Landschlacht, 6 January 2016 It is a strange little place I live in. Though it sits beside the Lake of Constance, nestled quietly between the hospital-church complex that is Münsterlingen and apple-obsessed Altnau, Landschlacht itself (population: 850) seems to remain unappealing to both residents and visitors alike. This peaceful holiday spot, this bedroom community near Konstanz-Kreuzlingen, has… Continue reading Thus one journeys to the stars
Canada Slim and the Push for Reformation
Zürich, 30 December 2015 Last night (29 December), supper at a Mexican restaurant, followed by the film Carol at an arthouse cinema. Ute (my wife) introduced me to a spot that advertises itself as “the most exciting street to shop in Zürich“, Im Viadukt Markthalle. The railway company had a substantial influence on the city’s urban… Continue reading Canada Slim and the Push for Reformation
Me at the U of Z
Zürich, 29 December 2015 Both the big name guidebooks, Lonely Planet and Rough Guides, suggest a visit to the University of Zürich. “See the Archaeological Collection”, they say. “Visit the Graphics Collection”, they suggest. “Check out the Law Library”, they advise. Yet a university is so daunting a place to check out as a tourist, especially… Continue reading Me at the U of Z
On time
Zürich, 29 December 2015: “What is time? If no one asks me, I know. But if I wanted to explain it to one who asks me… I plainly do not know.” (Augustine, The Confessions) “On 21 June 1995, the longest day of that year, a unique clock was set in motion in the shop of… Continue reading On time
Another brick in the wall
“Welcome! 1 million bricks / 100 objects / artwork covering 16,000 square feet “Dreams are built… one brick at a time!” (Nathan Sawaya) Welcome to the incredible art of LEGO ® by Nathan Sawaya! You dreamed about it. Nathan Sawaya did it! This exhibition is for everyone. The Art of the Brick immerses the visitor… Continue reading Another brick in the wall
Canada Slim and the City of Spirits
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