The trip to Zurich was all about friends. Those friends I met while supporting them biking through the big island of Hawaii. It's been a few years since the first day I met Iain, Zarnia, Chrissie and Dianne in Hawaii. Since then I have spent time with them in Christchurch, New Zealand. To meet them on the other side of the world has been wonderful. Hearing we would all be in Europe at the same time was all the nudge needed to find my way back to Zurich to watch Ironman Switzerland.
Such a gorgeous city is Zurich. I recognized some streets from the last visit as Iain, Zarnia and I wandered around pre race and found hot chocolate for Zarnia and beer for Iain and I. Catching up with distant friends in a foreign country is a rare and exquisite pleasure.
Race day came with a very early start with perfect weather. An early start as is the way with Ironman days. Getting to hangout with great people while watching your friends race is always a good way to spend the day.
The race was a beautiful lake swim. Followed by a stunning bike course with a super steep uphill called Heart Break Hill, which has the air of the summit of a cole in the Tour De France. The run was through the cobble stone of the city and around the lake edge. By the afternoon it was very hot. Racing IM Switzerland tested the metal of all the competitors.
For the supporters it was a hot day too. Lot and lots of walking interrupted by a few beers.
Zurich is one of the prettiest cities I have ever wandered around. My second visit to this wondrous city did not disappoint. Close to where I was staying was this lovely little cafe where I spent my days working. Such a delightful staff and a special place to enjoy my work days.
At the end of my last day in Zurich I decided to do a little sightseeing. A refreshing swim in lake Zurich and then a ride on the low slung water taxies took me to further down the lake.
After a super hot Sunday, it was a huge contrast to the heavy rain of Monday. I found a wonderful outdoor movie theater. Making fast friends with the people sitting next to me, we watched the movie Hiedi under the heavy rain of Zurich. Mark, Gabrielle, Marcus and Danielle were so very welcoming and re-enforced the knowledge that the swiss are so very friendly. To the point, I now have a place to stay the next time I am in Zurich.
