Basel Autumn Fair

The first weekend in November Alessio and I went to the autumn fair in Basel which last around just over 2 weeks. Even when I worked in Basel for 4 years I only ever went to the children from work, this was my first proper time! I had arranged to meet up to Marineide and Marco and their two boys Luca and Fabio. Alessio was pretty happy to see them again!Basel Herbstmesse as it is called in German is the largest and oldest funfair in Switzerland, dating back some 540years. It is spread out all over Basel with lots of different things to do and see. We concentrated on only 2 areas due to time and that the city was extremely busy.
First off we went to Barfusserplatz and Alessio went on some rides, there we ate Raclette and crepes.




We took the tram to Messeplatz and went into the indoor hall where Alessio went on more rides again and again.






I loved all these types of rides when I was a teenager now the only one I can go on is the big wheel.

We both had a lovely afternoon in Basel and it was great to see our friends.

Concert Time!

In the last 2 weeks I have been seen two concerts, the first was English band Hurts (no photos) with Aimee, it was a great gig, great music and atmosphere. It was in the Maag Music Hall and was sold out, jam packed. The second was another English band Kasier Chiefs at Komplex 457 with Bianca, that was not sold out and we had plenty of room so I managed to take some photos. Also a great gig, the lead singer came of the stage and came to the bar that we were near and stood on it, sadly it was too dark for any of the photos.

A View from a Bridge!

Last Saturday I was in Zurich going for a facial when I saw the sky looking very beautiful but I was on a tram and did not have time to jump off at that moment. Two hours later I came back and although the sky had changed I still thought the views were stunning. This is from the bridge between Bürliplatz and Bellevue at the top of the lake.

Aarberg

I took a trip to Aarberg back in October, it is in Kanton Bern around 20km away in fact and lies on the river Aar. I went by public transport which did take quite awhile and would recommend to go by car if you are travelling from far off places (Zurich). It has this lovely wooden bridge built in 1568, I walked along and then the new Aarberg springs up.



It has a lovely large square but is actually round which holds markets and festivals. I looked in the shop windows and at all the lovely buildings. It was Sunday so not even the cafes and restaurant were open yet.
This is a really cute bridge!





Once I had explored all possible routes I went back to get my train but if I had come with the car I could have gone on to Biel which is only about 7km aways or visited the many lakes in this region.

I really want to explore the French part of Switzerland, specifically Biel, Neuchatel, the lakes and Yverdon which is in Kanton Vaud. Plenty of time to do that!

Bächlihof - Pumpkin Exhibition

During the last week of October we had a trip with the children from work to Bächlihof, Jona to look at the pumpkin exhibition. This place is the sister farm of Jucker farm in Seegräben which also had an exhibition. Sadly it is over now but is usually is on for just over two months, so plenty of time to visit next year. Since it was coming up for Halloween we decided to visit and buy a big pumpkin. The exhibition was based on Noah`s Arch, so we saw llamas, elephants, girafffes and many more animals.








As usual there was a selecction of pumpkins to buy, some of the children choose the pumpkin we bought.


The place is open for brunch. although smaller and and the location is not is good as Jucker farm there is still lots for the kids to do. A smaller haystack to play on, swings, rabbits and guinea pigs to look at and also probably the best many different types of cars, tricycles, go carts and much more to use.

We were lucky it was not very busy so all the kids could use the toys easily, there is also a shop where you can get a coffee and a yummy sweet cake.

On the weekend of 19&20th November at Jucker (look under the month of November for details) there a Christmas market which looks like will be good fun to visit. I will definitely go with Alessio, hope to see you all there!