Day One Basel

We boarded the Viking Modi in Basel, Switzerland, and set off on the Rhine and Main Rivers for a 10-day cruise. What we love about cruising is our hotel moves. We unpack once, and then just get off each day to tour. When we return, dinner is waiting for us.

Speaking of the food, it was wonderful. Especially the chocolate mousse. I was surprised I did not gain any weight. I think it’s because we are more active and the portions are small. A salad is served on a salad plate, not a dinner plate. The mousse was in a small cup, maybe four bites, and satisfying.  Dinner was a small portion and enough. Sadly, this is not so in the US.

White asparagus was in season, a local favorite for both Germany and Austria. Served with a piece of fish on top, it was a delight.

Basel is located where Germany and Switzerland meet, reflecting a fascinating blend of traditions. The city straddles the Rhine at the river’s farthest navigable point, and an alluring cluster of old-town buildings huddles along the riverbank. The guide told us that it gets hot in the summer and the buildings along the Rhine have no air conditioning. People buy a waterproof pouch to put their items in, get in the river, and swim home. I wish I could do that.

More than 40 museums of art and culture reside in Basel, including a paper mill which we visited. Long ago, people used sheep skins for parchment. It took one year to create a Bible with 350 sheep skins.

Long ago, these sheep gave the people wool for warmth and skin for parchment.

Long ago, The Lamb gave His life for all of us. For this, I am truly grateful.