Morning Has Broken

We have arrived in Basel and the adventure has begun. The flights, all three, were great! On time, not full, and the crew helpful and attentive. Janet and I decided to go with two aisle seats side by side for the long leg, and it worked out. No one sat in the bulkhead seat next to me, and she was able to spread out over three seats. Both of us probably captured about 4 ½ hours of shut eye on the overnight flight from Charlotte, North Carolina to London. I must admit – I was happy to see the sunrise over London. It is a long flight even with the best conditions.

We rendezvoused in Terminal 5 in London with 4 of the Rhine gang, which was an amazing feat. A “Whats App” phone call to Basel confirmed the rest of the party was in place awaiting our arrival. Just a short flight to Basel and really the only hiccup of our travel day occurred. The hallway door to passport controlled was broken and would not open. We sat on the plane staring out the window on a gloomy day. After a night and day of travel, I just wanted off the plane. The door got removed and off we scurried to catch Bus #50.  Carefully making sure we got the right exit. One side of the airport is Switzerland the other France. If you go out the French door (no pun) you have to clear passport control again to get to the bus.

If you have hotel reservations in the city the bus ride is free to the train station. There we caught Tram 8, which was also free to our hotel.

Check in at the Hotel Merian was quick and painless and we were in the room in no time. Opening the door, the sight from our balcony blew us way. Even on a gloomy day it was beautiful! 

We were lucky enough to stumble into a small restaurant near the hotel.  The gang pretty much took up half the seats, and let me tell you there was not a bad meal served.  Granted the travelers were starving after a day of airline and airport food, but each dish was well prepared and very tasty. The Swiss beer also gets an A+.

I got a flash on my head or did I just get an idea?

After a wonderful dinner next to the hotel (and a couple wonderful beers) we were off to explore a couple of the Basel Christmas Markets.

The air was chilly and damp but the Glühwein warmed our souls as we strolled looking at the booths and decorations at a very slow pace. The decorative Santa left no doubt what season we were in. Looking across the river we could see our hotel, and I swear I could hear the bed calling my name.

We walked back across the bridge discussing plans for tomorrow’s adventure, but I cannot tell you about that until tomorrow.

I know this is a short one, but I am beat and morning will be breaking again soon.

It is now 4:30 in the morning and Janet is wide awake proof reading the blog, doing a hotel morning work out, and waiting for the morning to break.  Like the lady above - She is in a wonderful spot and just waiting for some excitement.

Oh no... knowing Ann never sleeps on vacation - Janet is out on the balcony whispering, Ann You Up?

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