Day 16 – Wed 25 Jun 14, Basel

Forecast: 7-19 deg C , thunderstorms in spots; Basel am: 12 deg C; Basel pm: 20 deg C

Basel is a sprawling city of 195,000 people.  If you count the people in the German and French suburbs (this is where the 3 countries come together) the city has a population of 830,000.  It is believed that the Celts first settled the area BC, then the Romans established a fort here in the 1st century.  A little later in 1460, the University was established and the Town Hall was built back in 1501.  These days Basel is renowned for its chemical and pharmaceutical industries and as a cultural centre for Europe.   There are 33 museums (from cartoons to the world’s largest collection of teddy bears) and galleries in Basel so if you are into that sort of thing it could keep you rather busy. 

Greg was up early and presented Wendy with coffee in bed!  Greg hopped back into bed and we both had a lie-in whilst we updated yesterday's notes and blog.  We then got up and had breakfast of self cooked scrambled eggs and bacon which was extra yummy just because it was self-cooked!
No riding today, just walking. We visited the Botanic Gardens first and then walked through the gate of the old city wall to the city proper and saw the old Cathedral, markets, mall, strolled over the bridge onto the edge of the Rhine where people were swimming. They take their gear off, stuff it in a waterproof buoyancy bag and float downstream. They then get out and have their towel and clothes with them. 

Lunch was at Maccas and afterwards we caught the next tram that came along. When you are a visitor to the city you pay a city tax which gives you a mobility pass for free rides on all city public transport, within certain zones. We went all the way to the end of that particular line, got off and straight back on and went back to where we started and caught a number 3 back to our 'home'.  We stopped at the supermarket before heading home with ingredients for dinner.

Greg had a rather long nap whilst Wendy read. Greg then went for a walk on his own to take some more pictures and see some more stuff. He really enjoyed the walk as he could do it at his pace and not have to worry about anyone else.

Whilst Greg was out walking, Wendy prepared the veggies for dinner - smashed sweet potato, potato, carrot and onion. We had another tasty self-cooked meal of pork chops, smashed veggies and salad.
It was then time to wash the dishes, have a shower and hit the sack.


"United Enemies" statues in
Basel Town Hall

Rathaus Basel (Town Hall)

Underground bike park

Trash & treasure markets

Trash & treasure markets

Basel and the Rhine 

The Swiss Army

Swimmers with their floaties

A city garden and tram

An old city entrance


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