Q: Isn’t Basel boring for you? A: Boring is as boring does.
Dear Auntie SAM: Isn’t Basel too small of a town for you? Isn’t it boring?
When my grandfather returned from the Peace Corps, he became caretaker for the sole house on an island in the muddy Maumee river. My parents & I lived in tents just past the clearing near the beach.
We ate what my father killed and what my mom grew in a garden, as well as clams and fish. They taught me how to cook over an open flame; track animals; and read shadows, moss, and stars to find my way.
I was never lost in the woods.
Or in any city, for that matter. I’ve traveled through many places in our world, mostly alone. I’ve chased a thief through the backstreets of London; ran from a crooked cab driver in Valparaiso; and wandered to my heart’s content. I always found my way.
Until Basel. Now, I’m always lost.
A friend teases me, „Oh, such a big city!“ But us adults know: size is not (so) important.
Because, dear Reader, Basel is Wonderland. It’s like Mary Poppins‘ handbag: she reaches into her normal sized purse & then withdraws a floor lamp.
The storefronts in Basel are deceptive. They look like normal doors. But, cross the threshold & you’ll discover the restaurant you just walked into also has a garden terrace, a bar, another bar, a bowling alley …
There’s not a lot of neon here. Stores open and close without a lot of fanfare. Advertisement almost happens by word of mouth. Subtilely and an imposing façade would describe much of Basel.
And, although it is entirely possible to traverse the city by foot in an afternoon, step off the beaten path a little and you may end up in France. I have.
Moreover, there’s a little something I’m going to call „Swiss Nice“. The people who have always had Switzerland as their home, & some of the people who have made Switzerland their home, are quite settled into their lives. Economically, they might want us. But, personally, they don’t need us. And so social interactions can often feel like the Mad Hatter’s tea party: you may find yourself attending the soirée, but if you abide by your old manners, you’ll never get any tea.
It takes effort – and a bit of daring – to find your way in Basel.
The easiest thing to do, as an expat, is to follow the crowd you’re in. If you’re a parent, do what the other parents at your child’s school do. If you’re working, go where your coworkers go. They’ll show you which shops greet you in English and which restaurants hand out menus in English, too.
But, if you really want to live in Basel, follow me down the rabbit hole; jump into nanny’s purse. We’ll make mistakes & certainly get lost many times along the way. I am no navigator here. But, have no fear: I’ve lived in Wonderland before …
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Feel like dancing? Check out DJ FRANK CASTRO at GRENZWERT for his finest selection of early R&B, Soul, Funk, Afrobeat, Garage, and Latin music. They’re even hosting CONTESTS to win PRIZES for BEST DANCING — This weekend, your Auntie’s exploring a new city on holiday. So, you have a chance to win 😉 FRIDAY, 10PM.
Or, snuggle down, eat popcorn, and watch a series of short films made throughout the world at AKTIENMUEHLE’S KURZFILM SCREENING. FRIDAY, 8:30PM. FREE. But, come early (DOORS 7:30PM) to find a good seat and explore the amazing workspace you can rent to create your household projects, art, and more. Take Tram 8 to Wiesenplatz. Then find your way …