Zürich, 8 May 2016 “Conflict uproots people and forces them to seek asylum. Inequality produces injustice. Humanity´s impact on the environment threatens species (including humanity). Innovative technological advances disrupt established industries. In this world…there are so many stories that need to be told…because people deserve to see their world and express themselves freely. Freedom of information,… Continue reading Life and death through a lense
The Silence Between
Landschlacht, Switzerland: 9 May 2016 An email from an old friend, Sumit, asks: “Not writing blogs anymore?…I have not seen any new blogs in the last few weeks.” A daily journal, bought at a local grocery chain, has a leather cover that intimidates: “You don´t write because you want to say something. You write because… Continue reading The Silence Between
Capital Be
Bern: 11 February 2016 / Landschlacht: Easter 2016 A while back, before silence dominated and clouds hung heavy over my head, I began to tell a story about Bern and its people, but much like a cyclist making a sharp turn and crashing onto the ground as his bike slips out from under him on… Continue reading Capital Be
Silence and gold
Landschlacht, Switzerland: 23 March 2016 It has been a time that has tested me both personally and professionally. It has been a time that has discouraged me, that has made me withdraw silently into myself. I have written little for over a month. I have wanted to write, not to say something, but because I… Continue reading Silence and gold
Canada Slim in the Capital
Bern, Switzerland: 11 February 2016 13,000 people move to Bern, Switzerland´s capital, annually. Some tens of thousands commute to the city every day. Approximately 17, 000 students are enrolled at the University. Above: The main building of the University of Bern The Bern Tourist Office registered 686,967 overnight stays in 2012. Hundreds more tourists come for… Continue reading Canada Slim in the Capital
Festival of Fools: The Endless Silly Season
Landschlacht, 11 February 2016 Let us now praise the introverts amongst us and may the meek truly inherit the Earth. Every year, every damn year, my wife notes that every February I remark that we have entered “the silly season” once I spy the first celebrants of Carnival with their ringing bells and odd costumes… Continue reading Festival of Fools: The Endless Silly Season
Canada Slim and the City of Broken Promises
Konstanz, Germany: 10 February 2016 I am angry this day. Promises made to me that one of my favourite backpacks would be repaired by now has not only gone unfulfilled but the repair shop wanted me to pay more money for repairs they are not sure they can actually accomplish. In my mind´s eye I… Continue reading Canada Slim and the City of Broken Promises
A to Z: Adam to Zelg
Zelg, Appenzell, Switzerland: 9 February 2016 There are brief moments when I envy some of my peers in the academic world. They have what I call “the Holy Grail for freelance teachers”: a permanent contract with one school that provides all the benefits an employee could wish for – pension, sick leave, unemployment insurance, written… Continue reading A to Z: Adam to Zelg
Eternal Bliss and the Edge of Madness: Gaga over Dada
Zürich, 8 February 2016 “When the going gets tough, the great ones party.” (Bill Murray, Garfield 2) Granted this is an unusual source for a quote to try and sum up the phenomenon that was born in Zürich, spread around the world, inspired future cultural movements and is once again commemorated obsessively this year back… Continue reading Eternal Bliss and the Edge of Madness: Gaga over Dada
Only imbeciles and Spanish professors: Heidi and Dada
Zürich, 8 February 2016 A series of upcoming new classes has necessitated new books, and as St. Gallen and Konstanz (the cities closest to where I live) have limited options in regards to English language teaching materials, I am here to go shopping. It is a rare opportunity, for normally after Vaduz I would rush… Continue reading Only imbeciles and Spanish professors: Heidi and Dada