The $5 Milkshake

Yesterday was another gorgeous fall day here in the District.

Not wanting to waste great weather, my roommate Tamara and I embarked on a mission to enjoy the Sun and city to its fullest. We walked down to Eastern Market and headed north to Capitol Hill.

Tamara had one thing on her mind, a good American milkshake. Tamra, a German, is not accustomed to this fine delicacy but wanted to indulge herself. We found ourselves heading north on SE Pennsylvania Avenue, close to Capitol Hill and stumbled upon Good Stuff Eatery. Good Stuff Eatery, the brainchild of Chef Spike Mendelsohn is a tribute to everything that is right, and wrong with the American diet. The burgers, made with only the best meat sizzle next to the freshly cut Irish potatoes before they take their greasy plunge. However, the line was full of people waiting to clog their arteries for one thing- their milkshakes. Waiting in line to order is a test of patience and strength. Despite having had an excellent slice of pizza next door at Spike's other venture We, The Pizza only moments before, I was suddenly craving a delicious burger and seemingly fresh cut fries.

We decided to indulge in the "Black and White" a classic vanilla milkshake with pure hot fudge around the cup. We ordered our milkshakes (nothing else, just two milkshakes, please) and waited nearly 15 minutes for delivery. The wait, while epic, was worth it.

As we sat outside on the Sun and devoured our lactic nightmare, I was reminded of the infamous diner scene from Pulp Fiction. John Travolta knows a good milkshake when he tastes it. Although a little bit over $5, the milkshake was truly worth it. My biggest complaint is that I was rendered almost utterly useless as we schlepped around the US Botanic Gardens from all of the sugar and glucose pumping through my veins.

The one thing besides ownership that these two stores have in common is their commitment to a sustainable model and recycling. Both are green in their operations, recycling the majority of their waste and purchasing their ingredients from sustainable sources. I'll be making more trips to "We, The Pizza" and "Good Stuff Eatery."

I think with ventures like the aforementioned, DC definitely can be the next Foodie capital.

Exhaustion

Deficit spending

Lame ducks

Equality

Defense

Homeland Security

Social Security

Investment

Finance reform

Infrastructure

Entitlements

Foreign assistance
Political bickering

Pork

.....

The list could go on and on. There is hardly enough time, money, interest or motivation to sustainably fix the problems we're plagued with in the Western world. Not just limited to the United States.

I wish I had the answers. Even if I did, few would listen.

All the Single Ladies...

I recently applied for a position with the International Monetary Fund and came across this gem from their "Life in Washington, DC" section:

While many young professional appreciate the fact that the city's single population is well-above the U.S. national average, families with children will also find a wide variety of activities.

Oh, how true.

The Tea Kettle Movement

Thomas Friedman from the New York Times wrote an excellent opinion piece in today's paper about the alleged "Tea Kettle" movement. Knocking on the Tea Party, Friedman goes on to explain that while the movement may have the ability to affect votes, it does not have the ability to affect the American future. Why, pray tell? Because, and I quote:

The Tea Kettle movement can’t have a positive impact on the country because it has both misdiagnosed America’s main problem and hasn’t even offered a credible solution for the problem it has identified. How can you take a movement seriously that says it wants to cut government spending by billions of dollars but won’t identify the specific defense programs, Social Security, Medicare or other services it’s ready to cut — let alone explain how this will make us more competitive and grow the economy?

And how can you take seriously a movement that sat largely silent while the Bush administration launched two wars and a new entitlement, Medicare prescription drugs — while cutting taxes — but is now, suddenly, mad as hell about the deficit and won’t take it anymore from President Obama? Say what? Where were you folks for eight years?

The issues that upset the Tea Kettle movement — debt and bloated government — are actually symptoms of our real problem, not causes. They are symptoms of a country in a state of incremental decline and losing its competitive edge, because our politics has become just another form of sports entertainment, our Congress a forum for legalized bribery and our main lawmaking institutions divided by toxic partisanship to the point of paralysis

I found this to be a rather poignant observation, factual as well. We have heard the screams of "big government", "hands off my healthcare" and "cut taxes" but no actual plan, or way of coming about it. This signifies continual empty promises from a movement too busy being dramatic to formulate cohesive actions.

There is, however, a real Tea Party movement that may actually be of interest to the common-sense, forward thinking American. This ideology which permeates throughout moderate America is interested in long term results for the American future. A movement which recognizes over spending but realizes that we need investment for the future. Debt, as Friedman notes, is not necessarily the cause of our challenges; but simply the symptom of something worse.

I believe this misguided notion of "taking back America" (from what exactly is still TBD) is doomed from the beginning because they do not seek to actually fix the issues that plague us. Similarly, the Republican Party, in a tip-of-the-hat to their 1994 colleagues (and in some cases, themselves) gesture recently released the so-called "Pledge to America." A 21 page document similar to the "Contract for America" released during the '94 mid-term elections. As is par for the Republican course, the document outlines few actual plans for the future, but rather lofty goals to "cut spending and taxes." Jonathan Chait over at The New Republic summarizes the plan nicely when he wrote:

...the Republican program has consisted of a combination of specific, detailed plans to increase the deficit alongside vague assertions of intent to reduce it.

It's time America correct her myopic vision and begin planning for the remainder of the 21st century. Political bickering is the bane of this country's existence. I would challenge both parties and third party contenders to put on their big boy pants and actually come ready to play ball.

Hello there

I've been away from blogging for way too long.

I've decided to return to writing, sharing my thoughts and general introspection on life, careers, livability and success.

I'm still in Washington, DC, but now "between positions" (unemployed has certain stigma attached, so i'm told). My position in my previous International Education job ended in August when the program ended. Six weeks out and interviewing like a mad man.

I let my priorities fall to the waste side; including this blog-which is an exercise in self-observation. I'm going to return to blogging, even if my followers are few and far between.

Not all was lost, however. I've joined the micro-blogging sensation Twitter and have been 'tweeting' with relative frequency in the meantime. Mostly professional, pragmatic thoughts and observations coupled with re-tweets and links. I invite you to have a look over my Twitter page...

Thank you for reading.

Onward Foot Soldier!

I'm pretty sure my blog is going to be taking a rather new perspective on things. At the ripe age of 24, I've become rather numb to the political discourse in this country. Republicans are corrupt. Democrats are corrupt. The whole system is awash with something that just pisses me off. Therefore, I'm going to probably blog much, much less about political things and more about life in Washinton, DC and my experiences on being a foot soldier of gentrification.

I recently started a job in Northern Virginia (Tyson's Corner for those who know the area well) but moved to the Gallaudet/Trinidad/Capitol Hill North) neighborhood, which is in the NE section of The District. If you're not familiar with the various neighborhoods in Washington, DC, let me elaborate some.

Gallaudet University is the nation's national Deaf/Hard of Hearing university, a small federally charted institution. It also lies on the West Virginia Avenue run, which is probably one of the areas of the city one doesn't want to walk alone at night on. I happen to live off of the university. I was suspicious of moving into this area of town, however, the rent is cheap, I've got this kick ass balcony over looking a large garden (!!! green in the city-think an oasis from concrete!!) and I was in a pinch when looking for a place to live. I was nervous to walk around at night, worried about things getting stolen or what not. I've lived in my house for two weeks not and those fears have become less dominant. On my way to the New York Avenue metro stop every morning, I say hello to families out on their porch watching the kids board buses heading for DC public schools. On my way home, those same kids are outside playing. I've come home late at night several times and have been the only one out; it's quiet, well-lit and police cars often patrol the neighborhood. I feel safe for the most part. That's not to say that I'd recommend the faint of heart move in, but, its not as bad as people told me it would be.

Trinidad (having nothing to do with the tiny South American nation, but rather the last name of a wealthy land owner from the 1860's)/ Gallaudet is comprised primarily of middle class, black families. The neighborhood is 'developing' (not quite up and coming). More and more young people are taking advantage of lower rents and moving in. The District has poured money into the city (new rec/education centers, encouraged gardening clubs, etc) to improve the area and it is working, slowly but surely. Ten years ago this neighborhood was listed as 'endangered' today, its quite lovely actually. So far, I'm enjoying it. Its not exactly convenient to the sort of things I enjoy, but we are only ten minutes away from the H Street Corridor/Atlas District. H Street is very up and coming, lots of hipsters, young people and great cafe's, bars, pubs and locally owned businesses popping up everywhere. I'm excited to get to know the area this summer.

As part of the gentrification project, the city, in conjunction with Home Depot and the local non-profit group DC Greenworks planted four trees in my backyard this morning! Four lovely (all mid 20's people) came out and planted these glorious trees in about an hour in the backyard. The trees are quite lovely and once they take root will really help fill out the garden, which was already quite lovely to begin with. My landlady provided me with some pots so I could plant some shrubs or flowers on my balcony if I so wanted, that's also nice. Being a foot soldier of gentrification is quite nice and hope that I can help clean up this part of the city. I'm thinking about volunteering with DC Greenworks or another organization that helps clean up the city. I think that would be a great way for me to meet people and help clean up.

On a particularly lovely afternoon I decided to walk into the city and enjoy my new home. It was the weekend preceding Earth Day and the Mall was abuzz with plenty of people out and about enjoying the sun. AT&T, my wireless provider also had a booth out promoting eco-friendly charging stations. Basically, this solar and wind powered booth could charge your cell phone. Tiny lockers with a variety of mobile phone cords was set up. You could come in, drop your phone off in the locker, take the key with you and return in an hour to collect your phone...all charged up. This was a great idea as my phone was actually running low on juice AND it was all solar and wind powered. I love it. The Mall is one of my favorite areas of the city, of course. The Smithsonian is quite lovely and their almost secret gardens are a lost charm. This oasis of calm in the middle of the city serves as a respite of tranquility in the hustle and bustle of DC. It was amazing how quite the gardens were compared to the streets and Mall just meters away. Its a great place to collect your thoughts, enjoy some flowers and get a breath of air.

On my way home, I swung through Chinatown and the Verizion center. There I stumbled upon the Red Velvet Cupcakery. I decided to treat myself to a cupcake, cookies and cream frosting I believe. It was absolutely divine, albeit expensive. At $3.50 a cupcake, that is certainly more of a treat than anything else. I'm not sure why we suddenly have this blitz in the cupcake market, but people are loving them. As I walked home, I walked past Union Station and up Maryland Avenue, an area of lovely trees and turn of the century homes. I saw people out and about tending to their gardens and lawns, children playing soccer and people out for leisurely Sunday walks. My only incident still wraps me in awe. On the 700 block of Maryland Avenue, a woman was out putting things in her trash can. I smiled and said hello, and her response to me?

"Stay away from my Kit, Kat & Kabuddle!"

I'm not sure what that means, but she seemed the kind that often talks to herself and probably has a slew of foil hats in her basement to keep the government from reading her mind.

Living in inner-city Washington is going to be an interesting experience. I don't know how long I'll live in this part of the city (I have a six month lease) but I could maybe get used to it. As I am sans vehicle, perhaps I'd like to move slightly closer to the action and a metro stop. But, for now, I'm going to enjoy my garden, lovely balcony and access to H street.

Adios Rush....oh, wait

I'm quite disappointed that Rush Limbaugh isn't moving to Costa Rica. I guess there was some talk about him leaving if health care reformed passed in the US.

Although, a small central American nation shared a collective sigh of relief. They're already strapped for food and prescription drugs there. There are not enough food or drugs to sustain both Costa Rica and Rush Limbaugh.

Alas, we must continue to deal.

What do you do....

with a Bachelors of Arts in International Affairs & Political Science with a German & Public Administration minor?

Look for jobs, that's what you do.

I am going slowly insane.

De-bunking the top myths in the healthcare debate

Please read this article about some of the top myths being passed around (mostly by the RNC and other similar bodies).

Foreign Policy: The Most Outrageous Lies about US Healthcare

Just the facts ma'am, just the facts.

Dear Tourists

Dear American tourists visiting Germany (and Europe in general),

You are painfully obvious. I can spot an American a mile away and you I can see for ten.

Please also remember that this isn't the United States. Refills don't come gratis and while much more expensive the coffee here is worth that €2,50. Stop staring at your map all the time and let yourself get lost in the city. You'll be happier for it. It wouldn't hurt if you would learn a few words in German, either.

And please, while you're here, buy some clothes and take them back with you (excluding lederhosen). White socks up to your knees is only acceptable while weed-whacking.

Wir danken Ihnen für Ihr verstandnis.

Oh, but outside of that-Munich is nice....English Garden is AMAZING and I look forward to uploading some pictures later.

I hate moving.

Moving transatlantic is especially bad. Bah.

Burgers in Düsseldorf

I just returned from a fantastic evening in Düsseldorf. Two former students of mine that I have kept in touch with invited me for dinner at the allegedly "best burgers in Germany" joint. Being an American, I was intrigued and accepted the invitation. The burger really was quite delicious and I enjoyed it. The drive was not too bad (I've never driven there, only by train and it was so much faster!) and the ride home was beautiful as we were returning to Aachen as the the sun was going down.

I loved sitting outside in the comfortable weather enjoying my meal and Düsseldorf Alt bier. Being away from Germany is going to be harder than I thought. I'm already beginning to feel it hit, the finality of it all. This time next week I leave Aachen for a two week tour of Germany (Dresden, Munich, Rheinland-Pfalz and then ending in Aachen again) before departing on the 19th. I wonder how long I'll be away from Deutschland before I feel compelled to return.

My apartment is beginning to resmble slightly the shell of my former abode. Things off the walls, two boxes shipped (€65/$90 each) luggage slowly being packed, etc. I guess the good thing about moving is the catharsis associated with purging out the old and inviting in the new. Last day of work Friday (Thursday is a day off due to a visitor). Only two working days left. Saturday my 'abschiedsparty' or goodbye party and then taking care of the business that comes with living in Germany for two years.

I'm going to miss going for burgers in Düsseldorf.

Last call

This week marks my final week teaching English in Aachen.

My life is this whirlwind of thoughts, things to do, people to see, apartments to clean and pack. I hate moving.

Best experience of my life thus far. The people, the city, the language and maybe even the job itself. My 'to do' list is out of control for the next ten days. Couldn't sleep last night because of the nervousness, I hope this is not a pattern for the next while.

Political rhetoric at its best

I'm disappointed at the state of politics, I mean, who wouldn't be?

I tried to get some information from the GOP about their health care plan. They oppose the current package that is making its ways through the House and Senate committees. Understandably, the plan goes against many of the fibers that hold the GOP together. God forbid we actually do something for the people.

Fine.

Now, offer an alternative fools! I went to the GOP website trying to get some information on how they propose to solve the crisis. First of all the GOP website has been under constructions since May 17th!!!!!! WTF!?! May 17th? Two months and counting. You are one of the major political parties in the United States. UPDATE YOUR SITE.

After much hunting, I did come upon this portion of the GOP's health care issues site....their 2008 party platform.

This platform was published over a year ago. They've offered no alternative to the American people for a health care system, but they have no problem whining, complaining and dare I say...bitching? I assume some kind of lame response will be a tax-credit to those who offer health care to their employees. Nothing comprehensive and no funding for any sort of system which would solve the dilemma. Just more party rhetoric and tax-cuts.

I have my reservations about the current health care package currently underway. But, at least its something. Its quite expensive to provide a system of comprehensive care for all. But as I read a comment in a forum somewhere, "not doing something is more expensive than doing something." The US currently spends more money ($1 out of every $6 is health-care related) on health care yet has the worst system among industrialized countries.

In comparison to the GOP site, the Democrats at least have update news on the health care package under their 'current news', front page and under agenda "health care for all." A quick search of the website, however, failed to deliver a laid-out spiel of what we can expect for people with this health care reform bill on the party's website in laymans terms.

Ridiculous

Last week I introduced a post regarding Stupid policies of the week.

This week I bring to you nothing more than an absolute waste of time in the Oklahoma State Legislature.

State Legislator Sally Kern (R) wants to introduce a proclamation declaring the economic recession as the result of America's "debauchery." (Read the Huffington Post article here.) I knew that was the problem. We can blame the recession on the gays, babies born out of wedlock and Obama not attending National Day of Prayer. Honestly, you've lost it Sally Kern. This piece of trash legislation is nothing more than a waste of time, energy and money.

As if that wasn't enough, Rush Limbaugh took it a step further. He's blaming Mark Sanford's (R) extra-marital affair on the financial stimulus package. Backed into a corner, they'll say and do just about anything. Idiot.

I could go on and on about the hypocrisy dished out by the GOP on these sorts of moral and cultural matters, but I don't think its necessary. We all know anyway........EPIC FAIL.

Stupid policy of the week

Proof that stupidity reaches all corners of the political spectrum.

The Democratic Policy Committee is considering proposing legislation, known as the Travel Promotion Act of 2009. (Read the brief here.) The TPA is supposed to help recover the waning numbers of tourist that have stopped coming to the US since 2001 (and their money). This new organization would be responsible for marketing the US abroad, promoting travel and explaining the stupid security regulations put in place.

Oh great, how are they going to fund this new organization, you ask? By charging each foreign tourist a $10 fee. That's right. Attract tourism by charging them even more money. Fantastic idea.

If you want to get these foreign tourists and their money back in the States....why don't you stop turning us into Fortress America? Fingerprinting? Excessive landing cards? ESTA authorization 72 hours prior to departure? Its not that the world doesn't want to come to the US because the cities aren't nice or they don't feel safe inside the country, its because the United States government has turned them (and the citizenry) into criminals. And nobody wants to visit a country where they feel and are treated like criminals.

The transformation

In 1941, the United States entered the Second World War.

Major manufacturing cities began sending their wives and daughters to screw rivets and wield sheet metal and the men went off to fight in lands far away. Factories switched from producing refrigerators to bombs and station wagons to tanks.

Why can't we do the same today?

The People of the United States are now the major shareholders of such flailing companies like GM. However, this is yet another spoiled investment. We've been robbed. The auto industry as we know it cannot continue to exist. This, however, doesn't mean the end of the great American factory. Let's revitalize our industrial capitals and once again turn Detroit into a name for quality and hard work.

Why are we spending our money and energy in the car industry? The Japanese, Germans and Ford has got this down solid. We should point our industrial power and research in another sector....public transportation. There is no reason why the factories in Detroit and across the heartland of the US have to close. Only the products should change. We should be producing trams, short and long distance trains, buses an other viable transport options which will better prepare the American public for faster, safer, cheaper and more environmentally sound transport options. Imagine not having the hassle of finding a parking spot or zipping through rush hour traffic in a street tram that shares the road. Hate flying? Take a long distance train instead. High-speed trains have been hugely successful in other parts of the world...why are we behind? Imagine the monthly savings you could pocket by taking a convenient, safe and clean alternative. The price of oil is only going to continue to climb higher and higher, lets not fool ourselves into thinking it will level out.

This is an excellent market opportunity for the United States as communities across the country will be requiring such alternatives. Why should we rely on the French, Germans and Canadians to provide street trams and our high-speed trains? Why can't they be proudly stamped MADE IN AMERICA? The most recent stimulus bill passed set $13 billion dollars over the next five years for a stronger national transportation strategy. I think its not enough but at least its a start.

For years Europeans and Asians have been whipping around their continents on highly developed, safe, secure, clean and friendly trains and street car systems. Why are we still behind?

49 Strangers

The common chemistry of 50 people, mostly strangers, brought together to dine can only be described as electric. Perhaps that is why Jim Haynes hosts his Sunday Salons. Haynes, 73, an American expatriate who has lived in Paris since the early 70's invites The World to his home for dinner every Sunday.

Jim Haynes is the type of character you meet in documentaries and certain New York Times articles. His charisma billows through a room and into the garden of his Parisian atelier the way fog does on a cool summers night. Those interested in reading his biography should be seriously committed to the finer, personal details of ones life as many (including private) details are included. Perhaps this is one of the reasons he is so cherished. Among many things, Jim is a 'purveyor of the arts" and has laid the groundwork for many theaters, underground newspapers and has written several books. Haynes is also one of the leaders of the 60/70's sexual liberation movement. In the late 1970's, Jim along with two friends started the Sunday Salon, an institution that carries on today. Suffice to say, Jim is an interesting person who always has a story to share.

A Parisian tradition which has carried on for over 30 years, The Sunday Salon is hosted every Sunday except for a few weeks a year, normally when Haynes is off at various book or arts festivals. People can call, email or write a letter requesting a spot at one of these dinners. A small €25 donation is asked to pay for the food and profits go off to food charities in Eastern Europe.

Its amazing the type of people who show up to break bread with a fellow stranger. Retired teachers traveling through France, a young Polish girl who lives in Paris, a Tasmanian making his way through Europe and of course many Americans. His audience is global. After hearing about Jim's dinners on NPR's This I Believe series, I decided it was now or never. Aachen is only four hours away from Paris by car so I convinced four friends of mine (another American, a German, an Australian and an Austrian) to join me and we embarked on a weekend to Paris with the grand finale set for Sunday evening.

Many Parisian artists call the 14th arrondissement home and it also serves as the venue for the Sunday Salon which is held rain or shine. Upon entering the garden, you meet others waiting to meet and greet this underground icon. His appearance is oddly misleading, looking more like a southern grandfather than a writer of books previously deemed "obscene." Grab a cup of wine and meet someone new. Jim tries to memorize the names and basic info of each participant and if you haven't met by the time he comes around, you will when he's finished. The Salon is conducted precisely between 20:00 and 23:00 and at the closing hour, people pair off, exchange contact information and carry the party on somewhere else.

I would fully recommend joining one of Jim Hayne's Sunday Salons or a similar event somewhere else. The chance to connect with 49 strangers in a way that you wouldn't normally do is invigorating, exciting and certainly makes for a great story.

Dear Germany

Dear Germany (Bundesrepublik Deutschland),

I don't know what I'm going to do without you.

Our time together (for now) is coming to an end in August. My heart aches already. I find myself longing for your bad weather and stingy bakery ladies already. No country replicates bureaucracy and stamps the way you do.

You've taught me more about myself , Europe and the world than I ever could have imagined. Its almost as I don't want this learning process to end. This evening I spoke with four fellow speakers of Germany effortlessly for two hours. It was fantastic....einfach toll.

You are expensive and old-fashioned (but yet more modern). You insist on tradition but break it all the time. You are in the middle of Europe and are more multi-cultural (multi-kulti) than you care to admit. And while life isn't perfect, its good.

Oh, brötchen, coffee, €3,50 cocktails-to-go and good music...what will I do without you.

Do I really have to go back?

Love,
Globalnole

Suisse, Switzerland, Schweiz

Five weeks ago I booked a spontaneous vacation to the cultural capital of Swtizerland, Zürich.

Germanwings offers a type of mystery flight. You select your departure airport (Köln in my case...also happens to be their hub), the date you can fly and a theme. Themes vary from shopping, beach, skiing, cultural, eastern Europe, etc. A list of ten or so cities will be presented and you can mark four or so cities where you do not want to fly. A €5 surcharge for each city exed out is excised but I think its fair. Thus increasing the chances of your dream city.

I did just that. I booked a ticket not knowing where I would go. I paid €85 for a round trip flight from Cologne to Zürich. It was completelz worth it. I loved the Germanwins idea of not knowing where you are going until you book the ticket. After I was told I was off to Zürich, I had my doubts. Although I had alwazs wanted to visit the city, I was afriad of bad weather, cost and not seeing something new.

That, however, turned out to not be the case. Switzerland was everything that I wanted it to be. The people were overwhelmingly friendly and helpful even if our language barrier (their Swiss German in its spoken form is almost inconceivable to the rest of the German speaking community) sometimes got in the way. After a pleasant smile and a a short description in high German of what I needed, they much obliged and provided the service in a friendly manner. Instead of the typical "danke schön" used in the rest of the German speaking area, one uses the French "merci." I like it. I have the luck of having a former student of mine currently living in Zürich. Felix and his wife were helpful and introduced the city to me.

I was quite lucky to find accomodations in Zürich using the Hotel Reservation Service. For four nights in a nice hotel I paid only €200....bargain basement. This included a room with a balcony view of the mountains around Zürich. I can certainly recommend Hotel Leoneck. Don't be put off by the Craz Cow mantra they have going on. It is said that Zurich is one of the most expensive cities in the world. I'd probably agree with that. Food is terribly expensive there and one could expect to pay at minimum of 25 Euros per meal per person even for the most basic of meals. However, it was worth it.

Warm weather and sunny blessed my time in Switzerland. From the Zurich lakefront one can see the snow covered Alps and really enjoy the view of the city. Lake Zurich is beautiful and you must take a trip on the lake by boat when there. Unlike cities in neighboring countries, Zurich is almost completely intact. Switzerlands strict neutral policy has benefited the country like none other. You can tell that the city is in good condition and will most likely stay this way another 100 years.

Zurich is surrounded by plenty of small cities, mountains and other natural areas. I took a day trip on Easter Sunday to some of the surrounding mountains and went hiking. I really enjoyed myself and the views of the city and the lake which were offered up to me. I had the opportunity to meet some locals who expressed their views of their country, Europe and their place in the world. Globalization hasn't escaped Switzerland either and there is some growing pressure for greater integration into the European community. The Swiss pride themselves on their independence and I hope they contniue to embrace their independent streak.

Zurich is not a city which stresses you. The trams run like clockwork on time and with amazing efficency. The city is clean and orderly, maybe even too orderly and clean. If you find yourself stressed in Switzerland its unlikely to be because of your urban environment.