Baseler Stadtlauf '09

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On Saturday evening 9,000+ joggers met on the streets of Basel for the annual Baseler Stadtlauf.
Sue and Sarah were among the joggers who ran the 5.5 km route.  It's always an exciting event with the route looping through downtown Basel city, cheering crowds lining sections of the street and Christmas decorations lighting part of the route.  The 9,000+ runners were separated into different age classifications so they didn't all go stampeding down the street at once!
Rebecca & I (Tim) were spectators for the event.

Happy 15th Birthday Rebecca!

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Happy birthday Rebecca!

Rebecca turned 15 yrs old on Thanksgiving Day.  In the photo (left) you see the giant round eclair Rebecca requested for her non-traditional "birthday cake".  Sue made the custom eclair and served it with our home-made icecream.  yummmm.  :-)

Basel Herbstmesse '09

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For two weeks in October the city of Basel is filled with the hustle of people flocking to the "Herbstmesse" (Autumn festival).  This has gone on for centuries.  I read that this is the longest running festival in Europe having only cancelled once during WWII and once during the Black Plague!

We spent this past Sunday afternoon walking around Basel.  Everything is within walking distance from our church.  Sarah and Rebecca joined friends from church to roam the city and tackle a few rides that violently shake, rattle and spin you.

Sue and I were content to stroll through the busy stands full of Swiss handcrafts ... and then there were the wonderful smells, whether it be from the candied almonds being made, roasted maronies or the distinctive smell of cheese fondue to go.
We look forward to the Herbstmesse each year.