KiKi In Venice

Well, what can I say about Venice. Ummm...

Well, I LOVED the many different architectural styles, which include Neo-Classical, Byzantine, and Gothic influences. However, I wasn't crazy about the dirt and waste the littered the winding walkways, alleys, and canals. I have to say, I was surprised to see such filth in a highly-visited city. But then again, it was immediately clear how a beautiful city like Venice could turn into a place that makes NYC Chinatown look the cleanest place on Earth - sooooo many tourists. We stayed in the San Marco district where most pedestrians walked shoulder to shoulder. And sadly to say, I can assume that too many visitors did not discard their trash in the hard to find trash receptacles that were sparsely placed throughout each district. And I won't mention the smells that sometimes entered the atmosphere, but this can all be expected when tons of people bombard a city that's the size of a peanut.

Another great aspect about Venice, besides viewing the fantastic architecture, was that it lacked that tourist-ty feel, although everything about it screamed tourist heaven. Yes, it was full of "DITTO" shops and restaurants, but it wasn't Cancun tourist-ty if you know what I mean.

So on a scale of 1-10, I give Venice a 5.5. The architecture makes up five of the overall points.





Only in Switzerland #1

It's pretty common to see this is Switzerland when we're lucky enough to have hot weather.

Check out the opened back door.  The car was unoccupied for hours.

Some Swiss don't have any qualms leaving their car doors not only unlocked, but opened to ensure their dogs get sufficient air.  I've seen this on occassion in several parking lots.  And my husband laughs every time I lock the door within seconds after entering the car.I can't help it...30+ years of programming.

Only in Switzerland can someone leave their car unattended with an opened door!

LOVE IS FOUND

In six months, my husband and I will become parents for the first time.  We are so excited!

I dedicate LOVE IS FOUND to my new love.
Btw, we saw Sade in concert in May 2011 in Zurich.  LOVED IT!!

 

I'm Over This

INCONSIDERATE SWISS SMOKERS!
Moving to a new country means falling in love with a new way of life.  It can also mean, missing the little things... like designated smoking areas.  You see, many Swiss people smoke and without designated smoking areas it can be hell.  Hell for people like me; a nonsmoker who despises cigarette smoke.

In Switzerland, smokers have no qualms lighting up in shared areas...bus stops, train stations, outdoor cafes, park benches, lakefront picnic areas... If there is a crowd, large or small, you can guarantee several people will light up without consideration of the people around them.  Smokers in Switzerland don't care if the person next to them is a baby in a stroller or a fetus in a uterus; a crowd of spectators or a crowded outdoor market. They will smoke anywhere.  I'm over this!

FYI- It has only been one year since a nationwide smoking ban prohibiting smoking in public places such as restaurants, bars, cinemas, and schools (YES, SCHOOLS) has been in effect.   

• Crazy is walking past a school and witnessing teachers and students gathered together smoking outside of the building.
• Crazy is having people light up two inches from you at a bus stop. 
• Crazy is having people blow cigarette smoke in your face while you order a sandwich from an outdoor sandwich stand. 

Caio.

Kiki In Germany - SNOOOOZZZZZZZE!!

My hubby and I decided to spend three days in Munich.  I wasn't impressed.  But I did enjoy a cheeseburger at Hard Rock Cafe.  Living in Switzerland means that I don't have access to "AUTHENTIC" American food.  So that cheeseburger hit the spot.