Basel, CH

I arrived yesterday at about five and, after checking in at the Schweizerhof Hotel (highly recommended: steps from the Bahnhof SBB train station, clean, quiet, and modestly appointed. My room came with breakfast and a tram pass providing free intra-city travel for the duration of my stay), I took off for a brief stroll around the city.

Church Steeple in Basel

Beyond the architectural splendor that comes with a 2000 year old European city, I was struck by two things. A fondness for fountains, there seems to be one on every corner, and…tightrope artists.

Out on a Limb

Out on Another Limb

Eventually, I made my way down to the river. The ferry looks like a nice way to get across the Rhine.

Rhine Ferry at Basel

Looking across the river, I was struck by the architectural mixture. On the right, old style. On the left, apparently a very modern interpretation of the same style. In the background, modern “style”.

Architecture in Basel

Eventually I turned back up through the city, passing the Town Hall along the way.

Rathaus in Basel

I had dinner outside on the edge of the Barfüsser-Platz.

Barfüsser-Platz at Night

Mostly, I watched trams, pedestrians and cyclists go past. Perfectly charming.

Ten, by the way. Switzerland is country number ten. I’ve finally made it into double digits. In fairness, that’s not really about Basel, but it’s significant to me.