Day 6: To Basel

We left London today to travel to Basel, Switzerland. Before we left, though, April and Owen made a trip to the British Museum to see the Rosetta Stone -- the artifact that helped archaeologists translate Egyptian writing. It was a quick trip for which April and Owen needed to get up early, but it was worth it.
Owen and the Rosetta Stone

The British Museum

Library At the British Museum

After the long days of touring and the early museum visit, the tube ride to Heathrow was unusually quiet...

The flight over Switzerland was incredibly beautiful. We looked forward to exploring this country until we encountered the inpenetrable German language at the airport. If you don't speak German, it is very hard to figure things out in Basel. The German words are very long and, unlike French or Spanish, it's hard to imagine how these words share a common origin with English. Fortunately, we had purchased a Swiss rail pass in advance, so we can travel on any public transportation without worrying about whether we paid for the wrong bus or train.

How are you supposed to figure this out?

After a few buses and a while of asking for directions from well-meaning Swiss people, we made it to our hotel in the old part of Basel, which dates back many centuries. In the 1400's, a Pope was elected in Basel. We unpacked and hit a local cafe for a well-deserved beer (or two).

Relaxing in Basel after a long day of traveling.

After dinner, we walked down to the Rhine River, which is the large river that runs through the middle of Basel.

We got down to the river at about 8:30 pm and the banks were packed with people, young and old, hanging out. There are open carry laws where people can drink in public. A lot of cigarettes, and occasionally something stronger (in public). People regularly passed by floating in the river with waterproof bags. The whole scene is very upscale and relaxed.

Dipping toes in the Rhine River.

It is pretty hot here, and just now (at 11:45 pm), it's only cooling off. No A/C in our old hotel, but "charming" hotel. We'll get a chance to learn about the history of the town tomorrow, and then we may take a train to Bern or Lucerne tomorrow evening. Note to self, need to learn German.