My Fasnacht Experience and Moving In

/ Sandra

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Sandra

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Hey there APJ!

“It has been said that a Scotchman has not seen the world until he has seen Edinburgh; and I think that I may say that an American has not seen the United States until he has seen Mardi-Gras in New Orleans.”
Mark Twain in a Letter to Pamela Moffett, 9 and 11 March 1859

I think Mark Twain was onto something when he penned the above sentiment. Edinburgh and New Orleans opened up my eyes to so many new experiences. I can further say that one has not experienced Basel until they attend some of the Fasnacht activities.

My Fasnacht Experience and Moving In

Fasnacht took place during the three days of 11 through 13 March and it transformed this quiet city into a colourful, joyful and spirited party for three full days. We went in fully unprepared for what we were about to witness.

On Monday we went to the parade starting at lunchtime. I had my alarm set for three to go see the start at four, but the need for sleep won. The parade showcased the different groups and their bands and the various lanterns were carried around. What I loved seeing was all of the mimosa blossoms on the wagons. They were so fragrant and occasionally they would be given out to the spectators. Candy was thrown to the kids as well as fruits and vegetables which can hurt by the way if you happen to not catch it. Some kids went with big bags and scooped up all the candy they could which reminded me of Halloween in the US.

The second day we went to the children’s parade which was adorable. Later that day we walked to the area of town where all of the lanterns were being displayed. Dusk came and the lanterns came to life as they were lit up. I could make out some of the messages in the artwork, however some of the more locally politically directed lanterns left me wondering what exactly they meant. Some seemed racially directed, several were obvious about the new phase of global geopolitics we find ourselves in and others were celebrations of milestone events. It was a great first experience. Now that we know the many rules of attending Fasnacht, I am sure that next year will be even better.

In other news, we finally got the keys to the house and the movers have already unpacked all of the boxes. Here are a couple of pictures of the empty house and a surprise guest – the friendly neighborhood cat. Can you believe that it actually came into the house and wanted to wander around? My son was thrilled.

As you read this we will finally be living in the house and trying to set up the rooms and a routine.

Perfume will come back next time.

How have you all been doing?
Oodles of kisses,
Sandra xo

34 thoughts on “My Fasnacht Experience and Moving In”

  1. Thanks for sharing, Sandra. It seems that every country has a few cities where they pay special attention to carnival celebrations, sometimes they last for 4-5 weeks. The costumes are usually linked to a special theme which changes every year and the message is mostly an actual political theme. I like the colorful pictures.
    Your house is very nice and the cat must have felt the good energy inside so that’s a good sign. I hope you all will feel at home soon.

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    • Thanks Neva, you are right. There are several cities with these celebrations. Good fun. The house is very nice but it sure takes time getting used to everything. It will be home as soon as it is set up and we start cooking. Sounds funny doesn’t it…
      Sandra xo

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  2. Hi Sandra,
    The parade looks amazing, so colourful. I bet S loved it.
    Your new home is gorgeous. Those floor to ceiling windows! Wishing you every happiness there.
    I’m feeling brighter now spring is here. Hope you are too now you’ve moved in.

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    • Thanks Tara! We love the windows – so much light comes in. S is enjoying and processing the move at the same time. Spring is all over and we love it. It brightens the mood when I see all the blooming trees. Glad to hear that you are also loving spring.
      Sandra xo

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  4. Sandra! These photos are amazing. Wow. Great experience and S can take a pillow case next year to pick up all the candy (or vegetables?). I seriously need to get a train up to you in the summer. Push me. House looks great and you are well practiced at making homes come alive. I’m off to Vienna next week. Woman Day, you know? Chanel visit …… love to all of you. ❤️

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  5. What an incredible amount of effort goes into these parades! There is something very special about lanterns when it gets dark, and it shows from the photos. I hope you are feeling better, less stressed out, and slowly having some space again to breathe. Your home looks lovely, are the windows directed south? Wishing you a happy new home from the Netherlands!

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    • Hey Hamamelis, How are you doing? The lanterns in the evening were my favorite part of the festivities. I am definitely feeling like I can breathe again. Settling in can be such a joy. And it helps that we have spring sunshine and temps. The living room windows are more west so we get the beautiful sunsets. Thank you. We are missing certain aspects of the Netherlands. I hope you can enjoy the spring. Keep an eye out for my favorite irises soon. Sandra xo

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  6. Hi Sandra! I Fasnacht seems like a lot of fun but honestly, all I can think about now that I’ve read your post is that cat! What a beautiful neighbour you’ve got there :).

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  7. Love the big windows filling the room with light! And how wonderful to get a feline welcoming committee. Hope you feel settled and happy in your new place soon.

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    • Hi Tara, we are slowly beginning to feel at home, thank you. The windows were a big pull to the house when I was searching. I love light.
      Sandra xo

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  8. this is good festival. I like the mural (sort of) with teens focused on phones. I thin k it is one of the worst outcome of smart phones; how they make us totally unaware of our surroundings.

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    • Hi Fazal, the lantern with the teens on their phones was one of my favorites. The school is talking to the kids and parents about all the things that can go wrong with kids using the phones incorrectly. Many others were too political to truly understand or ‘enjoy’.
      Sandra xo

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  9. Im so glad you enjoyed Fasnacht and I loved seeing your pictures. If only someone would finally invent beaming so we could go for quick visits to all of our past and present homes!

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    • Thanks Mariann. That would be a fabulous invention. I could really use it when missing family and friends around the world.
      Sandra xo

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    • OMG Portia! Your blood is worth bottling for doing that. We are looking forward to seeing you in Basel one day. 😊 hugging you guys back.
      Sandra xo

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  11. Wonderful photos! Next year you probably understand more of the political comments in the parade.

    The clean lines and big windows of your new house look good! You must have become quite an expert at making a new house your own by now, all that moving. Hopefully you have found other flowers to replace the Dutch tulips!

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    • Hiya Ingeborg! How are you doing? You are far too kind. I am by no means an expert. All I have learned is to take it day by day and room by room. I am sorely missing the florists and flowers in the Netherlands. I will find my way here as well – hopefully soon. Hugs Sandra xoxo

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      • I’m coping as best as I can. I’m going for the main checkup tomorrow, having x-rays taken and meeting the surgeon. I hope he can confirm the result is good! However, I’m halfway expecting not to be allowed walking on the right foot just yet.

        The salty vegetarian food they serve me every day is really pretty awful. Haven’t even been served a simple thing like hummus, just beans and chickpeas in gravy.

        I have a bunch of dark red tulips on my table right now, a friend from another town visited. Such a real sign of spring! Dutch ones, obviously.

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        • Keeping my fingers crossed for you! Hope all goes well and quickly. The food sounds terrible. Vegetarian food is so simple to make delicious. Why can’t they do it?! Enjoy those tulips. Sending you healing hugs. Xo

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  12. Oh, Sandra! That huge window of your home…! WOW! Added bonus is the cute kitty. Cats are not the most trusting of creatures, so this says oodles about you.

    Some of those masks are terrifying. I am not sure how I’d go with all this. But you sold me on the veggies and mimosa!

    Cannot wait to hear/see how you settle in.

    Perfume CAN wait. Xx

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    • Hey Kate, I must admit that I love the huge windows we have but when my husband is traveling I get a bit creeped out at night looking out into the dark void. Thankfully the house has electric blinds and I can take them down and feel safe. The cat is definitely an added plus.
      Sandra xoxo

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