This part of Switzerland adjoins France and the Black Forest of Germany. You need to get into the right que line! Before driving back to Basel from Beatenburg we went up on the cable way to the top of the mountain at Neildorf to view the surroundings. Very steep precipitous drops on one side of a beautiful upper alpine valley with peaceful cows grazing on the steep slopes. Majestic views of the lakes and distant Alps on the other. If you are young and venturesome you can don a crash helmet and zip down the mountain on specially designed scooters down the road for the steep descent!

Through Interlaken around the lake passing by Bern and we are back in Basel. The highlight of the first day a visit to the home of son Christian and Pia rejoicing in their little daughter Michele. They are both Pediatricians building a practice in their village centre. Nicola the daughter arrived to present wedding invitations for her forthcoming event in September.

The other important family event is the engagement of older daughter Nicola to Christop with the wedding in Sept.

Basel - Old City

The quaint streets of the older quarter, the Cathedral, the old city gate with clock tower, the river Rhine changing direction in the town, all amidst modern trams buses and the like provide the charm of these historic places with houses showing plaques 1400, 1300 along with famous names and places. The charm of Europe and UK lacking in the New World.