Zurich

Monday was spent in Zurich. Alice gave a seminar at ETH-Zurich, one of the top technical universities in the world (Albert Einstein was affiliated with this university). The seminar was set up by a doctoral student (now graduated) at the university studying transportation systems (mainly railroads). This student, unnamed due to her request for privacy (let me call her Sophie), and Alice had been in contact for about four or so years. She had read one of Alice's papers on a related research topic (predictive maintenance for airport people mover vehicles) and had emailed her requesting more information and data.

Prof. Dr. Ulrich Weidmann (on right) and some of his research group at ETH-Zurich

Alice and her audience before the seminar

The main building of University of Zurich, which is next to ETH- Zurich downtown

Panoramic view of Zurich from the Faculty Restaurant on the top floor of ETH - Zurich downtown

Another view from the rooftop restaurant

"Sophie" and Alice share a common ethnic heritage, German Russian also known as Volga German. Her family were in the Volga River area of Russia (central Russia) as were Alice's. Whereas Alice's immigrated to America, hers stayed and were forced to move to Siberia during the World War II years. Her parents immigrated to Germany when she was 13 and she is now a German citizen. She studied in Switzerland and she (and her husband) both work in the Zurich area.

After the visit to the university (both the main suburban campus and the downtown campus) to meet with faculty and students, "Sophie" took Alice and Randy on a walking and boating tour of Zurich. We were fortunate that the day was good, weather-wise. We took a 90 minute boat tour of the lake (Lake Zurich) and then walked around the old city. This was surprisingly nice and intact. It is less touristic than Lucerne but has the same feel of the old Swiss buildings and cobblestone walking streets. We bought chocolate (of course!) at a famous local shop Laderach and sampled "world's best sausage and mustard".

"Sophie" and Alice on the lakefront are of Zurich

"Sophie" on the boat which we took on a scenic tour of Lake Zurich

View of Zurich from the boat

Some of the lakeside mansions on the "Gold Coast" of Zurich

"Sophie" and Alice inside the boat - it got too windy to sit outside

One of the churches in downtown Zurich

Randy walking in old downtown Zurich - much more authentic and almost as charming as the similar area in Lucerne

Inside one of the churches - again, it is almost stark in comparison with Italian churches

A pretty architectural detail

Playing chess in the Linden Park

In the small and secluded Linden Park

A view from the Linden Park, which is elevated

A view of the main cathedral from the Linden Park

Another pleasing architectural detail

This handsome cat was taking a sun bath by the Linden Park and would not be disturbed!

The Apple Store (this one's for you, Tim), which is the largest in Switzerland

The chocolate shop, Laderach, where we purchased a few gifts for lucky friends

On the lake

Another lake photo

Steeple of the main cathedral, the Grossmunster

Detail of Grossmunster doors

The Grossmunster in all of its glory

A blast from the past (this one's for you, Robby)

Alice and Randy enjoy the day in Zurich

The church with the Marc Chagall windows (these are the windows). Unfortunately, it was already closed for the day when we arrived so we could not go inside.

World's Best Sausages

"Sophie" introduces us to World's Best Sausages with World's Best (and most spicy) Mustard

We then went to Sophie's current living place of Winterthur, a nearby suburb and city in its own right. There we sampled the traditional Swiss food (fondue, rosti) at a non-touristic and very good local restaurant. Along with some Swiss white wine, it was the perfect ending to a fantastic day. Thank you "Sophie" for making this visit ideal! We hope "Sophie" and her husband will visit us in the U.S. one day. It was amazing to make a professional contact and have it become this life connection.