Hens, chicks and chills, oh my!

I spotted these adorable hens and chicks a few days ago while walking along one of my favorite streets, Spalenberg, in downtown Basel and thought they were too cute not to share.


Most of us (with the exception of probably you, Elsa—living in Santiago, Chile everyone! SO beautiful! :) are quickly rolling into the chilly months and sadly saying goodbye to the green beauty that has been our familiar landscape. And unfortunately, I didn't inherit my mother's green thumb so keeping indoor plants healthy has always been a challenge for me. I mean, I do love green life sprucing up our place, it's just that often times it doesn't last long. Blame it on disease or mold, blame it on too much or too little water. Or blame it on me and my brown thumb? Black thumb...of death, MUAAHHAAA...and I digress. :)

No, in all honesty I'm sitting here feeling really thankful for the many indoor plants we've scored from friends who've moved away or as thoughtful gifts—I just can't comment on their state of health. But these little hens and chicks might just be my ticket for success! Little succulents to keep me going through winter; purifying our air, giving me something on which to practice and looking quite good at the same time.

Beautiful Basel Herbst

What a beautiful season we're experiencing here in Basel. Fall, or Herbst - pronounced herb-shht, has been so kind in 2009! Here it is the 2nd of November and we're still hiking in lightweights, enjoying sunny afternoons and waiting for a really chilly night to christen our flat's radiators. Traditionally I'm a warm weather kinda girl, but this year I've thoroughly enjoyed all things fall: crisp air; Basel's brightly painted trees, vines and bushes; bustin' out my boots and tights; more pumpkin than I know what to do with. (Fear not, moms; we're gettin' our fill of beta-carotene and vitamin C :)

So here are a few—ok maybe more than a few, these colors make choosing a 'few' impossible—shots of what we've seen recently in our neck of the woods. Walks around Basel, bike rides to work, hikes into the Swiss countryside, tours into Germany have provided lovely opportunities to capture just what it is we've recently seen here and there. And everywhere. Any doubt I once had about Basel's fairly temperate climate providing a lackluster season has, very thankfully, been busted 100%.

Gratitude

This evening as I'm perusing my Blogs I'm following list, I find myself drawn to Soule Mama's post from today - More Gratitude (is a good thing) and it has me thinking about what I'm most thankful for at this very moment in my life. The prayer in me everyday wants to scream from the roof tops how thankful I am for my best husband, loving family, dear friends, health, love, happiness and so on. The writer in me at this very moment wants to share that I'm truly thankful for new friends. Cooking friends, coffee friends, hiking friends, laughing friends. I have been so very blessed to meet some wonderful women here in Basel—strong, caring, ardent women (whom I also consider teachers for this student of life) who help make my time here so enjoyable and feel a bit more like home.

I believe Soule Mama has it right—hearing what others are grateful for always reminds you even more of what you are thankful for. So let's keep it going around the globe, from one blog to another. Because gratitude is good, and even more gratitude is better.

So tell me, what are you grateful for right now?

Weekend Adventures

A few weeks ago (yes, procrastination at its finest) the man and I took a sporatic trip down to First, one of our favorite little hangouts in the Alps.


We arrived in Bort just as the sun was setting, which provided a fabulous backdrop for an evening 600 meter climb up to First.


If you follow my musings here often, you know that we've already been to First—and I know it may sound silly to revisit a locale when there exists an entirely new, fascinating continent that's begging to be explored, but what can I say. Maybe read this post about home and it'll make more sense.


Anyhow, we made it up the mountain to Berghaus First just in time for their delicious dinner. This meal would be fantastic at an upscale restaurant; however, after climbing a mountain it is perhaps the most welcoming, delicious meal you've ever tasted, right up there with that one favorite dish your mom makes for you when you return home for a visit. Four scrumptious courses. Wine. Beer. Milch Kaffee. Endless games of cribbage. An amazing view. Who wouldn't return?


So, with bellies full of sustenance and our blood warmed with wine, Erik and I headed down to the bunker to settle in for the night. Until, of course, we interrupted our roommates partaking in some very high altitude hanky panky, which sent us back up for even more coffee and cards...and got me wondering, high altitude? Does some secret lie there of which I'm unaware? Gotta love dormitory style sleeping.


The next morning we filled up on Berghaus First's totally delectable breakfast—hot from the oven croissant, fresh fruit, Swiss muesli, yogurt, cheese, juice, coffee...perfect fuel for a successful days hike!


Never before had we hiked to Bachalpsee, a beautiful clear-blue lake situated between First and the Faulhorn. The view was amazing. In the past when I had tried to imagine what Bachalpsee looked like I couldn't for the life of me grasp how a lake could stay put on top of a mountain. Juvenile thoughts, maybe, but see for yourself; it does a pretty darn good job and looks quite breathtaking if you ask me. :)


So, we hiked and then we rested and then we hiked and then we rested. We drew. We placed a few stones on the communal rock sculptures lining the paths. We took photos and talked and just enjoyed being there, in the Alps and in Switzerland, with each other.


And then we became hungry and thirsty and realized we'd broken a cardinal rule among hikers and didn't pack any snacks. Dangerous. So on down the mountain we went, back to Bort.


It was so lovely seeing all the colors of the season; however, I have to admit that even fall in the Alps doesn't hold a candle to fall in Brown County State Park, but maybe I'm biased.


We ended the hike with a delicious piece of Kuchen und Kaffe at Berghaus Bort, which I totally recommend. It's comparable to the cherry on top only it's at the bottom. If that makes sense?

Perfect afternoon snack

Just look at this, would ya? Go ahead, wipe the drool from your chin. :)


A few days ago while perusing our favorite bodegas, conveniently located around the corner from our flat, the man and I came across the most beautiful, plump, tender, perfectly ripened, burnt orange colored persimmons. Without a second thought we scooped up a few and hightailed it home. These little guys are a favorite of ours for many reasons, including: they are delicious; the arrival of their long-anticipated cameo each year signifies FALL is finally here—yay!; they're chock-full of health benefits; they are SO yummy; they look gorgeous sitting in a bowl with lemons and limes (try it, you'll see); they provide a welcoming break from fall's 'it' fruit, the apple; they are de-licious. Did I already say that?

Later in the day as we were making banana bread (with free mushy bananas compliments of said bodega—so cool!) Erik got a wild hair and decided to throw in...persimmons! We used Smitten's Jacked-up Banana Bread recipe and replaced one boring banana with one lovely persimmon.

Result: I am begging you, please go do this now. Your current thoughts on banana bread, persimmons and all things delicious (try thinking of them as individuals here) will be taken to a whole new level. Promise!

And I'm the lucky one who's been enjoying this lovely snack, along with my homemade pumpkin butter, every day this week. Ahh, fall. Willkommen.

Home—it feels so good

Being truly comfortable with one's surrounds is such a reassuring, uplifting feeling. The simple easiness in life, the familiar comforts that often go unnoticed day to day are blessings I had begun to take for granted. And while the man and I decided to all but pack up and abandon ship six months ago, moving from little Bethel, Connecticut to bigger Basel, those warm, fuzzy comforts had been lost somewhere in our slight infatuation with Switzerland. Big, beautiful, lovely Switzerland. But lately, thank goodness, they've been making their way back to us; perhaps in different form, but on the inside comfort feels the same—no matter how you slice it.


Declaring a favorite local coffee flavor and drinking a bit too much of it; developing true friendships and spending countless hours exchanging stories; uttering the words 'our place' when arranging a Rhine rendezvous—and knowing exactly what and where that means; visiting a particular stand at the Farmer's Market each Saturday and always, always walking away a happy customer. These could be considered unforgiving ruts to some, but to us it's beginning to feel like home. And that's a mighty good feeling.

Our true home, in the presence of family, long-time friends and make-your-heart-smile memories, buried deep in our Midwestern roots, will never be replaced—and will always be waiting with arms wide open. But in the meantime, I take comfort in knowing that together we've carved out a little piece of home here in Switzerland. And I wish that same comfort to my friends and family living around the world.

Okay, so this post went in a totally differnt direction than I had planned, imagine that. :) Weekend adventures will have to wait...Schönen Abend.

Old Habits Die Hard

Funny thing happened on the way to work today.

I downshifted.

Or I should say I tried to downshift.

And another funny thing happened last week. I tried to use my turn signal. Yep, even though I've been riding a bicycle as my sole mode of transportation for the past six months, every now and then I inadvertently stretch out my left-hand index finger and expect to find a turn signal. Or place my right foot on the nonexistent clutch! Who knew driving made such an impression on me...or that my brain is still missing it?

Picture this: foot lifts up off of pedal and is placed slightly forward; foot proceeds to fall back onto pedal as imaginary clutch bubble bursts.

Add early morning speeding and the occasional road rage to the list and I've got a serious case of old habits coming back to haunt me. Shoot!

Fruit Before Lunch

What a be-e-e-autiful photo, eh?

I can say that because my husband took it. Among a million and one other things, the guy is also a fantastic photographer. :)

This shot was taken at a fancy-pants grocery store here in basel called Globus. They have the best food displays EVER. They also have the highest prices in Basel so we just go for the eye candy and the ocassional splurge on très magnifique Red Curry sauce.

I'm counting at least 18+ different fruits here.

Delicious. Mouthwatering. Yup, I think it's lunch time.

Something's Brewin'

Busy as a bee. Busy as a cranberry during Thanksgiving. Busy as a cat on a hot tin roof.

This pretty much sums up my life the past three weeks.

I mean, I'm not complaining; my summer basically consisted of hanging out with loved ones, Rheinschwimmen and eating too much chocolate. Sometimes I think I could take summer 365 days a year. (I know, right; couldn't we all?)  However, the time has come to step back into reality, rediscover a working girl's responsibility and pick up where I left off—back in March? March! MARCH!

Y'all, where has the time gone!?

Well, spring was gorgeous, summer downright perfect and early fall is proving itself as I write this. Along with the temperature and color changes around Basel, I've got a few things brewing, too.

• I got a job! The man's company needed an extra hand around the office. Simple as that. I am now an official employee in Switzerland, YESSS! (Fist pump :)
• I will be assuming website maintenance responsibilities for the American Women's Club of Basel and am very excited to get my hands into a bit of web work again.
• I've decided to run a half marathon. I really having nothing profound to say about this except, well, why not. Why not?
• Two amazing women and I have started something...a really, really cool little something. I won't give away much at the moment, but I'm dying to tell you! You'll want to stay tuned, my friends. Trust me.

Finally, I'll leave you with a shot of Mr. Eagleman's beautiful dinner creation from a few nights ago, in part because fall means fewer stunning veggies such as this and, also, because the theme just might have something to do with the last item on that list up there. *hint, hint. Anyway, I'm calling it the 'Summer-in-A-Bowl Salad', along with a thirst quentching glass of Sangria.

Oh, he's good; good, I tell you.



Tchuss!

Besucher Vier: The Eaglemans

Howdy! So, a lot's been happening lately on this side of the pond. I've been joking that this summer I started my own business—Erin Eagleman's Tour Guides—which really isn't that far from the truth. Tiring but oh-so-enjoyable! Nonstop but oh-so-worth it! Tag line? :)


Our last set of company for the summer, Erik's mom and dad, made their way to Basel at the end of July and spent two whole weeks with us. We did a lot of what's turning into 'normal' visitor activity here: exploring old city streets, checking out the fresh markets, rummaging through second hand stores, adventuring, wine tasting, pretzel bread sandwich eating, Rhine picnicking—all while thoroughly enjoying each and every minute together.

Here's a little peek into my soft-copy memory bank.


Checking out Basel's Roman ruins at Agusta Raurica.
Agust, Switzerland
The above shots are from our day trip to Augusta Raurica in nearby Agust. Agusta was founded at the same time as Basel, 44 BC, which just blows my mind. During the first and second centuries AD it was a prosperous city, but was virtually destroyed by an invasion of the Alemanni tribes around 260 AD. While many of the city's stones were pilfered during the Middle Ages, exploration of the site and excavations have uncovered not only best-preserved classical theatre north of the Alps, but also a handful of temples, taverns, public buildings and more.


Enjoying beautiful Basel.
I'd have to say that the highlights of our Eagleman time came from our two overnight trips to the Alps. The first trip to Gimmewald was a well planned success. Last April, shortly after we arrived in Switzerland, Kay emailed me a link to the Mountain Hostel, a sweet little jewel located, literally, right on the side of a mountain. As you can see on the website, the photos looked amazing so we decided to give it a shot. The cable ride up (the only way to reach the towns) was a bit nerve-wracking (possibly over packed and 250+ feet off the ground?), but well worth it since we stepped off the gondola and onto the you've-now-died-and-gone-to-heaven-hostel-property. After a nice hike up to Mürren for a better view, if you can even imagine, a gondola ride up to Birg* (2677 m above sea level, woah!) and some grocery shopping we all settled down with hot showers, a glass of red and delicious warm pizza on the hostel's deck which, I swear, seems to keep watch over the entire mountain range from it's priceless front row seat.

A few card games and chop-sticks renditions later (the place was packed with young 20-somethings traveling Europe over summer break) we finally settled down and caught some much needed zzzz's that prepared us for the early checkout time rising sun and our 1.5 hour hike down to Stechelberg.


Old cowbells, the Mountain Hostel and a curious little goat.
Gimmewald, Switzerland


Breathtaking views while hiking to and from Mürren, the Mountain Hostel's international flair.
Our second trip to the Alps was an unplanned success through to the core. We had such a fantastic time in Gimmewald that we decided to revisit the region and return to First, the amazingly beautiful place we explored with my parents in early July. It was a great decision as we discovered a favorite 'you've got to go there' guesthouse (not a hostel, not quite a hotel), dined on fabulous food and played countless games of cribbage. The gorgeous scenery and foggy hike down the mountain the next morning were simply bonuses! If you plan on paying the man and I a visit here in Switzerland you just might see what I'm talking about! Wink, wink.


Wild strawberries, taking advantage of a photographer in the group dilly-dallying - enjoying the magnificent view.
Stechelberg, Switzerland
Thanks for visiting Mum and Jim Dad! We miss you so much already and can't wait till next time!

*At the end of the 1960s, the makers of the Bond film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" used the futuristic revolving restaurant on the Schilthorn and decided that the scenes involving the imaginary 'Piz Gloria' had to be shot here. The Schilthorn is one of the top attractions of the Jungfrau region and the final stop in the Cable run we used to take us from Lauterbrunnen to Gimmewald. Although we didn't go as high as the Schilthorn we did visit Birg, the next to last stop.