Zurich: Sprechen sie Englisch?

I used to say that a lot. It is, Do you speak English?, in Swiss German.

The locals would always speak to me in Swiss German, so I had to learn a bit of their language. 

I have fond memories of Zurich. It is a special place. Where people are the kindest and most people would walk, take the tram, and they have a bicycle lane.

It is where I became inspired to become a writer.

It is Utopia. But, not imagined. It was real.

It is real.

Until now, I go back to it in my mind. It made me hope in humanity. More so, my faith restored in humanity.

School children would greet me, 'hello or Good Morning' or depending on the time of day.

When I forgot something, I would be chased by the one who saw my stuff and give it back to me with a smile.

I experienced genuine kindness. Kindness that pierced my heart. Kindness that made my soul see that there is such a thing.

It is not a cut throat or dog-eat-dog-world or a rat race or a place in a state of discord. 

It is a peaceful place. Their flag is a cross.

I felt safe there. I felt welcomed. I felt that I matter. You do not have to earn their respect. You ought to give respect because it is the right thing to do. It is not expected it is a given. A virtue that is an elevation of civility.

There are no homeless people there. The government takes care of them. But, it is, actually, amazing because I saw a homeless man who dined at McDonald's, on his own. He was having a grand time.

It is a costly city.

There are no rundown sections at all. Everywhere you go is wonderful. The river is pristine. And they have swans.

It is the epitome of order.

It made me dream. To dream about my own town. That maybe one day it could be like Zurich too.

I always tell my family and friends if I were able to go to Zurich so can you.

It changed my outlook in life. When I went back to my hometown, what I would, normally, do in Zurich I do the same here now. 

I walk.

I do bicycling.

My Labrador and Dalmatian dogs have collars.

And other myriad wonderful things.

My life changed for the best.

I became a new man. A best version of myself.

But, my readers are, mostly, not from here. 

It is poignant.

But, hope springs eternal...

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