The fall festival (or Herbstmesse) started here in Basel last weekend. Many of the squares in town turn into mini-carnivals for almost three weeks. There are rides, games, food, traditional cold weather treats, etc. It is nice - rather than just a weekend, as many of the fairs and festivals in the US, this goes on for weeks giving everyone a chance to get in on the action. We hit the Barfusserplatz (check out the webcam to see the fair - great at night!) and the Munsterplatz tonight. Seth enjoyed going up on the BIG ferris wheel - great views of the city and all of the other fairs.
Seth then decided to hit the swan ride - aimed at his age group but not his speed. He loved it and all but wanted a bit more speed.
After a quick bite to eat - wurst, merguez, beer, and broccoli quiche (Fiona!) - it was off to the bumper cars. That's right bumper cars. This isn't the land of lawyers and lawsuits so obviously it is ride at your own risk. That means you can take your three year old on a VERY serious bumper car ride. Seth will have bruises in the AM.... There were 14 year olds tagging his ass... It is all about personal responsibility here!
Back to reality - a nice little CONTROLLED car ride.
Then it was off to the crazy, spinning, tea cup-like things that I saw the other day. When I saw the ride I thought "wow, Seth won't enjoy this fair at all - these rides are for older kids..." Well he wanted to do it - it was safe and allowed. Aimee went to get crepes while Seth and I spun around and around until we almost hurled. I am still dizzy... Must say I would do it again. I think he was the youngest on the ride BY FAR but had a great time. Hope his little brain is OK - maybe he will sleep well tonight!!
Great evening - I think we will try to hit all of the fairs in town over the next week or so... Even Fiona enjoys it - despite the COLD. It is 34 degrees right now at 9.40 PM. Ouch. I bought the girl some mittens today but she won't keep them on!!
Do they have cotton candy in Switzerland?
Posted by: Aunt Sue & Uncle Neil | 03 November 2006 at 07:07
Looks and sounds like lots of fun!
Posted by: Aunt Marysue | 04 November 2006 at 23:14