Beginnings in Basel!

En Route

Mr. H. takes a much-needed break in the Milan airport.  Unfortunately, if you look behind him, you can see Darth Vader planning an attack!

Mrs. H. enjoys a snack of fine French champagne and multi-layered German chocolate cherry cake which tastes, surprisingly, like water and saltine crackers.  Mr. H. denies the allegations.

Mr. and Mrs. H. delight in the lovely scenery between Milan and Basel on the five hour train ride.  Much jet lag dozing occurred between gazes.

Life in Klein Basel (or Glai Bal, as locals call it)

Mrs. H. shows off her spacious kitchen and living quarters.  Mr. and Mrs. H. plan to squander all 320 feet of luxurious space on themselves, so don't even think about attempting a visit!

Look at the beautiful pink color of these hydrangeas!

St. Thomas Kirche, just a few blocks down our street. 

Our local "tramli" (little tram) is very efficient and very green.

Both of these pictures boast works of art, one floral and one chocolate.  Please click on the thumbnails so you can see the intricate details of the floral designs and the Easter bunnies.

Mrs. H. smiles in front of the current Hinrichs'  home, Clarastrasse 47.  Just down the street, we have easy access to the local "Coop", which is a wonderful grocery store, and a backerai/konditerai (bakery/pastry shop). 

Time on the Rhine

Here, many Baslers enjoy an appearance by the ever-elusive sun.   

Mrs. H. enjoys the view on the Rhine.  Mr. and Mrs. H. share some time outside and a Dostoevsky novel, a wonderful combination!

Mrs. H. enjoys a delicious cup of tea before she shares a plate of apfel-kuchli, deep fried apple rings rolled in cinnamon sugar and vanilla sauce, with Mr. H.  We are thankful for the many daily walks we are taking!

The Basel Historical Museum

This building, built in the 14th century, used to be the Barfusser (barefoot) Kirche of the Discalced Franciscans, who reformed in their theology and no longer wanted it to be a monastery.  They donated the church to the city council on the understanding that it would no longer be used for any ecclesiastical purposes. 

Mr. H. gets ideas for his next furniture project.  He found the antique woodworking tools right away!

Notice the magnificent Gothic architecture. 

Mrs. H. wonders if this can be used on the next camping trip.

There are many beautiful tapestries in the museum.

We love the breathtaking heights of the ceilings and the pretty patterns the light splays on the walls through the stained glass windows. 

A larger interior view.

Around Grosse Basel (This means "Larger Basel", not the place in Basel where the garbage is disposed of!)

There is a Communist group in Basel that we plan to join...OOPS!  I mean, this Communist slogan says: "Capitalism does not have any flaws, it IS the flaw." We have read enough of Karl Marx to know that we disagree!

Bach's St. Matthew's Passion in the Muenster Cathedral

We had opportunity to hear an amazing performance of Bach's piece in this medieval church. 

More incredible architecture, stone work, and stained glass.

If you click on the thumbnail, you may be able to see the all-wooden period instruments used in the performance.

Miscellany

Notice this clever Swiss ad campaign combining down comforters and a variety of bed bugs.  Obviously, this campaign was not targeted towards foreigners who do not yet know, as the Swiss do, that bed bugs make charming sleeping companions. 

Mr. H. smiles handsomely, touting his newly sprouting beard, while the Muenster looks on with approbation.

Mr. H. enjoys two bratwursts for lunch, one courtesy of Mrs. H.'s picky palate. 

To be continued...