Valentines Day

Lake Zurich and the Alps beyond

Smitty and I celebrated Valentine's Day by driving to Zurich, the city of my birth.  We ate breakfast at The Press Club, a tiny, out-of-the-way coffee shop where newspapers and small tables for two are the norm.  Located under the spire of the Fraumunster, we watched as locals entered, chose a paper, and sit down.  Without a word, the waitress made their coffee of choice and served them.  Fun, cozy, eclectic, and surprisingly relational for downtown in Switzerland's largest city.

Stately Rotes Schloss, built in 1892

Rain had threatened, but we spent the morning wandering along the river Limmat and down to Lake Zurich anyway.  Across the lake, shrouded in cloud, the Alps slowly showed their beauty.  Breath taking, yet again.  The Rotes Schloss (Red Castle) sat primly on the lakefront, a glorious throw-back to late 1800's.

One of the 1200+ fresh water fountains in Zurich.  

Zurich, much like her sister, Basel, is built on and around hills, so small, crooked alleyways enticed us to explore.  Walking is our favorite tourist activity, just enjoying the amazing architecture and watching the people around us.  Over and over again I thought of my parents who had lived in this city for two years.  Had they walked on this street?  What were their favorite haunts?  Where did they eat?  How I would love to have the opportunity to ask them those questions now.

Swans everywhere

The outdoor market provided cheese, bread, fruits, vegetables and glorious flowers.  Just around the corner from the church, booths were being erected for Faschnacht-like Basle again-Zurich would celebrate German style Mardis Gras a week later than Germany.

View from the Lindenhof--Grossmunster's
twin spiress in the back

We found an Asian stand to buy curry for lunch and laughed at the antics of the swans.  We took in the quiet and enjoyed the view from Lindenhof, an outdoor plaza four stories above the level of the river. We peered over the wall at small gardens attached by stairways to the apartment buildings beyond.  And Smitty coveted every roof-top patio and hide-away, wanting an even higher perch from which to view this lovely city.  And we drank coffee at Starbucks, purchasing a Zurich mug to add to our collection.

Early in the afternoon we walked back to the parking garage, situated in the hill topped by the Lindenhof.  When we had arrived that morning, 396 parking spots were available.  As we paid for our parking we noticed the lot was full.  In Switzerland the underground lots come equipped with small red or green lights above each stall-easy to find empty spaces, just look for the green light.  None were available here.  This lot also had an interesting addition which we did not grasp until leaving:  A yellow striped path was painted on the floor.  Following it, each row had the numbers of the stalls painted on the path.  The elevator, also, did not have floor numbers, but the range of stall numbers located on that level.  Swiss efficiency at work!

Following the yellow striped path

Leaving Zurich made me sad, but also quite relieved we had come early and left early;  the autobahn into Zurich was backed up for miles.  People entering the city to be part of the celebrations.

My 2016 Valentine's gift is now a blessed memory.