Pictures from Switzerland

[melev]

Last week I had to fly out to Switzerland for my Grandmother's funeral. It was very sad for me, and when I got to the cemetery, it became very very real for me. Since I live so far away, I took a few pictures for my own memories. Here are a couple.

Her favorite flower was roses, and everyone dropped one into her grave. She was buried in the family grave with her husband and son.

Okay, enough about that. Here are some other images I thought you'd enjoy seeing from Basel, Switzerland. I wasn't there as a tourist trying to get the most beautiful pictures, but since my camera was in hand, I figured some of you might like to see what it is like over there.

Starbucks was in the lower level of this building. Odds are those are apartments above.

The public transportion is by tram, bus or train. People walk, use bicycles, tiny (Smart) cars, mopeds and motorcycles. Everyone for the most part is thin, compared to people here. Lots of walking helps shed the pounds.

The signs constantly update letting you know how long you have to wait. Very nice upgrade from what we had in the past.

Many vendors sell right into the streets themselves, such as this florist.

People love to have plants on their patios, such as the backside of these apartment/condos.

 

[melev]

This is one room of the apartment I stayed in with my mother. There decor is different, and they utilize all the space they can. After all, the entire country is small, and living space accordingly.

Many people grow orchids in their homes.

Here is City Hall, towering over Market Place (Marktplatz).

One of the vendors in that area sold wicker stuff. Others sold fruit, vegetables, flowers, bread, etc.

Apple juice ("most") is served bubbly over there.

As a kid, my favorite breakfast was Bichermuesli. It is a mixture of oatmeal, yogurt, and fruit.

My mother's favorite snack looks like plastic to me, but she had them virtually daily.

A few desserts.

 

[melev]

I love sugary foods, being a good Swiss that I am.

Check out the Marzipan, formed to look like fruits of all kinds. They look absolutely real!

Here is a street cafe, with indoor restaurant if preferable.

These buildings have been here for hundreds of years. (800?)

Roasted chestnuts are a childhood favorite of mine. I was lucky to find the vendors out on the streets this early in the season, and bought some daily.

 

[jnarowe]

nice pics Marc. That marzipan looks great. We have a customer here that makes baked marzipan in all sorts of shapes. One of my favorites is a tiny basket of bread where the basket and various bread loaves etc. are all marzipan. You would flip if you saw it.

Glad to see you took a little time to enjoy the area.

 

[melev]

The only saltwater fishstore I could find in Basel was Zierfishcenter - Basel. It is hidden at Hagenbachstr 5, and the phone number is 061-313-40-50, in case any swiss reefers see this thread. I say hidden because it is under a building similar to a brownstone, located in the basement area. As you walk down the street, the sign is at knee height, against the wall of the building. You really see it as you walk down the steps, assuming you actually glance that way. If I didn't have the address, I'd never have ever found that store. I wish I'd taken a picture of the entrance. The owner said he's the only LFS that sells saltwater livestock, and that it wouldn't last in their area much longer.

The display tank by the front door. It had a Comline Tunze skimmer.

The other display was in the saltwater section. The unicorn tang was immense, with streamers.

The livestock was in varied tanks. Many had macro added to look like planted tanks.

I didn't see any SPS for sale.

Tunze, Eheim, Salifert... all the good stuff. I didn't see a single Skilter or Seaclone!

 

[melev]

Wanna buy a mandarin?

Hope you've got a lot of money. That's about $70 for a 2" fish!

The smallest rose BTA I've ever seen. Too bad it was washed out in the picture.

That's all I have for today.

 

[Hop]

Nice pics! But how does everyone stay skinny with all that good looking food? I'm not certain the walking would be enough

 

[WarEagleNR88]

That's cool Marc, great pictures! Hopefully my occupation will take me over that way in the next few years.

I really like the second picture of your grandmother's plaque among the red flowers. Really good shot and I can imagine in your state you weren't really focused on getting great shots at the time.

What is the name of your mother's favorite snack? It looks very tasty!

And great tank pictures. That's one thing we don't really see a lot of is how "they" do it on the other side of the pond. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Snakebyt]

great pics.. i think ill go eat a snack now

 

[bklynmet]

They sell Marzipan in most Itlaian bakeries in good old Brooklyn NY and some in NYC. They're great. The pastry shop photos remind me of pastry shops in Italy.

 

[gman0526]

Awesome series of photographs, really captures the essence of the town.

 

[thor32766]

yeah that was amazing thanks for taking the time to share the experience with us.

 

[gregr]

that was amazing thanks for taking the time to share the experience with us

Ditto! And condolences for your Grandmother's passing.
Greg

 

[melev]

Thanks Greg.

 

[ClownReef®]

Melev- Sorry to hear about your grandmothers passing.

I spent a while in Switzerland (Interlaken) and it is ridiculously expensive. I remember going to McDonalds and paying close to $25 dollars for a couple of burgers, fries and a soda, plus had to pay for the ketchup..LOL..(here i would have spent around $5-$6). I only brought one bill back, they are quite colorful. Ill try to dig up some pictures, its a gorgeous country.

 

[Nikon_Guy]

Heartfelt condolences on the passing of your grandmother.

Thank-you for taking the time to post the pictures of your trip. My grandfather immigrated to the United States from Switzerland and passed away prior to me being born. I have always wanted to go to Switzerland to get a sense of my heritage and after looking at your pictures I have a little more understanding without leaving home.

Thanks again and happy thoughts to you.

 

[melev]

Thanks guys.

I converted my paper money to US dollars when I got back, but I'll post a picture of the 'muenz' later. The coins are kind of interesting to me, and I have a brief story to share.

 

[TheVillageIdiot]

Hey Melev,

sorry for your loss.

My parents live in Kandern, Germany about 30mins from Basel. I'm pretty sure I've been to that very fish store... though my father prefers one in france (don't remember the name) where he got his malawi's.

thanks for sharing the pictures,

Matt (TVI)

 

[AdidaKev]

Sorry to hear of your loss, melev. Your pictures are beautiful! Some of those sweets look to die for. The tanks in that store look amazingly clean. Were they that clean in person? And is a mandarin really $76?!?! Holy cow!

 

[Lpabsolute]

Thanks for sharing your great pics....