Over the last months I adjusted a few functions on the website - such as the message box. Each subscriber has a message box. This way, you don’t have to give out your e-mail address anymore if you place an ad or want to write to someone. In each newsletter, at the top, you’ll see if you have any new letters in your message box. I hope you like it.
My best to the city, Ron

There is more in the Viadukt then you think. Every Thursday, Lolë offers free sport lessons. The programme varies, in December and January there is a focus on yoga and back training. They started this offer in the mornings, but the people in the neighbourhood seem to be night owls. So the lessons were moved to the evening.  
Thursday 7 to 8.15 pm, Viaduktstrasse 25

Centred on the release of a new book of photography by Amsel, the Tanger Trance Festival, just like the city of Tangiers itself, brings together elements of Middle Eastern and Western cultures. Films, readings, discussions and live music will combine to illuminate the similarities, differences and bridges between our worlds. With all of the current woes of the world, events like this should be cherished like diamonds in the dirt.  
Thursday-Tuesday, Museum Rietberg

In an act of cultural diversity no less impressive than the Tangier festival, the duo Chromeo will be playing live at Donky this Thursday. Chromeo are ‘the only successful Arab-Jewish partnership in the history of human culture’ according to their record label, and goes to show that a shared love of hip-hop, 80s rock and 808 beats is enough to unite the world. I think I’m going soft, it must be Christmas soon!
Thursday 10 pm, Alte Börse

Soulwaxmas, the 2manydjs Christmas extravaganza, has been moved and rescheduled. Originally planned for this coming Friday at Komplex 457, the new party is now 22nd December at Volkshaus. I know it’s a while away, but you’d only feel silly arriving dressed as disco Santa to the wrong event. All those with tickets can simply use them at the new venue, anyone without tickets should seriously start to consider their priorities this Christmas and get some.
Friday 10 pm, Komplex 457 22 December, Volkshaus

El Lokal is one of my favourite bars for gigs. The intimacy and décor of the place really bring out the strangeness in a lot of bands music. Blue Veins, who hail from Brooklyn, are playing this Saturday and fit in perfectly. Their melancholic music infused with the lightness of their female singers voice means I’ll be getting down there once more to get my fill of strange.
Saturday 8 pm, El Lokal

Eva Ayllon is a legendary singer from Peru. Beginning her career in the 70s, she has been called the Tina Turner of Peru and become known as the Queen of Lando, the blues influenced national music of Peru. This is her only concert in Switzerland. If the chance of seeing one of Peru’s natural wonders appeals to you, and Machu Picchu seems a little far, then this is the perfect alternative. I have 2 pairs of tickets to give away.
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Sunday 8 pm, Kaufleuten

The main shop is in Wollishofen and will stay there. But a few weeks ago, Poushe opened a small branch at Aemtlerstrasse 86 in Kreis 3. Their core business is still Strudel. Any kind of strudel, salty and sweet, as long as they’re freshly made and came just out of the oven. Usually they offer about three different kinds at the new branch. And a hearty lunch buffet for hardly any money. 
Poushe, Aemtlerstrasse 86

Geneva is often the only town people from abroad know in Switzerland. Therefore, it was just a matter of time until i also launched a newsletter there. Yes, it took a while, but you can subscribe to your daily dose of la vie suisse française now here. If you fancy going to Geneva – maybe over the holidays – also check out the travel blog Spotted by Locals. I like that website for any city trip, as locals share their favourite spots in the city. The Guardian and the Observer agree and awarded it as the Best Travel Website in October.

I usually avoid shops which call their line of goods fair trade or sustainable. Of course I’m all for fairness and supporting the environment. But let’s be honest - the fashion and accessories in such shops is usually ugly or expensive. But then i came across Changemaker, which recently opened its first branch in Niederdorf. What a beautiful shop! A large range of products – food, fashion, plates, toys – for a good price. And all fair trade and organic. I like!
Changemaker, Marktgasse 10

Girl Talk aka Gregg Gillis is probably one of the best known mash-up artists of all time. For his current album All Day he sampled 373 tracks to mix 12 completely new songs. But you’ll still recognize the samples. On Wikipedia a group listed all of the 373 songs. Do you know all of them?

Download All Day for free / All Day website