In this age of digital overload, the idea of going to see black and white silent movies may not seem like the most riveting thing to do but the IOIC (which stands for the wonderfully named Institute of Incoherent Cinematography) may have something to say about that. Starting tonight until Sunday they are having a Marathon of Ancient Civilizations silent film festival at Kunstraum Walcheturm. Before the advent of Indiana Jones or Gladiator, silent filmmakers were already adventuring into the world and history with these films. Each evening runs for around twelve hours (you see why they've called it a marathon), but each film is relatively short, a few minutes in some cases, and the films are accompanied by a soundtrack of live music played by musicians and bands covering folk to classical to electronic music. If you’d like to go, I have 2 x 2 festival passes to give away. Email me.
Thursday & Friday 6 pm to 4 am, Saturday & Sunday 4 pm to 4 am,  Kunstraum Walcheturm

 

 

 

 

 

Ok, we can deny it if we want, but Christmas seems to be definitely happening again this year. Whether you embrace the season or not, one thing is clear: presents will need to be bought. If you’re looking for something a little unusual or just want to avoid shops in general, then why not visit one of the Christmas markets around town: Basis-Lager (Sun 6th Dec 11 am to 6 pm) – with cool creative alternative designers on the stalls and live music in the air. Heiliger Bimbam at Plaza (Sat/Sun 5th/6th Dec, Sat 12th Dec) – with local designers, mulled wine and djs. Seefelder Chlausmärt (Sat 5th Dec 2 pm to 8 pm) – small but perfectly formed market. Along with local craft stalls they’ll also have candle making, a fairytale tent and a visit from Santa Claus. Dörfli Markt on Niederdorfstrasse (until Fri 24th Dec) – the oldest Christmas market in the city. Stretches the length of Niederdorfstrasse and has pretty much anything festive you might need. Wienachtsdorf Am Bellevue (until Fri 24th Dec) – ok, they’re calling this one a Christmas village rather than market, and with 100 stalls, food, drink and entertainment – who am I to argue? Christkindlimarkt (until 24th Dec) – not sure why I’m mentioning this one but I do like to be thorough. It’s the one that has taken over the Main Station and many streets surrounding it. You know about this one already, so I’ll just leave it there. Happy shopping.

 

 

 

 

 

There's nothing like a little pre-Christmas gift giving to get you in the mood for some actual-Christmas gift giving, that's why for the last few years i've organised a get together for the Ronsters of Zurich (yes, that includes you) to meet, exchange gifts, drink to the city and then head out for a night filled with goodwill to all men. The gifts can be small,home-made,funny, practical or just plain ugly but the main point is that we will be exchanging them with each other. We'll be meeting at Schulhaus Kanzlei at 6.45 pm, with drinks and gifts being opened at 7 pm. See you there.
Wednesday 6.45 pm, Kanzlei

 

 

The national government of Switzerland has seven members who are elected by the United Federal Assembly (not by the people). This Wednesday, these elections will be interesting to watch. On the one hand, Evelyne Widmer-Schlumpf steps down, so there is one seat to fill. On the other hand, the mix of appointed members generally reflects the major parties within the United Federal Assembly as well as the national languages. This is called ‘the magic formula’. Therefore, the SVP – the main winner of this year’s election – feels entitled to more than the one seat they currently have now. Usually, the incumbent members are re-elected without much fuss, but most likely SVP will send in an additional candidate to compete for a third seat. This could get quite exiting as far as Federal Council elections go. You’ll find more information on Swissinfo.ch. Also Georg Kohler, professor emeritus of political philosophy at the University of Zurich conducted an analysis of the election campaign in Switzerland throughout 2015 on behalf of Swiss Abroad.

 

 

If you like Cuban coffee, rum or cigars, then you should probably know Manuel's. Spread over three floors it’s the place where you'll find rum specialties, Cuban cocktails and cigars as well as the largest coffee selection in town. Most likely you’ll find me in the smokers lounge on the first floor, trying a cigar while enjoying a rare glass of Ron Matusalem, my Cuban cousin.

Manuel's, Löwenstrasse 12, 8001. Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 11 am to 12 am

 

 

Seoul is a dynamic, colourful city. But during the seasonal monsoon weeks the South Korean capital transforms into one large dark cloud. To fight the darkness, a group of designers created murals that only become visible when it rains. See here.