About Me
- Kristi
- The Boy, 2 Muttleys and I have finally realized our dream of living 1 mile from the Lindt Chocolate Factory. Leaving Atlanta (the World of Coke) for Zurich (the World of Chocolate) hasn't come without challenges, incredible fun or giggles. Follow along as I chronicle our adventures as we acclimate to this new Swiss lifestyle.
Monday, September 7, 2009
The Day Before Real Life Began
No, this is not a Will Smith movie...rather the day before the boy had to begin work. We almost forgot we were here to live, not be on permanent holiday. Yeah, I am using "holiday" vs "vacation" now...whatchoo going to do about that? I love my new Euro speak.
So I asked the boy what he wanted to do the day before real life began, the day was all his. He wanted to rent free bikes and explore parts of Zurich we had yet to see. I know what you are thinking, how do you rent free bikes in Zurich? Why, I will tell you...it is quite easy and a must do as a visitor or resident without a bike:
Step 1: Find one of the 6 locations in Zurich that rents bikes: http://www.stadt-zuerich.ch/content/aoz/de/index/shop/veloverleih/standorte.html
Step 2: Tell the attendant you want to rent a free bike
Step 3: Attendant will say "sure you can rent a free bike, gimmee 20 francs"
Step 4: Say "I thought they were free"
Step 5: Attendant will say "yeah, but this guarantees you bring the bike back"
Step 6: Nod head as it starts to make sense
Step 7: Ignore the diagram that shows what damaging your bike will cost you
Step 8: Present one photo ID per party (drivers license will do). They just write down the number.
Step 9: Bike is then picked out for you, adjust the seat so it fits you.
Step 10: Observe which global corporation you will be pimping. This is how the program remains free. We pimped "The Body Shop" and were thankful we didn't get the "McDonalds" bikes.
Step 11: Go about your merry way, without a helmet, and pray you don't die
Step 12: Return your bike to any one of the 6 locations
Step 13: Once attendant makes sure you haven't ruined your bike, say "gimmee my money back see" all Chicago gangster style.
All kidding aside, this program rocks and is a great way to see the city while getting a work out. We checked out the Limmat River from different vantage points:
We then explored the University area called "Kreis 6" for Kreis sakes:
Just down this hill was a cute bakery where we enjoyed some tasty vittles. You will notice the picture with the open faced sandwich also has a bee hanging out to the bottom left. There aren't bees in all of my photos because I am a master photographer, they are in all of my photos because they are EVERYWHERE. Bring your epi pens when you come to visit folks:
After our tasty lunch we decided to bike to our new hood, Kilchberg. We secured a flat just southwest of City Centre and it skirts the western side of the Zurichsee. We changed into our bathing suits and admired our new front yard:
Zurich is very bike friendly and we really enjoyed taking in a beautiful day on two wheels. Soon we will be getting our own bikes. If you live in or around Zurich and are looking for a bike, there is a huge bike festival on September 26th. Check it out!
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6 comments:
Hi Kristi, Switzerland's a great place to bike, that's for sure!
Regarding the guest post, would love tips for cooking on a budget. Just contact me when you've got your post ready and I'll let you know when I schedule it.
Hi Kristi,
Enjoyed this one. Does it ever rain in Switzerland?
Mom
Hi Kristi - would love to send an email as we are moving in January to Zurich from CA and I have some questions - how do I send you an email? Thanks, B
Hi B,
You can send your email to fromatlantatozurich@gmail.com
I would be more than happy to help you with your questions. It is a big move!
Love the bicycles in Europe!!! Just got back from Barcelona and Paris and they had similar systems. So smart. Love the posts, Kristi - we miss you guys in the ATL!
Hey really enjoying the posts and pics.. Keep up the good stuff
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