"All this yellow yolk and running white is all that's left of the promise of wings ..."

Hello from Switzerland ... I'm on Day 11 of my 32 day road trip (I know, that's bizarre, is it not? I had to count it a few times to make sure that it was really 32 days. But yes, it is). Anyway, I've been here nearly two weeks already, and things are chugging along just fine.

Work is work, so I won't bore you with the details, aside from a one-sentence rant about this two-timezone thing. I'm re-reading The World is Flat at the moment (the 3.0 update is out in paperback, so I figured I might as well), and I have to say that as flat as the world may be, it's still extremely irritating to have to work two shifts in a row. I have a standing 3pm meeting in Chicago that translates to 10 pm meeting here in Zurich ... And sorry, that was two sentences.

Anyway, I've been taking advantage of my weekends while I've been here. My Swiss pass gives me access to all transportation (train/bus/boat) throughout the country, which is extremely convenient. :) Last Saturday, I visited Lucerne (which was gorgeous) and the Verkerhshaus (Swiss Museum of Transport), which was really cool. On Sunday I visited the Zurich Zoo, and sympathized with the penguins, who looked as though they thought it was a bit too hot. Today I meandered off to Bern, the capital city, and spent a happy few hours wandering around the Einstein museum before exploring the city center. Tomorrow's plans are still up in the air ... I may just stay around Zurich, but Basel is also sounding alluring. I'll let you know what I decide. And sorry, I forgot my card reader at home ... so I can't post pictures at the moment. They will be forthcoming. Expect lots of old buildings, lots of mountains, and a ton of engines (sorry, the trains engines were just much too cool).

Something that's rolling around in my head is that there should be a way for people who are travelling on work assignments to find other people who are in the same situation. For example, I have seen several other people who I would bet were in Zurich on business and were also on their own and wouldn't have minded having dinner with someone else rather than another solo night. But it's awkward to ask. This seems like a gap in our socialization abilities. Maybe there's a website or something somewhere. Hmm.

As a random note, I've seen way more old guys in speedos on this trip than I have ever needed to see.

Okey-dokey, I'm off for now. Later everyone!

*EDIT*

Oh, I meant to mention ... I've read a few books so far (as you might imagine, if you know me at all!) Anyway, has anyone other than my brother read A Severe Mercy? (Not that your opinion doesn't count, Jason)