“Go with the flow” in Basel

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We’ve heard that saying so many times. “Go with the flow”, or to allow flexibility and surrender to surprises, was my action plan when I visited my little sister Marie in Switzerland.

My sisters and I made our way to Basel — which is where the Swiss, German and French borders meet —  to watch our baby sister Marie marry her true love. It was one of the most beautiful weddings I’ve ever witnessed. After the festivities, I stayed back to spend time with Marie, who has carved out a sweet little life here with her husband Stefan. We had two days to bond – not a lot of time – so we cherished every second. If you adore your siblings as I do, sitting together gabbing about nothing is an adventure in itself. But Marie is a fantastic host and planned a superb time for us in her adopted city. All I had to do was literally go with her flow.

Where to do Vinyasa Flow Yoga in Basel

We started our day with sun salutations at the studio where Marie, a certified yoga teacher, holds classes.  I love Marie’s yoga classes. I creaked into each pose as she gently guided me and the other students through the moves. The morning’s class was a FLOW class and really got me sweating as I moved through downward dog, plank pose, and upward facing dog. About half an hour into the practice, my joints felt “lubricated” and I flowed into the rest of the class with a smile on my face. When in Basel, check out Meyo House Yoga Basel (https://www.meyohouse.com) and The Looking Glass (https://thelookingglassbasel.com/). You can also tune in to Flow Motion with Marie on Youtube.

Where to shop: Flohmarkt in Petersplatz

The Flohmarkt (aka flea market) in Petersplatz is a cool open-air venue to score some pre-loved goodies. Held every Saturday, we arrived just in time for lunch. We bought sausages, potato salad, and colas from one of the many pop-up shops, and then Marie spread a sarong on the grass. We sat down picnic-style to enjoy our lunch, the sunshine warm on our faces and the giggles of excited kids tickling our ears. After fuelling up, we wandered around the stalls which offered everything from vintage vinyl records, designer fashions, jewelry, and home accessories. I scored a scarf (CHF2), wayfarers (CHF5), a Zara dress (CHF15), amethyst earrings (CHF10), and a little milk jug with a blue floral design (CHF4). When in Basel, who needs to buy retail when you’ve got the Flohmarkt? I even managed to sketch my surroundings while lazing on the grass.

Where to swim: the Rhine River

Temperatures may be dipping in Basel as you read this. But back in July, we had sunshiny days that positively begged for a jump into the Rhine River. So we did! Make sure to pack your swimsuit — there aren’t any changing rooms by the river so bring a sarong or maxi dress to do a discreet quick change. You can buy a waterproof fish bag (about CHF28) to pack your stuff in. This bag doubles as a flotation device down the river — believe me, it kept all my clothes and my milk jug dry! Weather permitting, don’t leave Basel without going with the FLOW down the Rhine. For more info, check out lifeinbasel.com.