Another night of not-so-such terrific sleep, but I’m young,
right? Wait. That’s the kids. Those crazy little things that caused me
grief trying to get them out bed. Last
night I spoke with the lady at the register (the hotel is open 24 hours) and
she gave me a great link to a site called camparis.ch which shows home for rent
and gives information on taxes and all sorts of other important details which I
can’t think of now.
The kids were finally up and we popped across the street to
Jung’s Bakerei for some breakfast treats of which Maggie got a cinnamon roll
(which she found disappointing because it was made with real ingredients you
can find in your kitchen. I got a fruit tart.
Ethan stuck with apple juice. We
headed over to the Landes Museum, but before we could go in, I wanted the kids
to finish what they had. Ethan helped
Maggie by donating her roll to a swan.
We visited the museum, which was a single room (which made me rather sad
as it is such a beautiful museum) containing pictures of the history of workers
in Switzerland from the beginning of the 19th century to now. We watched a movie with still shots of
different trades and I was saddened and fascinated at the craftsmanship which
is now so rare while it was so common one hundred years ago.
Ice skating and the Dolder was next on the list. The kids enjoyed themselves so much the other
day – though it was cut short by speed skating practice, so I brought them
back. The price is quite reasonable – 4 SFr
entrance and -7 SFr to rent skates. I
sat outside, near a group of loud kids about Ethan’s age, so I moved
inside. Just as I had done so, a man who
worked for the rink went over to the kids and reprimanded them about their behavior
and noise level. What I enjoyed was
seeing a guy who wasn’t much older than these kids keeping them in check – and it
was a quiet talking-to, no threats or yelling – just matter-of fact talk. Two of
the girls came inside a short while later – said hello to me and then stared
talking loudly again. The guy came back
and spoke with them again. When he turned
his back, the girl flipped him off – then saw me looking at her with a smile
and she quieted down. Funny. The kids skated for a while as I read ‘Atlas
Shrugged’, then Mags fell on her hip really badly, bruised it, and wanted to leave, so we did. We stopped by a conditerie to buy some treats,
me smiling at everyone I saw. I will not
let these stern faces get me down!!!
A last stop tonight would be dinner – pizza at Grottino 85 –
a pizza place we frequented before concerts at the Hallenstadion. I told the current owner that – he got it 6
years after I had left. I’ve noticed the
music scene is still really active here in Zurich. Missing that is not something I need to worry
about. I may have to go alone, but I do
that anyway, so…. It was as we walked
down to our tram stop that a man in the window across the street was fully
naked. I love this country and the lack
of modesty – nudity just is in many cases.
No big deal. 
Kids and I bought some conditioner and then headed back to play
cards. I made a date with a friend of Joel’s
who works here and he suggested she would be an excellent person to know. I also heard from my godmother, who is not
doing very well at all and I may not be able to see here this visit, which
saddens me, but I want her to take care of herself. School reunion tomorrow. Looking forward.
Pictures: The building next to the Limmat River; Landes Museum; Walking to Dolder; (Snowball) Creation smiles....; Grottino 85
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