Halloween in Switzerland

I know it has been a long time since I have posted.

This is mostly due to the fact that life has become too busy for me to be going on many out of town adventures. However, a recent holiday not only afforded an adventure outside the town of Kandern, but it was followed by a day off from school. This “holiday” was Halloween. Yet, the real honored holiday was All Saints Day. This served as a nice day of rest after a late night celebration.

It has been BFA’s tradition for students and staff to pack into rented buses Halloween afternoon to head to Basel, Switzerland. Every year, on Halloween, Basel hosts a large festival known as Herbstmesse. This event reminded me of South Carolina’s state fair, yet it was completely different.

The fair is setup all over the large city of Basel. There are at least 5 major locations filled with monstrous rides and several food booths. Willing participants are thrown to and fro on these huge rides in between skyscrapers. The cost of such rides is not cheap, but it’s free to watch, which is entertaining enough.

I spent the night with new friends that I have grown quite fond of.  Each of us got ourselves something tasty to eat and enjoyed one another’s company while hiking through the city to watch students enjoy the thrills of the fair rides.

Early in the evening we realized we would need some help keeping up with students. So, we headed down to Starbucks. I kept my fingers crossed for a Pumpkin Spice Latte, but I settled for a Caramel Macchiato when they didn’t have it. It didn’t matter. It was a good chance to be with friends and to visit with other staff.

With coffee in hand, we marched across the large bridge that divides the city. The lights of the rides could be seen in the sky. Yet, above it all, the Ferris Wheel stood tall. The site was truly magical. The ferris wheel ride, itself, was no disappointment. Six of us piled into an enclosed cart and went on a relaxing ride that enabled us to see all of Basel. It was breathtaking.

In a near proximity to the ferris wheel was a beloved activity, the bumper cars! I have heard tail of how the BFA students usually took over this arena. This year was no different from the rest. Almost every car was taken by BFA staff and students, for hours.  We all enjoyed ourselves very much.  However, most of us woke up with substantial bruises on our knees the next day. It was worth it.

            For the group of friends that I was with, the evening ended with a good time of conversation by the Rhine.  What could be better?