Upon arrival at the impressively large Basel station we headed down to a new 'loo' experience. MClean. This one you had to pay to use and was quite a challenge to get through the turnstiles with our bags so we took it in turns. What caught our attention and sense of humour was the fact that if you were male and used the pissoir it was only 1.50 CHF whereas ladies and other males had to pay 2 CHF for the WC. I think that was our most expensive bathroom stop.
Exiting the station I decided we were seasoned enough now to catch a tram to where our boat was docked. That is easy if you can understand the language! Finally we found someone who spoke English and ensured me we were buying the right ticket. So at 3.40 CHF we were treated to a wonderful tram ride through Basel, a city that looked absolutely beautiful. With plans to pop back later and explore we admired the sights and enjoyed being out of the cold weather again.
Jumping off at our stop we walked the short distance to Dreilandereck where we were rewarded with our first glimpse of our home for the next week - The Viking Sun. Our guide book had advised us against taking public transport due to it being 'rather a long walk from the closest tram stop to the dock' but we were fine trailing our bags along behind us. Perhaps if it had been raining it may have been miserable but it wasn't that far at all. Many people were out walking as the area was quite nice.
Our ship is docked alongside another so we have to walk through a Uniworld SS Antionette. Unfamiliar with river cruising I'll come to learn that this is standard practice and often you'll have to walk through several boats to reach yours.
We're shown straight to our cabin, Deluxe (C), Stateroom 227 for a nice cup of tea while we explore the ship. We've got a double bed so wait a while until they can strip it down to twin beds for us. It's so nice to be in the warmth again and we decide against heading back into town to sightsee. Somehow getting to your destination always takes longer than you'd planned and we'd missed the afternoon guided tour. I'm just grateful that I don't have to go anywhere for the next week and can now relax and hopefully recover from this bronchitis.
Can't take Kiwis anywhere.
Due to the shocking weather all over Europe we wait for late arrivals and a big group arrives who were traveling by Eurostar. Oh well, time for another Baileys.
And another! Budget traveling kiwi style.
The last group finally arrive, they've been on a flight from Heathrow and were very delayed. We set sail immediately they board then have dinner. The Welcome Talk is postponed until later. We're still feeling the cold and are well wrapped up.
Dinner consisted of a grayed salmon entree which I couldn't eat as I didn't think it was even dead yet. Fish and potatoes for the main followed by lemon cake for desert. I couldn't get over how much wine was consumed at dinner by our fellow diners. Our glasses were continually refilled until one of our fellow diners disappeared. His wife had to go hunting for him. Next night he was at a different table with her, much more subdued. These Brits like to drink and sure are getting their moneys worth.
It's off to bed for these weary traveler and some sleep. At 1am I succumb to 1/2 a magic sleeping pill. Thank goodness the sister brought some with her or I'd be a wreck by now.
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