My dad especially loves to walk in new places, new cities, new neighborhoods. When he came to visit us in London this summer he walked and walked. It inspires me, and has instilled a love for walking in my own heart. Walking in London has been a great way for me to see the city, release some of the stress of motherhood, and enjoy alone time. When I had a few hours in Basel to myself, and all the museums were closed, walking was an exciting prospect.
I was lucky to come across a large map posted on a sign in the main plaza, that listed a few city walks. I chose one that best suited my time frame and the places I wanted to see, and then I followed the signs and walked through the city. I stopped for hot chocolate when I got really cold and I stopped in a shop to buy a Christmas ornament. Other than that, I just walked.
Erasmus was buried in the Cathedral and there is a monument inside for him. I didn't know who he was until I came home and researched, and found him to be a person I relate to quite well. I'd love to read some of his writing.
(After we got home I saw on Facebook that there had been a beautiful sunset in Boise on New Year's Eve too, and a friend of mine who lives in Michigan shared a pic on Facebook of her sunset as well. It felt kind of sentimental to me, all around the world the Earth was saying good-bye to 2014 with a magenta sky.)
When the subject of the fireworks came up, Richard and I could not for the life of us think of why it would be a good idea to take four kids, under 10 to a fireworks show at MIDNIGHT when we had to catch a 6:00AM flight, and that doesn't even touch on the fact that it was SO cold outside. So after dinner we went home and went to bed early.
HAPPY NEW YEAR WORLD!
We woke up early, dressed most of the kids, (we let Simon stay in his jammies) and took a taxi to the airport. Mim slept the entire flight home, and I was lucky enough to be sitting in a row with her and Cameron. Cameron entertained himself with the iPad or a book or something I can't recall because I think I slept most of the flight home as well.
We got back to our house around 9:00AM. (There was virtually NO traffic on New Years Day in London at 8:00AM- bonus!) We changed into our BSU comfies, and sat down with some snacks and Christmas chocolate, and watched the Fiesta Bowl. GO Broncos!
Then we took baths and naps and put our pajamas on and were completely lazy the rest of the afternoon.