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 EN BREF
All you didn't know you needed
to know about Grasshopper Cup |
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Where are we?? EWZ whot????
 Apparently,
this great space was initially a factory, now used for different
cultural events, from concerts to Art Exhibitions and of course,
Squash tournaments.
It’s right onto a lovely river Sihl, and plenty of restaurants,
shops, seconds away. The space inside has been arranged
beautifully, with an entrance for the shop and the tournament
desk.
 A
turn left and you have the court in front of you, with seats on
the right side of the court, at the back of course and at the
back, the VIP area. On the left, the bar/kitchen, very popular
and busy, run by our Dunya and Oliver and their very efficient
team.
Below, you have plenty of space for the players to relax –
internet has been installed for them as well by the Machine
Whisperer. And on the first floor, you have SquashTV and myself.
 We
are right next door to each other, and I have to say it’s
probably the best “office” I ever had. Nobody to chat in funny
languages in my ears and disturbing me. Plus, I can hear what’s
going on on the glass court. Can’t see really, but I have a good
idea what’s happening!
And as I’ve been lucky enough to have been given a seat in the
Sponsors Only area, the “Place to be” in the Grasshopper, I just
watch the matches, quickly talk to the players, run to the first
floor, write the report (if it’s not too long of a match) and
zoom, back to my seat, easy in easy out, not disturbing the
players. PERFECT!
It’s a Swiss Organisation, nuff said…
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QUICK TURN
AROUND
This was a bit of a shock to the system I have to say. On
Saturday, with John Massarella and Cubs, we took a shuttle back
to Hurghada Airport (about 30m drive) to catch a plane back to
Cairo. But while they both went back to the UK, I took the
direction of Zurich for the next PSA stop.
Thank the Gods of Squash, Egyptair was spot on time wise as I
had a very short gap between the two flights, and very unusual
for me, I was actually sick on the plane – I think it’s more
tiredness than anything else.
As you imagine, it was a bit of a different scenery from
El Gouna to Zurich! Especially when you go and land, and
you see all that green everywhere around the City!!!!
 I
was lucky to have Tournament Director Stephan Buchli
picking me up in the evening, dropping me at the tournament
hotel.
I grabbed a quick bite at “Les Halles” next door, a very
warm and uplifting place. If the price was a shock for me –
compared to El Gouna, but even compared to Paris – the food was
very decent. I soon realised that Zurich prices are pretty high
compared to the rest of Europe. Apparently, it was voted one of
the most expensive European places back in 2012, but at the same
time, the nicest place to live in!
Next day, that was Easter Sunday, again, Lovely Stephan picked
me for a couple of hours and took me to visit the town. We
went to the Zurich Lake. It was a lovely sunny day, and a lot of
people were enjoying the weather!
Interesting that Bridge we went on, as on one side, it’s the
Lake - with the Alps in the background - and on the other, the
river Limmat that flows from the South to the North.
We went on strolling around, the buildings are truly lovely, and
the water gives it a very “Amsterdam” feel. Friendly and
relaxing.
A very funny/weird looking piece of art. It is called "Hafenkran"
(dockside crane) and there was quite a controversy about it
in Zurich apparently. It’s in Limmatquai quarter. The rusty
crane, built in 1963 in the German port of Rostock, weighs 90
tonnes with a height of more than 30 metres. For some, it’s Art…
For others, it’s a waste of Public Money!
It will stay there the crane is dismantled and scrapped at the
beginning of 2015. The project, chosen as part of an
international competition, has ruffled feathers since its launch
in 2009 and triggered a debate about art in public spaces.
Several polls have showed a majority of locals being against the
installation. The crane is costing the city of Zurich CHF600,000
($680,000). (source
Swissinfo)
I found it personally a bit weird, but hey, I’m not Swiss, I
don’t live in Zurich, and it’s not my money!!!!
 Moving
on, my eye was attracted to a lovely little Salon de Thé.
Very kindly, my host proposed a little stop and I have to say it
was a dream of a shop. Apparently, it’s a very famous Salon de
Thé in Zurich (trust me to find that kind of place) that just
been taken over by a French company,
Péclard.
Being Easter helped of course, chocolate EVERYWHERE!!!! And no,
I was a good girl, I didn't get ONE BIT/BITE.
Lovely smell, beautiful art form, stunning place really. LOVED
IT! Don’t miss it if you come to Zurich.
It was a truly enjoyable little peek at this beautiful City,
400.000 people live there only – keeping it a human side, and
you feel it. And it’s been around for about 2.000 years as well,
apparently, the Romans founded it, as ever. Don’t hesitate to
read the
Wikipedia page about the city, it’s very interesting
indeed, and very well documented.
 Back
to the hotel, I slept for France, Egypt, England and Switzerland.
Another little trip to les Halles, where I met André
Haschker, who like me had his meal there.
When I mention how expensive it seemed to be, he laughed “you
are joking! This is a very cheap place for Zurich!!”
Ah.
Anyway, back to the computer, and typing it all away. I can’t
thank Stephan enough who took time off on a Easter Sunday away
from his family (3 kids, the last one a truly adorable little
girl only 7 months old) to show me his town. Thank you, Merci,
Danke my dear Stephan. |
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