Blogs from Basel, North-West, Switzerland, Europe

The weary barefoot traveller sat on the bridge’s parapet, gazing at the river. Her robe thrown off in discomfort, the suitcase dusty from her travels across the country, the spear and shield devoid of any desire for action, the plump woman contemplates her destiny. I did not recognise her at first. Then I saw the laurel wreath in her hand, and the robe, and the spear. She has gained weight and lost some of the majesty since I last saw her on a postal stamp. It is Helvetia, the female personification of Switzerland. Bettina Eichin released Helvetia from the stamp, and the coin, so that she could tour the country she represents. The sculptor saw the emblematic woman hunched over the bridge on the Rhine in Basel. Since 1980 the bronze figure has been an icon ... read more

Today is the last day in Europe and we are spending it in Basel. I've really come to love this city. I appreciate the cleanliness, efficiency, and safety. Basel is very expensive, but Switzerland's minimum wage is 25 CHF/hour. Swizterland definitely has something good going for it. I'm glad Michael's parents live in Basel as opposed to Paris. I don't think I've mentioned it, but Basel is famous for its fountains. There are a total of 202 fountains in the city, and you can drink from every one! You must drink from where the water is streaming (not where it is pooling, dogs drink in there/animals). Again, I love the cleanliness of Basel where I can drink not just straight from the tap, but from the fountains! So, after Michael and I woke up we went ... read more

We have finally made it to Basel, Switzerland. We have been here for one full day now. After our flights being rebooked three times, we are here. Our luggage is not, but we are making due. Last night, I met my cousin Daniela and her boyfriend Dirk for dinner. It was so nice. They are both so friendly and funny. I can definitely tell we are family. We would like to make future plans for me to visit Hamburg or them to come to United States. We were so exhausted last night. I actually felt better yesterday than today. I'm doing much better health wise then I thought. I'm walking a lot and I'm not in too much pain. I did pack my prednisone in my pill bag and I've been taking that. It's helping a ... read more

Day 11: Mulhouse to Huningue (near Basal Switzerland). We pedaled a long day in the wind getting lost several times again with sprinkling rain on and off all day. Before leaving Mulhouse we headed to the historical section. It was Sunday morning and there was barely anyone around. It was absolutely beautiful with the buildings all painted up and the town kept pristine. Each place we visit is more lovely than the last. I am pinching myself for all we are seeing! We stopped at the train station prior to leaving where poor Denis has to return to collect 50 cents to use the facilities. It is so odd to have to pay to use the washroom. We had some pretty good paths, especially along the canal and enjoyed the day. Also along the route we ... read more

Um zwölf Uhr traff sich das Gartenteam an der Tramhaltestelle, es ging los in den OBI! Wir kauften einiges ein für unseren Garten, von Koniferen bis Ahornbaum und Magnolienbaum. Später ging es dann in den Garten, wo wir alles einpflanzten, jeder hatte einiges zu tun. Mark-Anton und Helena genossen die Sonne unter unserem Tisch und meine Lilly nervte uns alle, weil sie entweder in die Sauna, unter die Pergola und überall verstecken wollte um ja nicht gefunden zu werden. Meine Lilly ist sehr selbstbewusst und dickköpfig, woher sie das wohl hat? Ich reparierte die Hühnertür, begann unseren Rosenbogen zu montieren und pflanzte mit dem Kühlaggregat die beiden Kletterrosen um. Zum Schluss gossen wir alle unsere Pflanzen, danach ging es nach Hause. Zuhause genoss ich den Abend, besonders lustig war noch, das der rosarote Stuhl(Thron) von ... read more

Ich habe die Möglichkeit gehabt beim ersten Ei das meine Lilly im Frühjahr 2012 gelegt hat, live dabei zu sein!... read more

Hoi zomä! Ein merkwürdiger Blogtitel, aber in letzter Zeit muss ich oft über diese Lebensweisheit von diesem griechischen Philosophen schmunzeln, denn ich stelle immer wieder fest, das ist teilweise wahr, aber grundsätzlich Blödsinn. Stellt euch mal vor alles wär ständig anders, du & ich, deine Freunde & Familie, dein Wohnort, deine Persönlichkeit, dein Mensch sein. Das wäre echt verwirrend & krank, da bin ich doch froh, dass Gott die Welt mit vielen Konstanten geschaffen hat. Wie wir Mesnchen so sind, die Umwelt, die Attribute die wir Menschen haben (das wir Luft atmen & nicht plötzlich im Wasser leben)& das jemanden zu töten böse ist. Ohne Gott wäre all das gar nicht so sicher. Wenn da nicht Gott wäre, der immer seine schützende Hand über uns und die Erde haben würde, wenn er der Welt nicht so ... read more