When we woke up, Jason took us on a small walking tour of Basel. This town is too cute guys. Basel is both a city and a state and we stopped by the gorgeous governing building to talk about the Swiss political structure. We ventured to the Rhine river next which runs all the way to Amsterdam. I guess I could take a float downstream to visit the best hosts on this earth after I move to the "dam."
Jason told us about the rivalry between one side of Basel and the other- working class and the upper echelon. Because of this there is a kings head on the side of a building sticking his tongue out towards the working class side. During a parade every year, 3 men process over the bridge and MOON the upper crust. I thought it was funny.
From there we visited the Munster church. Orignally the church had 4 spires but after an earthquake gave two of them to the river in the 14th century they were neer rebuilt.
We regrouped and headed to France. The drive was so peaceful that I think we all fell asleep. I had a minor panic attack at 6 am so I was a touch weary. Finally made it to the old village and just shopped around and took it all in for a few hours. We went into this back alley art shop that was stacked miles high with old canvases and painting supplies. The artist greeted us from upstairs and came down to chat with me. I told him that his paintings were lovely and he said I was being too kind. I told him which was my favorite and he said that it couldn't possibly be my favorite until I heard the elaborate story behind his madness. The painting is essentially a man and woman embracing on a circular background with a transparent cat face overlay. I hope that you can get the image in your head, but if you can't its no biggie because I bought the print. After he told me the story and took an interest in me, how could I not? This is the culture I have been begging for the whole trip. Meeting locals and taking an interest in their lives. He told me that I had to "make the exchange of money for happiness" for three different reason: 1. I was helping to save the environment because of his eco-friendly (newspaper) gift wrapping, 2. I needed to do it for mine and his health- he sealed the wrapping with a local wine label of which he promised to drink a bottle in dedication to me that evening, 3. I could be happy because I could share the story with other cat lovers. He was a character. The perfect kind. I got a picture with him after he wrote the story to me in French on the bottom of my print. He asked me to email it to him when I got home and therefore we exchanged email addresses. I was literally in heaven, just drinking the entire exchange in, silently filing it away forever. His name is Luc Grun. The story was hard to understand, but the jist of it is that the cat represents a shimmering life. Because cats have 9 lives and a gleam in their eyes, they are the symbol of full life. The man and woman were Adam and Eve. Out of Eve's shoulder, an unseen baby was being formed as the first true life. The circle in the background represents Alpha and Omega and eternal life. This guy is deep. I guess he is the kind of artist that helps you with interpretations. I liked the painting anyway. There was no need to convince me to buy it. It was my most memorable exchange on this trip so far and I am so glad that I have the print to remind me of it.
For lunch we had a typical Alsacian dish- Flammenkuchan. It's basically a thin, crunchy, cream based pizza. It was delicious served with the Gewurztraminer wine from the region. Don't worry I got a bottle but I am sure that it won't make it back to the states.
We drove around the vineyards for a while before stopping in Kayserberg to go into some wine caves. We tasted a few, which to me all tasted like they had been opened for too long.... I mean I realize my palette isn't that refined but really, it was a touch vinegar-y. This is where I bought aforementioned wine.
Today was a thoughtful day of life after graduation and the job market, but after being fairly solemn all day, I felt totally rejuvinated as we waved goodbye to Jason and Donna. I really can't tell you how wonderful they have been and how much I appreciated their patience, gracious hospitality, and love. It was wonderful to visit and talk with them. They did too much for us and I have no idea how I will ever repay them. I only left 6 francs in the coin bowl for Chirst's sake. They are a beautiful couple with a beautiful home and EXCELLENT cooking. They have taught us all so much about Swiss food and drink. We had fondue the first night and last night they served raclette. It is warm cheese over potatoes with corn, pearl onions, pickles and bacon. It was amazing. You cook your own and make your portion. I mean it was so fun and go at your own pace. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
Today Donna told us about a woman who came to Basel for 2 days when they first arrived and taught them everything they needed to know about the Swiss people and their culture, etc. She was hired by Jason's company as a Culture consultant. I don't know what you are thinking but I am thinking I need to do some more research.
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