Basel Switzerland

The Joy of Discovery Along the Rhine
The Rhine River is central and Western Europe's second longest river which flows 764 miles from the Swiss Alps to the Netherlands into the North Sea. It has been an important transportation route since the days of the Roman Empire. 

Did You Know
In 1986 a chemical factory fire in Switzerland resulted in severely polluting the already polluted Rhine River. The toxic chemicals killed millions of fish and wildlife that lived in and along the river. It only took 10 days for the toxic chemicals to reach the North Sea.
The Rhine Action Plan was put into place to improve the quality of the Rhine after the 1986 disaster. Although today it is not pollution free the concerted efforts have  resulted in the return of the salmon,  The Rhine River is a popular tourist river cruise route today. 

In Basel we were able to catch the remnants of fall. 

I am intrigued with the doors in Europe. They are ornate and often have identifying carvings above the door  that indicate the family's  last name and house location. It is a precursor to house numbers. 

The historic Marketplaza was lively on a Saturday morning with entertainment (xylophone with gourds) , lots of people, baby prams and strollers. This bicycle design for carrying a baby was quite unique.

Basel is known for banking and is home to many chemical and pharmaceutical companies. 

Next the food scene with a stop in Strasbourg, France