Beginnings Are Exciting.

I have arrived in Zürich all in one piece! The trip was probably the smoothest international travel experience I've ever had. At MSP, I was checked in and through security in about 10 minutes and never had to wait in a line! My flight to Amsterdam was really empty, so I got to spread out in a row of 4 seats and actually lay down to sleep, which meant that I arrived in Amsterdam feeling almost ready to start the day. There were no disasters going through Amsterdam security this time (unlike in August), so my baggage and I made the connection with plenty of time to spare, which was used for the essential task of obtaining coffee. My flight to Zürich actually arrived early, I got my luggage and picked up my GA train pass from the train station (where I had put it on hold to get a credit to my account for the time I didn't use it), and then was whisked in to Zürich by a delightfully fast train. I literally was at the doorstep of my flat in less than an hour from the time of landing.

Of course, then I had to haul my 100+ lbs. of luggage up 5 flights of steep stairs, but I made it! I met one of my fellow sub-lessors, Roberto, who is from Austria. He's involved in the opera here for a couple of months, which is why he's subletting. I got settled in my room (pictures below) and ran to the Coop right below my flat for some groceries.

My room.

Flat kitchen.

Bathroom.

Front hall. My room door is in front of Frank the turtle's tank to the right.

Once fortified, I went to my first two flat-seeing appointments. On the way, I saw someone I recognized from riding the tram every morning when I was here in the fall! It's apparently a small world here in Zürich. As far as the flats went, the first one wasn't my favorite, but I really liked the second one. The funny thing is that these two flats are literally a block apart (small world, yet again)- and the two different flats set up their appointments with me before I knew how close together they were. Anyways, I'll hear eventually if either of them wish to take me. I'm really hoping for the second one! I've included a map with the tram stop, which is close to both flats.


View Larger Map

It's incredible how much easier this first day is if I have gotten some sleep and a goodly amount of coffee! I'm looking forward to going in to work tomorrow, but now it's time for some serious sleep. Gueten abig!