Weekend Hello from Zurich

TGIF! With all of the angst over the visa, it will be nice to escape. Naturally the weekend weather prediction for Zurich is perfect, sunny with highs in the mid-80sF. Vienna's forecast is rainy and highs in the mid-70sF. Of course, I am not going to Vienna for the weather... not when there are pastry shops to pillage and beer halls to ravage! Speaking of beerhalls, seems that there is a mini-crisis building in Germany -- the British soccer fans are drinking the country dry, a direct quote from a barmaid "never have I seen so few people drink so much beer, so quickly." (I guess she has never been to The Blackbird (London) on a Friday night... wait until they decide to sing!!)

That rent time of the month in Zurich. Visited my local banker today. Discovered that I can pay the rent without a transfer fee (CHF 5) -- hey, it'll pay for a beer! In Switzerland you get used to paying for everything. I have always said that if they could figure out how to charge for air, they would. So, any freebie is nice.

Grabbed a magret of duck last night from the local butcher (a rather fat breast). A favorite dinner and it was scrumptous. Enough left over for a treat tonight, potatoes fried in duck fat with shredded duck. (OH, YEAH)

Some good news from DC. Seems that the Bush Court's nine Supremes have stated rather firmly that Shrub was inaugurated, not crowned and that he actually has to obey the laws of the land. ALORS!! The notion that the President is not above the law. In a separate situation, it turns out that Shrub has been routinely and quietly filing instructions that exempted him from new laws. (how convenient) Didn't know you could do that and it seems to have been quite a surprise to many legislators in his own party -- who were none too pleased with the news.

And some good news from New York. The stock markets got tired of swooning and actually had a decent rally. YEAH for the good guys. As the housing market seems to be cooling, even in go-go Miami, we need the stock market to turn bullish to keep spirits and spending high. Earnings may help (let's hope).

As always, you have my best wishes for a delightful weekend (see Alexis' blog for a visual definition of delightful). When you see me, not need to point and laugh -- after Vienna and Alsace, YES, I will be a "bit plump"...

A cool day

Finally, a cool day. (there is something a bit scary about me complaining about the high temps in Zurich) However, it is quite a pleasant day.

No change in the visa situation. Swiss wheels turn, but slowly. Wrapping things up at work in anticipation of a "vacation".

Switzerland is out of the World Cup, which seems to have dried up local interest. However, as the final approaches, interest is likely to swell once more. Tennis has snuck onto the tube, at last a substitute for the boring, I mean Noble, Game. I am rooting for Roddick, but Agassi gets the sentimental vote. Roddick is young...

Zurich seems to be in the summer doldrums. If possible, the pace of life has slowed and people are scarce -- not the worst of situations.

I noted in an earlier entry that my chef friend's replacement had been hospitalized with a dose of self-inflicted food poisoning. I am happy to report that he lived, but is now unemployed. Thierry was begged to find a replacement (arrogance turned to desperation is always fun). Will the Grande Madame be forced into the kitchen? or the more pressing question, we know she cannot make coffee but can she use a can opener?

It is quiet on the other end of the pond as well. People continue to come and go. News that a friend is moving north of Fort Lauderdale. He's not going that far away, I am certain that we will bump into each other from time to time.

Hump day

Wednesday. A day when, traditionally, very little goes too wrong.... Turns out the crazy hedge obsessed neighbor of Monday night was the Swiss national railway (tracks run behind my building). Anway, they were at it again last night beginning at 0130, this time with rail cutting gear and heavy equipment... (I am not a happy camper). I may have to move.

The visa situation remains unresolved. The paperwork has been replaced and the wheels are grinding, slowly one suspects. I am still headed to Vienna, so... Looks like I will be wine slurping in France next week. (Thomas thinks I am going to patiently wait in Zurich, hoping day by day for the renewal -- yeah, now, like, that's going to happen!)

Speaking of Vienna, Ditmar should be in the loving embrace of Mama and Papa by now. (Night flight from Miami.) Based on our Paris excursion, one hopes that Papa brought along 3 men and a boy to manhandle the luggage! Ditmar does make an entrance. I return Monday evening. Need to do some laundry and banking one day, probably Tuesday and will then disappear into the depths of the French Republic -- reappearing Monday a.m. (or that is the plan). Definitely fatter but also happier and sated!

Monday - it's OVER (FINALLY)

Yesterday turned into Communications Day as several conference calls were rescheduled. As a result I was late getting to Cranberry, although I did arrive in time to see Australia gift a World Cup win to Italy (the Aussie's huge hearts often get in the way of victory). As I am not an Italian fan.... well, I was disappointed.

Yesterday was a Monday of a Monday. The immigration snafu, bad news from New York, the Italian win, etc. Sooooo happy to see that day in the rear view mirror.

And then there was Monday night. Surreal night in Z. last evening. I was a bit pooped, so I retired early. Unfortunately, someone in the neighborhood chose 0230 as the perfect time to trim their hedge. As the apartment lacks AC, the windows must be open. And as my insane neighbor continued to hack away at the hedge -- I was awake (and not too pleased to be awake.) Eventually he stopped, of course. Also trains were running all night, which is very, very strange. I suspected that train-loads of refugees were being shuttled to safety... (all I really wanted was a good night's sleep) Between mid-night gardeners and refugee trains, I was quite fed up by the time that I arose this a.m.

It is turning dark. I suspect it will rain this afternoon. As it is both quite warm and uncomfortably sticky, such an event will be very welcome.

Monday (again)

I am at the end of my current visa, so an extension has been requested. Found out today that the Immigration people who approve such things lost the paperwork. (oh, it is Monday) Hardly surprising or even something to get the blood pressure up about -- just annoying. Seems unlikely to be resolved before Friday (last day on the old visa).

The visa impacts my ability to work. I can still be in the country for some period of time on my tourist passport (no one wants to block my ability to spend money).

I cannot return to the US until the 17th, or so, if I am to preserve the expat tax deductions, SO, a chance to do a bit of travelling.

As noted last week, I will be in Vienna next weekend visiting Ditmar and his parents, as well as the royal goodies stashed in the various museums about town. Everything will be off diet as well, SO, definitely going to dive into Viennese pastries and assorted other forbidden delights. The French come close, but I have never found anywhere that compares to the Viennese sense of pastry decadence without regrets... just hold your head up high and continue to stuff it in... YES!!

A rather nice weekend in Zurich just past, although, it was quite warm. I was just lazy and generally did not stray far from home. The consequence is that the refrigerator, wine rack, and pantry are bare. Time to restock, which given the visa situation is certainly not all bad, as I can do it sparingly.

Work continues to be slow, although that will, hopefully, change as the result of a conference call this afternoon. (fingers are crossed)

Travel Aggravations

Sorry, but I do have to share this. Ok, going from Zurich to Vienna from 1 - 3 July.

1. Attempted reservation on Travelocity (5 times -- I don't know when to stop!) The site either gagged along the way or repriced the package at the end +25%(!!) Nope, I don't play that game.
2. I thought that I had a credit on Swiss (apparently not, even if you cancel a flight before the first leg of the flight, you lose the entire fare!! BEWARE OF SWISS) Anyway they quoted a fare of CH 650. Once I found out that I did not have the credit -- no more booking through Swiss!!
3. Tried Orbitz. Naturally when booking you must provide a contact telephone number. Orbitz does not accept Swiss telephone numbers(!) No go. (and what's that all about??)
4. Tried Expedia, success (maybe). However, the transaction went haywire at the end. The site says it completed and I called their hotline that claims I am confirmed. We'll see...

If the Expedia thing works out, the total package, which includes 2 nights in a 4-star hotel, was a bit less than the air portion priced by Swiss. HURRAY

TGIF! Another not very productive week, however, brighter horizons lie ahead.

Received a note from Ditmar. He will be in Vienna next week for 8 days or so. I am arranging to pop over Saturday morning and will spend a long weekend. Unfortunately Travelocity has turned unreliable, therefore, I will have to do use some other site. ARG!! (what is up with the travel sites? hotels.com has also gotten flaky -- quotes for the wrong dates, etc.?)

The only other travel news is that I have picked Davos based on the recommendation from a friend for my Swiss get away. Experience the lives of the rich and shameless out of season. Probably in mid-July.

Beautiful day in Zurich. Will climb up around 80F. Tomorrow will be the killer, 89F/31C -- YIKES! I fear the Alpine fortress will be uninhabitable... likely a movie - usually a good escape on a hot day, followed by air conditioned Cranberry. Speaking of Cranberry, the swill wasn't nearly as swill-like last evening -- am I becoming immune to swill (gasp, shudder)?

In SoBe, a going away party for one of my favorite guys. Jeremy is taking an extended trip to South America, returning to SoBe in time for Thanksgiving. We all hope he recovers sufficiently from his going away party to enjoy his welcome home party! (It was held at the Palace, after all) Alexis seems a bit down with all of the comings and goings. It's all just part of living in SoBe, a stranger or better collection of rolling stones is hard to imagine

In Z. I usually travel by tram. Due to the road work, various celebrations, road races, etc., weekend travel around town has become an adventure. There was a note at my home tram stop this morning -- only God knows the parts of town that I will see tomorrow. I could simply take the train, but sacrifice the adventure? you must be mad.

The USA is playing Ghana in the World Cup as I write this. Breathlessly, I can report that the score is close (0-0) -- which is why soccer is like watching bread rise... although the BBC reports the crowd is tense (death by boredom?) -- I suppose rigor mortis can be mistaken for tension.

Stopped in at Cranberry for a delicious Swiss beer (now you know I'm joking! -- it was swill). Actually, the Countess recommended Grey Goose Citron with soda, which sounded quite nice on a hot day, but naturally, Grey Goose Citron is unknown in Switzerland. They do have Grey Goose Orange, which is worse with soda than the swill alternative. Therefore, I remain with the swill.

Looked into going to Heidelberg for the weekend. Something is wrong with hotel.com's Swiss site, their dates are haywire. Checking other sites, the cheapest hotel room I could find was a bit over 300 euros/night. I did enjoy Heidelberg, but never 600 euros worth (2 nights). Therefore, I will remain safe in the Alpine fortress for the weekend. As the mercury is again predicted to climb into the mid-80's F it will certainly be a sweaty fortress...

Sorry to report that Ghana has scored in the 22nd minute, 1-0 Ghana. The BBC reports the officials appear to be trigger happy -- not a pretty thought given the number of red cards doled out during the Italy game! Italy is winning its game against the Czechs, which it must win if the US is to go on in the tournie (only if the US can change course and defeat Ghana (Big IF))

Had a very nice lunch at the Brasserie Lipp today. A tomato and avocado salad (how French!) and a sole -- hot weather food. This was my indulgence day. Next week I will go to the Zeughaus -- a classic Swiss bierkeller. HUMMUNGOUS portions of very hearty Swiss chow. Fortunately, they have an outdoor "garden", where it can be quite pleasant in the shade (arrive early). With the French it is easy to stay within the parameters of the SoBe Diet, with the Swiss run up a white flag, close your eyes, and indulge!

Going to have to run off. 5 minute (or so) remaining in the half with the score still 1-0 Ghana. The BBC reports the American fans seem down hearted. Did they forgot what the WC is all about -- constant consumption of fine (NOT SWILL) German beer? Impossible to be down hearted in that circumstance...

Heavy week and the heat is starting to wear people down -- need to lighten things up a bit. SO!

I have been thinking about travel spots lately. It seems that I am pretty much committed to a series of events that preclude the idea of a long leisurely vacation. More likely a series of short jaunts will have to do until late in the year, when I do intend to be in Miami for at least 2 weeks.

While I have been in Europe for quite a while, there are still an almost endless list of places to go. Places that use a different alphabet than I do are sort of out -- Greece, much of Eastern Europe, Russia, etc. (for a weekend trying to figure out where things are and not even being able to read the signs -- too much work)

So focusing on France, Spain, Germany and Italy -- still a lot on offer. I do love Alsace and the Alsation lifestyle, but have been focused there for some time. SO. I am coming up with a travel schedule for the next 2 months, 4 or 5 trips.

I spent a VERY snowy and frigid late January weekend in Lyon. I would like to get back there in non-blizzardy weather. I have always been in love with Burgundy, so that will be a necessary 3-day'er.

Then there is Tuscany -- the thought of Tuscan red, some country bread and ham on a sunny hillside watching the peasant toil always brings a smile to my face!

I lived for several years in Heidelberg but haven't been back there in years. So, perhaps there or just somewhere easy in the Black Forest -- Freiberg (??)

And of course, Ditmar is coming over to visit his parents in Vienna, so I need to save a weekend for waltzing in Vienna. That or simply bellying up to a table in a Viennese beergarden.

Finally, I am in the Alps. Actually, I am sort of surrounded by them. So, a long weekend in a Swiss Alpine village sounds very relaxing.

How much will I actually accomplish? Good question. (I will take it as a challenge.)

Cher slaps

I read an article on extending life (ooo-ooo). Anyway, it made the point that loneliness and depression are epidemic in our culture. That is in and of itself depressing. As it is summertime and we are all getting our daily doses of vitamins A, C and D (because it is sunny), we are much less likely to be depressed than in the dark of winter. So, it may be a safe time to bring this up.

Given my wandering lifestyle, I do know something about loneliness. Fortunately, I tend to make acquaintanships -- leading to friendships, rather easily. Interestingly, of all the places that I have lived, Houston and Atlanta are the 2 places that I did not find this to be true (therefore, I avoid Houston and Atlanta... like the plague!)

I attribute a lot of loneliness to isolation. And I do not understand people who voluntarily isolate themselves -- guaranteed to create loneliness.

I have former friends in DC who are in this situation. They have what I refer to as "Dietrich complexes." As they age they feel that they are losing (or have lost) their attractiveness and agonize over "I'm no longer beautiful, why would anyone want to know me", this seems to be a particular issue with Beauty Queens.

The other side of it is, "I'm too old, no one wants to know old people." Oh, for the love of Mike! I have friends of both sexes who don't even heat up unless their prey is over 70!!

The final reason for self isolation that I often hear is "I never meet interesting people" (I can never tell if they are referring to intellectual or sexual interest, but be that as it may...) Just to state the obvious, if you want to meet interesting people, be interesting (DUH!!) Also, don't expect to meet anyone intellectually interesting in a pick up bar (see the confusion?)

A common thread in the self isolation cases is that it is all about "me". The overly inward focus of much of our culture seems to be our undoing, not guaranteed but likely to lead to misery. It does bring up that old bar aside "sooner or later she is going to have to develop a personality". Yeah, right that or lock herself in her room. I have always seen tragedy in such cases and just want to Cher slap them ("GET OVER IT!") -- but I am too much of a polished gentleman for such behavior. (well maybe not, I can dish out a few slaps!)

It is certainly possible to be lonely in a crowded room. Remember that old, largely forgotten hosting responsibility of introducing new comers (how quaint) and just being socially friendly (now perceived as being lecherous...) Society has certainly erected barriers to isolate individuals -- just have to tear them down!!

Another Monday

Ahhh, Monday, once more. Geez, those weekend days go fast. Unfortunately, the trip to Colmar did not come off. Thierry was stuck in the kitchen when his replacement came down with food poisoning -- YES, the poor fool poisoned himself. Apparently rather badly as he was in hospital last time I heard. Thierry assesses him as incompetent -- obviously! (If I were the employer, I would find a new replacement... before he poisons me and mine!)

Was a beautiful weekend, if a bit warm. We have had quite a string of very warm days -- 28C / 85F. I imagine it is unusual, but no on is complaining (quite unexpected for the Swiss, for when you ask "how's it going?" you have to expect a 20 minute series of compliants beginning with "the stress is killing me..." STRESS?? -- good Lord!!) Strangely enough, no rain. Last evening a front came through that kicked up the wind quite a lot, but not a drop. Today's forecast includes evening thunderstorms.

The World Cup continues to dominate everything. It is over July 9, hope I can make it that long. Soccer immersion is exhausting. I will likely have to detox. Fortunately, Wimbleton is coming up. Watched Blake lose to Hewitt in the Queen's Cup final last afternoon. It was only best of 3 sets, which I don't feel is a legitimate format for men's tennis. Fitness and concentration are issues that I don't feel are tested in 2 or 3 sets. Still, Blake lost and Hewitt was impressive.

Speaking of detox-ing, a sub-point of one of my new goals deals with changing cocktails (I KNOW IT SOUNDS STUPID, but I will explain...) For years, my daily tipple has been Rum and Coke. In more recent times in Switzerland (CH), it has more properly been Rum and Pepsi. Since coming to CH, I have developed a series of minor health nits that have become annoying. Anyway, I have switched from Rum and Pepsi to Swiss beer (YES, it is swill). However, the health nits are disappearing -- and it has only been a week. I could not be happier. Fortunately, as Swiss beer is swill, I am also drinking much less.

Prior to yesterday's tennis, I had a great lunch with a Chateau Meyney (St. Estephe) '97. I have accumulated a small list of reasonably priced names and vintages over here that I am thoroughly enjoying. A glass with dinner is about the extent of it, but quite a nice glass.

I am not accumulating much gossip. The format of the Palace seems secure, but the owner is back in Miami. Therefore, the status could change and the ice cream parlor remains a ghost-like presence. As it is unlikely that I will spend much time in SoBe for several years, I just have to watch from the sidelines and hope that the "Happy Place" is secure.

Weekend Hello from Zurich

TGIF!! Friday is a most welcome sight. A long week, a boring week -- not a productive week. Good riddance! Ahead to the weekend...

I am hoping for a telephone call from the UK, but am heading out at 1300 today one way or the other. Use up the comp time from the weekend work before Engelberg, before the client forgets that I did it. A nice leisurely lunch is first on the list.

We're having another warm day -- the forecast is for the current situation to continue for some time. It's rather grey, so the prediction of some thunder this evening does seem likely. Are we moving into a Miami weather pattern of evening convection storms?

Planning on going to Alsace tomorrow for lunch. Will likely stay over and gorge at one of my favorites in Colmar Sunday afternoon before heading back to Zurich. Colmar is a really lovely spot to take a break when zipping around eastern France. I highly recommend it!

The Swiss are certainly enjoying their summer! The cafes are packed and everyone is in a jolly mood. Fortunately, the Swiss tied the French in their first round World Cup meeting, which was quite acceptable given the disparity of their rankings and saved the Swiss spirit.

Well, the stock market is up, the Iraqi monster is still dead, and there is a strong prospect of French food on the horizon. It all sounds good to me...

Communications Day

Thursday is not my favorite day of the week -- I call it "communications day" as we have a series of late afternoon/evening conference calls that keep me here later than I care to be.

An actual steamy day in Zurich. It has been warm for a long enough series of days that the exterior of the buildings and sidewalks have warmed up. Given the amount of water in the area, humidity is climbing -- and no balmy trade winds to blow it away! Won't last long, as we will lose 10F or so over the weekend.

I keep trying to be a good guest and act like I pay attention to the World Cup matches, tough acting when you're snoring (loudly). The Saudi match last evening at least had a bit of scoring (2-2).

Everything seems to be rolling along in that comfortable rut I find myself in. (Oh, yes, there's a goal about that....)

That Conservative Thing

The most recent entry on Jeremy's very entertaining blog deals with the issue of political conservatives (and what is wrong with them). So, I have decided to weigh in on this subject. First of all, my position, there is absolutely nothing wrong with "my kind" of conservatives, what is wrong is the gang that has coopted the movement and mangled it into a bizaare collection of a series of contradictions.

Back when I was a boy in the cornfields of Iowa, we were hip deep in small government, strong on defense, mind your own business, law and order conservatives. (such as my father) Because many of them were also bigots, they were small government, strong on defense, mind your own business, law and order conservatives for white people. (thank God, not my father) But then along came the Civil Rights Movement, which if they had been true died in the wool conservatives, they would not have given a second thought and gotten on with their lives - but they were bigots.

That schism was extremely successfully played by a series of "conservative" -- meaning no changes allowed -- politicians and their masters, the Southern/Midwestern conservative religious movements. This ultimately led from Nixon to Reagan to George Bush Sr. and finally to Shrub -- arguably the epitome of the type. So, what has emerged? Politicians that were expert in exploiting fear, uncertainty, and doubt while fracturing the electorate in order to gain and hold onto power.

So this is now. America is roughly evenly divided. Conservatives are not small government, strong on defense, mind your own business, law and order conservatives -- they are spend us into the poor house, bigger and bigger government, get people to hate each other, encourage fear, pray while crossing your fingers, read everyone's email and tap their phones, regime change (wag the dog) conservatives. This is how Shrub was elected and how the next "conservative" Repub. will likely be elected, or so it will be as long as the electorate can be dragged around by their noses by exploiting their very cheap bag of tricks (remember Willy Horton!). Until the Dems. and, specifically, the liberal wing of the party can figure out how to pull their teeth and expose them for the hate filled, paranoid people that they are, we will just have to live with it.

I could disagree with Mr. Conservative, Barry Goldwater, still respect him, and beat him at poker after compromising on a matter -- that is supposed to be the way the system works. (The Kennedy/McCain working relationship.) There is no compromising with Shrub's gang. That is because there is no respect. I am pretty sure that Barry Goldwater (my kind of conservative) is spinning in his grave like a top... come on guys, let poor Barry rest in peace (not very likely).

Getting a grip

Ok, taken care of that goal thing. I now have 3 (my limit).

Alexis has quite a good entry on his blog regarding the stupidity of building beach side mansions, such as are popping up on the Florida Keys and the barrier islands on the Caribbean side of the penninsula. As they routinely wash away (quite literally in the case of Santa Rosa Island), which was previously seen as just making free space for even gaudier piles. Seems the insurance industry has tired of the nonsense, which was OK so long as hurricanes were going to the Carolinas, but is decidedly not OK when now menacing insured properties. The cure? Either refuse to sell the wind and flood policies (you need both for a mortgage in Florida) outright or raise rates to the stratosphere. (the strategy is pretty obvious, no rocket scientists in the insurance industry)

This is ultimately going to result in lenders being unwilling to provide mortgages. I am not sure what the mortgage consequences are when insurance is refused with a scitillion dollars remaining on the note... Whatever the consequences, it is unlikely to be pleasant for the owner.

For now, the State has stepped in and provides insurance of last resort. However, the Florida insurance market is not particularly elastic and the State's ability to subsidize its homeowners is finite. As the first TS of the year is now strengthening into a hurricane (which we were told just yesterday was not in the cards -- proving the forecaster's ability to unerringly read chicken entrails) the situation will become "interesting".

From my standpoint this is quite interesting as for decades mortgages in some countries, such as Spain, were only available to the very well heeled. The average Joe had extremely limited (or no) access to gobs of credit. I paid cash for an apartment some time ago -- just like everyone else did at the time. At that time a 3 BR, 3 BA apartment with a view of the sea cost $17,000.....

There are already rumors that home owners in the Keys are bailing out and that rents are rising faster than the tide. This could have a very significant impact, particularly on the service industries -- where you actually have to pay at least a minimally acceptable wage to attract workers, which, when rising, translates quickly into higher prices for everything from a beer to a hotel room.

Could this signal a hiccup in Florida's economic miracle??

What to do, what to do?

I have decided that I am profoundly bored. Not momentarily bored, but profoundly bored. Long term bored. This, I have also decided, is because I lack a goal. Hmmmmmm, what to do, what to do?

Having achieved my earlier goals, I need some new ones. Buy a house and plant a garden? (how domestic) Get married and raise a family? (now that is about 30 years too late! -- and also, again, how domestic) Travel and see new sights? (what's left, Siberia? The Congo?) Go back to school? (actually, not that bad an idea if I can test out of any class where I am smarter than the teacher) No, no, no -- none of that stuff!

The last goals that I had were to work in Switzerland and to build the rock collection. Ok, done that. The rock collection is sort of an open ended goal -- if you're not the Smithsonian, how many rocks do you want? I think 2 closets full is enough -- at least until retirement.

Maybe investments? Warren Buffet proves you can never have too much money. And, until you're really into the mega-bucks, location really is not an issue.

Oh, yes, I could always set of a goal of improving the blog...... Hmmmmmmm

New week

It was a fast weekend (maybe a bit too fast) and it's Monday (again!)... always delighted to see a Monday in the rear view mirror.

Perfect weekend. Sunny, warm, and in Paris, Nadal beat that Swiss guy, who usually beats everybody. Just doesn't get much better than that. It was also quiet. The Zurichers must have been hiding from the sun... AND, it is forecast to continue in this vein for at least the next 10 days(!) Alexis is shipping a container truck load of high SPF sunscreen and moisturizer for the (very) white Swiss.

Unfortunately, in tropical So. Florida, the first tropical storm of the season is a-building. ACK!! Soon tales of horror and failed air conditioners will be drifting across the pond. (speaking of failed -- or non-existant -- air conditioners, it is supposed to touch 84F tomorrow in Zurich!!!) But this is about Miami. Actually, Alberto is predicted to skirt the western side of the state and go inland up north (somewhere). So, a bit of rain may wash the streets of Miami clean -- the nightly storms already do a pretty good job of that by themselves.

Happily, photographic evidence has appeared to verify that the Palace remains in one piece (for now). Has it been spared?? Inquiring minds... Also, evidence that Brian made one of his mysterious unannounced visits to the sunny shores. He pops in and out like, well, like the Pimpernel -- he's here, he's there...

Weekend Hello from Zurich

TGIF!! A very long week, but almost over. 5 hours to go! -- I am certain that I can make it.

Another one of our string of beautiful days. Bright sun and moderate temps. Oh, yeah! No plans for the weekend. Just enjoy the sunny days and probably do a little cooking. Thierry, my cooking buddy, has announced that he is moving to Spain to take up Sous Chef duties at a top restaurant. His current employer is none too happy about it and is taking a bit of revenge on him by keeping him very busy. (rich people! they think they own you!!) As he had to give roughly 90 days notice, this is a protracted busy period -- poor guy. So, no more joint weekend cooking adventures.

Of course all of Europe has World Cup fever. I am more a rugby fan than a soccer fan, therefore, I am immune to the frenzy. When asked, every Swiss citizen is certain that the Swiss team will take the cup, but will then drop their voices to a whisper and acknowledge that it is likely Brazil's to lose.

Fortunately, the French Open is getting down to the closing rounds, so there will be some great tennis on Eurosport this weekend. Again, the Swiss are confident that Federer will come up champion, unless that Spanish upstart wins again! (GO NIDAL!!)

Ditmar is coming! (actually to Vienna) Got a note that he is planning his annual visit to his parents. I am hoping that we can get together and compare notes. Should be easy to arrange.

The stock markets around the world are swooning (as they have a periodic tendency to do). Naturally this is being interpreted as a sign of the End of Days by the market "experts". Given the doom and gloom, it is likely a buying opportunity. As everyone knows, it is darkest before the dawn, either that or it is darkest before the light goes out entirely...

Got some really lovely and rather rare rocks from Rob Lewinsky in his weekly auction. (www.irocks.com) Have to stop looking at that site. I must already have more than enough rocks! (is that ever true??) Either that or I just need a bigger apartment and a few more display cabinets. (yeah, that's it!)

Good news from Iraq! The monster is dead! Likely to be replaced by another monster, but at least one less monster in the world. I do see this war as unnecessary and the situation badly misplayed and I do see al Zarqawi as a creation of the war, whatever, well gone. Seems that he was ratted out by an insider. Have the monsters turned on each other? -- we can hope!

There has been a terrorist event even in civilized, conservative Switzerland. Eight North Africans have been arrested in Geneva, charged with plotting to down an El Al aircraft (it is unclear if they actually had the weapons to achieve this or if they were going to throw rocks). There were also arrests in Paris (my beloved Paris, occupied by revolting peasants?!?) (Alexis, I may need to borrow the 7th!!) And of course, the thing in Canada. At least they're nailing the miscreants before they can do their worst! Let's hear it for the good guys.

The markets are filling up with summer fruit. I do love this time of year. Of course, it is never cheap (this is Switzerland, after all), but a delicious indulgence. A glass of champagne and a bowl of sliced peaches... it is the simple things...

Now that the markets have concluded that the Fed will likely continue to raise rates to cool inflation, the dollar has stabilized. The Europeans have also concluded that if the exchange rate between the euro and the dollar went above $1.30/euro that their exports will be hit hard. As it is at $1.28 today, such an event is becoming uncomfortably likely. Therefore, cooler heads are prevailing, at least for the moment.

Wherever you are this weekend, I do hope that the sun is shining and the champagne is chilled, 'til next time....

Engelbeg and the Titles

Being in the high Swiss Alps is always a treat. Engelberg is a pretty representative sample.

You can drive there, but it is much more enjoyable to go by train (about 2 hours from Zurich). You go by several of the lakes before climbing into the mountains, so you get a snapshot of the country's best. This train literally climbed the mountain side (cog train) at a slope that was truly breath taking, as was the scenery.

These Alps are the real thing and remind me of the High Sierras in the US. There is still considerable snow on the heights and, of course, the glaciers are eternal (or were, before Global Warming). Engelberg itself is nestled in the valley floor. The view from my balcony was worth the entire trip.

No one goes to Engelberg to eat, but the fare was hearty and well made. The local beer was far better than the swill served in Zurich. Therefore, I concentrated on that.

Unfortunately, I was locked in a meeting room from 7:30 a.m. until 20:30 p.m., so not much time for exploring (or for beer). As it is the off-season, the hotel was filled with kids on cheap package tours. Lots of Aussies and Americans roaming the bar and salon after dinner. Their energy and enthusiam were infectious -- thank goodness, as I was otherwise pooped by 10:00 p.m.

Now, back to Zurich. Fortunately, beginning yesterday, the weather has taken a sharp right turn and is about as good as it gets. We will see 75F today and the forecast is to see 80F next Tuesday. FINALLY, a series of true June days (one of my favorite times of the year in Europe).

Elsewhere in the world... Very bad news from Washington DC. Jim Brandon expired as the result of a stroke. A heavily attended memorial service was held for one of the true characters of the city. Washington was once packed with extremely charasmatic characters who liked their drink and loved life. Laughter was a vitamin for these guys and gals and they shared it generously. Now they are virtually all gone. It is one of the tragedies of the city and one of the reasons the place is so depressing today. Jim was a Democratic politico from Arkansas and sat on a Regional Neighborhood Committee (RNC), for which he campaigned every 2 years and never lost. I truly miss Jim, but I imagine him sharing a drink with Lyndon Johnson, Sam Rayburn and the boys, swapping tales and laughing it up.

Then there is more bad news. The rumors of the vivisection of the Palace have been confirmed. I will miss my old watering hole, the people, the laughter, and the sights. If the only constant is change, damn change.

Many of my blogging friends are back in the mood and are blogging madly. Welcome back! Alexis did put the fear of God in a few of them. The motivation seems to have been successful.

As the weather improves the mood of the Swiss lightens. It is rather like a switch is turned. People who were dour last week are now the life of the party. Thank goodness, as the place was getting suicidal!

Late confernce call today -- something to look forward to...

Weekend Hello from Zurich

TGIF! Annoying week. Fortunately, Cranberry has helped to keep me on an even keel(!)

Part of the annoyance. I agreed to take minutes at an offsite in Engelberg (7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m -- no overtime, 3 days). Suddenly, I am also the secretary. Just got a couple of hundred docs that must be printed, repro'd, and stuck into binders. I told them to pay me for an extra day and I will come in tomorrow to do it. I am also expected to schlep them up to Engelberg -- yeah, now that's going to happen! (slightly crazed laugh)

Have developed a strategy for dealing with my offended colleague. Errors and omissions, just comment on errors and omissions probably in as obtuse a manner as possible (make her figure it out).

Well, since I am not going to have a weekend.... should get back to work. But, before I do, the dollar is sliding again today. Factory utilization came in lower than forecast, so the money boys are questioning the next Fed moves -- anyway a reason to jump out of the dollar. UGH!

Ahhh frustrations

Frustrating day. I was asked by my client to edit the office's reports, which are written in English, as they are delivered to an expanding group of English and American executives. I just found out that a Swiss colleague is "offended" by my suggestions. If you read her English, you would be offended by the arrogance of such a statement. As in, no, in English the verb is not the last word in the sentence, etc. Editing is not even in my statement of work... besides, let's face it, in the best of circumstances it is a thankless task.

Anyway, a gray and soggy day in the Alps. I am refusing to fall into the ravines of depression currently consuming the Swiss (and probably helping to drive the outburst that led to the first paragraph). After all, I am an American and Americans are optimistic and cheery (damn it!)

Rumors continue to flow from Miami. Something is going on at the Palace. Stories of its imminent vivisection are in the air. Whatever. There is always Score, which has a very pleasant seating area in the midst of Lincoln Road (and cheaper drink prices!). Score was the alternative the last time a culinary genius turned the Palace into a pizza parlor. And, of course, eventually there will be a real replacement.

Of course I still have the refuge of Cranberry, where the drinks are tall and they understand the term "American ice" as opposed to "room temperature". Jerome was in last evening. A very rare Swiss, an actual Internet entrepreneur. Nice young fellow, I think that he was contaminated by UC Berkley -- strange they let him back in the country without deprogramming, I know places that wouldn't. I hope he does well. The bar's manager, Mihah, was also in. Back from Las Vegas via Athens, New York, and Nashville, and after attending a full circuit of Cirque du Soleil, Madonna, and Celine Dion (his fav) shows. (he must be exhausted)

News from Buenas Aires. Ian is out of hospital, but the new treatment was not performed. Not the happiest story. However, we are all keeping our fingers crossed and candles lit.

Friday tomorrow! I am so ready. Engelberg next week, which will slice that week in half. Come on 6:30 (late conference call)...