I grew up on the 9^th floor. Until my 21^st birthday I lived in a high-rise building. The house was on a mountain and thus had almost panorama view on a metropolitan city. The windows were huge and the view fantastic. Often I would stand at the window and watch the city. There’s always something going on. The city is changing every second and during the night it’s just as exciting as during day time. I was dreaming while standing at my window. The dreams were flying far away and coming back in a curve. I hadn’t been aware what a privilege such a view is. 

At the age of 21 I moved to my first own flat on the second floor. The street was narrow. The next house was separated from my house only by two small footpaths and a narrow alley. One could look into the neighbour’s kitchen. Boring, as he was never at home. After that I moved several times and the view was sometimes better, sometimes worse. So far, none of my flats could compete with the fantastic view from my childhood room. 

Until yesterday. I visited the “Prime Tower” and it took my breath away. The view is amazing! The city of Zurich lies at one’s feet with its gaiety, colourfulness and hectic (the “Hardbrücke”). I was standing at the window and saw the rail tracks, houses, the Zürichberg and Uetliberg. Simply impressive. I was sticking to the window and it was rather difficult to break away from it. Childhood had returned for a moment.

 What does such a view do to someone? What is the influence on a person, who can live or work with such a view? Since my childhood I always have the urge to climb on a mountain, tree or tower in order to have such a view. If I have the view and can enjoy such view, I am pushed to go wherever one can discover interesting things. Switzerland has the big advantage that even if one cannot afford a flat with a view, one can climb the Pilatus, Rigi or any other mountain and enjoy the brilliant view. Perhaps that’s the reason why so many people in Switzerland are looking over tip of their own noses. After all, they are used to look further.

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