In planning our trip, we contacted Clare’s niece, who lives in Basel, to arrange a visit after our friend’s wedding. That evening, we had a nice dinner and good wine at her house.

Taraneh is the daughter of Clare’s next older sister (only one year), and is a delight to us because of how much she loves the Earth – traveling, learning about people, places and (it turns out) food!

Unfortunately for us, her husband and older child were away, visiting her husband’s mom who is ill. But, we met her younger child. He’s a cutie! Articulate (for a 2-year old) and interested in many things. And in the “terrible twos” stage of development that all of us who have been parents understand.

The child went to his normal school Monday when we were in Basel, Taraneh took the day off work, and so we had the best day ever with our niece. First, we crossed the Rhine River.

It was then easy to take pictures of the Minster (Cathedral) and the sites along the Rhine.

After lunch, we took off our shoes and soaked our feet in the cool, fresh water in this fountain.

We happened upon this mural of music stars.

Clare and Taraneh on the right bank of the Rhine and eating Crème Brûlée at Löwenzorn Restaurant

• Europe 2023