Gym, Apartment, & Foreigners

There is something rewarding to waking early and hitting the gym before work. It's a fresh start to the day and gives you more time in the evening for other things. I recently bought a gym membership after letting my last membership expire a few years ago. It's a new gym in the old town just minutes away from my apartment. I found the place by accident and was impressed with their location, price, hours, and facilities. My goal is to go 2-3 times per week, mostly in the early morning.

Today I signed the contract for my new apartment and gave notice to my current landlord that I'll be leaving. Things seem to be going to plan and I should be in the new apartment in just a few weeks. With luck I'll find a new tenant for the beginning of March and save myself having to pay for the last two months of my contract. Let's hope!

Recently a post was made on EnglishForum.ch concerning somebody's negative adjustment to Switzerland. They wrote:

A man went to a foreign land and asked a local, "What are the people like here?"

The local turned to the visitor and replied, "Well, what are the people like where you're from?"

The visitor answered, "They're all fools, close-minded, ignorant, cold and arrogant."

The local then said, "Well then, that's what you'll find here too."

I couldn't have said it better.

Moving Up

I finally found a new apartment! On Friday my new landlord notified me that I had been approved. I saw the place on Wednesday and immediately knew that I had to have it. The place is located near the old town of St. Gallen, has 3.5 rooms, lots of natural light, two balconies, a lovely view, and plenty of space. I couldn't be happier!

Applying for a new apartment here is like applying for a job. The landlord told me that potential tenants are first assessed to see if they're a suitable match for the building. For example, a senior would not likely be given an apartment in a building full of students, or vice-versa. I also needed to 'apply' for the apartment with a questionnaire, provide a credit report, and they also contacted my employer to validate my claims and to see if I earned enough money to afford the place! I love the Swiss!

I plan to move sometime in early February and hopefully before Fastnacht. I can't wait. This is such an overdue and needed change for me. Soon I'll be sitting on the balcony, hosting guests, and be feeling at home. I expect a visit to Ikea soon.

Cycling Tour 2007

Oh yes! It's back on my mind. It was a year ago when I began to dream and plan for my first solo bike tour, and it was such a great experience that I'm now considering a second tour for this summer. I haven't figured out any details yet such as where or for how long, but could imagine a 2-3 week tour through Austria along the Danube. The main criteria is that the route be on cycling paths and not on main roads. I'm also open to cycling on another continent. Any suggestions?

I'm also giving consideration to buying a touring bike such as the Trek 520. Last year I did the tour on a mountain bike with a Bob Yak, but I'm beginning to think that a touring bike might a better approach. I need to look into this more.

Sometime in June or July will be the annual Tour de Schwiiz. This year we're cycling route #3 the 'North-South Route' from Basel to Chiasso. It's a 363km ride that I'm budgeting 5-6 days for, and includes a 1680m climb over the St. Gotthard pass. I'm looking forward to that challenge!

Year-End Wrap-up

I've been back for three days and I'm just now getting over my jet lag. After some complications with Air Canada and my return flight, I was forced to buy a new ticket to get back to Switzerland. I'm very disappointed with Air Canada but the change let me visit New Jersey for New Year's. On New Year's Eve a friend and I were in Manhattan for the matinée performance of Mamma Mia. The show was fantastic but my date thought the wedding theme made it rather girlie. After the show we walked through Times Square but quickly got out of there due to the massive crowds forming for the evening festivities. That evening we were in New Jersey where saw a great Dr. John show and fireworks display. I flew back to Switzerland on New Year's Day.

The vacation was a great end to the year. I spent quality time with family and friends and only wished such opportunities were more frequent. It was a very good year and I'm now contemplating what I'd like to do in 2007. At the very least I'd like to visit Cape Town in either March or at Christmas and perhaps do another bike tour including the Tour de Schwiiz. I'm also thinking of a few trips to Canada and the US and definitely many weekends in the mountains. It should be a good year.