Zürich, 29 December 2015: “Zürich´s relationship to the world is not of the spirit, but of commerce.” (Carl Jung) “Not so long ago, Zürich was famed chiefly for being the cleanest, most efficient city in Europe – prim, but devoid of soul.” (Rough Guide to Switzerland) There is the city everyone assumes Zürich to be:… Continue reading Canada Slim and the City of Spirits
On a pathway to Hell
Boxing Day / 26 December 2015 I decide to go a-walkin´. Wife at work while I have the day off and a ticket to ride anywhere in Switzerland for as long as 26 December 2015 lasts (0500 – 2400). Decide to resume walk begun long ago in Bargen (the northernmost point in Switzerland)… (See Borderline… Continue reading On a pathway to Hell
The road not taken
Wienachtsdorf am Bellevue, Zürich, 23 December 2015: The book I bought today, among other books I spoiled myself buying in Zürich before meeting my wife and enjoying the splendor that is Zürich´s Christmas market, is mentally burning a hole in my backpack. The Mammoth Book of Time Travel Science Fiction ponders the question: What happens… Continue reading The road not taken
Unwanted Christmas Presence
“I just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in.” (Kenny Rogers and the First Edition, OST The Big Lebowski) “May you live in interesting times.” (Ancient Chinese curse) Landschlacht: Christmas Day 2015 I realize that it has been some time since my last blog post, but, in my defence, it has been a… Continue reading Unwanted Christmas Presence
Beams, motes and mocassins
Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how… Continue reading Beams, motes and mocassins
Working for a giant
As regular followers of this blog know, I have two jobs: freelance teacher and part-time barista. I work as a humble part-time barista for the largest coffeehouse company in the world, Starbucks. And I can´t deny that this results in mixed feelings. I am older than this upstart of a company. In fact, I am… Continue reading Working for a giant
Beggars at the banquet
It is nine in the morning here in Landschlacht, Switzerland. It´s cold, damp and foggy here by the shore of the Lake of Constance. I have a headache, but have taken medicine from a bathroom stocked with medicines for any type of illness real or imagined, present or potential. The guest room of our four-bedroom… Continue reading Beggars at the banquet
What´s up, Doc? / Pier Pressure
Like many people, despite there being probably more years of life behind me than ahead, I have always been uncomfortable with the notion of my own mortality. Many years ago while browsing through a bookshop I came across a book called How We Die, which went to graphic, explicit detail of the exact bodily processes… Continue reading What´s up, Doc? / Pier Pressure
Canadian home sickness and the Excited States of America
As a Canadian resident in Switzerland there are many things I miss about life in Canada: I miss old friends and family. I miss the magnificent splendour of my home and native land. And I miss small things too: Food like Habitant pea soup, poutine, tourtiere, Canadian breakfast, perogies, microwave dinners, beavertails… Comedians like Lorne… Continue reading Canadian home sickness and the Excited States of America
Distant friends
Today, a rainy and grey day, I left the cave of home and took the train to the city of St. Gallen an hour away, just so I could have brief conversations with my work colleagues/friends. I like my co-workers, though very different from myself and one another, because they offer me human contact which a day… Continue reading Distant friends