It was great to visit Sara and her parents. Sara met us at the train station in Basel which is near her parents' home. I have to admit I teared up a bit when I saw Sara for the first time in so many years. It suddenly became apparent what an important role these aupairs have played in my grandchildren's lives. I remember how difficult it was to say goodbye to each girl as she left at the end of the year. We had all considered all of the aupairs members of our families and enjoyed watching each one grow with their experience in a new country with a different language and different customs from their own.
Basel is a beautiful little medieval town. The following is lifted from one of the travel sites:
''Since the Middle Ages, Basel has been an important crossroads of commerce and transportation, mainly due to navigation on the Rhine River. Ferries, roundtrip river cruises and lock gates link Basel's four harbors and sights.
On fascinating walking tours, visitors can discover the Old Town, which is dotted with buildings dating from the 15th century. The large market square, for example, is dominated by a townhall built between 1507 and 1513. The Spalentor, one of Switzerland's most beautiful city gates, was erected in the late 14th century. Basel's true landmark, however, is the Minster with its slender spires. It was built in different architectural styles between 1019 and 1500.''
On fascinating walking tours, visitors can discover the Old Town, which is dotted with buildings dating from the 15th century. The large market square, for example, is dominated by a townhall built between 1507 and 1513. The Spalentor, one of Switzerland's most beautiful city gates, was erected in the late 14th century. Basel's true landmark, however, is the Minster with its slender spires. It was built in different architectural styles between 1019 and 1500.''
Art Basel is a well known art fair held yearly in the town and is well regarded by The NY Times, Vogue and the daily parisian Le Monde. Pam picked up on the "edginess" of the town. After checking a few internet sites, I can see why.
Here are a few links on the history, Munster etc.
There is a lot more information on the above site and the internet.
Sara did a good job in orienting us to the city. We saw the major attractions and heard about the influence of pharmaceuticals on the area. Of course we were able to see the town through the eyes of an eight, ten and twelve year old which is priceless.
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