Our first full day of vacation begins with, what else, but food: a hearty breakfast with enough choices to overwhelm even Homer Simpson.
As our excursion into Basel wasn’t scheduled until after 9 am, I took a walk along the river bank….TO FRANCE! π«π·
Walking north along the undulating, multi-level river walk, I noticed an end to the landscaping and the start of natural plant growth where the water lapped the shore. My suspicions proved true: where the concrete met the greenery was the Swiss/French border! Unfortunately, I hadn’t the time to continue on to the Germany border, still further down the path; but I can say, at the very least, that I walked to France.
With breakfast and my morning constitutional complete, we all prepared to be transported into central Basel for a walking tour with our Program Director. (Peg even hydrated with fresh Alpine water spewing from the gaping maw of a cast-iron basilisk–a traditional symbol of the city.) We three are members of the intrepid Red group led by Julia, a Grand Circle veteran of German/Portuguese heritage.
As buses are not permitted in the historic town center, our motor coach deposited us in an area populated by some of the big names in Swiss banking. From there, we began to explore the city, winding our way past meticulously well-kept buildings and surprising artistic touches on our way to the Basel cathedral (or MΓΌnster.)
Reaching the eastern side of the cathedral, we entered what had once been the burial ground of some of Basel’s elite citizens. This area also defined the eastern edge of a large arcaded cloister that abuts the cathedral building.
Walking through the gallery and out behind the cathedral, we found ourselves standing on a large observation plaza overlooking the Rhine and greater Basel with even greater photo ops. Pictures taken, we proceeded to the front of the building on the MΓΌnsterplatz.
On the square, with the great cathedral facade looming above us, our Program Director Julia gave us the skinny on some of the more prominent iconography across the facade.
There was some question as to whether or not tour groups were permitted into the building, despite no services being held and there being a gift shop strategically placed immediately inside the entryway. So we entered it, admired it…and lived to tell of it without consequences.
Leaving the cathedral zone, we literally descended–there were probably 50 or more steps on the route down–into the Marktplatz. With its historic red Town Hall anchoring one side of the square, there are vendor markets held here six days a week. And the area is obviously the central hub for Basel’s extensive streetcar system as there was never NOT a tram or three gliding (they are very quiet!) into the square to disgorge and collect passengers.
With our guided tour at an end, we were set loose on Basel with free time to sightsee, shop, eat and wander before either catching one of the scheduled returning buses or walking back to the ship.
We shopped a bit but then found it difficult to locate a restaurant that suited our taste. Many were already filled with the Basel lunchtime crowd…and other potentials were closed. So we caught the bus, returning to the ship to avail ourselves of the ship’s luncheon menu.
After our midday feeding, I was feeling whipped–remnants of jet lag, no doubt–and remained in the room, digesting and napping. Rob & Peg went on a “treasure-seeking” adventure utilizing one of Basel’s unique transportation systems.
Along the Basel waterfront are several ferries that, for a mere 2 euros, will carry one to the opposite shore without the use of an engine. With the boat attached to an over-the-river cable, the captain positions and “rudders” the boat such that the strong flow of the river propels it across. By adjusting the position of the boat again, it returns from whence it came.
Rob and Peg, on the first of what will no doubt be multiple quests for an elusive, exclusive (to Aldi’s) Armagnac, took this ferry during the afternoon.
Peg found it relaxing, to say the very least.
Unfortunately, the Aldi’s that was their destination did not sell alcohol. They returned empty-handed.
But, on their little adventure, they did come across one of the remaining gates from Basel’s old city walls. The ideal backdrop for Peg’s execution of a perfect Third Position ballet stance.
But wait! In Basel, the ferries are not the only flotsam powered by the river’s current. Along with the occasional swan, we have seen the bobbing heads of human beings with floating bags in tow skirting the opposite shoreline!
For recreation, people here will swim (float?) down the Rhine using a “Wickelfisch” bag. A Swiss invention, and NOT a substitute for a life-preserver, these fish-shaped bags keep their stuff dry while in the water. Upriver, people arrive in or don their swimming togs, secure their belongings, hop in the river and let the current do its thing, carrying them down river to their choice of landing. Emerging from the water, they can dry off, dress up and continue on their way, all thanks to their wickelfish. And while none of us gave it a try, bearing witness was unique enough to earn blog-space.
That’s a wrap on Basel. Before our ship left for our next port of call, there was an interactive discussion on “Switzerland Today” featuring a real Swiss…ian(?). A teacher by profession, he spoke on a myriad of topics including such American taboos as his and his wife’s salaries along with education, mandatory military service, taxes, health care and the incredibly high (Alpine?) cost of living here.
On to Strasbourg.
Romance of the Rhine & Mosel 
Peg does look relaxed! π
What a fun thing to doβ¦float down the Rhine with your Wickelfisch!!
β€οΈ Nini
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