:: fact 7 ::

Always a job for the road workers.

It seems everywhere you go in Switzerland, a piece of the road is being ripped up for no particular reason. Trucks and compressors and trademen with shovels and orange florescent vests and big boulders from beneath the tarmac.

What is even more astonishing is that the workers seem to know where you are heading and what you are doing (think big brother on steriods) and what is the best place for them to commence their latest road project so that it messes with your day.

I have counted 3 times in 18 months that the my street in front of my apartment has been ripped up, destroyed and re-laid.

:: fact 6 ::

Time.

The swiss are on time. Period.

:: fact 5 ::

Nightlife in Basel.

In my opinion, limited, very limited. I came in the hope of finding club nirvana - I found out that's in Zurich.

Zurich is great if you are under 25 and have a gleis 7 - card to ride train free after 7pm. If over 25, at best return train will cost you 30 CHF, at worst 60 CHF. And this is before cover charge and drinkies.


Now back to Basel.
A strip of bars on the main drag in town, some pub/clubs in the surrounding area, Brit & Irish theme pubs and local watering holes for the senior-swiss-only clientel(my impression based on reception in such pubs - note I have a shaved head and brow-ring, perhaps I will not be wanted in local pubs back home either, will let you know how that works out).

I was excited Saturday night at the prospect of a new club "A2" opening in Basel. They said, "Top DJs guarantee musical variety and best celebration atmosphere! All you need is party! In the Agostea: The Finest in House, Dance, Trance, R'n'B & Black Music in the Alphuette: 70's, 80's, 90's, Fox, hits & Charts[sic]"

I said, "
From: Hofman Brett CHBS
Sent: Friday, 9 September 2005 2:31 PM
Subject: RE: Plans this evening?

"The Finest in House, Dance, Trance, R'n'B & Black Music[sic]"
that's a pretty broad spectrum of tunes - lets hope its not all mixed in the same hour set yeah!?"

Unfortuantely for everyone involved, I was right. One of the worst mixes I have ever come across in my clubbing days. Motivated to take to the dance floor with a nice hard-house track, you are literally floored when all off a sudden "Come on Ali..." blares from the ridicously loud speaker set up. All ok tunes when played in isolation of each other, depending on the type of evening you want; disgracefully mixed into vomit inducing collage at A2.

Wait, my review continues:
- Que for 45 minutes so the club employees could take photos take give the impression they are busy.
- Then only get in if accompanied by ladies.
- Cover of 15 CHF which you do NOT pay on arrival; instead they take your mug shot and give you a swipe card to unwittingly rack up copius over-priced drinks and then use this card to pay on your way out. One gent had to go to an ATM for more cash while we were qued; I couldn't get over the feeling I was waiting in line at the grocery store.
- Club near full capacity consisted mostly touchy feely desperados out on the pull (and this included the security guards taking every opportunity to rub up against the ladies waiting in line outside).

For a quiet night in the pub, drinking beers, Basel will suit you fine.
If en route to Basel and you are the sort who doesn't normally think of heading out until around 23:00, go the extra hour and head to Zurich.

:: fact 4 ::

"Basel beats differently"
is the motto with which Basel wants to draw attention to itself at home and abroad. Special to Basel is its position in the so-called Dreiländereck, the triangle formed by the three countries of Switzerland, Germany, and France. Basel is known as an open, many-faceted cultural, educational, and economic metropolis.

Basel is the centre of north-western Switzerland, on the border with Germany and France, and located at the very core of central Europe. Identification with their city is exceptionally high not only among the city's population, but also among those who live in the city's suburbs and beyond.

Cultural, educational, and economic metropolis
Basel projects, well beyond central Europe, the image of a progressive, environmentally conscious, international, and integrative cultural, educational, and economic metropolis. It successfully combines such small-town features as clarity and intimacy with the advantages of a city: expansiveness, wide choice, and diversity.

Despite its social dynamism and innovative economic strength, Basel is a lively border town, with a strong traditional base rooted in history which can be experienced not only at its carnival, the Basler Fasnacht. Both its historic townscape and modern architecture are part of Basel's living present.

:: fact 3 ::

Paprika.

Given the extremely high standard of living and high salaries I have been particularly dismayed at the poor selection of crisps in Switzerland, and more in point, Basel. Populated heavily by expats taking advantage of low taxes and ridiculous salaries, it has been a shock to find that crisps generally come in two flavours, original (being salted) and paprika.

Until arriving here, I didn't even know that Paprika is a flavour, but here everything is flavoured paprika. And it does actually grow on you.

Now the Swiss will argue and say, hey, you can get Roasted Chicken and Oriental, however these are two relatively new chip developments and given the fact they were spotted in a bargain bin in Denner, I don't think they will last. Oh and you can always pay extortionate prices for a small pack of Walkers chips at the local Brit pub, but that doesn't really count. Who wants to go to Pickwicks anyways, unless you are watching the footy (aussies read soccer).

Now this may seem a really dumb thing to prattle on about, but coming from Australia where we have a complete aisle in the shops dedicated to every possible tasting chip imagined, being limited here left me stumped. Particularly given that the Swiss do like their beer. ANd I am sorry, Pretzels are not good all the time. Oh and you will pay about 4-5 CHF for a packet of crisps too.

What makes this all the more vexing, is that in 10 minutes, you can pop over the German border and once again be welcomed by a wonka-like selection of crisps. Funnily enough though, they also sell paprika flavour.

:: hiking ::

Hiking up here this weekend.

:: fact 2 ::

Swimming - in the Rhine!

"The Rhine plays a key role in the history and development of Basel. It is both a vital waterway and a local place for recreation. The Rhine has always been the gateway to the sea and therefore an important trade route. But still more important is undoubtedly its contribution to the high quality of life that Basel can offer its guests and inhabitants, together with the pleasantly mild climate with many sunny days in which the city basks. The Rhine offers valuable space to relax, to engage in sports or quite simply to enjoy life. The people of Basel are very fond of their Rhine, and accordingly spend a great deal of time beside it and in it – strolling along its idyllic banks, swimming or simply relaxing. In August of each year, on the first Tuesday after the school summer holidays, the big Basel Rhine Swim takes place. The start is upstream of the Wettsteinbrücke on the Kleinbasel side. Thousands of Baslers plunge into the cool, refreshing waters of the river. Visitors to the city are also warmly invited to take part. And to be sure the city does not miss out on its fun, in the event of bad weather this big event is simply postponed by a week. For non-swimmers, just watching the spectacle is also an impressive experience."

I WILL swim it before I leave Basel.