I want to thank everyone who completed my questionnaire last week. I feel like i know a little more about you now, and the kind of things you do, and don't, like. In fact, some of you have impressed me so much, i've selected ten of my favourite people to start living with for the next few weeks (don't worry, just kidding! I'll really just be following you around). If you'd still like the opportunity to give me some input, you can do so  here. 

Give my love to the city, Ron

 

 

There are a couple of cool street/pop art exhibitions beginning this week in town. The first is at the Kolly Gallery, who have a show called Son of Liberty by renowned French graffiti artist, Nasty. Nasty has been at the forefront of the Parisian graffiti scene since he began as a teenager in the late 80's, and was a highly influential figure during the 90's, best known for his activities and artwork on the Paris metro. The other exhibition is called Comixcraze at Europaallee 10 by Zurich artist Sergio Galli. His paintings often have an Edward Hopper-esque quality, and are hanging in many respected galleries and Hollywood homes (Stallone and Schwarzenegger are both fans)  but for his latest show he has turned the vivid cartoon aspects of his work, that often dominate the Pop Art world,  up to 11. Both shows have opening events with drinks tonight (Thursday) and continue through most of September.

Thursday to 1st October, Tues - Thurs 12 am to 6 pm, Sat 11 am to 5 pm (Opening night from 6 pm), Kolly Gallery, Seefeldstrasse, 8008

Thursday to 23rd September, 11 am to 7 pm (Opening night from 6 pm), Europaallee 10, 8001

 

 

As you wander the streets of Kreis 4 you may occasionally notice, through an alleyway or opening in the buildings, open courtyards hidden at the centre of the surrounding architecture. Unless you live in the apartments, these courtyards are normally inaccessible but this Friday, Zukunft are organising themselves a little  HofFest. They will open up their own private space behind Bar3000 and fill it with live music from Teké Trio, grilled homemade sausages from the Lier family and a Philipino food corner. If summer wants to linger a while longer, I don’t see why we shouldn’t encourage it. Free entry. Only with good weather, alternative date 16th Sept.

Friday 5 pm, Behind Bar 3000

 

 

If all the openairs, fests and parades that have taken place in Zurich over the summer have given you a taste for the al fresco party life, but maybe the need for a change of scenery then, and don't take this the wrong way, why don't you just get the hell out of town. If you cross the Pfannenstiel hills, and descend into the Greifensee valley, you'll discover the promised land of the Greifensee Festival, a two-day music festival that has a great line-up of bands playing across the genres from Brazilian disco to indie-pop. The shoreline of the lake is a nature conservation area and so, despite there being a festival plonked into the middle of it, you'll be able to feel a million miles away from the city, even though it's only 30 minutes away by train. You can pay CHF 25.- to attend Friday, or go on Saturday for absolutely nothing.

Friday 5 pm to 2 am and Saturday 12 am to 2 am, Greifensee

 

 

 

 

 

The symbolism of water and oceans in dreams are recognised as a representation of the subconscious; a place that can be known on its surface but is full of powerful currents and dark mysteries just below. That's why the openair cinema at Seebad Utoquai on Saturday evening should work so well as an exploration of both the dream-like and the watery depths. Although  The Cinematographic Aquarium may sound like some devilish tongue-twister it is, in fact, an evening of four silent black and white films, directed by two of France's best surrealist directors, Man Ray and  Jean Painlevé, all with an aquatic theme, whether directly or indirectly (you know how these surrealists are). To add to the dreaminess of the evening, the films will be soundtracked live by two ambient electronica acts, Iokoi and Tomat. 

Saturday 9 pm, Seebad Utoquai

 

 

 

 

 

After so much sunshine it's hard to believe that it ever rains in Switzerland. Me, i'm certain that this isn't all summer has to offer, so i want to share my favourite activity of the last few weeks with you. Floating down the Limmat. You might got a taste of floating down the river at Limmatschwimmen or every time you go to Letten, but i'm talking about the deluxe version. Get an air mattress, a dinghy or some tubing rings and you can make your way all the way to Dietikon. You can either enter at Untere Letten or at Werdinsel. If you start at the earlier point, make sure you stay at the left hand side of the river when nearing Werd as you will have to leave the water there briefly.  At Dietikon you see a large green meadow to leave the water which lies right next to the train station and from there it's a short train ride back home. It's an easy ride that takes up to 2 hours, just make sure you leave the water at Werd and at Dietikon, but it's hard to miss the large exit signs anyway.

 

 

Good food and good company are two of life's greatest pleasures, and with the Cook & Dine event you've got a good chance of experiencing both, with the added twist that both the food and the company will be a surprise. The idea is simple: You sign up to one of the Cook & Dine gatherings, and will be assigned a cooking partner. You'll then be given a course - Entree, Main or Dessert - to prepare, cook and serve in your/their apartment. Your dinner guests will be other members of that evenings Cook & Dine gathering. You'll then move on to another apartment to enjoy the course that is being prepared there. It's a great way to meet new people, try new food and of course, spy on other peoples apartments. There is a Cook & Dine event on Friday, but also one happening on the 5th November for which i have a free ticket to give away (usual price CHF 25-. with kitchen/apartment and CHF 35-. without). E-mail me.

Friday 1st Course from 5.30 pm, around town or in your apartment. Also on the 5th November

 

 

Have you ever heard of Nice Cream? It's a new vegan summer trend. It's healthy and easy and, most importantly, damn good. The basis for all flavours is the humble frozen banana, which you mix with ingredients you like to a sweet kind of soft ice. It's so addictive i'm having it for snacks and breakfast as well. You only need a strong mixer or food processor and the world of ice cream is in your hands, and probably running down your wrists.

 

 

Phillip Vowles holds the world record for his giant vegetables. His Welsh accent alone makes it worth  watching the video.