Aloha from Basel

Welcome and Introductions
1
I have just moved to Basel! I have been here for 2 weeks now.

Curious to know if there are any Californians or Americans who can give me some friendly advice on how to adapt to the culture.

SO far Basel has been quite a bustling city, but all I have experienced of other english speaking people has been IKEA

Waiting for the sun

aloha,

SHerryvisione

2
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Hey Dalehauskins! This time, may I suggest a new salutation and a different approach?

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Hi Sherry! Welcome. Yes, we are here. Lots of existing threads already on here. Just ask away!

Aloha!

3
There seems to be a tidal wave of Americans hitting Basel. I was there the other day and heard lots and lots of American chatter.

4
Hey Sherry,

Welcome to Basel! Hopefully you'll soon settle in and adapt pretty quick. But as said above, you'll find plenty of info here!

5
Hello! There are definitely some Americans in and around Basel

that is for sure.

Tips for integration:

1. Learn the high German language. www.klubschule.ch has

good courses for relatively inexpensive.

2. Learn to accept the bureaucracy here. The Swiss love

their paperwork, and just make sure that all of yours

is complete before you go to get something done.

3. If you plan on driving, you have one year to exchange

your driver's license. You can do this at the

"Strassenverkehrsamt" in Basel. Sorry, I do not have

a link.

4. English forum is a good way to meet people. Keep

on the lookout for events.

5. http://www.awcbasel.org/ American women's club of Basel.

6. Make a copy of your passport in case it gets lost or stolen.

I did one time, and it is a pain in the @ss.

Grant

6
Sure a different approach is welcome...

7
Hello american here. Welcome to EF and Basel. Culture shock takes a bit of time but this city is very friendly and full of English speaking people. We have regular get togethers and with summer approaching I am sure there will be more of these also. Cheers!

8
Sorry, that was just an inside joke for Dale. If you spend some time here, you'd know.

A serious smiling welcome!

Where abouts are you from? Also, are you from Hawaii?

I'm from L.A. and a bunch of other places.

9
YES from Hawaii and also Los Angeles.

does it ever stop raining here? If so WHEN ...

IS there a night life in Basel. My Boyfriend and I went to One place for some atmosphere and all I found was a place called "Atlantis" on SAT.

It was a Bridge and Tunnel crowd to say the least.

ANything more interesting?

WHere in LA and where IN Hawaii?

ME: Kailua, and Honolulu And Miracle Mile ,Hollywood CA

10
CAN'T wait for the Sun! My boyfriend and I love to BBQ and plan on getting a grill soon. Hello BArry

11
It stops.... Sometimes. Wasn't Saturday and Sunday sunny for you? I know I hated it. I'm amazed I've survived this long. Summertime here is pretty though.

I only hear that expression in Manhattan. Did you spend time there too? I've only seen bridge and tunnel crowds here. I've given up on night life here. ONE time (only), about 12 years ago, I had a really cool evening at a club in Zuerich. Say, ever party at the Park Plaza for "Truth", or "Scream"? It was like raving at "Truth", but never since then.

Are you native Hawaiian? Miracle Mile was my old stomping ground. I grew up in Hancock Park. Bob's Big Boy still there?

12
Yes BOB'S is still there ! even the one in Burbank still looks like the old 50 style one. Yes have been to NEw York quite a bit in my life and LOVE IT! Can't wait to go again soon. And yes I did enjoy the few breaks in teh clouds on Saturday and sunday went shoppping in France for some atheletic gear to keeep me in shape and far from bored ... but can't utilize the gear until it stops raining. OK OK I'll stop ..I'll be patient and wait for the beautiful seasons to change.

I live right by Hancock Park off of San Vincente right after LACMA.

Never been to Truth but have been to LIFE when it was going on as well as someothers I will keep to myself haha

grew up in HAWAII and miss it very much

13
Humungous change between Hawaii and here. The altitude and northen location may shock your system. You'll have to keep an eye on your bios. Get some Omega-3, work out a lot, and get as much fresh vegetables you can eat to maintain your prana. Seriously! See the post earlier on vegetarian restaurants? Great place for prana.

So who promoted "Life"? Was it also at the Park Plaza? I have fond memories of partying there.

14
DOn't remember who promoted it it has been 6 years since I've been there.But I remember the good times there as well.

Thanks for the heads up about the altitude. I have actually been taking my vits. and I loves me some veggies.

15
Time, patience and an open mind..

16
Basel is a relatively sunny place compared to the rest of Switzerland :-) I honestly don't remember when it ever (continuously) rained this much before. However - being from Hawaii you should be used to rain? I thought there were places in Hawaii where it rains pretty much all the time.

As for the night life: no, there isn't. It's a bit better in summer but generally it's best to catch a train to Zurich if you're looking for real night-life.

peter

17
By the way, check out some of the local Thai grocery stores. They sell fruits and veggies that aren't even allowed into California. For example; Lansones, Opo, Kankong, Dragonfruit, Rambutan, Lychee, etc. Great source of joy. Might as well get a sack of rice. I hear they are starting to ration rice in California. And if you happen to get inspired to make some Spam Musabi, give me a holler.

Have a great time here, and don't crash!

Marco

18
The rain in Hawaii is so warm you can shower in it. Not quite the same.

19
Thanks Sound Advice !

20
Yes it does rain in Wahiawa north shore side of Hawaii. All the time .