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27/12/2004: "My Swissiland"

Much has been achieved in 2004 in the area of human spaceflight, from US President Bush announcing his country's vision for space exploration to private companies competing to offer suborbital flights for paying passengers. The Economist reviews this year's successes and recent developments.

Today started with the deafening sound of the alarm bell, announcing the delivery of my friend's much anticipated sofa, which was immediately put to good use as can be seen from the picture. While hearing about the benefits of ultra wide armrests, I learned how to best choose such an essential part of a living room and how to try them in the shop to ensure it fits all its would-be users. Be warned if you see me sleeping in couches at Ikea next time you shop.

I then had the great pleasure of sharing a meal with Mr. Mullah - food is the best way to rekindle a good friendship. In the middle of his Lernphase, preparing for his university finals, Mr. Mullah was kind enough to grant me a few hours from his busy work schedule - most of which were wasted by my late arrival. (I was negotiating treacherous icy roads with summer tires, an exercise I don't recommend on an empty stomach.) A perfect lunch in a perfect location, after nearly 500km drive.

We met in St. Moritz, a beautiful resort in Eastern Switzerland close to Davos and Klosters, where the royal princes take their ski holidays. Everything is of high quality, with friendly staff, perfect service and great food, a real little paradise. It's this that I miss so much when I am in London... nothing in England can come close to it.