33,219 Steps

The view from my window this morning

Today was my first full day in Basel and 33,219 steps later, I think I can say I had a thorough introduction (for the record, that's over 17 miles)! Michelle and I had an absolute blast touring some of her favorite city streets and exploring new areas. Our feet are a bit sore, and I even feel like I got a bit too much sun on my face, but it was 100% worth it. 

Breakfast of genuine Swiss Muesli, yogurt, and bread while we planned our day

Every afternoon, Michelle takes a neighborhood dog, Betty, for a good, long walk. Today I got to join them!

This is Betty's home. Could it be any more European?

Betty was very welcoming

Five minutes up the street, we stumble upon genuine Swiss countryside 

Michelle and Betty hike up, up, up!

But Betty was mostly interested in rolling around in cow manure 

Walking back down the hill into the neighborhood

We had our picnic lunch in the backyard to let Betty relax outside for a while before we left 

Then we took the tram into Downtown Basel to wander the streets

Tinguely Fountain!

I was in love with the colors, bikes, and trams

I swear, the colors in these photos have not been enhanced in any way! 

Old German men gathering to drink a pint at a pub

You know, just found a rhino wandering around the streets

Kids playing with a bouncy ball as a woman sets up a table and chairs

WOW

I was pretty excited...

Passersby peering into the Bakery window as new pastries are displayed

Approaching the Cathedral (built between the 12th and 15th century in romaneque and gothic style)

I had already fallen in love with the city, but the deal was sealed when we arrived to an overlook
of the Rhine (the River that runs through Basel)

The trams are kissing on the bridge!

We finally gave up and asked someone to take our picture

And then there was the time we got artsy in the Monetary.

In addition to four bridges that cross the Rhine, you can take a ferry! 

Remarkably, the currents are so strong, that there are no motors needed to power the boats as they move across

[Perhaps even more remarkably] the price is only 1.6 Swiss Francs/Euros
(amazing given the price of everything in Switzerland) 

Michelle boards the boat and pays our fare

Michelle riding in the setting sun 

We took a brief break from our walking to have ice cream on the banks of the Rhine 

And Alex met us on his way back from work!

After talking and soaking up the sun, we needed to start heading home. Alex continued up to the apartment on his bike, and Michelle and I walked (stopping only to take a few more photos). 

SO many bikes!

I thought this sign was really cool. France in one way, Germany the other (while we are in Switzerland)

Back at home, Alex prepared an amazing three course meal for us

Somehow, I'm still awake (though not for long). Tomorrow Michelle and I are going on a hike with Betty in the mountains/countryside. I AM SO PUMPED. Of course more pictures will follow. 

Love to all!

Sara xxx