Goodbye Basel - Rats, I Forgot My Camera

Tonight is my last night in Basel, Switzerland. It's a bittersweet night.

I am very excited to be going home to my family.

Yet there are many things I'll miss. I've made some great friends at work. I've seen incredible museums across the spectrum. I've enjoyed Movenpic  the best ice cream in the world (except for Leatherby's toasted almond, of course.) And I've stood by the Rheine river watching the water, boats, and people flow by.

Having seen so much, I decided to leave my camera at the hotel and just enjoy the warm fall evening. What could be new enough to be worth photographing after six weeks  in town?

Silly me.

Barfüsserplatz was quiet at first, just me and my last Movenpic ice cream. As I walked away from the restaurant I heard drumming and clashing cymbals across the way. Walking towards the alley (hand casually clamped over my wallet) I saw a Chinese dragon doing the dance I usually only see on Chinese New Years. And no camera. Sigh.

I enjoyed the walk back to my hotel and my last walk across the Rheine. A few blocks from my hotel I saw my first Swiss cat. And no camera. It was a long white cat with large black spots and too skittish to visit with, unlike the relaxed Dutch cat I met at the Hermitage Museum in Asterdam.

The moral of my story? When travelling, ALWAYS carry your camera. You never know what surprises lurk around the next corner.

Here I Am in Switzerland

There are two train stations in Basel - the SBB on the South and Basel Bad on the north. It is a practical train station with no elaborate architecture. Basel Bad station is a few blocks from the Rhine and you will find hotels, shopping, restaurant s and a bank to help you pay for it all.

Basel SBB Train Station

If you've seen photos of a beautiful European train station, Basel SBB may be the one. The escalator to street level opens vistas of elegant arches with ornate carvings, a mural of Lake Luzerne, and a fanciful pink train car. On the street you will find taxis and trams to help you start your adventure.

Dining on a budget? In Switzerland?

Basel is a beautiful city. Ir's a lovely mix if old and new. A McDonalds sits across the street from the train station. And the price of Royal Burger combo with fries? A mere 13 Swiss Franks - about $13.50 U.S.