A Solo“ish”Trip to Bologna with a dab of Bern and Colmar
Dec 1st, 2022, 03:42 PM
#46
Original Poster
I was able to walk over to see the Ponte Vecchio. Everyone was out enjoying the sunshine. I found a place on a quiet street for lunch. Most everyone sat inside another room so I had the outer area to myself. It was a nice lunch. I had a starter of spaghetti patties that were fried and has some sauces on the side and then a cream of asparagus soup. Great service and good food.
Spaghetti patties
After lunch, I did some shopping for my daughter and my dil. I found a cute leather purse and a small leather wallet. All in all a wonderful day on my own exploring a city that I really like. I was happy to get there on a beautiful day because the next day it rained like crazy.
Spaghetti patties
After lunch, I did some shopping for my daughter and my dil. I found a cute leather purse and a small leather wallet. All in all a wonderful day on my own exploring a city that I really like. I was happy to get there on a beautiful day because the next day it rained like crazy.
Dec 3rd, 2022, 01:19 PM
#48
Original Poster
I met up with my niece and took a train from Bologna to Basel. I just noticed my title states Bern. I should have corrected it. Arriving in Basel, I was able to get a cab from the station to my hotel for the next few days. Arriving at Motel One I was happily surprised that it was right next to a huge Christmas market. My room was cozy and very comfortable. The tv came on when I entered the room and it had a fireplace crackling on the screen.
I met everyone downstairs and the little exclaimed the all the decorations were just for her Christmas. She is just like her mom in loving the holiday season. A carousel ride for her and mulled wine for the adults. The weather while cold and crisp was dry. I loved wandering through all of the booths and picked up a few things for my grands.
Dinner was a roasted sausage with mustard. All very delicious.
The next morning I was able to have a great breakfast downstairs. Breakfast is provided, for a fee, at the hotel. A wonderful array of meats, cheeses, pastries, breads, fruits, yogurt and drinks. It was nice to have a warm drink with a hot croissant for the start of my day.
Exploring the town for the next few hours was wonderful. I loved the buildings and the small shops had their windows beautifully decorated for the holidays.
Then to the gothic cathedral, Basel Munster. I went through the cloisters and out to the viewing platform. The views to the Rhine were stunning. There was also a smaller market in the square that had lots of activities for children.
The boat ride along the Rhine on a sunny day was a wonderful way to see the area and it was not too cold. After, we went back up to the square for a late lunch at the Museumsbistro Rollerhof. Flammkuchen was ordered. One with goat cheese, honey, figs and thyme. The other with mushrooms, spinach and parmigiana. Both were excellent and it was a wonderful place to sit outside and watch all of the people.
A train ride or two for the little along with more shopping filled the rest of the afternoon. Back to the hotel for some relaxing before the evening.
Going out at dark and seeing the lights was a lot of fun. The crowds not so much. I couldn’t even walk for the amount of people. I ended up leaving the market and found a place across the street for dinner. A sausage with rosti was filling and warm. The hotel has a great downstairs area for relaxing and gathering. I ended up doing that and staying out of the crowds.
I met everyone downstairs and the little exclaimed the all the decorations were just for her Christmas. She is just like her mom in loving the holiday season. A carousel ride for her and mulled wine for the adults. The weather while cold and crisp was dry. I loved wandering through all of the booths and picked up a few things for my grands.
Dinner was a roasted sausage with mustard. All very delicious.
The next morning I was able to have a great breakfast downstairs. Breakfast is provided, for a fee, at the hotel. A wonderful array of meats, cheeses, pastries, breads, fruits, yogurt and drinks. It was nice to have a warm drink with a hot croissant for the start of my day.
Exploring the town for the next few hours was wonderful. I loved the buildings and the small shops had their windows beautifully decorated for the holidays.
Then to the gothic cathedral, Basel Munster. I went through the cloisters and out to the viewing platform. The views to the Rhine were stunning. There was also a smaller market in the square that had lots of activities for children.
The boat ride along the Rhine on a sunny day was a wonderful way to see the area and it was not too cold. After, we went back up to the square for a late lunch at the Museumsbistro Rollerhof. Flammkuchen was ordered. One with goat cheese, honey, figs and thyme. The other with mushrooms, spinach and parmigiana. Both were excellent and it was a wonderful place to sit outside and watch all of the people.
A train ride or two for the little along with more shopping filled the rest of the afternoon. Back to the hotel for some relaxing before the evening.
Going out at dark and seeing the lights was a lot of fun. The crowds not so much. I couldn’t even walk for the amount of people. I ended up leaving the market and found a place across the street for dinner. A sausage with rosti was filling and warm. The hotel has a great downstairs area for relaxing and gathering. I ended up doing that and staying out of the crowds.
Dec 4th, 2022, 02:36 AM
#57
Lovely photos, Paqngo. I think I spent a day in Basel a very long time ago but I have little memory of it so it was nice to see your take on it, especially at Christmas. And you can add my name to the list of those unfamiliar with fried spaghetti but why not? a great way of using up left-overs.
Dec 4th, 2022, 05:05 AM
#58
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I was wondering when you were going to get to Bern....
Your time in Basel sounds like fun. I enjoy European Christmas markets but only a one or two per year. I know many people go on trips that feature multiple markets in different countries but that would be too much for me.
Your time in Basel sounds like fun. I enjoy European Christmas markets but only a one or two per year. I know many people go on trips that feature multiple markets in different countries but that would be too much for me.
Dec 6th, 2022, 08:48 PM
#59
What a great report and wonderful photos! Having spent a number of weeks in mosaic courses in Ravenna, I was hoping you would get there.
I am at the beginning stage of planning a winter trip next next that includes Milan, Turin, then Tirano/Bernina Express, up to Basel, then a couple of Christmas Markets,(Strasbourg, maybe Heidelberg) ending in Paris and London, which we have always wanted to see at Christmas time. So your time in Basel is especially interesting to me.
Also interesting to hear about the language school -- took a week of one in Verona (InClasse) but would like to go back for more.
I am at the beginning stage of planning a winter trip next next that includes Milan, Turin, then Tirano/Bernina Express, up to Basel, then a couple of Christmas Markets,(Strasbourg, maybe Heidelberg) ending in Paris and London, which we have always wanted to see at Christmas time. So your time in Basel is especially interesting to me.
Also interesting to hear about the language school -- took a week of one in Verona (InClasse) but would like to go back for more.
Dec 7th, 2022, 04:13 AM
#60
Original Poster
annw- I would love to go back and do a mosaic class in Ravenna. Your trip next year sounds wonderful. The Christmas markets and lights were great. My niece ended up spending a week in Paris a d absolutely loved it.
