Parting shots

A few things about Zurich. All the towers have clocks. Usually you notice this on the historic churches, but here's a modern church:

It is not cool to be late because there is no reason to not know the time.

I loved the ubiquitous water fountains, as I am not one to pay for water. Even better were the dog-level water fountains.

I noticed a lot of little, sensible things that were so useful. Like the chairs at McDonald's (I went once when I was having a calorie-deprived meltdown and I needed food fast). The chair backs have a notch in them, so you can hang your purse. The black-out curtains in my hostel room were on two overlapping tracks, so they crossed in the middle, preventing any gap. The recycling bins each had photos on the front (a stack of newspapers, crushed plastic bottles, cans, and mixed garbage. It made it easier to figure out what to do.

I'd say the main drawback is that the Swiss didn't seem particularly friendly. Some of the students who have lived in Zurich for a year or so say they haven't made any friends. I think the Swiss--who have not joined the E.U. and have maintained their currency--are very independent and have a strong sense of national identity. I don't think that leaves them open to integrating non-native Swiss. Having said that, it is a very cosmopolitan city--every culture seems represented. But each culture seems more comfortable in its own sphere than part of some blended culture.

I took two buses, a train, and a plane and was back in Belfast by 1:30 p.m., where David met me with a Marks & Spencer's meal, as I was in danger of another metabolism meltdown.
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