Blogs from Basel, North-West, Switzerland, Europe - page 3

It had been a warm night and we couldn't have the window of the hotel room open because of the mosquitos that were out to get us!Still we both had a good nights sleep and Gretchen's injuries from the Chagny incident are improving all the time. It was just a short run to Basel and then all we had to do was to find our way to D's apartment. However,first we had to run the gauntlet of getting past a guy at the border who wanted to extract €40 from us for driving on Swiss highways.Fat chance he had considering we were only going to be in Switzerland for 24 hours and we did not intend on leaving the city of Basel which you enter as you leave the border and no need to drive on ... read more

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

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