I bet the last time you heard Little Big anything you thought of Dustin Hoffman in that movie. No? Okay, its irrelevant anyway; the movie. Little Big Town is how the good burghers of Zürich, Switzerland choose to describe their city. What do you think of when you think of Zürich? Shopping, tax-dodgers and unemployed bankers, probably. Well okay, there are some, but there is more; much, much, more.
Water Water all Around
For a start there is a lake. This is some 30 kilometres long and stretches up to the town of Rapperswill, in a sort of appendix shaped curve. You can swim in the lake, you can sail on the lake, drink beer by the lake on sunny evening and grill by the lake with your friends on a portable barbeque. You can take a boat trip and dance of eat fondue (only tourists do this in summer).
In the autumn you can try out fine wines on the Wineschiffe (wine boats) that dock there. Entrance is cheap and you can try out wines from around the world. A few weeks later, if you are still up for it the Whiskyschiffe arrive.
Music
It has music from old rockers to modern pop. Ever wondered where Status Quo went to? Probably not, but they still play here. The summer music festivals include Jamie Cullum and Patricia Kaas. There are clubs and open-air festivals and you can visit Montreux for the jazz.
Food
It has food. Italian, French, German, Russian, Chinese, Lebanese, Tibetan, Mongolian, Indian and…..you name it. From the cheap to the very expensive it all comes up to a minimum standard though: Swiss quality.
Dark Side
Zürich has a dark side. For fans of the less moral side of life there is always Langstrasse (Long Street).
Transport
Zürich has the best public transport system in the world bar none. The buses, trams, ships and trains all leave on time….don’t make the mistake of thinking that you have an extra minute….and arrive on time. Add to that ease of connection and you have a stress free means of getting from A to B and if you are really desperate you can rent a bike, for free.
You can Leave
Well it is one of the weird advantages of Zürich. You can get to Paris, Rome, Milan, Prague, Vienna, Münich, Barcelona, Madrid, Budapest, and London as easily as getting on a ‘plane at the very efficient (well it would be wouldn’t it?) airport. It is in the heart of Europe after all. Ironically one reason to visit it’s the ease of access to other European cities.
Chocolate
Now the Belgians say the make the best and I am open minded, but for me Swiss chocolate is the best, the best and the best. If you want to try what for me is the best place to eat chocolate, drink hot chocolate and watch the world go by go Sprüngli at Paradeplatz: Indulge in a little luxury.
Zürich, a little big town with plenty to see and do and easy connections to anywhere in Europe.
Any one for a swim?
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