So Ronster, the Böögg is confined to the annals of history and we can get into the summer properly. And what better way to enjoy a summer's day than with a party on the rooftops and terraces of the city? My very own Rooftop Day is just around the corner, so grab a red pen, mark July 6th in your diary, and maybe add some exclamation marks and a few rings around it. If you have a beautiful terrace or courtyard and a taste for entertaining, then you can still register a location until Sunday. Have a great weekend and…

Give my love to the city

As usual at this time of year we have a few festivals in the city but with some pretty diverse themes. And of course there’s live music and, if you love to swim, an opportunity for swimming across the lake. Oh, and there is also a Kreisflohmi this weekend!

Thursday: Take me to Dolder. Hozier plays ZOA
Friday: The Swiss folk tradition comes to the city
Saturday: What? Another local Openair?
Saturday: Grab your VR goggles, it’s a cyber festival
Sunday: Food meets art installation at Zentralwäsherie
Wednesday: One side of the lake to the other. Get Swimming!

I love hitting the lake in summer and i love to swim, (even if i’m not that good at it.) But i have always dreamed of swimming from one side of the lake to the other, (i’ve never done it,) and now there is an opportunity to do it with safety in numbers. The Stadtzürcher Seeüberquerung will take place on Wednesday with a maximum number of 9000 people able to swim across the lake in slots allocated across the day. The swim starts in Mythenquai, the start fee includes a snazzy bathing cap, food and a drink and a souvenir gift but you actually get something way more important…bragging rights as you hold court with your friends.

P.S. Their website is very clear and in English. If you do decide to take part read and check everything carefully.

Things are a bit more sparse on the concert front this month as the cities venues wind down for the summer, (if summer ever gets started.) There is quite a few bands from the US visiting, (presumably because they need to fit dates in between festival shows,) and we even have a Hollywood A-lister playing at the Kaufleuten.

The Swiss alps have some of the most spectacular passes in the world. Some like to drive over the Gotthard or the Grimsel. Some people like to don lycra, hop on a bike and pump their thighs all the way to the top. Or some, and i include myself in this category, like to sit back and relax, let someone else drive and properly enjoy the scenery. If you don’t own a car, or own a suitable bike, then you can experience the alpine passes with the Postauto busses. With these bright yellow vehicles you can travel over the Gotthard, Nufenen, Susten, Furka, and Grimsel passes without having to concentrate on the road or having sweat dripping in your eyes. One rule though! Don’t get travel sick or the adventure will end before it’s begun.