2013-08-05: Hello Basel!

Today, we leave the quaint badassery that defines St. Anton, head to Basel for a day, then to Madrid.

As always, sad to leave, but eagerly anticipating what's next.  Interestingly enough, although there were no signs to that effect, there was one point on the train where Amy got a little sad - she didn't know what the cause was, but we found out in about 10 minutes that it was almost exactly where we crossed the border from Austria into Switzerland.  Weird how that works sometimes... 

The ladies and Christopher, one of the owners of Alkira where we stayed in St. Anton (he did the massive road race the day before - like a boss!).

This is inside the Rathaus of Basel - super-cool old building.

One thing I was NOT prepared for was the fact that people SWIM in the fountains.  It was super-hot, but still - it seems like such a rule-abiding populace/reputation (not to stereotype too much?)

Just imagine how much could be accomplished in the world if we funneled all of the energy used to build these AMAZING cathedrals into something like, say, taking care of the sick/poor?  Or science?  Or...

Lots of doors from about 700 years ago.  Seriously!  This one has a dragon on it (which may have existed back then it was so long ago).

Really cute town. 

Fit THAT in your pocket, Mr. Eagle Scout!  If this doesn't have it, you don't need it!

8-bit art is quite welcome!

Before entering the Rathaus.

Important people use this door.

Sorry ma'am, ignorance of the law is no excuse!

More interior of the Rathaus.

This is titled "The Prophet".  For obvious reasons.

Quietude.

These are probably for "venting", but I prefer to think it's a special portal to the underground crypts so that the spirits can have their little parties at night.

Open up and say "AHHHH!" 

After walking the city, we were on a mission to put our lock on a bridge.  On the way to the middle of the Mittelbruekke, we saw these crazy people CRUISING down the Rhine.  The current was easily 10 mph. 

People cruising down the river, next stop the North Sea!

Perfect spot for it!

YES!

This is the face of a man that knows he's completely out of his league.  She's wonderful.

Right before we chucked the key over the side.

"Sorry officer!  Didn't mean to bean you with a key from 25 meters!"

Rick and Amy, 2013 - quite possibly the only love lock in existence adorned with...

...its own custom Unitato!

I don't remember exactly why I put this one in, other than I remember going "they let their DOG swim in the fountain?"  Also, this boy was teasing his sister, she was really upset and crying, but it was so obvious that this was simply what they did every day.  The boy clearly won this exchange.  I hope the girl either figures out his little game and either completely disengages from it, or [briefly] goes all in and smacks the kid.  Either way will likely work.

From the year 1280 - I know she looks fancy, but we were barely cave-people at this point.  Seriously.  Bunch of crazy, superstitious, largely-uneducated people that were ruled by the incredibly wealthy and well-connected, where the vast majority of resources were owned by the tippy top of the social strata, who passed laws in order to preserve the status quo.  We've come a long way since then, haven't we?  HAVEN'T WE?  << rocks self in corner >>

Indeed.  Tryin' to keep a good man down!

Oh, also, our hotel is air-conditioned!  Hotel Rochat, if any of you are in Basel - very nice, so happy to be here. 

We also saw a beach volleyball tournament, and Maya answered a ton of German trivia re: organics and won fabulous prizes!  We got a bunch of food at the market and ate in the room. 

Tomorrow, Madrid!