From: Mike N. 

To continue on with the Euro-American exchange program that Adam began, I
took on an assignment for a client who has a vendor in Zurich, Switzerland.
It will require a stay of 8 months to 1 year here.   It involves working
with computers but I can't get more specific than that without going beyond
the confidentiality agreement.  It is the first time I have lived in Europe
and it a fantastic opportunity - 6 months ago, I would never have guessed
I'd be here now.

You know you have arrived in a strange land when you see a Hasidic Jew in
full regalia careening down the sidewalk towards you on his razor
(scooter).  My apartment is located 3 blocks from a Hasidic temple.  On
Saturday they appear from everywhere on their way to and from the temple;
with the men in big square hats.   Often they will wear their 'floods' -
flood capable pants that look like they're rolled up about 6 inches off the
ground; but I can't really tell: it might just be a way to keep their suit
slacks from getting dirty on their way to or from the temple if they
normally hang 1/2" from the ground.

The general feeling here is unique even for Europe.  Zurich has a
population of about 330,000 and about 25% of those are foreigners.   So
far, the city feels very un-crowded, even in the central train station.
Very uncrowded compared to Paris or London.   But then it seems like many
people are on vacation until September 1.   Maybe things will change then.
Also the city feels very safe.  The crime rate is relatively low - there is
a 100% literacy rate in Switzerland.     Theft / burglary is the biggest
problem.

   I am busily trying to learn the German language - 'high German' or
formal German via the Rosetta Stone computer software.   Even after I get a
smattering of German, I still won't understand most of Swiss German.  Most
Swiss people speak English; almost all speak 'high german'; they naturally
gravitate to Swiss German when speaking among themselves.

  Things operate on a different schedule around here.  Businesses are open
primarily during traditional working hours.  This includes grocery stores!
So it's good if your normal work schedule starts later or earlier than a
grocery store so you can shop for groceries before or after work.  The
sidewalks roll up at 6:30 or 7:00 for all other shopping.  Only restaurants
are open later.

Geo / Jeff: You know the 24 hour life of the ISP?   To get internet
installed here via the cable TV -

  Live phone answering 8:30 AM to 6:00PM only.
  Tech support - first 10 minutes free, then $2 / minute.
   Tech support available only 8:00 AM ot 11:00 PM.

  Hopefully their service is monitored 24 hr/day!

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