Cruising down the River Rhine

Guten Tag from sunny Switzerland we have just spent another glorious day in the sun.

After a day comprised of little else than sleeping, today we felt considerably more refreshed to explore Switzerland’s fourth biggest city, and we meet up with Michelle at 10am. After a long, languorous walk through Basel’s streets, we pulled up a pew outside Starbucks as despite Basel’s 200+ drinking fountains, we were in dire need of a refreshing beverage!

Once we’d replenished our thirsts we went for a walk down the Rhine in search of blow up bags/ floatation devices which are used by the locals to swim in the river. After my last update I was desperate to take a few sneaky pics of the locals in their tighter-than-tight Speedos. What we stumbled across though was far more terrifying – a colony of naked elderly men, stretched out with their Swiss doodles on display to the world (Swiss Doodle is actually a Swiss dessert, which I feel far better describes the sight on the river bank today). At first I had the camera poised ever so subtly ready to take a photo of the codger in the purple Speedos... I should have guessed when Brad, who was walking a few steps ahead of us, fell deathly silent, but unfortunately I didn’t pick up on the hint and it was only when I got within the point of no return that I realised those purple Speedos were rather, in fact, an angry looking purple Swiss Doodle. To make matters worse, his neighbour (who bore a striking resemblance to the father in the Sound of the Music), chose at that moment to yawn, roll over and stretch like a satisfied cat, causing his Swiss jewels to flop all over the show. I was aghast! Now don’t get me wrong, each to their own, when in Switzerland do as the Swiss do and all that jazz, but really – we were right in the heart of the city and kids were running all over the show. From the smug look on these gentleman’s faces they didn’t give a flying cahoots. (Little tidbit for the strong-stomached (I make no apologies if you take offence – don’t say I didn’t warn you): they weren’t even lying on towels, meaning their bratwursts were rubbing all over the pavement – pavement we later saw people spread out picnicking on! Fine if you like a bit of sausage, but what if you’re a vegetarian!?)

Anyway enough about Swiss sausage, we ended up stumbling across the waterproof bags, which are perhaps the best invention ever (up there with Les’s Macaroni Cheese that is). We walked a few km along, popped our stuff in our bags, wrapped them up then jumped on in. Well I flailed around whining about how cold it was for a few minutes, before screaming grumpily and throwing myself when Brad made movements to push me in.... And we were off – zooming down the River Rhine like a real Swiss local (but wearing considerably more modest bathing attire). It was GREAT fun, possibly one of our best experiences yet, and we had a whale of a time flying along, before pulling ourselves out at a bank by our hotel. We dried off in the sun, had a drink, then went off in search of sustenance – all that river water sure makes you hungry! After a lunch of kebabs (mine and Michelle’s – deep fried cheese, although I was tempted by the fries kebab, Brad opted for boring falafel), it was time to say goodbye to Michelle as she had to head back to get ready for band.

Brad and I relaxed with a wee afternoon kip (still so ridiculously exhausted), before heading out on a walking tour. It was great exploring the old and new town, but the experience was slightly hampered by how tired I was feeling. I could barely make it up a flight of stairs before needing a rest. I was sick again before after feeling queasy all afternoon (doubt the deep fried cheese kebab helped, silly girl), so fingers crossed I’m on the mend.

Basel really is very pretty, and we’re looking forward to exploring more of the country tomorrow. We’ve decided to head to Lake Lucerne (Michelle’s going there with her band too, so we’ll be able to see her as well) which is supposed to be amazing. It’s described as the most picturesque part of Switzerland and is only an hour away by train. The following day we’ll either head to Alsace in France, Freiburg in the Black Forest, Germany, or with Michelle and the band to watch them do a street parade in Germany. We fly back into London on Tuesday night, where we’ll stop this gallivanting and start working quick smart!

Oh and another piece of information for you. Everything is so ridiculously expensive here, but the minimum wage is around 80k... Makes sense I suppose!

Love to all and really do wish you were here (I know, I know, I’m like a broken bloody record!) It’s lovely having Slops here, so make sure you all get your a into g and head to the Northern hemisphere quick smart. I’ve decided to head to St Petersburg, Russia for my birthday (it’s where one of my favourite novels, The Bronze Horseman, is set) next February, so you should all start buying your lotto tickets so you can fly over! I figure if I can’t celebrate in the beautiful NZ sun like I’m accustomed to, I may as well go the opposite end of the earth!

Auf Wiedersehen
xxx