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From B to Z

Last stop, Zurich

By Carl Fisher

October 24^th, 2016

urbanity

While on my walkabout around Zurich I chanced upon a stretch of rather colorful apartments. Such an onslaught of street art at the base of otherwise bland buildings was pretty novel to me, but I wondered if the residents even noticed them anymore. They probably just blended into the background after a while, which is probably why people walking in the area were looking at me oddly. But then perhaps it is just the usual reaction to people who are taking pictures that might be a little on the less mundane side.

Overhead

Many of the places I visited were on my list of must sees based on reviews from various websites. One place was a club called The Hive that I didn’t realize was so late night. I expected it to be open at a modest hour in the evening. I was informed, however, that it was open after 11 and went to the wee hours of the night. My informant gave off the vibe that he thought I wouldn’t be able to stay up that late. At that point the gauntlet had been thrown down and I was determined to show up (even if I had to set an alarm to wake me from my evening nap). Prior to heading out, I made my way to a very touristy area on the other side of the Limmat and surveyed the offerings along the Niederdorfstrasse. I settled on an outside table at the Rheinfelder Bierhalle. I was in the mood for some schnitzel and brew. The outdoor tables were sought after and within a few minutes I was joined by three fellows who were local regulars. Fortunately for me, they all spoke english quite well and were of the friendly sort. I was glad for this because, when it came time to order, I let one of them be my translator so that I didn’t have to try to make myself understood by the brusque, but matronly sisters who were the primary serving staff. It turned out to be quite a pleasant place, not only for the beer and food, but the conversation as well. Turns out, the three at my table had known each other since private school and had lots of opinions about the current state of affairs in Switzerland. They were in their mid-twenties so they were pretty progressive, but I was surprised at their lack of charity for the gypsies. Apparently the only beggars you see in Zurich are gypsies, but they don’t really need the money for their immediate survival. The funds they collect go towards securing moving vans that they use to haul off the spoils from plundering Swiss homes when the owners are not home. Not very charitable in my opinion, but then perhaps they had some facts to back that up. I still have my doubts. What I don’t doubt is the tasty non-alcoholic beverage that I was turned onto called Rivella. It’s actually a by-product of cheese making (from milk whey) that includes ingredients such as lactose, lactic acid and minerals. I think it makes those who occasionally overindulgence feel less guilty and has the added benefit of reducing the chances of having a hangover the next day.

I was reluctant to leave my newfound acquaintances, but after having a few drinks at a local bar following our meal, it was approaching midnight and I had a date with some bass. I hopped on a bus and made my way to the Hive arriving around half past midnight. I almost balked at the 20 EU admission price, but quickly recovered and, after making a side trip to an ATM, was granted admission. The lower level was more techno and artificially smokified while the upper trended more towards progressive pop. To my surprise, I found myself getting into the groove of the music. I’m not much of a dancer, but I can stand at the periphery and sway with the best of ‘em.

Umbrellas lining the approach to the Hive.

Not the most attractive of eating spaces

Bridging

The Viadkut Markthalle was on the best of list that I had created before I left the U.S. It was cute, but a bit underwhelming. Where was the bustle that I had been expecting. There were a number of goods and food stalls and a bar/restaurant area, but it was not quite the happening spot that I had anticipated. Perhaps mid-afternoon was not the best time of day for there to be frenzied activity. Still, the offerings were quite wholesome and I was tempted to sit down for a meal. I opted for waiting a bit and finding a place closer to the downtown core.

bargain hunting

I’m not much of a flea market person, but I’m also not opposed to stumbling upon the odd find now and again. At the Kanzlei Flohmarkt there was so much to choose from that, in the end, I didn’t get anything. I also had to be cognizant of the limitations of my luggage. That sax just would not fit in my carryon. Still, it was as they say about journeys, it’s not just about the destination. I may not have bought anything, but I enjoyed taking in all the goods on offer.

I'm not sure why I was so attracted to the outdated stereo components

MAking a statement

There wasn’t a lot of street art in the city (at least not that I could fine), but when I saw Huey Freeman, I had to stop and take some snaps.

more vending

Much of my trip was plagued by rain, but that didn’t keep the shoppers or sellers at bay for long. And, luckily, the sun did eventually show up.

woody

I never did find out what this structure was for, but it was lens catching.

Kultcha

Some shapes, forms, and colors could not be ignored. I didn’t plan to visit it, but the arresting structure of Pavillion Le Corbusier was in the general area of my meanderings and it is a must visit for anyone with even a modest interest in design. While I’m not crazy about the style, I did enjoy seeing and reading about the Corbusier story.

I think she could use a little moisturizer.

In front of another museum that I was tempted by, but instead opted for the great outdoors.

a view to be had

I finally got a chance to put the wide angle lens that I had been lugging around to good use. The view from the Grossmunster was definitely worth the claustrophobic climb up the stairs to get to the top. It was a tight squeeze, but also one way to get up close and personal with total strangers (not that I’m into that sort of thing).