‘Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.’ (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

Even if I had nothing particular in mind, but to get away from the desk for a couple of days, it turned out, this is what we did. Me and my travel companion met up in Basel, which is the cutest little place tucked right at the border with Germany and France. We visited a friend & just upon arriving in this charming place I instantly knew I would love it. As we passed the oldest bridge in twon, hundreds and hundreds of people were floating down river with little dry bags in their arms. The air was full of summer, warmth and joy. It was a little magical seeing every body having the best of times swimming down stream.

So… it was unavoidable for this adventurous friend of mine to convince me to go for a swim in the Rhein. To say the least, it freaked me out mildly. I mean, I cannot say I have enjoyed summer baths since I came back from Italia especially… Which meant I squealed a lot. And then, after I convinced myself that it was not so bad after all, it was just the most perfect, most beautiful way to see a new city! Believe me! Nothing like it! I giggled the whole swim & surprised myself at not drowning due to oxygen shortage.

When I did not run crazy with my camera in hand and exclaimed for the hundredth time how pretty all these wooden doors, overgrown entrances and historic buildings are, we had some of those wonderful conversations, where you get to share a piece of your heart. The rest of the days we wandered through the enchanting historic city center, walked across Germany to France for lunch and might have brought some blisters home as souvenirs.

Ok, mint food stand? Kill me now!

Special Thank so Jonny, who was the most wonderful host & guide (and your roomies!!!) And to Fred, for making me take the leap into this cold thing called water.