Anticipation

The day has arrived - Our boat trip begins!  Check out time from the Hotel Merian is 10:00 and the AMAKRISTINA is docked about ½ mile away. 

All bundled up and suitcases in tow, we head to the ship along the river.  I have noticed quite a few people during our short stay in Basel feeding the seagulls along the river.  

As we got closer to the boat, the size of the vessel really surprised me. 

With smiles and helpful hands, the crew welcomed us aboard.

Check in was easy and the crew took care of us immediately.   Official check in is not until 3 pm, so we gathered in the front room and enjoyed our surroundings.  The boat is beautiful and every appointment looks as if it belongs there.  Kristina, the namesake of the boat, must be a Gustav Klimt fan because very good reproductions of his works adorn the ship’s lounges and passageways. 

If you are not familiar with Klimt’s work check out the movie Woman in Gold.  Helen Mirren is excellent in her quest to have a family’s painting returned.

Here a quick tour of AMAKRISTINA

Yes that is a Mac Book on the desk and I do not have a clue how to turn it on.  We also have 19"  computer mounted to the wall for a TV.

The Chef's private dining room is right behind our rooms and we use it as our late night hangout.

The upper deck also  has a heated pool and it will be used!

Our rooms were ready much earlier than expected so we headed back out to the streets of Basel.  City hall is a bright red building adorned in murals. 

This time of year, a tree that was over 30 feet tall stood in the courtyard. 

Walking into see the tree, voices could be heard singing songs of the season.  A small choir was standing on the steps.  We continued our wanderings through the old shopping district, stopping at a wine store, a small grocery store, and a Christmas store where supposedly the queen shops. 

Also on our walk we saw the medieval gate that was the historical entrance to Basel.

Back on the boat we were greeted with Champagne (oops please excuse me – a German Sparkling wine) that was very good and a wonderful assortment of hors d'oeuvres as we settled in for the official welcome and safety briefing. 

Dinner followed and the food… oh my!   I should probably just do a day meals blog entry.

Tonight, we will put our heads on our pillows in Basel, but by sunrise be in Breisach, Germany

We can never know about the days to come
But we think about them anyway
And I wonder if I'm really with you now
Or just chasin' after some finer day

Anticipation, anticipation
Is makin' me late
Is keepin' me waitin'

 

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