This is part 9 of the Fox Lane series. It's the middle of July and we're headed to the airport with sole proprietor of Everette Limousine Service. His continuing saga of the ongoing series of lawsuits occupy the majority of the conversation. We are at the Pam Am checkin counter waiting for our seat assignment and gate number. The movie is Dog Day Afternoon and very intense. We arrive in Zurich and take a taxi by a bearded man named Lars. We quickly learn that Zurich has been voted the city with the best quality of life. Lars says " You know young man you would be wise to consider studying here in Zurich. We have the highest level of education in any city in the world. We will be the number one place for businesses in the future due to our ingenious system of taxation." He begns to laugh like a mad scientist at this point. Him and my Dad continue on in gutteral volley of Germanic sounds. My dad seems to have a bit of trouble understanding everything. my dad continues in english explaining that there is a bit of difference between german and german-swiss. Lars conceeds this point and continues " Young man did you know that the dada movement began here. Quite impressive no?" I lean over to my dad and ask "dad what is dada" The alliteration causes him to chuckle responding with "da" Even I know that means yes. We laugh and he begins to explain just what this dada stuff is when Lars interupts pointing out various sites and their historical significance. Sensing the pride Lars has for his city I return the topic to dada " So Lars what is dada?" He responds with " What is dada? You mean you never heard of modern art. There is even a museum in your city with many works of dada." I answer " I get it Lars, it's art. But give me a reference point so I can understand. He answers " O.k. truly dadaism is a cultural movement that began in Zurich. You are aware that we swiss are politically neutral?" I smile and say " Yes I've heard rumors to that effect even across the pond." He continues " Good because inevitably it was world war 1 that initiated this antiwar wave that took the world by storm so to speak. We used our spetzal to change the world." I interupt and ask " What's spetzal?" Lars fields this with national pride. " Why it's the national sustenance of this small, but great nation. It's a small worm like egg noodle. I use this analogy as you would. You know use your noodle? Well this is our noodle and we're very proud of it." I think to my self wow sort of like the grit. Mental note be wary of food queries abroad. I finally reply "Got it you guys used dada as way to protest the war." Lars says " It's much more than just that. It's the foundation of all abstract art and the father of pop culture." I say " I 'll look into it. Thanks." Suddenly we pull down this side street and he point saying " Eveeything you need or want to know is in there. It's the Swiss National Museum." From there we drive to our hotel which is on the lake itself and very swank. We are staying at none other than the Hotel Eden Au Lac. To say that Zurich is clean is an understatement. This joint is the nicest place I've been in so far. The lobby looks like a museum exhibit only you can sit in these chairs and not be arrested. The main reason we are here is not pleasure. My dad has come to one of those junctures in life where decisions need to be made and action taken. The only other thing I will mention on this topic is that I know he made the right decision for the right reasons. To make it plainer he is exploring his options. Which in the case of my dad are not just limited to one country. To say that my dad lands on is feet in business is like saying the city of Zurich is clean. So let's see what our entrepeneur has in his bag. At this point I am engaging in the not so subtle art of snooping through other peoples luggage. I find what looks to be a ceramic toothpaste roller thingypoo. A wicker thermos and a few other goodies I didn't get a chance to look at because I am suddenly grabbed by the neck. I know these hands they belong to my matriarcal disciplinary dispenser. Aka my mama. So it goes something like this: "Yeeoowww let go woman!" She replies with " And the magic word is Mr. I want respect for my privacy but refuse to give it to others?" With my shoulders up to my ears in discomfort I eek out " Please, por favor, silvous plait and biter!" She lets go and says "Now young man, in the next few days your father has to put on his rather formitable business yamulke . The best way we can help is to entertain orselves and let him work his magic. So let's go check out the lake." I answer " You got it female parental unit. Let's go." My mother tells Julius we are going out for awhile and we will be back in time for dinner. My dad says " There are paddleboats that go out on the lake. Jody might like that." I chime in " Yo Since when did I get moved to the 3rd person without even moving?" They kiss and we go out exploring. We walk around and finally go down by the lake. There as if by divine destiny are the paddle boats . "Mama guess what ?" They're free if you're a guest. Come on it'll be fun." My mother is let's say a bit on the conservative side when it comes to water. In an attempt to put her at ease I say " Mama relax, I saved dad's life . Don't you think I would do the same for you?" She glares at me which always temporarily paralyzes my practical joke side. I say " I promise no rocking or anything dangerous. They're safe. If you don't believe me ask the man over there." We walk over and Hans introduces himself as keeper of the paddle boats. We receive a safety lecture and put life vests on and get in. Well I get in at least. It quickly becomes a skit from the 3 stooges as Hans and I maneuver, grab and lift her into what I call "The Baby Titanic" I have the good sense to keep the name to myself, until we are on our way. The truth it was a very smooth journey and we had fun with no incidences of mischief. We return and go to dinner where once again my dad is the only one who can converse or read the menu. It was a long flight and I'm tired. I'll finish the story tomorrow. Thanks and good night. Jody
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