Zurich - Culture

Florence - Made Up for My Cultural Laziness!

When living in Egypt, I’m rather aware that I’m quite a long way from anything cultural (unless I go to Luxor or Cairo). There used to be a cinema complex at Senzo Mall, but it closed before I got round to going to it (and if other people are the same as me, then that’s why it shut down!).

So, I did think I would enjoy having the opportunity to go to the theatre and museums when I returned to Zurich. However, at the same time I was aware that most of the enjoyment comes from knowing the option is there rather than me ever actually doing it.

So, predictably, I’ve done a few cultural things, but not much. There was the Long Night of the Museums, but as far as museums of any kind go, that’s really been about it. I haven’t even seen any art exhibitions, which I’d normally do maybe once in a while. I should really have grabbed the opportunity while I was here and I'm a bit annoyed with myself for being so lazy.

Nevertheless, I have been to one dance event (Ballet Revolucion) and also Art on Ice. Both events were a little unusual – Ballet Revolucion was unusual in that in addition to the dance (which was a clever mix of modern and classical ballet to modern music) there were live singers and live musicians. Every time I see dance, I wish I would go more often, as I love the combination of the music, costumes, choreography, and movement.

It may be for the same reasons that I enjoy Art on Ice. Each February, Art on Ice invites famous artists (this year it was the Jacksons and Jessie J) to sing while Olympic and World champion ice skaters perform to the music. A couple of comperes introduce the acts; there's usually also someone doing gymnastic feats as well in between the various elements. 

It can be quite hard to watch as it's all going on because you don’t know whether to pay attention to the singer or the skaters or even to which of the skaters. It’s an amazing event and a privilege to see these world-champions skating in front of you (for a price, of course, but look what you get for your money!). Again, the choreography also makes the show. The venue is huge and holds a packed audience of over 10,000 people. But it's in Switzerland, so it's very well organised.

Otherwise, I haven’t even been to the cinema that much. In fact, I bought myself a cinema card with enough money loaded on it to go to the cinema four times and I haven’t used it since the day I bought it (I went to see an Arabic film, but couldn’t understand any of the Arabic! There were subtitles, I hasten to add…). I also went to see the latest Bond film when it came out, a couple of Ladies Night films (Christmas with the Coopers, and The Intern) where the pull of a “free” prosecco beforehand was the main incentive. I did attend a couple of events at the Zurich Film Festival as well, so with that and the Film Fluss and Orange Cinema, maybe I didn’t do so badly. I still need to spend the credit on my cinema card, though!

I should maybe make the effort to go to an art gallery before I leave! Time, however, is running out…