6 posts tagged “basel”
This time I went along with Alexa and the boys to sell at the flea market. I got rid of my friend the sewing machine and a few other things to lighten my load. The boys brought some toys to sell but as soon as they made some money they found other things to buy so took home as much as they brought. Jeremy made a mistake and sold his prized item for 50 Rap instead of 15 Franks so he wasn't quite so happy but maybe it will help him learn his numbers in German. Here he is busy selling.
I found this little treasure at the flea market this morning. The guy couldn't speak any English and I don't think he knew how to use a sewing machine anyway. I brought it home, cleaned it up and started taking it apart. It basically works except that the thread keeps falling off of its sideways holder and the part that keeps the bobbin in place is missing too. I overlooked those things on the sidewalk. One more catch, the motor works but fails to make the needle go up and down. I can turn the knob by hand though and then it acts like it would sew something. Oh well, maybe I'll get it figured out yet. Moral of the story, probably shouldn't buy something you can't test or can't discuss with the seller.
So I was planning to meet up with some friends tonight but couldn't find them and decided to walk down to the Rhein. I was thinking it would be the perfect time for coffee and a pastry, to take advantage of the warm evening and sit by the water. Only problem, it was 8:30pm long after everything but the pubs and movie theatres were closed. Ok, there were a few restaraunts and such still open but nothing really helpful unless I wanted to pay Starbucks steep prices. I found a McDonalds though and settled for a McFlurry. That is when I noticed the drive thru window. Only it wasn't a drive thru window it was a walk thru window. If you are already walking it seems to me you could go through the door and up to the counter but there it was, just stand on the sidewalk and place your order. I've tried walking through drive throughs before, never with really good results (I wonder what would happen if I attempted to drive through a walk through, probably not such good results either) so I'll have to give it a try next time and see how much speedier it really is.
Welcome to my world. Meghan informed me that I needed to update my blog and put up more pictures. So here is a start. My house is the one on the corner, I'm hoping there aren't any stalkers but I'm sure nothing like that happens in Switzerland.
My mailbox, I included it so that when you send letters and packages you know where they will end up, and its kind of cute.
This is looking through the kitchen to the dining area or the winter garden as some call it. It is lined with huge windows on three sides. It might be the best feature of the house.
The spacious yard...it has become my job to weed and take care of the plants. I love it, it is relaxing and quiet.
From the balcony, the boys playing in the neighbors yard. When Alexa got out the lawn mower I was surprised to see her plug it in. It is a little tricky to mow without running over the cord.
A view from the balcony, directly behind the house is the catholic mission. The bell rings quite loudly at 6:15pm for quite a long time.
My haven. When a friend came to visit the boys showed the entire house but didn't open my door. They scored a point for respectfulness on that one.
I love the tall window and high ceilings. I've been watching things like Legally Blonde and Full House in German.
I've learned some very important things since I arrived here. Some of them seem like nonesense to me or at the least useless rules but they are all extremely logical to the Swiss brain. Should you decide to come and visit me, which is a very good idea, I'll fill you in.
- Most apartments do not allow showers or baths after 10pm. (The noise of the water is inconsiderate to those below you.)
- Laundry time is sacred. Never interfere with someone else's time slot, it is best to allow two days between your wash time and the next persons. (If you hang your laundry to dry it may not be dry in time to remove for the next person to hang theirs.)
- If you live in an apartment in Germany you may only grill four times a year, if you would like to grill beyond that you need to ask the permission of your neighbors. (Folks like to hang their laundry on their balconies and your smoke may result in smelly clothes, cigarette smoke however is not a problem.)
- Flotation devices are not allowed in the Rhein. (New law this summer, if you aren't a strong enough swimmer to swim on your own you shouldn't be in the river anyway.)
- Recycling is a must however glass should not be put in the recycling container after 7pm. (The noise is again inconsiderate toward the neighbors.)
- Never sit in a draft, even if it is hot the dreaded draft could be your death. It is to be avoided at all cost.
- Don't go outside with wet hair, it is almost as bad as the draft. (I would add the logic here but I haven't figured it out yet.)
There must be more but I think that will do for now. I've always thought such rules were merely guidelines but these are pretty important to the Swiss. Especially laundry, Frau Salzman and her four loads are not to be messed with.
I've been wanting to share some pictures so here a few of the things that make Basel great and a few that make it challenging. I'm so thankful to have quickly been surrounded by wonderful friends. They have made me feel at home, taught me how to get around, and introduced me to wonderful cultural experiences like drinking Rivella (a soda made from milk byproducts). Here are some of the girls.
Both pictures were taken at the tractor pull. The first is of Diana, she was wishing that she could buy that to mow the yard at the school. The other girls are from left to right, Catharine, Allison, Erika, and Anne. The tractor pull was another fun experience. The countryside was beautiful. It seemed to green to be August but it has been raining almost everyday. The rain also made for a lot of mud. I guess that was good for the tractor pull but bad for our shoes. The guy below, drinking beer from his trophy, was the winner of his division.
And then there are my boys. Very cute riding their kickboards to school. Keeping up with them provides good exercise for me. Here are Jeremy and Nicol.
