Fortunate Connection in Switzerland

--- For more pictures of Basel and Lucerne, check out our pixagogo link of Switzerland (which contains pictures from our first visit of Switzerland as well): http://www.pixagogo.com/7156085225 ---

No disrespect for those following along at home...but we have fallen way behind on updating our blog the last month and hope that the following entries will bring everyone up to speed on our whereabouts and upcoming itinerary for the remaining two months of our overseas adventure.

Our original plan after Paris was to begin a hyper-active-like spin of Central and Eastern Europe and see as much or as little of Croatia, Budapest, Vienna, Prague, Berlin and Copenhagen. Sounds ideal, eh? --- yeah, well, perhaps so but a tour of this magnitude would require heaps of energy and an ample amount of financial capital to pull it off! These precious aspects were starting to run low around our arrival into Paris which led us to quickly conclude that those history-rich cities and areas would have to wait for another spin of Europe down the road. As they say, "you can't see it all!!!"

So where to next, then??? This question loomed over us for quite awhile and we were needing to fill roughly 3 weeks before our scheduled arrival in Norway towards the end of August where we could lay low, conserve our money and possibly even find some work. We had several options that weren't quite coming together until one of our friends from St. Louis (big ups to you, Kristen Zumwalt!) let us know she has a good friend residing in Switzerland that may or may not be up for hosting a pair of wayward travellers. Leaving out all the small details and giving you only the most important ones... we were introduced to one of the greatest guys on the planet --- Andrew! Andrew lives in Zurich, Switzerland as a CPA and just so happens to work on a large client based in Basel, Switzerland (sandwiched on the border of Germany and France). Part of the package for Andrew when working on this prized account (pharmaceutical giant Roche for those of you wondering) is the option of staying at his company-owned 3 bedroom apartment while he and his team are working in Basel. With the month of August being fairly light for the Roche team, Andrew GRACIOUSLY offered up - despite never having met us - (again, thanks for putting in a great word for us, Kristen!!!) the empty 3 bedroom apartment in Basel for a 3 week Prancer stay! Feeling almost guilty for the incredible luck of meeting a stellar guy from St. Louis living in Switzerland, we hopped on a flight from Paris and were greeted by Andrew and his friend when we landed. Although Andrew would only be in Basel periodically the next 3 weeks, we had an enjoyable initial weekend lounging with him and becoming introduced to Basel's delights.

"Spalentor"--one of the original city gates

Thus began a 3 week period of relaxation, birthday celebrations, a getaway to Lucerne, enjoying endless amounts of festivals and free concerts and many nights sitting out on the balcony watching the rain fall in sheets! It was also a chance for us to enjoy the people and history of Switzerland and cherish a city that truly had everything we could have asked for at the moment.

Just one of the many "creations-a la-Jill" during our stay in Basel

The Canton of Basel-Stadt (essentially the region in and around Basel) has roughly 200,000 people but during our time there...it seemed like much more. The origins of Basel date back to Celtic time but the area was first mentioned in Roman history around 374 AD. The location of Basel is dynamic in that it lies on the triangle where Switzerland, Germany and France meet situated in the heart of Europe. In addition, Basel is highly internationally populated (home to citizens from 150 nations) where several hugely-global companies are based with Roche heading the list. So although the area is rich in history and tradition, Basel also has a laid-back cosmopolitan vibe.

The first weekend we arrived coincided with the Swiss national independence day and the celebrations downtown in the old quarter were simply electric. People crowded the River Rhine and watched a stunning fireworks show. The streets bounced with enery and we instantly knew that this city was exactly what we needed for revitalization.

Basel's Captivating Architecture

This environmentally-friendly city was truly European with its modern aspects intermingled throughout the older architecture and we became acquainted with Basel throughout the first week and a half. Although the rain arrived within the first few days (and seemingly didn`t leave for the next 10 days), our first week and a half was a chance for us to nap quite frequently (Tom that is), walk literally everywhere (Jill that is), swim at the olympic sized pool and play cards day and night (fierce battles that would rage on into the night)!!!

Tom passing rainy night time constructing a puzzle

Halfway through our time in Basel we decided to take a trip to one of Switzerland's leading tourist destinations --- Lucerne. We took a combination of train, bus and ferry to Lucerne...and we loved our time there. Lucerne is set on a huge lake with snow-capped mountains all around.

Pictures of Lucerne

The architecture is attractively designed and the layout of the city is visibly quaint. We spent two days there before returning to Basel but the 36 hours were very memorable. We were able to learn more about the history of the Swiss Army and its neutral involvement in military conflicts and its inevitable founding of the Red Cross. We also learned how highly regarded the Swiss mercenary soldiers are viewed - even today with its elite group of Papal Swiss Guards in the Vatican that have protected the church since the early 16th century. Elite Swiss troops protected many of Europe's courts beginning in the 16th century but the only group left is the one in Vatican. It all meant for an interesting education of Swiss history and how, although small in population, the people of Switzerland represent great power and pride.

We spent the remaining time in Basel enjoying the summer weather, taking in local entertainment and preparing ourselves for our upcoming 3 week trip to Norway.

The floating summer stage for outdoor concerts on the River Rhine

We are still searching for the words that would show how truly thankful we are for you, Andrew, and like we said when we left...our door will ALWAYS be open!!!

--- Switzerland pixagogo link: http://www.pixagogo.com/7156085225 ---