February 1st saw me packing my bags and making my way to Zürich International Airport. On arrival I sought out a bakery and 50 Berliners (sweet bun filled with jam) heavier, I made my way to the check in counter. My colleagues were waiting for me, smiling and in good spirits. We were all going to Berlin, accompanying a group of wild hairdressers on a shopping spree! As a welcome gift, each participant received a Berliner. Which prompted the question: “what will we get if we ever go to Paris, a Pariser?!” (a Pariser is a condom).
A few of the participants had not flown before, which took me by surprise. It is strange to me that something I consider so normal can be new to someone else.
We arrived and had a sightseeing tour to the hotel. The bus was so hot that I fell asleep twenty minutes into the tour! I like to believe that no one noticed.
The hotel was nice and is highly recommendable: the Lindner Hotel am Ku’Damm.
In the evening we all trouped off to an apéro at Sastre’s an innovative hair salon. Innovative means the place was a bar-meets-salon-meets-club. The owner was a boisterous hairdresser wearing a Scottish kilt which stopped mid-thigh, and had no hair at all, except for a wisp in the middle of his forehead, which he had styled to look like a rooster’s comb. His beard mirrored the wisp of hair, pointing downward of course. He and a colleague picked a few volunteers from our audience and set about creating wild and wacky styles with the new REDKEN hairsprays. He worked and talked at top speed, which everyone enjoyed. But then he started praising the hairspray’s new technology whilst working with an old formula! Luckily no one noticed and he swapped the bottle quickly as soon as he noticed.
After the show, drinks were free until nine pm. I got some girls started on golden Tequila, they couldn’t thank me enough! That was quite an interesting evening.
The next day I teamed up with two girls and we went back to Sastre. There we got some more free booze and watched those participants who had returned for a new do. It was quite interesting listening to hairdressers philosophize about different cutting methods. I was called upon to tidy up some poor unsuspecting boy’s eyebrows. That was quite amusing, he told me his life story to distract himself from the pain. Thank goodness there’s not much you can do wrong with eyebrows!
Off we went to the Hackischen Hofe after that. There we patronised every shoe store available. One girl tried on a pair of shoes and the leather was sooo soft that it got stuck in the zipper and SHE COULD NOT GET THE SHOES OFF ANYMORE! Poor girl was nearly in hysterics after fifteen minutes. But eventually the shoe came off and she calmed down. I have never seen a girl leave a shoe shop that quickly.
Flying home went off without a hitch, apart from our early arrival at the airport. Everyone, including the bus driver, was overly punctual, so we arrived at five pm, which was the time we were scheduled to leave the hotel!
The only fly in the ointment was that my bag did not appear on the luggage belt in Zürich. That peeved me a bit, as I had packed my favourite boots. Fifteen minutes after leaving the airport I got a call on my mobile. They had found my bag. It had fallen off the wagon during transporting from the plane to the building.
What a trip!
February 09, 2006
January 02, 2006
normal holiday
Christmas was Christmas without the Christ in it. Although I thoroughly enjoyed being with my family, I missed the whole surreal, nostalgic feeling that usually surrounds this holiday. Maybe this lack of “Xmas-feeling” on my part was due to Zürich’s controversial Christmas lighting?
Anyway, the prize for my most interesting present goes to my aunt. She gave both my brother and me a goat (live, not stuffed). Now, contrary to expectation she is neither a farmer nor a shepherdess. She sponsored the goats from Oxfam. Oxfam is an international organisation dedicated to the alleviation of hunger, poverty and suffering in this world. Their ways to raise money can take on rather ingenious forms, so this is how both my brother and I came to be proud owners of goats.
New Year had an equally bizarre touch to it. We invited round some friends and dished up large amounts of fondue chinoise (everyone dunks meat into vegetable stock), sushi, red wine, golden tequila and absinth; a very interesting combination (unfortunately slightly toxic for the overenthusiastic).
Anyway, the prize for my most interesting present goes to my aunt. She gave both my brother and me a goat (live, not stuffed). Now, contrary to expectation she is neither a farmer nor a shepherdess. She sponsored the goats from Oxfam. Oxfam is an international organisation dedicated to the alleviation of hunger, poverty and suffering in this world. Their ways to raise money can take on rather ingenious forms, so this is how both my brother and I came to be proud owners of goats.
New Year had an equally bizarre touch to it. We invited round some friends and dished up large amounts of fondue chinoise (everyone dunks meat into vegetable stock), sushi, red wine, golden tequila and absinth; a very interesting combination (unfortunately slightly toxic for the overenthusiastic).
December 06, 2005
winter warmth
A typical day in the life of me: After a hard day’s work zooming around the office, I made my way to the fitness studio and powered myself out completely, all intent on shedding the extra pounds I gained (courtesy of excessive chocolate binging at the office – this proves it, work is seriously bad for one’s health!). Feeling utterly elated after all that sweating, I shot back home, with the idea of going completely “zen” (which means indulging in some wellness). Spying a bottle of dessert wine standing innocently in the corner of my fridge and with the half thought of someone once telling me that a glass of wine or two is good for one’s health, me and the wine made our way to the bathroom. Luxuriously relaxing amidst the bubbles I suddenly became rather thirsty. Nothing if not lazy I just languorously reached for a glass of wine. After one glass I was, should we say, quite tipsy, and after quenching my thirst I barely managed to get out of the bath!
That was it for a day in the life of me. Isn’t winter marvellous?
That was it for a day in the life of me. Isn’t winter marvellous?
November 26, 2005
sleepy girl
Nothing much has been going on lately. It’s just work, work and work at the moment.
I posed as a “hair model” on Monday for one of our colour sessions and nodded off in front of 20 peole! The person doing my hair was like: “Oh! I think my model has fallen asleep!” How embarrassing is that! I spent the rest of the hour sitting up as straight as I could and straining to keep my eyes open.
Saw a bus yesterday morning that read „Kaffee Pause“ (coffee break). I took that as a sign that weekend is on its way.
I posed as a “hair model” on Monday for one of our colour sessions and nodded off in front of 20 peole! The person doing my hair was like: “Oh! I think my model has fallen asleep!” How embarrassing is that! I spent the rest of the hour sitting up as straight as I could and straining to keep my eyes open.
Saw a bus yesterday morning that read „Kaffee Pause“ (coffee break). I took that as a sign that weekend is on its way.
November 08, 2005
I graduated last Friday!!!
Late as usual, I just made it to the venue 5 minutes before the ceremony started. Having been pretty blasé about the whole graduation thing, I felt the adrenalin starting to flow when I saw the church full of many sharp looking individuals.
Rustle, rustle, cough, cough, amazing grace was sung and the speeches began. A few rousing monologues later, the audience’s woke up to the first few student graduates being invited up front to receive their diploma. As there were 126 students graduating we were called up in groups of eight.
In due course my name was called. I walked forward, collected my diploma and posed for photographs with my group. “So this is it,” I thought, feeling kind of flat. But then, back in my seat it really hit me: I had just graduated!
This diploma, this document, symbolises 4 years of hard slog; 8 semesters of fun, laughter, anxiety, frustration, putting up with people I did not like, and achievement. This piece of paper also stands for internships in Paris, New York, Lörrach, Kuala Lumpur and my diploma report in Basel. Wow!
Suddenly I was smiling, truly smiling. I had finally finished.
After all the graduates had received their diploma it was time for the award ceremony. Now I knew that the best of the year would receive a prize, but what I did not know was that it was the custom to honour the best three or four of the year. (I had tied for second place with two other girls.) As I was not expecting any special mention, it was quite a shock to be called up again with the other two. We were all suddenly very nervous and sort of slunk forward to collect our prize. I guess I just grinned from ear to ear like the village idiot, and walked up those few steps worrying that I would trip and fall flat on my face. But nothing happened and then suddenly I was calm. I managed to look out into the audience when posing for the photographer. My mind went blank and the only comprehensive thought that remained was “Oh wow!!” I guess I have half a brain after all.
In that moment I felt quite proud, and when I saw the happy faces of my parents, brother and boyfriend it really thrilled me. I had managed to make them proud – my true achievement.
Rustle, rustle, cough, cough, amazing grace was sung and the speeches began. A few rousing monologues later, the audience’s woke up to the first few student graduates being invited up front to receive their diploma. As there were 126 students graduating we were called up in groups of eight.
In due course my name was called. I walked forward, collected my diploma and posed for photographs with my group. “So this is it,” I thought, feeling kind of flat. But then, back in my seat it really hit me: I had just graduated!
This diploma, this document, symbolises 4 years of hard slog; 8 semesters of fun, laughter, anxiety, frustration, putting up with people I did not like, and achievement. This piece of paper also stands for internships in Paris, New York, Lörrach, Kuala Lumpur and my diploma report in Basel. Wow!
Suddenly I was smiling, truly smiling. I had finally finished.
After all the graduates had received their diploma it was time for the award ceremony. Now I knew that the best of the year would receive a prize, but what I did not know was that it was the custom to honour the best three or four of the year. (I had tied for second place with two other girls.) As I was not expecting any special mention, it was quite a shock to be called up again with the other two. We were all suddenly very nervous and sort of slunk forward to collect our prize. I guess I just grinned from ear to ear like the village idiot, and walked up those few steps worrying that I would trip and fall flat on my face. But nothing happened and then suddenly I was calm. I managed to look out into the audience when posing for the photographer. My mind went blank and the only comprehensive thought that remained was “Oh wow!!” I guess I have half a brain after all.
In that moment I felt quite proud, and when I saw the happy faces of my parents, brother and boyfriend it really thrilled me. I had managed to make them proud – my true achievement.
October 24, 2005
Istanbul
Istanbul, where to begin, what to say? A fascinating city, yet I am quite lost for words when it comes to expressing my appreciation and impressions. Guidebooks and bloggers alike tend to describe Istanbul as an eclectic mix of east meets west (whatever that's supposed to mean).
I’m not sure if I suffered a slight culture shock. Istanbul is really unlike every other city I’ve ever been to. But weirdly enough at times every corner, every turn seemed to hold some kind of similarity to another place. Sometimes it’s narrow streets reminded me of Paris, the architecture of Budapest, some areas had a slight flair of KL, the Grand Bazaar took me back to Jerusalem’s old town, the bridge spanning the Bosporus vaguely reminded me of Basel’s Mittlere Brücke.
Everything I read beforehand did not do the city justice, in fact it just served to confuse me on arrival. Nonetheless, the city is definitely worth a trip, especially in the summer months!
I’m not sure if I suffered a slight culture shock. Istanbul is really unlike every other city I’ve ever been to. But weirdly enough at times every corner, every turn seemed to hold some kind of similarity to another place. Sometimes it’s narrow streets reminded me of Paris, the architecture of Budapest, some areas had a slight flair of KL, the Grand Bazaar took me back to Jerusalem’s old town, the bridge spanning the Bosporus vaguely reminded me of Basel’s Mittlere Brücke.
Everything I read beforehand did not do the city justice, in fact it just served to confuse me on arrival. Nonetheless, the city is definitely worth a trip, especially in the summer months!
October 23, 2005
October 09, 2005
a new home
That brother of mine can’t go on holiday without catching some disease! He suffered a severe attack of bronchitis, besides being extremely dehydrated. Just back from Cyprus, this coming Tuesday he has to undergo the ordeal of having a wisdom tooth extracted. Talk about having a rough time!
Anyway, my news:
As of last Sunday I am now officially a Zürritussi (chick living in Zürich). My nice little flat is 5 minutes walk from the lake, has a yellow kitchen (I always wanted a room with a little colour to it) and is littered with bags and bags of clothes. It never occurred to me that a girl could have too many clothes until I moved!
On Saturday I dragged myself to IKEA, which turned out to be a horrific experience: screaming children running all over the place, harassed parents trying to keep an eye on their brat and simultaneously finding the furniture of their dreams, girlfriends dreamily contemplating which bathmat would bring out the colour of their lover’s eyes (I ask you – what rubbish!), grandmothers blocking the queue with their dithering.. battling through that crowd to find a cheap cupboard and sofa left me completely shattered. But at least I was successful, even if it did take me two (!) trips.
Last Wednesday I had a girl’s night in with two colleagues: we dyed our hair, gorged ourselves on sushi (healthy), drank plum wine (appropriate) and feasted our eyes on soap operas. Truly girly, what bliss.
Friday was my boyfriend’s birthday so I decided to treat him to a special night out. As I hardly know Zürich I asked around at work for some tips. Our education manager came up trumps: a friend of hers booked me a table at a private club. The place was at the top of a high riser, with glass windows all around providing a spectacular view of the city and the lake. We dined in leather couch seats and the food was imaginative and delicious. Needless to say, my boyfriend was impressed. Mission accomplished!
Today a friend held her goodbye party as she is leaving for India next Thursday. It’s kind of strange to think that she will be gone for two whole years. She’s off to teach the Indians how to do business with the Germans. All those intercultural competence classes are paying off after all!
Anyway, my news:
As of last Sunday I am now officially a Zürritussi (chick living in Zürich). My nice little flat is 5 minutes walk from the lake, has a yellow kitchen (I always wanted a room with a little colour to it) and is littered with bags and bags of clothes. It never occurred to me that a girl could have too many clothes until I moved!
On Saturday I dragged myself to IKEA, which turned out to be a horrific experience: screaming children running all over the place, harassed parents trying to keep an eye on their brat and simultaneously finding the furniture of their dreams, girlfriends dreamily contemplating which bathmat would bring out the colour of their lover’s eyes (I ask you – what rubbish!), grandmothers blocking the queue with their dithering.. battling through that crowd to find a cheap cupboard and sofa left me completely shattered. But at least I was successful, even if it did take me two (!) trips.
Last Wednesday I had a girl’s night in with two colleagues: we dyed our hair, gorged ourselves on sushi (healthy), drank plum wine (appropriate) and feasted our eyes on soap operas. Truly girly, what bliss.
Friday was my boyfriend’s birthday so I decided to treat him to a special night out. As I hardly know Zürich I asked around at work for some tips. Our education manager came up trumps: a friend of hers booked me a table at a private club. The place was at the top of a high riser, with glass windows all around providing a spectacular view of the city and the lake. We dined in leather couch seats and the food was imaginative and delicious. Needless to say, my boyfriend was impressed. Mission accomplished!
Today a friend held her goodbye party as she is leaving for India next Thursday. It’s kind of strange to think that she will be gone for two whole years. She’s off to teach the Indians how to do business with the Germans. All those intercultural competence classes are paying off after all!
September 30, 2005
twist of fate
I feel awful. My brother's gracing the local health institution in Cyprus.. apparently neither he nor I can travel without catching some horrible disease.
September 27, 2005
rote lippen sind zum küssen
Ladies and gentlemen
Please welcome the star act of tonight….
(appropriate drum roll)
Gloss posing as…
a BOMBAY HOOKER!
(appropriate applause)
Enter stage left, smile, smile, turn, smile, seductive glance, exit stage right.
My new job has all sorts of interesting twists and turns to it. Yesterday I was told that a model of our team’s colour tour fell ill and they needed a replacement. Always a willing subject for any sort of relooking, I willingly spent this afternoon at the hairdresser’s salon. I was poked and prodded, tugged this way and that and had to endure three rounds of colour and bleach (2 colour, 1 bleach). But the final result is a beautiful warm brown with cherry red streaks. Apart from the fact that it took the stylist five hours (no exaggeration!) I would say it’s a look well worth recommending!
When all four models were coloured accordingly, we rushed over to the venue. There I met with something I had not bargained for: red makeup! Red eye shadow, red rouge and red lipstick: I looked and felt like a true hooker. And guess who I had to thank for this getup: yours truly, myself! I had come up with the great idea that the models’ make up should reflect their hair colour and as I was sporting cherry red.. well, you can do the math!
Generally speaking I tend to go for the natural look (i.e. no or minimal makeup) – pure laziness on my part – therefore my reflection took some getting used to. But after an hour or so I began to fully appreciate the handiwork and judging from my boyfriend’s reaction I really need to get someone to teach me how to paint my face. Hmm, wonder if a trace of this motivation will still be around tomorrow.
Throughout the show I sat and smiled, being as friendly as possible with one’s fringe obscuring one’s view. It was quite funny; apparently the cherry red tone came out too “warm” on my hair. As it is supposed to have a “cold” effect the stylist explaining my look to the audience came up with a brilliant save: because my skin tone is quite “cold” she used this colour but because my eyes are surprisingly “warm” she did this and that to support the warmth of my eyes. (I was like: eh?! )
Please welcome the star act of tonight….
(appropriate drum roll)
Gloss posing as…
a BOMBAY HOOKER!
(appropriate applause)
Enter stage left, smile, smile, turn, smile, seductive glance, exit stage right.
My new job has all sorts of interesting twists and turns to it. Yesterday I was told that a model of our team’s colour tour fell ill and they needed a replacement. Always a willing subject for any sort of relooking, I willingly spent this afternoon at the hairdresser’s salon. I was poked and prodded, tugged this way and that and had to endure three rounds of colour and bleach (2 colour, 1 bleach). But the final result is a beautiful warm brown with cherry red streaks. Apart from the fact that it took the stylist five hours (no exaggeration!) I would say it’s a look well worth recommending!
When all four models were coloured accordingly, we rushed over to the venue. There I met with something I had not bargained for: red makeup! Red eye shadow, red rouge and red lipstick: I looked and felt like a true hooker. And guess who I had to thank for this getup: yours truly, myself! I had come up with the great idea that the models’ make up should reflect their hair colour and as I was sporting cherry red.. well, you can do the math!
Generally speaking I tend to go for the natural look (i.e. no or minimal makeup) – pure laziness on my part – therefore my reflection took some getting used to. But after an hour or so I began to fully appreciate the handiwork and judging from my boyfriend’s reaction I really need to get someone to teach me how to paint my face. Hmm, wonder if a trace of this motivation will still be around tomorrow.
Throughout the show I sat and smiled, being as friendly as possible with one’s fringe obscuring one’s view. It was quite funny; apparently the cherry red tone came out too “warm” on my hair. As it is supposed to have a “cold” effect the stylist explaining my look to the audience came up with a brilliant save: because my skin tone is quite “cold” she used this colour but because my eyes are surprisingly “warm” she did this and that to support the warmth of my eyes. (I was like: eh?! )
September 06, 2005
Hair Sun
Spent the whole day at the hairdressers on Friday „getting to know Redken’s customer“. I must say I am really glad I did not become a hairdresser, the people those poor girls have to deal with!
But the perks of my new job (so far) have been amazing: around midday I was approached by two trainees who announced that they would practise their pampering skills on me. Always one to help where I can I bowed to the call of duty! They gave me a thorough head & shoulder massage as well as the full works: scalp treatment, deep moisturising treatment & a special treatment against split ends! Highly recommendable!
But the perks of my new job (so far) have been amazing: around midday I was approached by two trainees who announced that they would practise their pampering skills on me. Always one to help where I can I bowed to the call of duty! They gave me a thorough head & shoulder massage as well as the full works: scalp treatment, deep moisturising treatment & a special treatment against split ends! Highly recommendable!
Change
Today I finished my studies!!!! V.v.v. happy!
Totally shattered as well, spent the entire afternoon running around Zürich looking at flats.
A new life begins!
I cut my finger on a razor blade as well.
A bad omen?
Totally shattered as well, spent the entire afternoon running around Zürich looking at flats.
A new life begins!
I cut my finger on a razor blade as well.
A bad omen?
September 03, 2005
Starbucks
"Seven Ways to Order Coffee"by John Lee
I
At dawn, the dark roast scents greet
each visitor as well as the soft
elevator music, bohemian style.
Grande latte for the earlyriser next in line.
The mid-lifer seeking
every excuse to wake from endless slumber.
II
For during the nine to fivers rush,
Skim latte, with a touch of cinnamon
and a scone for the businesswoman
sure of herself and her drink preference.
III
At ten and leisurely on his way to work,
with the chatter of technology
from cellphone rested to ear,
the young executive-to-be orders
the chocolate mocha, rich and creamy,
he's just not into coffee yet, but
seeks the comforts of conformity.
IV
From the mid-morning respite,
office workers make a trek,
two by two or four by four, they
make their way for morning seconds.
Ill to work, they seek the pleasure of a
gingerbread latte break, a special just in season.
V
Into lunch, the coffee grinds whir,
never ceasing until every last drop is poured.
An assistant pushed to the brink arrives,
sunglasses neatly on top, seeking sugar to burn.
Iced mochachino and an expensive sandwich for her.
She's got another five before it's off to do more.
VI
Black coffee for the afternoon gent.
He's realistic and experienced in the world.
Never embellishing and always forthright,
you can tell he's too honest for his own good.
VII
I stand behind them in line. Waiting
for a chance to order what I covet
--white chocolate mocha -- three pumps of chocolate please,
not four. Wondering what they will think of me
Thank you M for supporting my addiction! ;-)
I
At dawn, the dark roast scents greet
each visitor as well as the soft
elevator music, bohemian style.
Grande latte for the earlyriser next in line.
The mid-lifer seeking
every excuse to wake from endless slumber.
II
For during the nine to fivers rush,
Skim latte, with a touch of cinnamon
and a scone for the businesswoman
sure of herself and her drink preference.
III
At ten and leisurely on his way to work,
with the chatter of technology
from cellphone rested to ear,
the young executive-to-be orders
the chocolate mocha, rich and creamy,
he's just not into coffee yet, but
seeks the comforts of conformity.
IV
From the mid-morning respite,
office workers make a trek,
two by two or four by four, they
make their way for morning seconds.
Ill to work, they seek the pleasure of a
gingerbread latte break, a special just in season.
V
Into lunch, the coffee grinds whir,
never ceasing until every last drop is poured.
An assistant pushed to the brink arrives,
sunglasses neatly on top, seeking sugar to burn.
Iced mochachino and an expensive sandwich for her.
She's got another five before it's off to do more.
VI
Black coffee for the afternoon gent.
He's realistic and experienced in the world.
Never embellishing and always forthright,
you can tell he's too honest for his own good.
VII
I stand behind them in line. Waiting
for a chance to order what I covet
--white chocolate mocha -- three pumps of chocolate please,
not four. Wondering what they will think of me
Thank you M for supporting my addiction! ;-)
September 02, 2005
Time
Two weeks have flown by and tomorrow I face the challenge of preparing for my final oral exam on Tuesday. As of Tuesday, 10 am, I will (hopefully – cross my fingers) be finished with my studies! Time surely has flown!
The highlight of my week so far has been a boat trip on the lake of Zürich last Tuesday. I accompanied my two bosses to a client’s salon, who as soon as we arrived informed us that there had been a change of plan and that she would like to invite us out on her new motorboat. We had so much fun and completely forgot the time that I ended up staying at a colleague’s place. I really need to find a flat or room in Zürich!
The highlight of my week so far has been a boat trip on the lake of Zürich last Tuesday. I accompanied my two bosses to a client’s salon, who as soon as we arrived informed us that there had been a change of plan and that she would like to invite us out on her new motorboat. We had so much fun and completely forgot the time that I ended up staying at a colleague’s place. I really need to find a flat or room in Zürich!
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