tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37243649273783158272024-03-04T21:58:14.500-08:00Sweet Home LocarnoSuzerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059470210516218520noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724364927378315827.post-45088879572792388502009-07-30T13:09:00.001-07:002009-07-30T13:10:48.014-07:00Over and OutMy stint in Switzerland is now over. Many things that I liked and many things that drove me nutso.<br />I think in a few months I might make a list of the bests and worsts. For now I am just too tired to think about it.Suzerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059470210516218520noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724364927378315827.post-84062292619360540812009-06-01T01:24:00.000-07:002009-06-01T04:27:37.817-07:00A night in GenovaOn my way to the French Riviera, I decided to stop over and spend the first night in Genova. Genova is fantastically connected for transportation, ala planes trains and automobiles....in this case including ferries as well. Unfortunately there were not any ferries going in the direction that I wanted to go, but sometime I would love to take one of the Genova to Barcelona ferries.<br /><div style="text-align: left;">I did not have high expectations for Genova. It is, and always has been a major port town.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbiVTQzLadKUHymCxLCQfGZ_jRLF1wX_qPWNvGZVzdzmVtHs_zvOLDv_DdvmCMJw2tjRsUo8kwJSNw7G9E4euDiorL8iquoHmVEm6qjSBAS4rnKOyPc_zynLSGBll4oVs-__VbdIwcL6z/s1600-h/Genova+cityscape.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbiVTQzLadKUHymCxLCQfGZ_jRLF1wX_qPWNvGZVzdzmVtHs_zvOLDv_DdvmCMJw2tjRsUo8kwJSNw7G9E4euDiorL8iquoHmVEm6qjSBAS4rnKOyPc_zynLSGBll4oVs-__VbdIwcL6z/s200/Genova+cityscape.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342274069248397058" border="0" /></a> I figured that the modern interpretation of this would be a busy, dirty harbor. This was not the case. Genova is not a wonderland, but it has a lot to offer. It is one of the few cities that I have been to in Italy that really has a modern Italian vibe the way that an outsider would expect to see it. The city seamlessly combines modern demands with old world charm and behavior.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLzyNzPtJluzuY06Ta-TSMZ568lQkiRjpx0Yq1KYj84r8cPMMDWoln1LhxI9Dcv3gVRT-r5MYUD5oL-_hbq0XMn52pO3lvbcoo2jh68o3TwU82yGNXUkNbp3gEpPu_iIIQrdxlMBnZyof/s1600-h/Genova+night.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLzyNzPtJluzuY06Ta-TSMZ568lQkiRjpx0Yq1KYj84r8cPMMDWoln1LhxI9Dcv3gVRT-r5MYUD5oL-_hbq0XMn52pO3lvbcoo2jh68o3TwU82yGNXUkNbp3gEpPu_iIIQrdxlMBnZyof/s200/Genova+night.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342278207243673858" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Genova is mostly known to us westerners as the bithplace of Christopher Columbus and the place that Marco Polo was hung. There are some truly fantastic buildings in the old port section and walking around at night transports to another era as perhaps only Florence can compete to do. It is very charming.Suzerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059470210516218520noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724364927378315827.post-48430411092388119382009-04-07T00:28:00.001-07:002009-04-07T00:28:00.909-07:00Socializing<span xmlns=''><p>Italy is relatively small, but just like the US, there are several different types of culture based upon region. Everyone knows that there is a difference between Sicilians and Lombardy, but there are so many other variants in between. As part of my program, I have the opportunity to talk to all these different people. One of the main things I have learned from that so far, is that there is no way I am ever going to remember all of the regional classifications. For example, Tuscany as the area in which Dante is from and therefore the foundations of the Italian language, is considered a highly cultured area and are supposedly very prideful… but as I have heard, not altogether unfounded. For the most part, my Italian peers are from Milan and the general Lombard area since that is just over the border. <br /></p><p>Socializing with the people here is sort of half and half. The people within my age group are all very friendly and approachable. Then the older generations are also very gentile, but are less approachable because they do not know any English and whenever I try to communicate something in Italian they scrunch up their faces trying to understand me, with such agony that I give up quickly.<br /></p><p>I am still surprised by how few people from the general populous know English. When in Germany, at least the northern/ middle parts, it seemed to me that more people knew English. More often than not, if I was speaking in poor German the other person would just speak to me in English. I suppose the upside to all of this is that I will be forced to learn Italian. </p></span>Suzerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059470210516218520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724364927378315827.post-25446785552269717592009-03-12T11:39:00.001-07:002009-03-12T11:39:00.657-07:00Ready or Not<span xmlns=''><p>As part of tying up the loose ends of Basel we went back to see the landlord one last time and collect the remaining belongings. Part of the moving out process is doing a once-over-cleaning…which makes perfect sense. The bigger surprise is that after our cleaning a hired cleaning person comes in to thoroughly clean the apartment so that it is ready of the next tenants…at our expense! That last bit is the part that threw me. In the states, it is the landlord's burden to make sure the apartment is up to par for the next tenants. Oh wait, wait, the shock doesn't end there. The cost of said cleaning is --- $500 CHF!!! Geeeez. I am hoping that this isn't usual and that maybe our case was not standard because we were leaving before the yearly contract had completed. Either way I'm still reeling at that whopper. So just be prepared fellow Expats, there is a chance that you may be seeing unsightly cleaning bills before your move is through.</p></span>Suzerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059470210516218520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724364927378315827.post-47111421152522249332009-03-11T03:41:00.001-07:002009-03-11T03:41:17.280-07:00Yummy in the cucina <span xmlns=''><p><span style='font-size:14pt'>Mushroom Eggplant Sauce for Pasta<br /></span></p><p>Ingredients:<br /></p><ul><li><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>1 (16 ounce) package rigatoni pasta<br /></span></li><li><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>3 tablespoons olive oil<br /></span></li><li><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>1 or 2 large onion, chopped<br /></span></li><li><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>5 cloves garlic, chopped<br /></span></li><li><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>1 (8 ounce) package fresh mushrooms, chopped to varying degrees<br /></span></li><li><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>1 eggplant, cut into cubes<br /></span></li><li><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes in puree<br /></span></li><li><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>1/2 cup chicken broth<br /></span></li><li><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>¼ cup milk<br /></span></li><li><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>Splash red wine<br /></span></li><li><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>1 teaspoons basil<br /></span></li><li><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper <br /></span></li></ul><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>Directions:<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>Heat olive oil to a pan over medium low heat.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>Sauté onions and garlic until translucent.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>Increase heat to medium high and add mushrooms simmer for 5 minutes or until browned<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>Add Eggplant and also simmer for 5 minutes<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>Stir in tomatoes, basil and chicken broth<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>Bring to a boil<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>Remove from heat and add milk and wine<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>Serves 6<br /></span></p></span>Suzerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059470210516218520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724364927378315827.post-68305567277548821972009-03-08T07:53:00.000-07:002009-03-08T08:05:25.139-07:00Welcome to Locarno...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zMsxfIvRFGURMAcRcAndHG6PrKh_5STrVuQ_ItffZyWmTrhwpBKVbKKdmClsZno6ZzpswEejSzx1e4JgR-2WCyVPLyU8gbMKoexG0ENJ-uOupk4-WzXHZXBDNg_MQzRkHpsUuBs7R1e1/s1600-h/Locarno+Collage+copy.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 391px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zMsxfIvRFGURMAcRcAndHG6PrKh_5STrVuQ_ItffZyWmTrhwpBKVbKKdmClsZno6ZzpswEejSzx1e4JgR-2WCyVPLyU8gbMKoexG0ENJ-uOupk4-WzXHZXBDNg_MQzRkHpsUuBs7R1e1/s400/Locarno+Collage+copy.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310830210749384290" border="0" /></a><br />...the sunniest city in Switzerland.<br />Things that I've learned about Locarno in the past two weeks: the official language is Italian (oooh yeah, new language to learn)<br />the city houses a castle that is thought to have been designed by Leonardo Da Vinci,<br />although it is still much farther north of Washington DC while I've been here the average temp is 60 degrees,<br /> they hold an international film festival here in August,<br />the area is also known for its fragrant foliage--oleander, camelias, and magnolias,<br /> and a large music festival called Moon and Stars in held every July.Suzerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059470210516218520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724364927378315827.post-71631067529911165952009-02-24T10:48:00.001-08:002009-02-24T10:49:31.394-08:00The MoveFinally made it to Lugano…or rather Locarno. Finding a place in Lugano that met our standards and allowed dogs was pretty much impossible. Instead we found a place in the nearby (about half an hour) Locarno. From what I have seen this past week it may be even better than Lugano. Lugano has a nice metropolitan feel, but Locarno has the cute feel of wide piazzas with cafes and shaded sidewalks. A bit more of a rustic feel. The weather here has been wonderful so far with days in the 60s. I can’t wait for the end of this coming month when the Camilia festival is held. Apparently the whole town explodes in blooms. <br /><br />Sorry, that's all for now. Due to the move I have unreliable internet again!Suzerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059470210516218520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724364927378315827.post-6486878735327309702009-02-08T00:46:00.001-08:002009-02-08T00:46:36.996-08:00Die cinemaOne of the best things about entertainment in Basel (to me) has to be that the y offer original language movies. When I used to live in the states, if I were to watch a foreign movie, it would be in original language with subtitles. So there is nothing I find more atrocious than dubbed movies. Aiie, the pain, the agony of it! It presupposes that actors are just puppets… that their individual tone and inflection has no contribution to the movie. <br />So, it was my great pleasure to attend the original language viewing of “The Spirit,” the new Frank Miller movie. <br />One of the first things that was different with this experience was that you order your tickets at the refreshment counter (what a wonderful marketing ploy! Buybuybuy!!) When you order your tickets you actually choose your seat at that time, in the same way you would for the theater. The seating was stadium seating in a similar fashion to most US mega cinemas, with high-backed, plush comfy chairs…however, they do not recline as some in the US do. Of course, compared with other cinemas that I have been to in Europe, the Swiss version is wonderfully clean. No sticky floors. No rickety seats. No moldy, mildew ceiling tiles. The one thing that it does have in common with the rest of Europe, but not with the US is Intermission. That’s right “Let’s all go to the Lobby!” (No, sadly they did not actually play that) there is a 10 minute intermission in the middle of the movie so that everyone has a chance to use the restrooms and stock up on more snacks (did I mention the excellent marketing?!!) then continue on with the movie. While I may have appreciated this more as a child or even in the twilight of life…currently it doesn’t leave a great impression on me. It isn’t exactly annoying, but it isn’t great when the movie starts up again and the last scene is not still fresh in my mind. I think it would be better if they started the movie again a couple of frames before it stopped. Ya know, kinda like with some TV shows.Suzerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059470210516218520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724364927378315827.post-72746203374326944222009-02-02T02:00:00.000-08:002009-02-02T02:02:22.255-08:00The Swiss and CreditIt is a non-existent relationship. To me, the strangest part is when you order something online. In the states this would definitely be a situation in which you would pay with a credit card. Yet here in Switzerland, instead of automatically charging a credit card, you will be sent an invoice. For example, I bought a curtain for one of the windows from an online Swiss provider. The website did not ask for any billing information. When my curtains arrived there was a bill enclosed in the box. It is not possible to pay the bill by card either. You may return the invoice with a check or go to the local bank/ post office and pay for it in cash there. It is totally baffling to an outsider such as myself. You receive the goods or services BEFORE paying for them. This would never fly in the US, the company would have been put out of business by unpaid invoices a looong time ago.<br />I suppose this is why the US is in debt and Switzerland is one of the wealthiest countries.Suzerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059470210516218520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724364927378315827.post-55031094684517374432009-01-31T13:08:00.000-08:002009-01-31T13:16:25.213-08:00Lugano AgainWell, we spent the day in Lugano again. This time looking at apartments. I must say that I was NOT impressed. In Basel, we are in a huge apartment just off of the Rhine in the center of town... with a washing machine and dryer, courtyard access, dishwasher and are allowed to have our pup. In Lugano it is a hard enough just to get that last one covered. For a city that is so pro-dog in public, they certainly aren't in private. Only a few places in the immediate city limits allow for dogs. Seriously. We met with an agent who told us of three possibilities...and for one reason of another they all stunk to me. Anyway, I don't want to harp on it. <br /><br />So. I'm getting used to the drive to Lugano now. The drive to the Gotthard Tunnel doesn't even sketch me out too much anymore. (The roads have pretty big drop offs)<br />This time I actually counted the tunnels.Well, it turns out I was waaaay off on my first estimate of six or so. (What did I fall asleep?!) We went through 18 tunnels. Mind you, some were short and done in less than a minute but others were quite long. Following the Gotthard Tunnel is one near Interlaken that takes 5 or 10 minutes (though I think we've all learned now that you shouldn't rely on my estimates)Suzerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059470210516218520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724364927378315827.post-81280748065459923462009-01-25T08:28:00.000-08:002009-01-25T08:32:38.263-08:00Switzerland has a lot of tunnels……and man are they long! On my drive from Basel to Lugano, I traveled through no less than six tunnels. The longest of which takes nearly fifteen minutes to travel through!<span style=""> </span>This is the St. Gotthard Road Tunnel, it is the third largest tunnel in the world. Believe me, when you are traveling through with staring at the headlights from the opposite flow of traffic, it definitely feels like one of the longest tunnels! When entering the tunnel from the Basel side, there are two separate lanes, one for commercial trucks and another for cars. This is because they only allow a few trucks in the tunnel at one time. They are spaced out because there was a big accident in October of 2001 and 11 people were killed and many injured due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Apparently the trucks are larger contributors to the seriousness of that situation (gee who would have guessed) but in typical Swiss fashion, they are eager to correct their mistakes and make sure the future holds only the best possible scenarios. <span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.gotthard-strassentunnel.ch/webseite_e/0e_frameseite.htm">St Gotthards Tunnel Official Page</a><br /></p>Suzerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059470210516218520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724364927378315827.post-829490764244835922009-01-20T12:06:00.000-08:002009-01-21T04:41:39.757-08:00Jim Henson would be jealousOnce again, strange happenings outside my living room window. By now I have learned that when I hear prolonged piping of fife and drum, I really outta check out the commotion. Today was no exception. There was a big spectacle. Since I didn’t know that anything was planned for today, I was basically clueless as I observed the festivities. So, let’s see if I can piece this together now.<br /><br />Today was the “Die Drei Ehrengesellschaften Kleinbasels” Basically speaking each house of Klein Basel has a mascot and together they all march through Klein Basel. While marching through the streets they stop to pause and engage in dances. There are also four Ueli (jesters) that jump about shaking beer mugs to entice the onlookers to give them change. In turn, the money is given to charities in Klein Basel. There are lots of other details that you can find here: <a href="http://www.vogel-gryff.ch%20/">Vogel Gryff</a><br /><br />Overall a very cool and jovial experience... just ask this guy!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdt48eZujYD7UpjE8acU61ne86bi4kiWeGlNgRilBnG5KhSQbIAWnyc_knPsHhQQfOpLmGsIo2a9yB3h0DcBTk6A2YzSwh29tB1AdjpfCyE-SwTosPluLteEM4epuUktg4x3OR05GSSic0/s1600-h/Gesellschaft+Jester.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdt48eZujYD7UpjE8acU61ne86bi4kiWeGlNgRilBnG5KhSQbIAWnyc_knPsHhQQfOpLmGsIo2a9yB3h0DcBTk6A2YzSwh29tB1AdjpfCyE-SwTosPluLteEM4epuUktg4x3OR05GSSic0/s320/Gesellschaft+Jester.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293473609237815026" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The procession begins with children<br />carrying colorful lanterns<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaFFgNFkCj-fgXqslkLLZ-bhrgkjHCZwzCGhhQ3A9i_SvUaBngM9bCxdoE5Yuf8zpnwEurGRMYA6bDPUqRNHeXo5BwqAH9bnih-JL3PcJ7OjsMtutGGzKmm60aYzZqnwf59VN9f8CNOciB/s1600-h/Gesellschaften+Lanterns.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 271px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaFFgNFkCj-fgXqslkLLZ-bhrgkjHCZwzCGhhQ3A9i_SvUaBngM9bCxdoE5Yuf8zpnwEurGRMYA6bDPUqRNHeXo5BwqAH9bnih-JL3PcJ7OjsMtutGGzKmm60aYzZqnwf59VN9f8CNOciB/s200/Gesellschaften+Lanterns.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293471290625264306" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />then, flag bearers from the three<br />houses of Klein Basel<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7g11FhFsKrcDODhIlNbtp0CwCo4ulx10hBMgzzOWF8Ur_HAO7J5PfLTCvJ2CAKEO9sdPNGD9Ij0EnSjYo9B83OJGxfB_tPBlZ1qgIfnjXCAHh5u_dQ4dl8MOg_T7ajt-PXbt2ykOp7RMc/s1600-h/Gesellschaft+swei+haus.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 261px; height: 336px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7g11FhFsKrcDODhIlNbtp0CwCo4ulx10hBMgzzOWF8Ur_HAO7J5PfLTCvJ2CAKEO9sdPNGD9Ij0EnSjYo9B83OJGxfB_tPBlZ1qgIfnjXCAHh5u_dQ4dl8MOg_T7ajt-PXbt2ykOp7RMc/s320/Gesellschaft+swei+haus.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293470611138801922" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The mascots are close behind.<br />Here you can just see "Greifen"<br />and Rebhaus is in the foreground.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMK8s4aLJZZue6J_4H5ZO-37ydHua3CruVmqdESwt7aZfw2KQgokv1zLPj61JAQIjqE1_0knI8SLCyPJcP0VFtAujHSDToEmpxbw9IpatAOf9zYmpVIs9BPFqsK_-1nXhxyOd59a4PSc8/s1600-h/Gesellschaft+Rebhaus.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 235px; height: 272px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMK8s4aLJZZue6J_4H5ZO-37ydHua3CruVmqdESwt7aZfw2KQgokv1zLPj61JAQIjqE1_0knI8SLCyPJcP0VFtAujHSDToEmpxbw9IpatAOf9zYmpVIs9BPFqsK_-1nXhxyOd59a4PSc8/s200/Gesellschaft+Rebhaus.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293472318738072642" border="0" /></a><br /><br />followed by the music: first Fife players, then the drums.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpaxYbosDzpU8mMloNlDbhDiafS1CBpkkFBjfXyxaqStiFTyvBbewepfrtQ9pxY14wvdGul-nFau5k_r-C8Is7Mbq4c_MphosZoR5BITdwTuP2Uwnmo2_wcR_1hBjKA4dF4ulncWtZ5ZB/s1600-h/Gesellschaften+Fifes.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 272px; height: 205px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpaxYbosDzpU8mMloNlDbhDiafS1CBpkkFBjfXyxaqStiFTyvBbewepfrtQ9pxY14wvdGul-nFau5k_r-C8Is7Mbq4c_MphosZoR5BITdwTuP2Uwnmo2_wcR_1hBjKA4dF4ulncWtZ5ZB/s200/Gesellschaften+Fifes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293471944428085426" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnrq-KUiQXcI3lcn8wKh7TaPgsSjjGxwBRSvv4i0rETuKsztJ0omcVCu-Ku3ed9LmoRfNLci8s8PQABMcZjDZIn2nJxMGkB4TaKIQvuH-OdpELNTBQ6VcmollpS4iausiP8GFM46oQROg/s1600-h/Gesellschaften+Drums.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 236px; height: 205px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnrq-KUiQXcI3lcn8wKh7TaPgsSjjGxwBRSvv4i0rETuKsztJ0omcVCu-Ku3ed9LmoRfNLci8s8PQABMcZjDZIn2nJxMGkB4TaKIQvuH-OdpELNTBQ6VcmollpS4iausiP8GFM46oQROg/s200/Gesellschaften+Drums.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293473060067316306" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Lastly, for everyone who made it this far.... a video of the action! (BTW: The video is more for the music ...since lighting was pretty poor)<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz5_IgAffzd7N-cCo4S6t8jAGzAyDtb74uUk9iwD1UB9o-tWQ1f_wT2c_rzdbY8GUjgdJoU8Poh8zHvxgM' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Suzerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059470210516218520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724364927378315827.post-15458597586927108952009-01-20T00:13:00.000-08:002009-01-20T00:15:16.837-08:00Getting away from the coldIt happens that on Friday, we both had reason to go to Lugano for appointments. Me for school, he for work. Anyway, the drive from Basel to Lugano is about three hours and our meetings were late in the day, so we decided to spend the night and get to know Lugano a little bit better.<br />The foremost in obvious differences between Basel and Lugano on this trip was the temperature. When we left Basel it was 20 degrees. In Lugano (by then mid day) it was 50 degrees. Which is the difference between freezing and walking around comfortably.<br />Due to the temperature change, the foliage is different too… palms, bougainvillea , etc. Lugano has much more of a Mediterranean feel in part because of the architecture also. This is because Lugano is in the Italian portion of Switzerland.<br />The Italian-ness is not merely symbolic or old vestiges. The city is really a blending of typical Swiss and Typical Italian, but not entirely one or the other. This can be seen in the architecture, the buildings are light and airy with tall ceilings and brightly colored buildings with elaborate cornices. The food and language are obviously also Italian and so, the greatest area of Swiss-Italian blending is in cultural attitudes.<br />For example, the interactions that people there had with our dog Mo were quite different and much friendlier. In Basel, everyone we meet is concerned with Mo’s sex. As if that quality pre-determines everything about his character. They emphasize that he is just a domesticated WILD ANIMAL. Therefore there is an underlying feeling that he may attach people or other animals at any time. This could not possibly be further from Mo’s character and needs. He’s really gone through withdrawn with the inability to socialize with other dogs… particularly other males. There seems to be a greater aptitude to be flexible. A Swiss-Italian will find it just as bizarre that someone may want to eat lunch at 1:30 but they will not stop you. This “insight” is just the overall feeling that I got after one weekend, so who knows how truly correct I am about it. I am hopeful that the situation will work out such that I can learn more soon.<br /><br />You can see some of my photos here: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photokrieger/sets/72157612700865513/">Photo Krieger </a>Suzerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059470210516218520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724364927378315827.post-21013655586729810082009-01-14T07:24:00.000-08:002009-01-14T07:58:50.349-08:00Fife and DrumIt just so happens that there is a music school about two blocks away from my place. Occasionally at night, between 8 and 10pm I hear this strange sound in the distance becoming louder. By the time it is outside my windows I can tell that it is a fife and drum marching band. I'm pretty sure that this is the school is the starting place of many a late night (perhaps somewhat intoxicated) march. <br />However, I can't be too sure, because just the other day and without any known reason I also saw an impromptu marching band walking Clara Platz...one of the major shopping streets.... busy with trams...and apparently fife and drum marching bands. In moments like these I am not sure if I will ever become "adjusted" to the Swiss way of life. Either way, I'm pretty sure that I'll enjoy my time standing on the sidelines in wonder and disbelief. <br />In fact, it is the wonder and disbelief that keeps me from becoming annoyed when they are marching around at night. I always think "this cannot be happening, there is just no way this is happening... it's not the 18th century or something... I must be hearing things..." Yet now I am sure when I begin to hear the distant music of exactly what is to come, though I still can't believe it is actually happening.<br /><br /><br />Here's what <a href="http://www.fifeanddrum.co.uk/fife.html">Drum and Fife UK</a> has to say about it: <br />Fifes were adopted as a military tool by the Swiss in the 14th century. The shrill tones could cut through the noise of battle to relay messages to troops spread over a wide area. A fife is extremely portable and yet it can be heard over a distance of several miles. Use of the fife as a military instrument was probably spread by Swiss mercenaries who traveled and fought in battles throughout Europe. Dutch armies would have used fifes in the 1600s, although the British army didn’t adopt the use of military music until the beginning of the 18th century. Historians have uncovered fife and drum calls for all aspects of a soldier’s day, from reveille to lights out, and everything in between, but it was also used on long marches to relieve boredom, to motivate and to bring thoughts of home.Suzerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059470210516218520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724364927378315827.post-18407700971456323772009-01-12T07:44:00.000-08:002009-01-14T07:24:21.901-08:00A cheap find in BaselCheap in Switzerland? Am I hallucinating?<br />Manor has an outlet store, similar to Nordstrom rack, Filenes Basement…etc in the US. Now Manor Outlet doesn’t really compare since it is much much smaller, but either way, low prices in Switzerland are refreshing no matter what! Today was the first time that I ventured in and I walked out with two pairs of shoes and some kitchen supplies for under $30 CHF. --- which by the way is about the same as a meal at the corner bar.Suzerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059470210516218520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724364927378315827.post-53197950069547233482009-01-09T09:10:00.000-08:002009-01-09T09:24:43.609-08:00Quick Thoughts -Shopping for wineOnly in Europe is it possible to get an awesome (and by awesome I mean moderately good, but insanely inexpensive, thus upgrading the taste to wonderful) bottle of wine.<br /><br />Right before my return to Switzerland, I was in Germany, looking around a supermarket trying to find a bottle of wine to give as thanks to some friends who put us up. I found a red bubbly from Italy called <a href= "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lambrusco"> Lambrusco </a> for 3Euro. Now, I couldn't get a 3Euro bottle for some friends when I had absolutely no idea what it tastes like. So I looked around some more for and found a Rojo for them----then bought that Lambrusco for myself! :p<br /><br />It is a delicious red sparkling wine with it's roots in the Etruscans...apparently they were the first to decide to use the remaining portion of the grape.<br />It is definitely an easy drinking wine though, and doesn't require a refined palate to enjoy. <br /><br />Also, all you wine drinkers out there may find this site interesting: <a href="http://www.snooth.com/wine/"> Smooth </a>Suzerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059470210516218520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724364927378315827.post-89817844434468701182009-01-07T08:39:00.000-08:002009-01-07T09:00:58.844-08:00Basel, the city of waterYou might have deduced from my title that today I’m going to talk about the Rhine River. Well, save that thought for another day.<br /><br />One of the things that I find so charming about Basel is that there are fountains everywhere. Everywhere! Nearly every street in Basel Stadt seems to have a fountain on it. The word on the street is that the water (unfiltered) in these fountains is so clean that people drink from them. Even though this is in Switzerland, probably one of the cleanest countries in the world, I was still a bit skeptical. About a month ago I saw a woman filling a water bottle from a fountain, and then yesterday a jogger paused for a sip. (As a side--- yes, a jogger in 25 degree weather with a layer of ice on the ground!!!) Coming from an extremely dirty city in America, this is simply amazing!<br /><br />There are many styles for the fountains, some modern, some sculpture, some just functional. One of the fountains closest to my place has a little area for doggies to drink from also.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAnL1dgbdZ9C8vo239vuAaQFdgIqU1BignD3MVWIoZib4H2RpqpECLR0v6P6862ibzRppr_yp5pbYV1PGEOZJXd2KeOsYP4KbXYXZ-SZxZkuot9jnjEmw5TNbGYDGM8bbzwTd7P3ZieOt/s1600-h/Image0010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 193px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAnL1dgbdZ9C8vo239vuAaQFdgIqU1BignD3MVWIoZib4H2RpqpECLR0v6P6862ibzRppr_yp5pbYV1PGEOZJXd2KeOsYP4KbXYXZ-SZxZkuot9jnjEmw5TNbGYDGM8bbzwTd7P3ZieOt/s320/Image0010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288597223968198994" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The most famous fountains are the Tingley Fountains, one in Gross Basel and one on the Klein side.<br /><br /><div style="float: left; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ucbradley/390680217/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/159/390680217_676b3e8033_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ucbradley/390680217/">Tingley fountain</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/ucbradley/">bearfont</a></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/claire_hallinan/199436383/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/78/199436383_7464bfe85b_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /></div><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/claire_hallinan/199436383/">Jean Tingley Museum Fountain</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/claire_hallinan/">claire_hallinan</a></span></div>Suzerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059470210516218520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724364927378315827.post-49734374182183989732009-01-07T01:04:00.000-08:002009-01-07T01:14:00.907-08:00This definitely isn't apple pie!I’ve never been much of a fan of good ole American apple pie. As a matter of fact it is one of my least favorite desserts. However, the people here really know how to do wondrous things with apple… and it doesn’t stop at streusel.<br /><br />At one of the restaurants that line the Rhine in Basel, Spillman, they serve “Apfel Küchli.” This is a battered and fried apple dessert similar to a stuffed doughnut. The most appealing part to me is that the apples are not cooked entirely (as in the US, they are often mushy when in desserts) so the apples are tart and tangy. Wonderful! As with any other good apple treat in this Germanic region, it is served with a vanilla sauce that will have you wondering what the big deal is with chocolate sauce. Typically after eating my dessert I continue spooning up the remainder of the vanilla sauce—it is that good!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZAkcYVVZOkEGDS_XIiKvaaAxFDFVbh5jHYOQY5FFgRDZQblImFPYHS6nP-ti4ARQcrh_TedslVS-elbkQSDzjRUFUsbZqy5IAeVdI5lmTd8TR2WCiNwBJ1j_bt4atdek05JO4SH8uz1l/s1600-h/Apfelkuchli.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 186px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZAkcYVVZOkEGDS_XIiKvaaAxFDFVbh5jHYOQY5FFgRDZQblImFPYHS6nP-ti4ARQcrh_TedslVS-elbkQSDzjRUFUsbZqy5IAeVdI5lmTd8TR2WCiNwBJ1j_bt4atdek05JO4SH8uz1l/s320/Apfelkuchli.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288476720844676066" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZG8JMaFttzxFjfERib1UFAjwlfy2zxmb0NdKUGWvwh-YRe_cYovNAdSoY8r_N1IkSA3wdPsZQoAQLDFgr2ECYQ-XJPysXWrM_nmR5NDV8Emcv7qgABivMHrWJJ23kRFROk0AmPAN4ezR/s1600-h/Apfelkuchli+dessert.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 247px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZG8JMaFttzxFjfERib1UFAjwlfy2zxmb0NdKUGWvwh-YRe_cYovNAdSoY8r_N1IkSA3wdPsZQoAQLDFgr2ECYQ-XJPysXWrM_nmR5NDV8Emcv7qgABivMHrWJJ23kRFROk0AmPAN4ezR/s320/Apfelkuchli+dessert.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288477350162000658" border="0" /></a>Suzerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059470210516218520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724364927378315827.post-1211241996138818542009-01-04T02:53:00.000-08:002009-01-04T03:01:17.940-08:00Well, hellloooo againSorry friends, I only now realize that I was MIA for most of the month. It's been a crazy time. I went stateside for Christmas and was busy running around visiting just about everyone that I could.<br />Both on the way there and return from the states I spent 24hours in transit. Aiiie. There was a big snowstorm at Newark airport and I was lucky to get outta there at 1am and land at Ft. Lauderdale by 4am. The return trip was equally tiresome and I just returned to Basel last night in the middle of the night.<br />This afternoon we are going to the ever beautiful Freiburg to spend time with more family!! I am looking forward to the cozy comforts of their hospitality. Hopefully this trip I can make time to take some pictures. It really is a pretty town.<br /><br />It is officially winter here in CH and that part is quite noticable. Today's high is 33 and tommorow it is supposed to snow. I am hoping we can make a day trip to one of the nearby Jura slopes to ski. ---The slopes here are supposed to be pretty gentle as far as Swiss standards go and I'd like to learn before my big ski trip in March.Suzerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059470210516218520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724364927378315827.post-68424913762360504562008-12-10T07:40:00.000-08:002008-12-10T07:45:02.086-08:00Quick thoughts - ShoppingStop and Smell the Cheese.... no really, just do it!<br /><br /><br />Yesterday I was grocery shopping at the local Migros (the Swiss do not pronounce the S) and saw of all things a special cheese sale. There was a marked off section and at least 12 different types of cheese on display.<br />I had something in mind that I wanted to make that required a semi hard cheese. So, I just grabbed the cheese that met these requirements. When I got home and opened the cheese packaging I almost gagged. Whhhhhew smelly cheese. Fortunately I wanted the cheese for a meat dish that worked fine with a strong smelly cheese. The big problem is what to do with the rest of the cheese? It certainly can't hang around the fridge smelling up the whole kitchen. aiie, so now looking for other things to make with a strong smelly cheese.<br /><br />I think I've learned my lesson on this one though. Stop and smell the cheese and don't worry about what the locals think of this strange American smelling the cheese in the supermarket.Suzerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059470210516218520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724364927378315827.post-76018353729103218252008-12-09T04:49:00.000-08:002008-12-09T05:02:43.808-08:00City Living in Basel - catching Christmas cheerOne of the things that I like the most about my new Swiss life is living in the middle of everything. It makes me feel like I won't miss any thing, and since I am trying to see as much of Swiss culture as possible, this is very important.... as I may not be aware of what to expect.<br />For example, the other day water-skiing Santas were cruising the Mittlerebrucke. They were only doing this for about 15-20 minutes... evenso by the time I found out, they were gone.... maybe that was a contradictory example. In all fairness, water skiing Santas don't make a lot of noise.<br />However last night I did manage to catch fife pipers and a Christmas horse and carriage. The pic isn't great, but I think that it helps illustrate that this was happening RIGHT outside of my flat...even though it is an extremely small one way street. Since this was at about 19:00hr it was a nice addition to all of the festiveness of Basel. I'm not sure how I'll feel once <span lang="de" lang="de"><i>Fasnacht</i></span> rolls around and I'm awoken at 2 or 3 am on a Monday. :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvRdqCLwMrO6RTkhp-wmFdpbVR0be29IC7SteLl7Ev8C90mV7C35Q7Z8_kf84JXJDYhbvmCIftUJ9wCsmv8CsmtgdodIhQvwURZfnB3LqTwNYQEL7TUkTtXc7Ta1YXi0uXXQODbVmUdBC/s1600-h/Horse+Cart.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvRdqCLwMrO6RTkhp-wmFdpbVR0be29IC7SteLl7Ev8C90mV7C35Q7Z8_kf84JXJDYhbvmCIftUJ9wCsmv8CsmtgdodIhQvwURZfnB3LqTwNYQEL7TUkTtXc7Ta1YXi0uXXQODbVmUdBC/s320/Horse+Cart.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277773825170244018" border="0" /></a>Suzerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059470210516218520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724364927378315827.post-1864326242557244892008-12-09T02:11:00.001-08:002008-12-09T04:25:13.546-08:00Colmar's Marchés de NoelSunday is always a pretty quiet day around here. In Basel, as with most of Europe, all work places are closed. This includes any cultural interests such as museums and entertainment as well as shopping.<br />As one with a sparsely furnished apartment, I never really know what to do on a Sunday. If I try to lounge around and read I invariably get bored or too stiff (the "couch" is really a single bed with pillows) and the TV that a friend gave us is very small with about 30 channels (40% in High German, 20% Swiss German, 30% French and 10% English) so that doesn't occupy me too long either. Although as a side note I am now watching programs that I would never-ever would have watched in the US simply because are in English with German subtitles... to try to spruce up my German.<br /><br />So, this past Sunday we decided to try another Weinachts Markt. This one in the nearby French town of Colmar. I've heard a lot of positive things about Colmar. My mum recommended that we make a visit and several of our new Basel acquaintances suggest it also. After looking at the Colmar tourism web page display of <a href="http://www.noel-colmar.com/index.php?lang=en">"des Marchés de Noël de Colmar en Alsace" </a> I was definitely excited. Even better is that the drive is only about half an hour outside of Basel-Stadt. woohoo!!!<br /><br />Colmar must have a great reputation as a Christmas destination. There were a lot of tour groups in town, most of which were Italians. Other than those small groups, everyone spoke French. Well, you say, it is in France, what did you expect?!! This is true, but being so close to the border to Germany and Switzerland I was surprised that no one was speaking German. I'm sure that they probably could if they needed to, but everyone spoke French. This creates a really nice ambiance.<br />One of the main advertisements about Colmar's Weinachts Markt is that there are actually 5 separate markets nestled into different corners of the city center. I'm not entirely sure if we made it to all of the various markets. Some were for knick-nacks and one for clothes, one for childrens things and of course wonderful food available everywhere. There was even an outdoor ice rink somewhere....I never did find that as I have an aversion to maps. The greatest selling point of the market is by far the quaint old fashion feel of the village, which happens to have a lot of cute little canals. Just about every building was decked out in its most festive ornaments.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hObwyFPuPMpcZSpbTwOqeZo9f0sUEt_xa-sb-MjS3MUT0DkKwcItJejsMYecn80HZQ_wqVjA-tzuec9msg6GsDqit_V2uBgs938vN3sL1ltCfYoO8DbYd54dzknPiaBAU-FMZHNSH-WI/s1600-h/gingerbreadhouse.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hObwyFPuPMpcZSpbTwOqeZo9f0sUEt_xa-sb-MjS3MUT0DkKwcItJejsMYecn80HZQ_wqVjA-tzuec9msg6GsDqit_V2uBgs938vN3sL1ltCfYoO8DbYd54dzknPiaBAU-FMZHNSH-WI/s200/gingerbreadhouse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277745991478226994" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;">This cute little gingerbread house</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">was one of the first to greet us.</span><br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiipmDoQa4CRrG09Cq4SeoBwzgSWRPzwsAuod6ArNUu9Y7KNaPkLEYrnPNTZZelWLp3-SxZp8m2OMdMw5EleoqqQbkDiXgGVYLxILED_eoNiO-xVinv0MASDBPOyJeCHrm2C3s0uxLPv_s/s1600-h/Weinachts+Markt+canal.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; float: left; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiipmDoQa4CRrG09Cq4SeoBwzgSWRPzwsAuod6ArNUu9Y7KNaPkLEYrnPNTZZelWLp3-SxZp8m2OMdMw5EleoqqQbkDiXgGVYLxILED_eoNiO-xVinv0MASDBPOyJeCHrm2C3s0uxLPv_s/s200/Weinachts+Markt+canal.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277750482211123810" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;">View of one of the markets which was separated in half by a canal.</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTe7cri_YQIDqlQxtgTvC0ERAkfBtjFShKxbYjZyBG5dfjmLtzC6Dh-oEyDol8FQNamcCcBhKRN1AvZ5-nU4_kZnrlqh82WJKGR5BXM-dIQx_j2QXIpO4eoCsL6voXbwcKg65QRTje8Vb/s1600-h/market+rooftop.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTe7cri_YQIDqlQxtgTvC0ERAkfBtjFShKxbYjZyBG5dfjmLtzC6Dh-oEyDol8FQNamcCcBhKRN1AvZ5-nU4_kZnrlqh82WJKGR5BXM-dIQx_j2QXIpO4eoCsL6voXbwcKg65QRTje8Vb/s200/market+rooftop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277750782019471330" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;">a decorated rooftop market stall.</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And of course it wouldn't be a Christmas fair without all of the food and drink. In this case, since the fair is actually called Marchés de Noel, there were all sorts of French goodies. Rather then Glühwein, the drinks were a Vin Chaud in Rouge or Blanc. This is a hot spiced wine, just like Glühwein, but a little less spice, sweeter, since this is sweetened with brown sugar then it also has slices of orange and lemon. Very yummy and very light. The desserts range from standard (although not standard for the US, by any means) cakes and cookies to beignets! Oh, but not just any beignets, Alsace is after all very close to the German/Swiss border, Beignet Bretzels! Yummmm<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-m02DJRF2kR8pVb5N-UWmCVSGW4ii3l3fpQRKfIcsZRkSVL5BImW7y53YkiqxgzCXRLPbrLW166lsi1zs0tLBzPVcv73N-6lEWqoyh2ckyyFdvMVGhPFlIIWExnT9NrrWD4mqIlQYIEBh/s1600-h/Beignets+Bretzel.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 182px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-m02DJRF2kR8pVb5N-UWmCVSGW4ii3l3fpQRKfIcsZRkSVL5BImW7y53YkiqxgzCXRLPbrLW166lsi1zs0tLBzPVcv73N-6lEWqoyh2ckyyFdvMVGhPFlIIWExnT9NrrWD4mqIlQYIEBh/s200/Beignets+Bretzel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277756981710664338" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQlWGeKEFm8Pjhk4qswf3pOMLpES-aXhMDZKqIeUK6bPeXtnWfRwzNOJDML2lkRdGavNjLHZDDW3yIWqSb-lhrh_97VQGm_G5UFBYNhQsuq3VWayF9cWkREZCZqR7g8cSjckj4NiCrwlWn/s1600-h/cakes.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 159px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQlWGeKEFm8Pjhk4qswf3pOMLpES-aXhMDZKqIeUK6bPeXtnWfRwzNOJDML2lkRdGavNjLHZDDW3yIWqSb-lhrh_97VQGm_G5UFBYNhQsuq3VWayF9cWkREZCZqR7g8cSjckj4NiCrwlWn/s200/cakes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277758007419939698" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWS0ndcEAoaRY7ZQq0cGQbOKQXniJo6w9eOACLJT9bVhqo36rJxzqYurM_SLjPvVDtMwLMOkO-4e8Sz8idcQFnZnr4wWuW2NmrcuBfYjg7giHvx6N9hAr_8ktglSJOz-lUpFOqMi0b1JOi/s1600-h/colmar+cookie.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 184px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWS0ndcEAoaRY7ZQq0cGQbOKQXniJo6w9eOACLJT9bVhqo36rJxzqYurM_SLjPvVDtMwLMOkO-4e8Sz8idcQFnZnr4wWuW2NmrcuBfYjg7giHvx6N9hAr_8ktglSJOz-lUpFOqMi0b1JOi/s200/colmar+cookie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277758385198613714" border="0" /></a>Suzerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059470210516218520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724364927378315827.post-26408174252113376892008-12-06T08:08:00.000-08:002008-12-07T01:44:30.758-08:00Weinachts Markt Baselyou can view the Weinachts Markt in Barfusserplatz here:<br /><a href="http://www.basel.ch/en/virtual_basel/webcam/barfuesserplatz"> Barfusserplatz</a><br /><br />Or info about the Christmas Market here:<br /><a href="http://www.baslerweihnacht.ch/"> Weihnachten in Basel</a>Suzerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059470210516218520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724364927378315827.post-22460202001823278812008-12-06T06:36:00.000-08:002008-12-06T06:51:56.341-08:00Driving EuropeWell, just got back from London (again) and don't feel much up to posting about it. Instead I thought that now would be a good time to post on a topic that has been relevant in my travels.<br />Signage<br />Everywhere you go, there are signs to point you in the right direction. Depending on whether these directions are helpful or not you can easily find your way to what you want. For example, the signage in Heathrow in London airport is atrocious. This is partly because the airport is undergoing major renovations. My recent travels to London took me through London City Airport- directly in the heart of the city itself. It is a small airport with excellent signage and only a small amount of inconvenience. I highly recommend it if you are traveling intra-continental.<br />Of other signage note, one of the things that I really like about European road travel are the signs. The frequency of signs are high so that it is less likely you will miss an exit. Also if the exit has any historical or cultural significance then you will also see a brown sign. I love these signs as they actually show you a sketch of what the town has to offer. For example these:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPB9iSHbY9haz4R7rkiTdk7Pg2vUs_UfMC4DBQJyHHF9vimpazmM4dTcLbbru8_1CfHwZ0yyC9Ekl_sqe0W52JDIT68sin9YDEkRWV4no7vHAdH_TFEu4FjeznynEzV_jzknYj5cn2pml/s1600-h/Freiburger+Munster+sign.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPB9iSHbY9haz4R7rkiTdk7Pg2vUs_UfMC4DBQJyHHF9vimpazmM4dTcLbbru8_1CfHwZ0yyC9Ekl_sqe0W52JDIT68sin9YDEkRWV4no7vHAdH_TFEu4FjeznynEzV_jzknYj5cn2pml/s200/Freiburger+Munster+sign.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276688347337044626" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VP3KnmN8Qa_CCPmGZYsz6a0yuttsfGvejEq0lF5LgI271FUOlsIpJisHi6Aw4o2hMDvEvoWVUX19SMkCS7WQ9Xw1DtcH4iChwOgFJi_KGzSNcnu0iMLCXfrhiy64btwnrUIKEP7EaEMJ/s1600-h/Hochshwarwald.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 168px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VP3KnmN8Qa_CCPmGZYsz6a0yuttsfGvejEq0lF5LgI271FUOlsIpJisHi6Aw4o2hMDvEvoWVUX19SMkCS7WQ9Xw1DtcH4iChwOgFJi_KGzSNcnu0iMLCXfrhiy64btwnrUIKEP7EaEMJ/s200/Hochshwarwald.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276689557007013026" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhETHHe5wFVHMW52sL-EeuSCa41v7uG-vD2Dm6eL8mAe2I70ZOrHtySz8_wURRmya8L1myu99IfzmwR7hQFGWkmRABKYODDKqF4RESsp4xiP7vQm-v2b05qJe35d7Wkf4UI-wf8PZ4qCBKx/s1600-h/Burgune+sign.jpg"><img style="float:center; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 175px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhETHHe5wFVHMW52sL-EeuSCa41v7uG-vD2Dm6eL8mAe2I70ZOrHtySz8_wURRmya8L1myu99IfzmwR7hQFGWkmRABKYODDKqF4RESsp4xiP7vQm-v2b05qJe35d7Wkf4UI-wf8PZ4qCBKx/s200/Burgune+sign.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276688230576962962" /></a><br /><br><br /><br />Now, if you are just meandering about on a road trip looking for anything that seems interesting (as I tend to do,) then these brown signs are very helpful in determining a stop. I love it and briefly wondered why you don't see these sketches in the US.... then thought about what some of those signs would look like and understand perfectly why they aren't there.Suzerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059470210516218520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724364927378315827.post-60184170366312747022008-12-01T09:53:00.000-08:002008-12-01T10:52:35.500-08:00Munich, GermanyThe little weekend getaway this weekend was to Munich. Our pretense was to spend time with a friend's family for thanksgiving, which we did. I however see any and all trips as an opportunity to see a bit more of Europe. With that in mind, I was really geared up to see Munich. I have heard so much about the city and how beautiful it is. Even more so, I was excited to have authentic tour guides. Our friends have been living there for almost 10 years now.<br />Of course those plans didn't exactly pan out. They have three kids and are now fully in parenting mode. Their days were completely booked with kid activities ala soccer moms. In the end, we only spent one afternoon in Munich stadt. It's somewhat disappointing, but on the bright side, I'm sure we'll be back again.<br />Our brief little walking tour was around the Marienplatz area. The town halls were very attractive. It was extra nice this time of year with the Weinachts markt.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SdwCW8ATko0a2wwH6tU3F8nz_xSLjEYlMuTBCddFqN6iyQG-S0xcpFJ54KqRb3QKSL3IU0MTF0XxFXG043scnPeF8IOL0Nlff4K3G5ovMlFy1ZvXbtLDkw6YUsCCrM0_vEGB_HqOtWLp/s1600-h/Odeonsplatz+.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SdwCW8ATko0a2wwH6tU3F8nz_xSLjEYlMuTBCddFqN6iyQG-S0xcpFJ54KqRb3QKSL3IU0MTF0XxFXG043scnPeF8IOL0Nlff4K3G5ovMlFy1ZvXbtLDkw6YUsCCrM0_vEGB_HqOtWLp/s200/Odeonsplatz+.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274895732755939954" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDZOg8TQq_BS1NbC9T6HOGkildeBvDgfHh0DpN778UB0kIXnGhQdr-dvJZzMY2C7jUtvfIznf94nnSc9zPlfARV-AcHpIAamkVFGmZScl7ZdFcircmXkZkuhWNpjPexczS8dqQ9gHi1Tj/s1600-h/Schauspielhaus+.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDZOg8TQq_BS1NbC9T6HOGkildeBvDgfHh0DpN778UB0kIXnGhQdr-dvJZzMY2C7jUtvfIznf94nnSc9zPlfARV-AcHpIAamkVFGmZScl7ZdFcircmXkZkuhWNpjPexczS8dqQ9gHi1Tj/s200/Schauspielhaus+.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274895368991681938" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbvpw72tErMsD4zN9uDoZf9pMqr7RsED3t9uFwOw-eFaHO0EZHFYrpc-KhmK9PCFWzwPO8OB01Cq3XgZkUaiVblb6dFkVdnmJSjZ0Aiz8NdcI2M82E4JfuK6DJKircHhEuqIVHeo0f1U7/s1600-h/Marienplatz.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 140px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbvpw72tErMsD4zN9uDoZf9pMqr7RsED3t9uFwOw-eFaHO0EZHFYrpc-KhmK9PCFWzwPO8OB01Cq3XgZkUaiVblb6dFkVdnmJSjZ0Aiz8NdcI2M82E4JfuK6DJKircHhEuqIVHeo0f1U7/s200/Marienplatz.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274894391308411698" /></a>Suzerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059470210516218520noreply@blogger.com0