Photo by Lydia James
We have just raced the sunset.
Like Mina, and Jonathan, and Dr Van Helsing and his brave band, we hurtled towards the last of the sun; but unlike them, we took off in our little plane heading directly towards a fiery winter sky filtered by the freezing ice-air which hangs above Switzerland. We were not racing vampires: rather a life to which each of us is compelled to return, in England.
Refracted into lilacs and purples and pinks, the sunset was the most glorous tease, and not even the might of modern aviation engineering could hold it back. It has gone, leaving the cantons lit by tiny man-made star-strings far below, with the clouds as wispy intermediaries between them and the interlopers in the sky above.
A fitting farewell to a hauntingly beautiful place.
I came here to the city of Zurich looking for stories, and stories I found. Stories of ancient merciless mercenary- warriors who made Switzerland the wealthy place it is; of bowls of sheet-gold found beneath railway workings, and twins tormented by a poltergeist-fisherman; of ancient human sacrifice, and the dead walking. Of the collapse of a bridge on market day, and the dispassion which decimated a mediaeval city and made it the 19th century gothic masterpiece it is today, with Roman ruins rumbling around in its belly.
I could find little before I set out. A few terse, long dry facts about this most efficient canton. And nothing could prepare me for walking its streets, away from the affluent shopping areas and along the old river; and again, up into the winding paths lit with glimmering Christmas lights and pungent with oranges and cinnamon.
It is a hidden treasure trove. A safe-box with two locks, and I hold only one of the keys. The other is held by the city itself, and though I will tell her stories, you will have to go there yourself to unlock them fully.
That said, you might like to come back and read. The city of Zurich lives as much in the dark as in the light, and it makes for vivid storytelling. As James Joyce knew well. And Einstein, and Wagner, and Lenin. They were all here in the houses surrounding the lake, breathing in this intoxicating air, at one time or another.
Kate Shrewsday 
That sounds like a trip to be savoured over and over as you read what links each part to the others
Writing about it will be as much fun as being there I think, Sidey 🙂
as will reading about it
It will be fascinating to see what you have been able to wrest from the city on such a flying visit. The selection of images all looki great, for starters!
Col, I plunder like a proper Viking. You would be amazed at what it is possible to pick up in just over 24 hours!
And there was I thinking that Zurich was a dull city full of gnomes and bankers. It looks fabulous, and I look forward to the tales of mystery that you must already be weaving around the memories of your visit 🙂
Mystery was waiting on every street corner kicking its heels, Roger 😀
Sounds like you made the MOST of your excursion, Kate. Nothing like “happy travels.”
My favorite shot ~ #13 (dusk with three just lit trees guarding the street).
Me, too! May I borrow it, Kate?
The streets were just magical, Nancy!
Zurich looks so beautiful and festive. It sounds like you had a wonderful time and have increased your bag of stories.
Gale, I feel recharged, though we walked solidly from 11 till 10 at night! Can’t wait to start telling the stories….
I feel another European trip coming on!!!!
You’ve had some great ones, Laurence. Wonderful continent to explore…
I look forward to seeing Switzerland with you, in a manner of speaking. 🙂
🙂 It’s well worth the virtual visit, Andra. Must potter over to see how you and Debra got on!
When I visited this summer, I was so taken with the public transportation and the eatery boasting the oldest vegetarian restaurant. Switzerland is indeed a magical land but so dear!
Dear indeed, Tammy! A Starbucks cost me £12 – around $20!
Oh, happy sighs.
Indeed, Cameron. I had such a wonderful time with the story sack.
“It is a hidden treasure trove.” So is this blog.
Kathy, thank you! I just have to work out how to make it not quite so hidden 😀
Sounds like time well spent, Kate. I look forward to your stories.
It was the best 48 hours for a long while, Judy. Magical.
My parents visited Zurich about 40 years ago. They loved it, but they didn’t take many pictures. Thanks for sharing yours. It does look like a beautiful place.
Pleasure, Virginia. It is gorgeous. But expensive. But gorgeous.
It looks like a beautiful if rather cold place at this time of year. I’ve been to Geneva a few times, but from your pictures it looks like Zurich may well be more interesting, though I do love Lake Geneva.
I have never seen it, Guy; project!
I love Switzerland. Thanks for sharing. Can’t wait to hear the stories.
Wonderful country. Thanks for coming along to read, as always 🙂
Love your photos, just gorgeous.
Thanks, Lou 🙂 A wonderful place.
There is little I would deign do to make such a trip.
It’s well worth the travel, Rob.
“It is a hidden treasure trove. A safe-box with two locks, and I hold only one of the keys. The other is held by the city itself, and though I will tell her stories, you will have to go there yourself to unlock them fully.” – can’t wait to hear your stories, Kate, and hope to someday unlock my own. Brilliant post.
Penny, I hope you get to see it all for yourself one day.
I think this was more than a modest adventure. It seems to have provided you with much to draw from now and in the future. I’m so glad you had this wonderful opportunity. I’ll enjoy the stories, too!
I hope so, Debra. There are some cracking yarns ahead 🙂
A beautiful read Kate. If that solid gold bowl is anything to go by, we are in for a real treat or two! Look forward to your stories with anticipation 🙂
Thank you for coming along to read, Madhu 🙂 There are some cracking stories ahead.