Wednesday 4th September 2023

Basel

Another no boots transition day, this time from Colmar in France to Basel in Switzerland.

Farewelled Little Miss Happy on reception whose attitude did not change from sign in to sign out – obviously a young lady who needs to rethink her career in a people facing job.

Just 50 steps and we were on the queue to buy our tickets. Train was due in about 30 minutes and there was little change in it’s length for what seemed an eternity.

A sudden spurt of productivity had us ticketed and on the platform ready for another speedy train ride.

Within 10 minutes the landscape changed and vineyards gave way to field of wheat – guess they need something for all that bread.

In no time we were pulling into another ultra modern train station that was not far off an international airport with all of its shopping facilities.

We managed to sort out a problem with a train cancellation on one of the legs to the Black Forest, then headed to our nearby accommodation. Pretty ironic that we left land of storks to end up in an Ibis hotel.

No early access but at least the staff member was ultra pleasant. Interesting that she was French and said that the Swiss don’t take on the menial jobs in hospitality because of the cost of living – we found out a bit about that later in the day.

Armed with the City Map and Map Me App we headed into town , dodging the myriad of trams and buses which we as visitors could use for free with our Basel Card.

No where near as many tourists in the town, it just seemed like a major city getting on with life.

It was surprising how hilly the town was even close down near the Rhine.
We wandered down past the Cathdersl which was closed for prayers. Like many here it had a sundial out front.

We ran into another church with a lovely mural out front. Inside was a full orchestra preparing for a concert. We waited for 15 minutes but no music emanated from any one of the wide selection of instruments.

Out the back of Carhdral was a lovely tree filled park which offered great views up and down the river.

We got down onto the river and crossed to the other side and in one park watched another competitive game of either pétanque or boules.

The river was a passing parade of cruises, barges , small pleasure craft and believe it or not several people floating down the river with flotation devices, dodging bridges and watercraft.

Lots of people wete lining the riverbank lolling back on the stone banks taking in the sun and enjoying lunch. We managed to join the group with a little feast from the local deli.

One surprise boats was a punt who ferried people across the river in a craft tethered to a wire high above the river. For a couple of Euro’s we could not resist the opportunity.

Headed back into the Cathedral area and managed to get a viewing along with 10 little kindergarden kids who were being herded like cats by the teacher.

When you think of how the church espouses peace the sculpture out the front of a soldier spearing a dragon didn’t quite fit the bill.

Headed home, through the main town gate whch still had old wooden gates intact, along with a nasty looking iron grille with cerrated edges.

Also passed a couple of interesting shops, one the weirdly named Ass Bar and the other a toy store where the French and Swiss penchant for cycling showed up with Match Box Toys in the image of a tour De France riders.

Managed to find our way home and book into our postage stamp sized room.

Went out for dinner and Jane talked me into the Cheese Fondue. It was delicious but I reckon they need to serve it with a defibrillator as a side dish.

With a 1/2 bottle of wine and a couple of desserts we needed to mortgage the house to pay the bill.

The area around the railway was a microcosm of society, with first signs of homelessness, buskers, plus a couple of heavily drug affected types.

On the way home I was accosted by two young gypsy looking guys at the railway. They were jostling me and getting very handsy , obviously feeling for wallets etc. I politely told them f… off.

We made it home with no further incident. Oh the joys of big cities!!