Having now reached double figures (I am 10 after all), I’ve realised that all work and no play makes Ron a dull boy, so for the next three weeks I’ll be away chasing the sun, hoping to drag it back to Zurich for an extended stay on my return. As well as my usual tips this week, I’ve left you a few future ones so you don’t miss me too much while I’m away.
Give my love to the city, Ron

The Swiss Photo Awards are being held tonight at ewz-Unterwerk Selnau, where the best of Swiss photography is being celebrated and recognised, across categories from fashion to fine art. If you’re not in the mood for an evening of thank-you speeches then perhaps the after-party, being held at Photobastei, is more for you. The winners and loser will be vying for space at the bar for different reasons and Riskogruppe will be providing the soundtrack. If all you’re interested in is the actual photos then the best will be on display at ewz-Unterwerk Selnau from Friday until the end of the month.
Thursday 5 pm, ewz-Unterwerk Selnau – Award Ceremony
Thursday 10 pm, Photobastei – Award Afterparty
Friday until 1st June, various times, ewz-Unterwerk Selnau – Photo Exhibition

Hip hop may have been born in a small neighbourhood of New York City but it’s culture has transformed and inspired the world since then, and this is best exemplified in the Koukansuru show at Gessenerallee. One French and two Japanese hip hop dance crews have been brought together to show what the 21st century has done to the electric boogaloo. Former Action from Japan are known for their synchronised moves and have reached a level of international acclaim, whilst Mortal Combat have been Japan’s most successful b-boy outfit for over a decade. Juste Debout Compagne from France are a collection of some of the best dancers from the annual Juste Debout world hip hop dance competition.
Friday 8 pm, Gesseneralllee

If you were at my birthday shindig a couple of weeks ago you would have had a little taste of what the Lauter Festival will have to offer, as they were my partners-in-crime for the musical line up. This Saturday, however, is the real deal as the Lauter Festival takes over three venues, ( Stall 6, El Lokal and Hafenkneipe) with twenty-five bands and djs, for thirteen hours of musical magnificence. All tastes will be catered for and best of all, entry to the concerts and after party is free.
Saturday, 4 pm – 5 am, Stall 6, El Lokal and Hafenkneipe

Frau Gerold’s Garten reopened last week, which is as sure a sign that summer’s around the corner as the clocks changing and the hay fever raging. Frau Gerold’s is obviously a great place for drinking, eating, shopping and general lolling around but, as the name subtly suggests, it is also a garden. This Saturday, as well as a design and flea market, they will also have a seedling market, where you can pick up a range of vegetable and edible flower seedlings for planting in your garden or balcony, and if that seems a little beyond your powers, they have also organised a ‘pimp your balcony’ workshop on Sunday where they’ll teach and show you all you need to keep your patch of greenery, well, green. Register at - [email protected] - for the workshop.
Saturday 12 pm, Sunday 10.30 am, Frau Gerold’s Garten

Madeleine Peyroux was born dirt poor in the Deep South of America, grew up busking on the streets of Paris and now fills some of the largest concert halls in the world with her jazz and folk inspired singing. Her smoky voice conjures the spirit of Billie Holiday in a downtown New York jazz bar. With her latest album, which she’ll be performing at Moods, she has covered songs by some of the greats including Ray Charles and Leonard Cohen. This is a chance to see a performer who is usually only seen in large halls and festival stages in such an intimate space.
Sunday 7 pm, Moods

If you’re British you’ll know Punch and Judy as a hand-puppet show, usually seen at one a Britain’s many seaside resorts, in which the hook-nosed protagonist, Mr Punch, severely batters his wife, Judy, with a large stick – did I also mention that this is for kids and parents are happy to let their little darlings see it. No, I have no idea how this came to be either. Now, Neville Tranter, considered one of the world’s best puppeteers, has updated the concept for adults with his show Punch and Judy in Afghanistan at Miller’s Studio, in which he takes the slap-stick comedy of the original and adds a layer of profound seriousness and questioning to the proceedings.
Tuesday 7.30 pm, Miller’s Studio

To fill the gap with sweet dreams while I’m away: The Oh! sweetest thing cafe opens its doors at the new Kalkbreite complex in Zurich Kreis 3. There you will find Fräulein Meier and the team sporting elaborate 50s-style uniforms, serving savoury and sweet things — from Spanish empanadas to buttery French-style croissants and American-style cheesecakes. New goodies will be created each week, including English scones, hot cross buns, and many other international specialities. Feel free to suggest your own favourites! For the time being, we highly recommend the cake pops to go with your cappuccino. The cafe's concept is set to evolve over the coming weeks so be prepared for pleasant surprises with each visit.

Oh! Sweetest thing, Kalkbreitestrasse 10, 8003. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 7 am to 7 pm, Saturday 9 am to 4 pm

Do you remember Chantal? I pointed out her Blog « One Big Yodel» a while ago. Now she's published a book « Swiss Life: 30 Things I Wish I'd Known», which was published at the beginning of May. I like her style and I’m curious to see what she had to learn the hard way, when coming here. Chantal Panozzo will be reading from her book at Orell Füssli The Bookshop in Zurich along with another American author, Anne Korkeakivi.
Orell Füssli, Friday May 23rd at 7 pm

The Langstrasse area, in Kreis 4 and 5, is known for both its multicultural scene and its design community. As such, it plays host every year to Kreislauf 4 + 5, when more than 100 stores and studios open their doors to show their works and give the public an opportunity to speak with the designers. As last year, the Kreislauf already begins on Friday. Under the theme: now or never each venue offers a chosen object at a reduced price between 5-9 pm. If you're not around at the weekend from 23rd to 25th of May, it's still worth checking out the event's website, one of the best and most complete lists of Zurich's many ateliers and designers, ranging from fashion and interior to jewellery and art - and available in English.
Kreislauf 4+5, 23-25 May: Friday 5-9 pm, Saturday & Sunday 11 am-6 pm

The open air pools officially opened last week. But the weather hasn’t been that appealing which is why I call this entry a preview for you to enjoy while I’m away. Zurich sports 25 pool areas around town so I challenge you to try out every single one of them by the end of the summer. Send me pictures and I’ll see what treat I can send your way in return. For a full list, check the city’s website where you can also order your season ticket with a 10 % discount until the end of the month.

Beautiful things to wear, live with and love await their new owners for the next three months at Münstergasse 25. Next to vintage goods the range of Schirm, Scharm und Melone (which is how the show The Avengers was (almost) called in the German speaking area) you’ll also find new products by local designers. They plan to host events and openings during their stay so stay tuned to their site while I’m gone. I also have 4 x 25.- vouchers to give away for free, just send me an e-mail. 
Pop up Store, Münstergasse 25, 8001. Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday 11 am to 7 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm

I know it’ll be hard to go to work without my distracting newsletter. As an interim measure I suggest the Canadian Office Survival Kit which will make your days easier. And is even of help when your presentation is overdue, there is a power failure and you’re expected at home at the same time. Have a great few weeks and you’ll hear from me again in June.