Hope you enjoyed that long weekend and at least Monday gave us some sun to make up for being Monday. i know i know, i’ve mentioned the weather. Again. But i’ve been writing about Spring for weeks without feeling it. It seems like at the last minute, May is living up to that nickname i mentioned: Wonnemonat. So pull out your Crocs and Birkenstocks and get your SPF 50 ready: it’s time. Lay back, relax and as always,

Give my love to the city.

Is it just me, or is the mood in the city getting lighter and better? What would put you in an even better mood? Some plant and herb shopping? Or maybe a Sunday night party? Or some film and photography (if you maybe need to cool down for a sec.) An afro party in Winterthur sounds just about right in the sun and i’ve also got a great tip for all you thrifty book lovers.

Thursday: Winterthur turns Afro for the weekend
Friday: Japanese Film Festival
Saturday: Built to Spill at Bogen F
Sunday: Enjoy a rare Sunday night party at Barfussbar
Monday: Herbs and plants for sale at Museum Rietberg
Wednesday: Amazonian photography at MAAG

Normally i stick to writing about stuff that takes place within Zurich’s city limits but this week i’m venturing far afield…to Africa. Okay, it’s really Winterthur but the wonderful Afro-Pfingsten festival is always worth reminding you about. Food, art, parties and of course the infectious rhythms of Africa with numerous concerts.

It always seems a shame to me that the lower banks of the Limmat are occupied by industrial buildings and not terraces and beer gardens. Well, as of yesterday, that changes as Haus am Fluss has opened its doors to the public. The asian food hall and bar is nestled underneath the awning of (what i believe is) the old cigarette factory, so it retains an outdoor feel whilst keeping any bad weather off. But it’s also has a terrace which runs along the river. I headed over there on Saturday for their opening party and the food was yummy, the beer cold and the whole placem offered a new view of the city.

On May 8th, Ana opened the doors of Vastela, the first English secondhand bookshop in Zurich. Located near the tram stop Goldbrunnenplatz, the shop is quaint, full of light and, you guessed it, books. Ana has already acquired quite a nice collection of previously loved books. So if you’re looking for something specific, or just want to browse, you can check out her really well-made, self-made bookshelves. And, for all you book hoarders out there who need to make space for new stacks of books, she’s accepting donations as well. Opening hours vary but you can see them here.