Happy birthday, Switzerland

Happy Birthday, Switzerland

Barbara Klein Basel, Switzerland 7 Comments

Many Happy Returns On Your 725th Anniversary, Switzerland! In 1291 three communities (Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden) in the mountainous region banded together to ward off outside interference, mainly against the powerful Habsburgs, and founded Switzerland. We learnt in school all about the founding of Switzerland, how canton after canton joined the confederation, the many bloody wars they fought against intruders, …

carnival in Basel

Basel Fasnacht 2016

Barbara Klein Basel, Events, exhibition 2 Comments

Sunday Before Fasnacht Fasnacht always starts on Sunday with the legendary pasta party at home. And each year we have the same discussion as to when we started this tradition, I think it must be close to 50 years! The traditional yellow bouquet The same procedure each year: sherry for pre lunch drinks, mache salad with celery (finely grated) and …

lanterns and full moon at Vogel Gryff

Basel In January 2016

Barbara Klein Basel, Events Leave a Comment

The new year is not yet one month old and we celebrate the first highlight in Basel: Vogel Gryff Vogel Gryff is the most important holiday in Glaibasel (little Basel on the right bank side of the river Rhine) and is always celebrated in January, 13, 20 or 27 alternately. The three figures – Wilde Maa (the savage), Leu (the …

Tour de Diesse art gallery in Neuchâtel

Take a Break!

Barbara Klein exhibition, restaurant, Switzerland 7 Comments

A Day in Neuchâtel, Switzerland Switzerland is a small country and has much to offer off the beaten track. Neuchâtel is easily reached within 1 ½ hours by train or car. We chose to go by train and enjoyed the morning ride via Delémont, Moutier, Grenchen, Biel to Neuchâtel. The weather was absolutely stunning: a light fog covering the rocks …