Before I Get Too Comfortable

Tag: new experiences

  • I Let AI Decide My Entire Day. Here’s What Happened.

    I Let AI Decide My Entire Day. Here’s What Happened.

    4–6 minutes

    Check The Intro Video

    I woke up knowing one thing: today was not going to be a normal day.

    No plan. No itinerary. Just a ChatGPT conversation and a promise to myself that whatever it said, I would do it. The concept was simple. The execution? A little terrifying.

    This is what happened when I gave AI full control of my day in Zurich.

    Challenge 1: Ask a Stranger for Their Favourite Coffee Spot

    Watch Episode 1

    I took the train from Kloten to Zurich HB and waited for my first instruction. ChatGPT told me to find a stranger, ask them for their favourite coffee spot, and order exactly what they usually get. No questions. No substitutions.

    As someone who is naturally introverted, this felt immediately wrong.

    I found a group of girls near the station. “Hey, sorry to bother you, I’m doing this challenge where AI is planning my whole day and it told me to ask a stranger for their favourite coffee spot. What’s yours?” They didn’t hesitate. Babu’s Bakery. Matcha and a pastry.

    “A matcha?” I said, like I had never heard the word before. We laughed.

    I walked away, found the place, and ordered a matcha and a cheesecake. It was excellent. Challenge one done. And it was only the beginning.

    Challenge 2: Take a Random Tram to the End of the Line

    Watch Episode 2

    From Bahnhofstrasse, ChatGPT told me to get into the first tram I see. I boarded it with no idea where it was going, rode it all the way to the last stop, and stepped off at a place called Albisguetli.

    What I found was not what I expected.

    Nature. Complete, unplanned, unexpected nature, minutes from the centre of Zurich. The first thing we spotted was a random vending machine standing alone in the middle of nowhere, which felt about right for how this day was going.

    We started walking uphill, then turned around when I spotted a sign reading Panoramaweg, a panoramic path. We followed it. I found dandelions growing along the side and blew one straight at my cameraman.

    We walked past patches of farmland, heard a chicken coop before we saw it, and spent a few very sincere minutes having a one-sided conversation with the chickens.

    Then, between the farms and the silence, we turned a corner and saw Zurich’s skyline. The Prime Tower, perfectly visible.

    “We were so close to the city yet completely removed from it.”

    Walking back down, the streets surprised me again. Rows of trees with soft pink leaves lining the road, not quite cherry blossoms but just as beautiful, and completely unexpected for a random tram stop.

    Then, mid-walk, I heard a cat.

    I am a big animal person, so naturally I stopped everything and followed the sound. Found him on a quiet street, mid-cleaning session, completely unbothered by my existence. I crouched down and waited. He ignored me for a solid minute, full grooming routine, no interruptions, and then, once he decided he was done, walked straight over to me.

    Honestly one of the best moments of the day. Unplanned, unscripted, and completely worth the detour.

    Challenge 3: Walk Into a Restaurant and Order Blind

    Watch Episode 3

    Getting back to the city was its own adventure. We got a little lost, found a train station, took the train back to HB and walked out through Europaallee looking for somewhere to eat (I was starving).

    The first restaurant we tried was full. The second one, a Korean pan-Asian restaurant, warm and dimly lit inside, had a table for us.

    The challenge: no looking at the menu. Eyes closed, finger on the page, eat whatever I land on.

    We sat down. Both our phones had died, which made the QR code menu completely useless. We sat there, slightly helpless, until a waiter realised and brought a physical menu. I closed my eyes, moved my finger down the page, and pointed.

    “Beef bulgogi bliss?”

    It was genuinely good. Rich, warm, exactly what you want after a full day of walking around Zurich not knowing where you’re going. My only note: could have used more meat. Minor complaint for a meal I didn’t choose.

    What AI Actually Taught Me

    Here is the thing about giving up control, it removes every excuse you usually have.

    You can’t say you didn’t know what to do. You can’t say you weren’t in the mood. You can’t say you’ll do it next weekend. AI decided, I showed up, and things happened, a conversation with strangers, a chicken coop and a cat in the middle of Zurich, a bulgogi bowl in a new restaurant.

    None of this was on my usual Saturday. None of it was comfortable at first. And all of it was worth it.

    Your comfort zone isn’t keeping you safe. It’s just keeping you in the same place.

    This is exactly what this blog is about. Not perfectly planned experiences. Not curated itineraries. Just what actually happens when you stop waiting and start going. You find panoramic views you didn’t know existed. You talk to chickens. You eat cheesecake for no reason.

    Wherever you are. try it. Let something else decide for once.

    If you’d like to see a video about my personal experience, come check out my instagram.

    The best things that happened today were the ones I never would have chosen myself

    So, would you do it? Hand over control for a day and see what happens. Drop it in the comments. I want to know. And if you’re already thinking of someone to drag along for the ride, that’s your sign.

    Never handed control over before? Read the manifesto first, it’s where this whole idea began.

    THE MANIFESTO

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  • 8 Experiences in Zurich That Will Get Your Heart Pumping

    8 Experiences in Zurich That Will Get Your Heart Pumping

    6–9 minutes

    Most people spend their weekends in Zurich the same way. Coffee, maybe a walk, back home by 5.

    There’s another version of the weekend available to you. One where your heart beats a little faster, your legs actually move and you put your phone in your pocket because you’re too busy being somewhere to document it.

    This is that list. Eight experiences in and around Zurich : free to paid, solo to group, calm to full adrenaline. The version of you that actually shows up will love every single one.

    1. Lucky Punch – Boxing in the Dark

    A boxing fitness class unlike anything you’ve tried, dark room, red neon lights, your own DJ headset.

    Lucky Punch – Europaallee 5, 8004 Zürich

    You don’t need to know how to box. Lucky Punch strips away the intimidation and replaces it with music, movement and a room full of people figuring it out alongside you. The sessions are beginner friendly, the energy is electric, and by the end you’ll have completely forgotten you were working out.

    How it works:

    • Arrive and receive your personal headset, your soundtrack for the entire session
    • The room goes dark, red neon lights come on, the music starts
    • Follow the guided session: combinations, movement, rhythm, all synced to the music
    • No experience needed, the format guides you through everything from start to finish

    📍 Zurich | CHF 38 (First Timer Promotion) | ~1h | Link 🔗

    2. Züri Rollt – Free City Bike Rental

    Zurich’s free bike rental – pick up directly at the Hauptbahnhof and discover the city at your own pace.

    Züri Rollt – Bike Station at Zurich Main Station, Europaplatz

    Pick up a bike right at Zurich’s main station, no booking needed, just a valid ID and a CHF 20 deposit and the city is yours. No itinerary, no pressure. Perfect if you’re new to Zurich or want to see it from a completely different angle. E-bikes and cargo bikes available for CHF 30 if you want to cover more ground.

    How it works:

    • Head to Zurich HB, station opposite track 18 next to the Swiss National Museum, or next to track 3
    • Bring a valid ID and a CHF 20 deposit Standard bikes are free for the full day, return by closing time
    • Open Mon–Sat 8am–9:30pm, Sundays March–October 8am–5:30pm
    • E-bikes and cargo bikes CHF 30, bookable online in advance

    📍 Zurich | Free (CHF 20 deposit) / CHF 30 e-bike | Full day | Link 🔗

    3. Boda Borg – Quest Rooms That Actually Use Your Body

    A physical quest centre in Rümlang where your team works through rooms, each with its own challenge.

    Boda Borg – Oberglatterstrasse 35, 8153, Rümlang

    Minimum three people, and that’s not just a rule, it’s the whole concept. Some rooms are physical: you’re climbing, crawling, moving. Others make you think and problem-solve together. The magic is discovering what everyone is actually good at and learning to use each other’s strengths. Brilliant for meeting new people, strengthening friendships or simply finding out who in your group panics under pressure.

    I went there and it was one of the most fun things I’ve done in Zurich. You find out very quickly who in your group is good at what – and how to use that. Some rooms you’ll crack in two minutes. Others will have your whole group completely stumped for longer than you’d like to admit. That’s exactly the point.

    How it works:

    • Arrive as a group of minimum 3 and a maximum of 5
    • Receive a brief introduction to the rules, no spoilers on what’s inside each room
    • Enter quest rooms as a team and attempt each challenge together
    • Groups of 6 or more are automatically split into multiple teams
    • Fail a room? You can try again, there’s no set order, you move freely

    📍 Zurich | 2h = CHF 35 per person, 4h = CHF 48 per person | 2-4h | Link 🔗

    4. Cold Water Swimming – Strandbad Mythenquai

    One of the simplest and most underrated ways to reset your entire nervous system – and it costs nothing.

    Strandbad Mythenquai – 95, 8002, Zürich

    Head to Strandbad Mythenquai on the western shore of Lake Zurich – sandy beach, grassy area, direct lake access. It’s uncomfortable for about 30 seconds, and then something shifts. People who do this regularly swear by it. Outside of the official summer season it’s completely free and open year-round.

    How it works:

    • Arrive at Strandbad Mythenquai, easily reachable by tram from the city centre
    • Leave your things on the grass or use the changing rooms
    • Walk to the water don’t overthink it, just get in
    • Breathe slowly and stay calm for the first 30 seconds, that’s the hardest part
    • Stay as long as feels right, even five minutes is enough to feel the difference

    📍 Zurich | Free (outside summer) / CHF ~5-8 in season | Link 🔗

    5. Minimum Boulder – Indoor Rock Climbing

    Zurich’s climbing centre for complete beginners and experienced climbers alike.

    Minimum Boulder – Leutschenbachstrasse 44, 8050 Zurich

    Indoor climbing forces you to be completely present, you genuinely cannot think about anything else when you’re three metres off the ground figuring out where to put your foot next. No experience needed, equipment rental available and intro sessions on offer. Go solo to challenge yourself or bring someone along.

    How it works:

    • Arrive and rent equipment – shoes and harness included in the rental fee
    • Book an intro session if it’s your first time, they walk you through the basics
    • Start on the beginner walls and work your way up at your own pace
    • Bouldering also available if you want to climb without ropes

    📍 Zurich | CHF 26 | 2h+ | Link 🔗

    6. SUP Paddleboarding – Lake Zurich

    Stand-up paddleboarding on one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland.

    SUP Paddleboarding – Heimatstrasse 7, 8008 Zürich

    Calm on the surface, surprisingly challenging once you’re actually on the board. SUP forces you to focus entirely on balance and movement, your mind goes quiet in a way it rarely does. Go early morning for the best light and the calmest water.

    How it works:

    • Rent your board from a provider directly at the lake, no advance booking usually needed
    • Get a quick briefing on paddle technique and balance before you head out
    • Start on your knees first if you need to find your footing
    • Stand up gradually, feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent
    • Paddle out and enjoy, Lake Zurich from the water is something else entirely

    📍 Lake Zurich | 1h = CHF 31.66, 2h = CHF 47.50 | 1-2h | Link 🔗

    7. Uetliberg – Zurich’s Own Mountain

    A free hike right on Zurich’s doorstep with views that will make you question why you don’t do this every weekend.

    Take the S10 from Zurich HB, it’s a 20-minute ride and you’re there. Hike up through the forest or take the train straight to the summit. Either way the views earn their reputation. Time it for sunset if you can – the whole city spreads out below you in golden light and it’s one of those moments that makes you feel very small and very alive. There’s a restaurant and hotel at the top if you want to make a full evening of it.

    💡 New Year’s tip: Uetliberg is one of the best spots in Zurich to watch the fireworks. The entire city lights up below you – every neighbourhood, every bridge, every light. Even if the weather isn’t great down in the city, it often clears at the top. Worth making the trip.

    How it works:

    • Take the S10 from Zurich HB – about 20 minutes to the top
    • Hike up from the station (80 min) or ride the train all the way to the summit
    • Follow the ridge trail for panoramic views of the city and the Alps
    • Stay for sunset or dinner at the restaurant at the top if you want to end the day right

    📍 Zurich (S10 from HB) | Free + CHF 4-5 train | 2-3h | Link 🔗

    8. Axtra – Urban Axe Throwing

    Not just throwing axes at a wall. A full coached experience – with games, competition and a tournament to finish.

    Axtra – Dörflistrasse 50, 8050, Zürich

    Here’s how it actually works: you don’t walk in and start throwing. Axtra is a proper guided session, structured, surprisingly technical once you get into it and genuinely fun from start to finish. By the end you’ll have gone from complete beginner to competing in a tournament against your group. Cathartic, slightly ridiculous and the kind of activity that becomes a story you tell for weeks. Reservation required — no walk-ins accepted.

    How it works:

    • Arrive at your reserved time, venue opens from 14:00 daily
    • Watch a safety video and sign a waiver
    • Receive personal coaching from an axe expert – technique, stance, release point
    • Practice your throws until you find your rhythm
    • Play 13 different interactive games projected directly onto the targets via tablets
    • Finish with a group tournament to find the ultimate champion

    📍 Zürich | 1h = CHF 59 per person | ~1-2h | Link 🔗

    The list is here. The weekend is right there.

    Which one are you trying first? Drop it in the comments 👇

    Want more ideas? Check out 10 Creative Experiences to Try in Zurich

    10 Creative EXPERIENCES

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  • Paint, Pressure & Lilacs in a Jar

    Paint, Pressure & Lilacs in a Jar

    4–6 minutes

    My first official side quest

    There’s something slightly humbling about willingly signing up to do something you’re not naturally good at. And for me, that thing is painting.

    Paint It Easy Studio – Bederstrasse 94, 8002 Zürich

    I’ve never really been “the creative one.” I like things to look good, but I also like knowing how to make them look good. So, sitting in front of a blank canvas, hoping for the best? Slightly stressful.

    But I had this thought:
    I can’t really have flowers at home (my cat would absolutely destroy them and probably poison herself in the process)… so why not paint some instead?

    The part where I thought this would be serious (it wasn’t)

    I walked into the studio expecting something a bit… quiet. Focused. Almost intimidating. Instead, there was a bar?

    People chatting, music playing, everyone casually painting like they’ve done this before. It felt more like an apéro than a class just with canvases.

    Everything was already set up: brushes, paints, palette, and right in front of me – a blank canvas, plus the “ideal version” of what we were about to paint: Lilacs in a jar.

    So basically: here’s what it should look like…

    Confidence lasted approximately 12 minutes

    At first, I felt fine.

    We started by tracing the outlines, which already felt like a safe start, and I thought: okay, I can do this. This is manageable. Then the painting actually started.

    Background first – soft yellows into white, blending into blue. Very calm, very aesthetic… until I realised everyone around me was moving much faster.

    And I was still… thinking.

    Mixing colours. Re-checking. Trying to make it “perfect.” Classic.

    The comparison spiral (yes, it happened)

    At some point, I looked around.

    Everyone was already working on their flowers. Meanwhile, I was still somewhere between “this might look good” and “why am I still on step two?”

    That was probably the most frustrating part.

    Not because I didn’t understand, but because I wanted to do it right. And doing it “right” was slowing me down.

    Plot twist: slow didn’t mean bad

    The teacher, Jeanette, was walking around, checking everyone’s work, switching effortlessly between German and English, making the whole room feel relaxed and inclusive.

    She hadn’t said anything to me yet. Which obviously made me think:
    Okay… am I doing something wrong?

    Then she finally came over, looked at my canvas – and just went:

    “Oh wow, this is really pretty.”

    And suddenly… everything shifted.

    Because yes, I was slow. But what I was doing was somehow working.

    The moment I stopped trying to control everything

    Somewhere between painting the lilacs (with a brush… and later a sponge – I was the only one who took it, by the way) and adding the final details, I realised something:

    It was never going to look exactly like the reference picture. And that was fine. Actually, that was the whole point.

    Some people were following every step. Others were completely improvising. And somehow, everything still worked.

    That’s when it clicked.

    Creativity isn’t about getting it right.
    It’s about letting something take shape – even if it’s not what you expected.

    The part where I stayed longer than everyone else

    Everyone eventually finished, walked around, looked at each other’s paintings.

    Meanwhile, I was still there.

    Adding details. Asking questions. Fixing tiny things no one else probably noticed.

    Very on brand. But honestly? That’s when it got even better.

    It became less about “keeping up” and more about making it mine.

    So… was it actually good?

    I’ll be honest, during the workshop, I was hard on myself.

    But when I got home and looked at it again?

    It was actually… really nice. Not perfect. Not identical to the reference.

    But mine. Which, for me, is already a win.

    What this one taught me

    This workshop made me realise that creativity isn’t something you either “have” or don’t. It’s something you allow.

    You can be slow. You can overthink. You can even doubt everything you’re doing halfway through.

    And still end up creating something beautiful.

    Would I do it again?

    100% !!!

    This is one of those things that works in almost any context:

    • a date (honestly, such a good one)
    • after-work with colleagues
    • a random Saturday when you don’t know what to do
    • or even alone, if you feel like trying something new without overthinking it

    And the best part? You leave with something you made.

    Not just an experience – something you can actually keep.

    Which, in my case, might be the only “flowers” that survive in my apartment.

    Your turn

    At some point, you stop reading about things and actually go do one.

    Not because you’re “good” at painting.
    Not because you’re suddenly trying to become creative.

    But just to see what happens when you sit down, pick up a brush, and don’t overthink it for once.

    If you’d like to see a video about my personal experience, come check out my instagram.

    👉 Book your own workshop

    And if you do… I’d love to know what you end up creating.

    Drop a comment If you would try this side quest.

    If you’re not sure this one is for you, explore the rest of the list it’s full of creative ideas you can actually try.

    10 creative Experiences

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  • 10 Creative Experiences to Try (Even If You’re Not Creative)

    10 Creative Experiences to Try (Even If You’re Not Creative)

    4–7 minutes

    I started keeping a list. Every time I came across something that made me think “I should actually do that” – it went on the list. A pottery wheel session. A cocktail class. A flower bar. Things that sound slightly intimidating and completely worth it.

    I’m working through it. Some I’ve already tried, some are still on the to-do. But if you’ve been telling yourself you’re “not creative” – this list is for both of us. Here are 10 experiences worth trying, half are workshops you can book today, half cost nothing and just need a bit of courage.

    Part 1 – Workshops

    1. DB Pottery

    A Zurich based studio offering open wheel sessions for all levels – no experience needed.

    There’s something deeply satisfying about putting your hands in clay and making something with them. Your first attempt probably won’t be a vase but it might be a lopsided bowl or a collapsed cylinder. That’s the point. DB Pottery runs open sessions so you can just show up, no pressure, no expectations. One of those things that slows your brain down in the best possible way.

    I would definitely go for the “Pottery Taster Course” !

    📍Zurich | CHF 220 | ~3h | Link 🔗

    2. Kulto Solar – Jewelry Making

    A Zurich based studio where you make your own silver jewelry in a guided workshop.

    Making something you can actually wear afterward is a very specific kind of satisfaction. At Kulto Solar you work with silver -soldering, shaping, finishing – and leave with a piece that’s completely yours. No experience needed, just patience and a willingness to follow the steps.

    📍Zurich | CHF 150 – 200 | ~3h | Link 🔗

    3. PIE Paint It Easy – Sip & Paint

    PIE runs guided painting sessions in Zurich where you create your own piece to take home.

    There’s something disarming about a blank canvas and not knowing what to do with it. That’s exactly where you start.The session is guided but relaxed, so you can figure things out as you go. No experience needed, and honestly, that’s the point.You can sip on a cocktail while you paint, which makes it feel less like a class and more like trying something new without overthinking it.

    📍Zurich & Basel | CHF 70-80 | ~3h | Link 🔗

    4. Shake ‘N Smile – Cocktail Making

    A cocktail workshop where you learn to mix, shake, and create your own drinks.

    Half workshop, half party. You learn actual techniques – the right shake, how to balance flavors – but the vibe is fun, not formal. Great to do with a friend or solo if you want to meet people. You’ll also leave knowing how to make at least one drink that sounds impressive at a dinner party.

    📍Zurich & Basel | CHF 89 | ~2h | Link 🔗

    5. Tufting Club – Rug Workshop

    Tufting Club offers hands-on rug workshops where you design and make your own textile piece.

    You use a tufting gun to push yarn through a canvas and build a rug from scratch. It’s loud, satisfying, and slightly addictive. You design your own pattern, choose your colors, and leave with something that looks like it belongs in an interior design shoot. One of the more unexpected things on this list.

    📍Zurich | CHF 250 | ~4h | Link 🔗

    6. Rangoly – Flower Bar Atelier

    The Rangoly Flower Bar Atelier is a bookable studio experience where you create your own dried flower arrangement, freely and at your own pace.

    No skill required – you just pick what you like ! At the Rangoly Flower Bar Atelier, you start by choosing a vase and your dried flowers, then just see where it goes. No strict steps, no pressure to make it perfect. Just arranging, adjusting, and finding a balance that feels right.

    It’s the kind of experience that feels almost meditative. And somehow, the bouquet you make yourself always ends up meaning a little more.

    – which, by the way, makes for a much better gift when you can casually say you made it yourself.

    📍Winterthur | CHF 39 entry (+ vase & flowers separately) | ~90 min | Link🔗

    Part 2 – Free Solo Experiences

    7. Go on a Sketch Walk

    Take a notebook and wander somewhere unfamiliar, sketching whatever catches your eye along the way.

    Grab a notebook and walk somewhere unfamiliar. Sketch what you see — buildings, people, shadows, whatever catches your eye. You don’t need to be good at drawing. The goal isn’t the result, it’s the way it changes how you look at things. You start noticing details you’d have walked right past.

    8. Pin a Random Spot on Google Maps and Go

    Open Google Maps, zoom out, close your eyes, drop a pin – then just go.

    Open Google Maps, zoom out, close your eyes, drop a pin. Then go. It sounds ridiculous until you actually do it and end up somewhere you never would have found on purpose. A tiny adventure that costs nothing except the bus fare.

    9. Go to a Museum Alone

    Wander through a museum at your own pace, with no one else shaping how long you stay or what you notice.

    Going with someone means negotiating what to see. Alone, you set your own pace. You can stand in front of one painting for ten minutes, or leave after twenty. No pressure to have an opinion out loud. Solo museum visits are quietly underrated.

    10. Build a Mood Board From Real Life

    Forget Pinterest – go outside and collect your own visuals, one photo at a time.

    Forget Pinterest. Go outside, take photos of things that catch your eye – textures, colors, moments. Print them, or just collect them in one album. A mood board made from things you actually noticed in real life tells you more about yourself than an algorithm ever will.

    Do it with someone and it becomes even better. Pick a color each, spend the day hunting for it in unexpected places, and capture whatever matches. At the end, you put it all together – and suddenly it’s not just a mood board, it’s a shared memory.

    Which one is going on your list first?

    Drop a comment and tell me which one you’d pick for your first side quest.

    If you’re overthinking which one to choose, go read the manifesto. It’s not about picking perfectly, it’s about saying yes before you talk yourself out of it.

    The Manifesto

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