Highs and Lows

In the past couple of weeks, I've had moments of genuine happiness, followed by moments of sadness, and then back again to happiness, in an emotional roller coaster. Now I am slowly starting to see the light, but below are my top five highs and top five lows about being in Zurich.

The Highs:

1. I signed up for a wonderful gym with a rooftop terrace, and when I go practice in the evening, I can see the sunset sliding over the old downtown buildings and the lake.
2. I met a few people who love to cook, so we talk about food daily, and we exchange recipes and tips about where to buy good produce and groceries all the time.
3. I am positively challenged at work, everyday.
4. Many friends I haven't talked to or seen in a long time are reconnecting with me, and we make time for each other.
5. If my family needs me, I am here, a short train ride or flight away.

The Lows:

1. I wish I spoke German, so I could listen to the random conversations of people on the bus.
2. Even though I am surrounded by people and go all over the place, I feel lonely at times.
3. I really miss my life in California.
4. I constantly worry about not doing enough and potentially disappointing people, although I try hard to be the best I can everyday. Maybe I am too harsh on myself.
5. Sometimes I strongly feel pressured to do what I "must", and not really what I "want".

I am a big girl with thick skin and an optimistic temperament, so I will be fine. Just wanted to write down on my keyboard what's been laying in some corner of my mind.

Hair Adventures

We started off the weekend by going to a photograph exhibit with my teammates at 11/11, a very cool place in Zurich:

http://www.11-11.ch/

When we got there, we realized that the location was really peculiar: we were expecting some sort of art gallery with a traditional exhibition, but we were pleasantly surprised to find out that the pictures were being shown in a sort of fashion atelier were there was also a collection of trendy clothes, furniture, and hairdressers! It was so funny to look at great pictures while browsing through racks of clothes and people getting their hair and makeup done. It was then that I had an epiphany: since these people clearly know what they are doing, I am going to ask them if they can cut my hair on the spot! So I asked - to say that my coworkers were shocked it would be an euphemism! They told me that they were booked solid until closing time, but that they would be more than happy to cut my hair the following day, so I made an appointment.

On Saturday, after sleeping in and having a lavish brunch in bed while watching episodes of Jane Austen series from BBC (note: since I unpacked my serving trays, I thought I'd treat myself for once, instead of the usual running-around!), I walked out to a wonderful, sunny day, ran some errands and then headed towards the hairdresser, which is located in front of the lake in Bellevue. As soon as I walked in, they greeted me nicely (in Italian), gave me a seat, and talked to me for about 20 minutes to find out what was my relationship with my hair (really? I never got asked that before! I didn't even know I had a relationship with my hair...) and my feeling about a haircut. I plain and simple told them that I trusted them and to do whatever they wanted with it: my only requirement was to cut it short. They took their time, which I really appreciated, inquired about my life, likes and dislikes, opinions, habits, you name it. After two and a half hours, they let me go with one of the best haircuts I have ever had in my life.

Quite pleased, I headed to the lake where I spent some relaxing time reading "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" and listening to live music.

A very good hair adventure indeed...