We went to Lake Zurich Sunday to walk along the glistening water. When the sun shines warm in Zurich, head for the lake. It quickly became obvious this was the mindset in the city.

The European Athletics Championships held in Zurich and for the first time in Switzerland in 60 years, had just wrapped up with a marathon which wound into the city. Besides those city dwellers and visitors who came to watch and cheer on participants--and were now seeking sun by the lake--the streets were filled with volunteers wearing magenta shirts dismantling the events stations.

We spied a Limmat River Ship (Limmat Schiff), a long, low-profile motor boat, heading into lake waters, leaving behind a frothy trail. Good idea! We decided to walk to the ship stop far away down the shore. We waited for and were soon speeding along on a ship returning to the river and to the main train station to return home.

It was a beautiful experience on a beautiful summer day in a beautiful setting. The whole afternoon was just . . . yes, I have to say it: beautiful.