my tried it, and I knew when she did, that it wouldn't be long before she had one too. She only had to talk her husband into it. It took almost a year.
One morning she woke up, finding her husband sitting up in bed (in the adjustable one), 'cause he was in pain. Less pain sitting up. See! The bed came in handy.
But jokes aside, tomorrow I'll be visiting him in the hospital. Luckily it seems his condition is treatable, but for sure I'll be asking if he thinks the investment in an adjustable bed is still a good one. And if perhaps he should listen to his wife a bit more.
Some years ago I bought an old-peoples-bed. An adjustable bed that you have in 5-stars-hotels if you're lucky. My thoughts were that you have a bed about 20 years, and I'd rather have one now when I don't actually need it, 'cause you never know when you will. Plus it's nice to be able to move the headboard up when you're reading.
A friend of my tried it, and I knew when she did, that it wouldn't be long before she had one too. She only had to talk her husband into it. It took almost a year.
One morning she woke up, finding her husband sitting up in bed (in the adjustable one), 'cause he was in pain. Less pain sitting up. See! The bed came in handy.
But jokes aside, tomorrow I'll be visiting him in the hospital. Luckily it seems his condition is treatable, but for sure I'll be asking if he thinks the investment in an adjustable bed is still a good one. And if perhaps he should listen to his wife a bit more.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
A fish called what?
My neighbours have a fish. A fish with no name. I guess Wanda is out of the question since it's a male fish 'cause "females are uglier in this species". Hmmm. There are a lot of things to be said to that comment, but my prudence forbid it.
Now I'm looking after their flat when they are on holiday. And I feel bad for that lonely fish. First of all, it's alone in the aquarium (the reason is it ate its companions), and second, well it's alone. A whole week, nobody is talking to it, caring or doing anything with it. So I try. I open the door, I say "hello fish", I check where it's hiding in the tank, I tell him what I'm doing there and leaving saying "I'll see you tomorrow".
I dunno why people choose to have a fish, it's not like you can pet it, and even if you talk to it, like I do, they don't understand, I mean, what's the point?
But they did choose to have the floor heating on while they're gone, close to 30°C in the flat (tropical fish), so I guess they must love it. Even if they haven't given it a name.
Now I'm looking after their flat when they are on holiday. And I feel bad for that lonely fish. First of all, it's alone in the aquarium (the reason is it ate its companions), and second, well it's alone. A whole week, nobody is talking to it, caring or doing anything with it. So I try. I open the door, I say "hello fish", I check where it's hiding in the tank, I tell him what I'm doing there and leaving saying "I'll see you tomorrow".
I dunno why people choose to have a fish, it's not like you can pet it, and even if you talk to it, like I do, they don't understand, I mean, what's the point?
But they did choose to have the floor heating on while they're gone, close to 30°C in the flat (tropical fish), so I guess they must love it. Even if they haven't given it a name.
Walking and smoking
Over this Christmas I met my cousin. She is tall, slim and beautiful with a great sense of fashion. Everything I'm not. In fact, she tried to give me fashion and beauty tips. Needless to say, she doesn't know me that well. Nevertheless, it's hard not to like her. And we share a lot of childhood memories.
However, I am pleased to say that I'm more fit. At least in terms of walking up stairs. We walked up, oh I dunno know, maybe 100 steps and I was as usual having a cig in my hand, while she was panting and I had to wait for her.
So while she's nearly perfect, turns out I am better at something. Good for me!
However, I am pleased to say that I'm more fit. At least in terms of walking up stairs. We walked up, oh I dunno know, maybe 100 steps and I was as usual having a cig in my hand, while she was panting and I had to wait for her.
So while she's nearly perfect, turns out I am better at something. Good for me!
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Lotary win
One of the benefits of having foreign people (yeah I know, like I'm not foreign myself living abroad) in your family is that you get introduced to new customs. Like tonight.
We were having a sweet treat including a message, like in a fortune cookie. I picked the one saying 'love'. Sigh. Tried to switched it with 'laziness' but as my brother (who normally doesn't say much at all) put it: "You don't need more of that in your life". Hmm. He's probably right.
So finally I got it traded to "lotary win". I'm hoping it means lottery win. Yeah, I'll take money over love anyday :).
We were having a sweet treat including a message, like in a fortune cookie. I picked the one saying 'love'. Sigh. Tried to switched it with 'laziness' but as my brother (who normally doesn't say much at all) put it: "You don't need more of that in your life". Hmm. He's probably right.
So finally I got it traded to "lotary win". I'm hoping it means lottery win. Yeah, I'll take money over love anyday :).
Monday, December 23, 2013
Christmas is here again
At Christmas people seem to have a greater need of sending messages. That's when we remember our friends and family, even if we ignore them the rest of the year. I am no different.
But I have since years stopped to write paper snail-mail cards. Nowadays it's the blog, emails or sms's.
And I am less stressed about not getting them out on time, either I am in constant contact with the people, see them irl or if need be, I can always send a Happy New Year message.
A week ago I got a paper card from a friend, saying "I know you don't like it, but I enjoy writing cards". Fair enough and she got an email in return.
Others who sent me old-fashioned cards got either an sms, a skype or an email response.
But today I had to laugh. Got a text message from an 82-year-old, wishing me Merry Christmas and all the best for 2014. How cool is not that?
But I have since years stopped to write paper snail-mail cards. Nowadays it's the blog, emails or sms's.
And I am less stressed about not getting them out on time, either I am in constant contact with the people, see them irl or if need be, I can always send a Happy New Year message.
A week ago I got a paper card from a friend, saying "I know you don't like it, but I enjoy writing cards". Fair enough and she got an email in return.
Others who sent me old-fashioned cards got either an sms, a skype or an email response.
But today I had to laugh. Got a text message from an 82-year-old, wishing me Merry Christmas and all the best for 2014. How cool is not that?
Violated
Lately all sorts of thoughts are popping into my head, probably triggered by the tv I'm watching.
One thing made me remember when I had a cyst down there removed some ten years ago, and when being examined by the doctor, I was watched by four students. I wasn't asked before if I minded, if they would've asked, I probably would've said yes, but this time I was surprised.
There I was, legs in the air, naked, exposed for all to see and all of a sudden, five people appeared. I still remember that as a violation, something I hate.
At the same time I remember what my Mum used to say "when you have given birth to kids you stop caring". She used to go to the gynaecologist on regular check-ups and before the doc even asked her to get her clothes off, she was up naked in the examination chair. He or she turned around surprised to say "oh, you ready then".
Still, it would've been nice to be asked for permission.
One thing made me remember when I had a cyst down there removed some ten years ago, and when being examined by the doctor, I was watched by four students. I wasn't asked before if I minded, if they would've asked, I probably would've said yes, but this time I was surprised.
There I was, legs in the air, naked, exposed for all to see and all of a sudden, five people appeared. I still remember that as a violation, something I hate.
At the same time I remember what my Mum used to say "when you have given birth to kids you stop caring". She used to go to the gynaecologist on regular check-ups and before the doc even asked her to get her clothes off, she was up naked in the examination chair. He or she turned around surprised to say "oh, you ready then".
Still, it would've been nice to be asked for permission.
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Oh captain my captain
I dunno what made me think of Dead poets society, but I did, and I still think it's one of the best movies I've seen. So I played the fav moment in that movie again. Thank you youtube for almost always delivering.
Oh, and next time you come with me on the boat, feel free to call me, oh captain my captain :).
Oh, and next time you come with me on the boat, feel free to call me, oh captain my captain :).
Great Britain and...huh?
One of the discussions tonight was about the Great Britain, the Commonwealth and the UK, and which country belongs to which union. I found a the explanation right here. You any wiser now?
I overstayed my welcome
Not only did I arrive exactly at the time stated in the invite, but I didn't leave at the stipulated time. Mind you, the others didn't either. But you know, when there is food and drinks and new people to get to know, it is difficult to wrap up and leave. And the hosts seemed happy, so I guess ok.
Or like another friend of mine said "I wanna walk you to the door to make sure you leave". Actually it was her Dad who said it and it was relayed to me, but it makes a better story without too many details.
One thing that surprised me though was that what I thought was an open-minded and modern friend had a Christmas tree with...tadada...real candles in it! Who has real candles in a tree these days? Well, apart from my old-fashioned neighbours i.e. The things you don't know.
But when we, the international group consisting of people from Germany, Venezuela, Australia, Sweden, Great Britain and even a few Swiss (!) discussed trees, one of them was mentioning that her family did a tree "even worse". Haha.
I thought it was nice though, even though my plastic tree with purple lights and glitter is more to my taste. Each to their own.
Or like another friend of mine said "I wanna walk you to the door to make sure you leave". Actually it was her Dad who said it and it was relayed to me, but it makes a better story without too many details.
One thing that surprised me though was that what I thought was an open-minded and modern friend had a Christmas tree with...tadada...real candles in it! Who has real candles in a tree these days? Well, apart from my old-fashioned neighbours i.e. The things you don't know.
But when we, the international group consisting of people from Germany, Venezuela, Australia, Sweden, Great Britain and even a few Swiss (!) discussed trees, one of them was mentioning that her family did a tree "even worse". Haha.
I thought it was nice though, even though my plastic tree with purple lights and glitter is more to my taste. Each to their own.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
The world of dating
Since I posted the pic (that was accepted!) on the dating-site I got approached by several men. It's what I expected. One was funny, having a story about "before I make a move on my wash-hanger, I'm gonna try this site", but alas he is living too far away. One took one look at my photo, saying he was looking for chubby women (and I had a face photo only!), so he was immediately rejected.
The third one until now could be a maybe with a slight question mark if I like younger men. He's six years younger than I. Like it matters when you're our age. Sigh.
Maybe I should return to my previous pattern. Just go out and pick up a guy in a bar.
The third one until now could be a maybe with a slight question mark if I like younger men. He's six years younger than I. Like it matters when you're our age. Sigh.
Maybe I should return to my previous pattern. Just go out and pick up a guy in a bar.
I did a selfie
I am not big on doing selfies, and for you oldies that means a pic you take of yourself. But today I had to. I have joined one of those dating-sites and they are sister-Ratched-like, rabidly taking 'agin' my previous attempts.
First I tried to load the fab pic I took of the silverback gorilla the other week at Zürich zoo, thinking I wanted to meet new friends with a sense of humor. That didn't go down well with the administrators of the site. Apparently there is actually a person approving photos, and I got rejected. Hmmm.
Then I tried to load a pic of me, looking fabulous on a beach, only my face couldn't be seen. That one wasn't approved of either. And ok, it did say on the site that uploading pics that were, well not exactly from this year, was frowned upon. Fair enough.
So today I had to do a selfie. And I'm thinking, is it worth it?
I really hate this, having to market myself. Don't people see how fabulous I am without me saying so?
First I tried to load the fab pic I took of the silverback gorilla the other week at Zürich zoo, thinking I wanted to meet new friends with a sense of humor. That didn't go down well with the administrators of the site. Apparently there is actually a person approving photos, and I got rejected. Hmmm.
Then I tried to load a pic of me, looking fabulous on a beach, only my face couldn't be seen. That one wasn't approved of either. And ok, it did say on the site that uploading pics that were, well not exactly from this year, was frowned upon. Fair enough.
So today I had to do a selfie. And I'm thinking, is it worth it?
I really hate this, having to market myself. Don't people see how fabulous I am without me saying so?
Tic
I guess most people have tics, i.e. movements that cannot be controlled. I have a light version. I bite not nails, but the skin around the nails. I have really no idea whey, only that it feels good when I'm doing it.
Until yesterday. Then I bit off more than I could chew so to speak, and managed to rip off a piece of my skin on the thumb to the point where it started to bleed. Ouch.
This morning, very very early, I woke up with a throbbing thumb. I really have to stop this!
Until yesterday. Then I bit off more than I could chew so to speak, and managed to rip off a piece of my skin on the thumb to the point where it started to bleed. Ouch.
This morning, very very early, I woke up with a throbbing thumb. I really have to stop this!
Monday, December 16, 2013
You're welcome and then you're not
I just love ze Swiss way of communicating. A couple of times lately I have been invited to a do with a starting time and an ending time. Like you're welcome from four to six in the afternoon.
I can understand why, you have something else on or you have small kids or just don't want people to hand around too long. I love it! There is a clear message, you know what's expected, no more no less.
But you can expect me to be there exactly between the times stipulated :).
I can understand why, you have something else on or you have small kids or just don't want people to hand around too long. I love it! There is a clear message, you know what's expected, no more no less.
But you can expect me to be there exactly between the times stipulated :).
Christmas decoration?
Was at a friends place for dinner tonight, and upon leaving he asked if I had seen the Christmas decoration he had on his door. I had not, due to the fact that the door was open when I arrived.
Took one look at it, and mumbled to myself "this thing would never be seen on my door". He demanded I repeated it, so I did, and then I heard a mumbling from his side "I hope you miss your bus".
And I did. Had to wait a whopping 9 minutes in the freezing cold before the next bus arrived. That should teach me!
Took one look at it, and mumbled to myself "this thing would never be seen on my door". He demanded I repeated it, so I did, and then I heard a mumbling from his side "I hope you miss your bus".
And I did. Had to wait a whopping 9 minutes in the freezing cold before the next bus arrived. That should teach me!
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Sweet'n sour
I had dinner with a friend yesterday. He has a fryer. It was frying pork, frying dough, frying veggies, glazing with sweet'n sour sauce. It was absolutely delicious.
Mind you, it was probably not food served in the biggest loser-contest, but like the chocolate mousse another friend does, it was the first thing I was thinking of when waking up this morning.
And I'm not a person who likes breakfast. That's how good it was.
Mind you, it was probably not food served in the biggest loser-contest, but like the chocolate mousse another friend does, it was the first thing I was thinking of when waking up this morning.
And I'm not a person who likes breakfast. That's how good it was.
Music
I don't get the fascination with music that most people seem to have. They constantly walk around with music in their ears, they talk about it, they write about it, they analyze it and they know all about artists and which year a certain song was released. I just don't get it.
How uninteresting I'm thinking. The only music I like is the live one. The one where you can see the artists, sing-along, clap your hands and have fun. Big concerts are so not me. Gimme a smoky pub or yes, I know what you're thinking of, my fav-place, that's where I have fun.
And in my youth I loved dancing. Dancing to music, but more interested in my partner than in the actual music. Music can be buzzing in the background, but can never be the center of my world.
Just thought I'd share.
How uninteresting I'm thinking. The only music I like is the live one. The one where you can see the artists, sing-along, clap your hands and have fun. Big concerts are so not me. Gimme a smoky pub or yes, I know what you're thinking of, my fav-place, that's where I have fun.
And in my youth I loved dancing. Dancing to music, but more interested in my partner than in the actual music. Music can be buzzing in the background, but can never be the center of my world.
Just thought I'd share.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
The fight goes on
When I was young(er) I picked every fight. Hadn't yet learned to choose my battles. Now, with age, I have mellowed. Not to the point of being stupid and accepting everything (far from!), but I know when to fight and not.
Tonight I met somebody who hasn't given up fighting a losing battle. It probably didn't help that he had a few drinks. But it was funny, listening to him and his arguments, trying hard not to laugh, since I was there when the initial debate took place.
Hurray for democracies, where anybody and everybody can express their opinion! Even if they are laughed at, but rather that than being imprisoned like in some countries!
Plus, the food served was delicious :).
Tonight I met somebody who hasn't given up fighting a losing battle. It probably didn't help that he had a few drinks. But it was funny, listening to him and his arguments, trying hard not to laugh, since I was there when the initial debate took place.
Hurray for democracies, where anybody and everybody can express their opinion! Even if they are laughed at, but rather that than being imprisoned like in some countries!
Plus, the food served was delicious :).
My hood
Went shopping today in my 'hood, and I must say I'm proud of how it develops. In the center of our "kreis", i.e. city area, they are renovating like crazy. New bus stops, buildings built and renovated, new and fresh shops. Around the square is now Migros, Coop and Denner, a pharmacy, restaurants, an ATM, a bakery and wait...a Brockenhaus? Brockenhaus is where they sell old and used stuff that smell bad.
But no, as it turned out it wasn't. I have passed this shop many times but never actually gone in there. Today I did, and was surprised that there was absolutely no smell of old, and they had all sorts of thingies for a very cheap price. Including a purple blanket that I almost bought. Until I realized I have enough of them already.
So for Christmas presents no need to go into the crowded city, it's all here in my own neighbourhood. Neat!
But no, as it turned out it wasn't. I have passed this shop many times but never actually gone in there. Today I did, and was surprised that there was absolutely no smell of old, and they had all sorts of thingies for a very cheap price. Including a purple blanket that I almost bought. Until I realized I have enough of them already.
So for Christmas presents no need to go into the crowded city, it's all here in my own neighbourhood. Neat!
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Clean conscience
Had a discussion with an environmentally interested friend the other day, and she claimed that the problems with the climate, the extinction of species and starvation in the world is related to overpopulation.
Well, what can I say? I have taken responsibility. I have a clean conscience.
And I'm now having my heating system under control. Yesterday my guests had to keep their shoes on, 'cause the floor heating is almost off. Ha!
So tonight, for the first time, I lit up a fire for heating. And realized I should do this more often 'cause of the ambiance.
Well, what can I say? I have taken responsibility. I have a clean conscience.
And I'm now having my heating system under control. Yesterday my guests had to keep their shoes on, 'cause the floor heating is almost off. Ha!
Monday, December 09, 2013
Annual meeting
Tonight we had our annual meeting. The building association. It was bloody, and threats were flying around like we were in Afghanistan. NOT.
I really tried to get some sort of heat going, but no. We were all in agreement.
Ok, so the only thing we didn't agree on was the removing of the grey heart on the side of the house, and the only tenant who actually sees it from the balcony was for, and the three of us were against. He gave me an evil look, saying next time I want something I cannot expect his support, and me saying "this is what it's like living in a democracy". He's from Eastern Europe :).
It was great fun, and even though the meeting only lasted like 1.5 hours they stayed equally long just discussing other things. And finish the food and drinks I served.
Small communities, I love it.
I really tried to get some sort of heat going, but no. We were all in agreement.Ok, so the only thing we didn't agree on was the removing of the grey heart on the side of the house, and the only tenant who actually sees it from the balcony was for, and the three of us were against. He gave me an evil look, saying next time I want something I cannot expect his support, and me saying "this is what it's like living in a democracy". He's from Eastern Europe :).
It was great fun, and even though the meeting only lasted like 1.5 hours they stayed equally long just discussing other things. And finish the food and drinks I served.
Small communities, I love it.
SAS going down
You know when an airline is about to fold? It's when they start bombarding you with emails about this and that offer.
And I remember when I had booked a trip to Spain, and phoned the airline to change my ticket to a different destination, since my Dad had passed away, and they couldn't change the booking. I had to buy a new ticket. Then they had the stomach to ask me "so do you want to cancel your seat at the previous booking?".
Hell no. If they would have offered me half the cost, I would've been fine. But being so obviously greedy, and showing no respect whatsoever, they lost my loyalty.
You're going down SAS, and remember where you heard it first.
And I remember when I had booked a trip to Spain, and phoned the airline to change my ticket to a different destination, since my Dad had passed away, and they couldn't change the booking. I had to buy a new ticket. Then they had the stomach to ask me "so do you want to cancel your seat at the previous booking?".
Hell no. If they would have offered me half the cost, I would've been fine. But being so obviously greedy, and showing no respect whatsoever, they lost my loyalty.
You're going down SAS, and remember where you heard it first.
Camera installed
Ok, so now my surveillance camera is installed in a perfect place. You cannot see it, hidden behind a curtain and it points to the only place an intruder would choose. Now I just have to figure out where the pics are stored. I mean, I can see the image on my computer, but I need to learn how to go back in time and find a pic.
Guru, where are you?
Guru, where are you?
Sunday, December 08, 2013
You're not drinking
I was at a party tonight, and it was great. Nice setting, good food and fun company. Only after dinner I felt too full. I felt like I hadn't eaten that much food in a long time and my belly was even bigger than normal. Uncomfortable.
So I took a break, went out on the terrace, had a smoke, went to the bathroom, walked around a little, then sat down again. And that's when I heard a remark I hadn't heard in a long time: "you're not drinking, are you ok?".
Haha, yes I admit I had a dip, and was even off wine for a bit, but I came back. What else can you expect from a wine pro like myself?
So I took a break, went out on the terrace, had a smoke, went to the bathroom, walked around a little, then sat down again. And that's when I heard a remark I hadn't heard in a long time: "you're not drinking, are you ok?".
Haha, yes I admit I had a dip, and was even off wine for a bit, but I came back. What else can you expect from a wine pro like myself?
Abroad
I know, I'm a real globetrotter. Today I was abroad again. And for once at the customs we were stopped. Apparently now in Christmas-times a lot of (cheap) Swiss people go to Germany for shopping and then claim the VAT back, and so the customs people hungry for criminals stopped us.
But they only spoke briefly and took one look at the pretty smile of my friend, then let us go. And there was I with a still valid passport, to no avail.
Proving my point of passports, not a necessary accessory.
But they only spoke briefly and took one look at the pretty smile of my friend, then let us go. And there was I with a still valid passport, to no avail.
Proving my point of passports, not a necessary accessory.
Friday, December 06, 2013
Ze German is joking
Was out tonight with a German. A German who thinks of moving back to Germany, "because it's nice when they understand my jokes". HAHAHAHAHA! A German joke?
Thursday, December 05, 2013
RIP Nelson
Not many statesmen I respect but Nelson was one of them. And it was a mighty feeling to see the cell where he was imprisoned so many years.
RIP.
RIP.
Wednesday, December 04, 2013
Stateless
I remember when I was working in Scandinavia, and invited an American for a meeting and she responded "yes, I'll come, I do have a passport". Which I at the time thought was a strange comment. Turned out she did have a passport but had never used it. She was 60 years old.
Now, my passport expires early next year, and last time I renewed it I went to the consulate here in Zürich, brought a pic, paid some money and signed some papers. Easy-peasy.
These days the routines have changed and I have to go all the way to the embassy in Bern. Pay 200 francs for the admin, 100 francs for the trip there and an additional 20 to have it delivered to Zürich. And it's only valid for 5 years!
I'm gonna take this as a sign that I'm not meant to travel abroad anymore. And I'm relieved. Every time I think of leaving Zürich I get anxious, trying to come up with good excuses not to. Now one is presented to me.
Besides, next year I can apply for a Swiss passport. Not sure they'll accept me, but plenty of time to get used to the feeling of being stateless.
Now, my passport expires early next year, and last time I renewed it I went to the consulate here in Zürich, brought a pic, paid some money and signed some papers. Easy-peasy.
These days the routines have changed and I have to go all the way to the embassy in Bern. Pay 200 francs for the admin, 100 francs for the trip there and an additional 20 to have it delivered to Zürich. And it's only valid for 5 years!
I'm gonna take this as a sign that I'm not meant to travel abroad anymore. And I'm relieved. Every time I think of leaving Zürich I get anxious, trying to come up with good excuses not to. Now one is presented to me.
Besides, next year I can apply for a Swiss passport. Not sure they'll accept me, but plenty of time to get used to the feeling of being stateless.
Tuesday, December 03, 2013
Zürich zoo XII
I read that in Zürich zoo you can take a class fighting your phobia against spiders. I can maybe understand people who take those kind of classes against phobias like flying, but why on earth would I take a class fighting my demons like any kind of insects including spiders, my fear of heights or any creepy-crawlies?
It's not like I plan to confront an anaconda or a black widow. Nah, leave me alone with my phobias please. And living in Switzerland, it's not likely I'll be exposed to a cobra or a rattlesnake. If I wanna see them I go to the Zürich zoo, that's it.
And yes, I have been up the tallest building in Switzerland! The prime tower in Zürich. And it has glass all around, and I was happy to sit in the middle of the room having a smoke.
It's not like I plan to confront an anaconda or a black widow. Nah, leave me alone with my phobias please. And living in Switzerland, it's not likely I'll be exposed to a cobra or a rattlesnake. If I wanna see them I go to the Zürich zoo, that's it.
And yes, I have been up the tallest building in Switzerland! The prime tower in Zürich. And it has glass all around, and I was happy to sit in the middle of the room having a smoke.
Zürich zoo XI
Bats in the Masoala-Halle. Yikes, I have a dislike to objects that look like rats and are flying fast.
But I did like the new tower they built in there, so that you can climb up and have a really good view. Only to be perfectly honest (and before somebody here who was there can comment :), I didn't go all the way up. Severe anxiety. Almost had to sit down half-way up.
And finally a blurry lemur, but we also saw giant tortoises and a chameleon in there.
Lots of animal business today, including a wolf! I've never seen a wolf up so close as today, it was exciting!
And finally a blurry lemur, but we also saw giant tortoises and a chameleon in there.
Lots of animal business today, including a wolf! I've never seen a wolf up so close as today, it was exciting!
Zürich zoo X
Drinking hippo. It is said it's the animal who kills most people in Africa. And a bored rhino.
Zürich zoo IX
Lots of monkey business! And both the gorillas and the chimpanzees had offsprings, much cuter than their human counterparts.
Zürich zoo IV
This elephant will be much more happy once the new quarters are built. Right now they are residing in a tiny area, poor things.
Zürich zoo II
Dromedaries have one hump, camels have two. That can guarantee the win in the next quiz show!
Zürich zoo I
Every day when it's 10°C or less the penguins at the Zürich zoo are taken for a walk. I just love penguins. They look so funny when walking with a wag. At the brief security session we were told to keep the kids at a safe distance, 'cause when feeling threatened they would go for the eyes. Another good reason for not bringing kids.
The funniest one was the brown one, which we believe was a youngster. He was at least screaming the loudest.
The funniest one was the brown one, which we believe was a youngster. He was at least screaming the loudest.
Monday, December 02, 2013
New duvet
It's funny, when I shop for myself (ok, not often, once a year or so) I always look at the price tag, but today when I happened to pass the pet shop I noticed that the duvet I looked at before was set to half price. Still not exactly cheap, but my wee ones are worth the best. And I couldn't resist the colour and the oh so cute paw prints!
So here we go, Zetti checking it out. But both of them choosing the old and known sleeping places. Ungrateful little brats.
So here we go, Zetti checking it out. But both of them choosing the old and known sleeping places. Ungrateful little brats.
Don't quit your day job
Today I was invited to a do for volunteers, first with a drink, then with a film and finally some food and more drinks.
I didn't know anybody there, so at first I was just standing there watching, thinking there are lots of old people volunteering, I felt really young. On the other hand, younger people who volunteer probably are working on a Monday afternoon.
Then it was the movie. It was a project involving ETH Zürich, the university and an old peoples home. Apart from myself there was one young person, happening to sit next to me, and I wanted to lean over and whisper "they shouldn't quit their day job", thinking she probably spoke English.
Luckily I didn't since she turned out to be playing a role in the movie (in a wig, wasn't recognizable), and later when I did speak to her I realized she was from Australia.
Don't get me wrong, the idea is good to liaise young students with old people in projects, but hmmm, that movie isn't gonna be one of my favs.
I didn't know anybody there, so at first I was just standing there watching, thinking there are lots of old people volunteering, I felt really young. On the other hand, younger people who volunteer probably are working on a Monday afternoon.
Then it was the movie. It was a project involving ETH Zürich, the university and an old peoples home. Apart from myself there was one young person, happening to sit next to me, and I wanted to lean over and whisper "they shouldn't quit their day job", thinking she probably spoke English.
Luckily I didn't since she turned out to be playing a role in the movie (in a wig, wasn't recognizable), and later when I did speak to her I realized she was from Australia.
Don't get me wrong, the idea is good to liaise young students with old people in projects, but hmmm, that movie isn't gonna be one of my favs.
Sunday, December 01, 2013
Ape-like
I don't believe in any god, I believe in science. And today I was intrigued when reading about the beginning of the human being. Normally we are told we come from the apes, and I have no problems with that. Haven't we all laughed at the zoo when watching chimpanzees and orangutangs?
But today I read that the beginning of us humans began with a fornication between an ape and a pig. Interesting.
It explains why pieces of pigs hearts could be implanted in humans, and I guess why some people act like monkeys.
But today I read that the beginning of us humans began with a fornication between an ape and a pig. Interesting.
It explains why pieces of pigs hearts could be implanted in humans, and I guess why some people act like monkeys.
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