The Bomb Shelter

If there's any country that comes across as well prepared, it's Switzerland. Along with cheese, wine, cows, skiing, and army knives, the Swiss take their national security very seriously. This stems back to the days of WWII, where the threat of Nazi invasion forced them to build up their defences and prepare for the worst (also why men have to have machine guns). Switzerland, despite their neutrality (or perhaps because of it) has not let up on their preps in the years since. They take their national security seriously, and the bomb shelter is a good example.

By Swiss law, all inhabitants of the country must have access to shelter space. For many Swiss, this space is in a large civil defense shelter, but for others,  this shelter space comes in the form of a heavy-duty basement shelter (like mine). The bomb shelter isn't a nice-to-have or a government recommendation, but mandatory. Yep, mandatory.

So a key feature to my B&B (yet to decide on the name) is the added bonus of the Swiss bomb shelter. In case of an air raid, terroist attack, nuculear bomb or whining children. 

The door is 30cm thick (no whining child could
penetrate this sucker)

Obviously not done yet, imagine a lovely pull out sofa,
shelves of chocolate and wine, the Madonna collection,
and a few pictures to keep it cheerful

Honeymoon ending...

Apparently, in October the honeymoon period starts wearing off...  The new staff realise that this is not just a holiday and that they are here for good (okay, that is slightly dramatic but for a while at least).  They start missing family, friends and items from home, the weather changes and they still cannot speak the language (well in most cases anyways).  

So yesterday I realised that I had been here for exactly two months and I suppose I am beginning to realise that this is not just a holiday.  I really wanted my quorn sausages for breakfast, my Robinson's fruit squash, my wood Lola walk, my sister, my friends, my pub (well local pub, not actually mine), my wine and soda (no soda here) and being able to communicate with people.  I am not trying to complain, I know I have an amazing opportunity, and beautiful places to explore.  But I know this blog makes it seem like I am living a dream, and most times I am and I know I am lucky.  But I just wanted all to know that I miss home(s), I miss you, and I would love to see you here sometime soon..

(PS- if you do come could you bring one or more of the following ;)  )

* quorn sausages        * Robinson's no sugar added squash      * Kraft dinner

* bajan pepper sauce  * flying fish                                         * rum

The love affair cotinues to blossom

The French have it right, all over the city of Colmar, parks included, they had lovely signs with a very happy dog telling dog owners that dogs are welcome.  That made mine and Lola's day right from the word go.  And then the other sign, the French know how to do it! Screw the bottle, wine by the barrel is the way foward, finally a place that understands me!

A love affair with France begins

So for the past couple of months I have been in love with Germany and thought the few times I went over to France (albeit for shopping) I could not figure out what the fuss was about.  Until yesterday, and now I am totally in love with the place (still love the Black Forrest too though), I went to the Alsace yesterday to Colmar and then a little village for super and it was spectacular. 




Litle Venice

Most beautiful village, certainly was lovely

Delicious meal, even if people did have froie gras (so bad!)

Launching Amanda and Lola's B&B and Competition

As Lola and myself love entertaining, we have decided to open our flat up to the public as a bed and breakfast.  But we need your help!  We have no idea what to name it, so we are having a competition.  Please post suggestions (or email for those who cannot figure it out).  The winning entry will get an all expense paid weekend at our lovely B&B (flights excluded, sorry).  So to help you I will give you the brief of our B&B, which eventually will be on our website :)

(Name of place) is ideally located in the heart of Basel, Switzerland, only minutes away from the beautiful Black Forrest in Germany and the beautiful wine country of the Alsace in France.  Basel itself has loads to offer, the art capital of Switzerland, the beautiful Rhine running through (that in the summer months, the hostess will take you swimming in), a vibrant restaurant and bar culture and great skiing all around.  So there is loads to do, but do not worry you will be given your own tailored for you schedule upon arrival, so you miss nothing!  You can also expect a dinner or two in your honour, as I have been known to entertain.

ACCOMMODATION

The flat has two very large bedrooms and a lovely open plan living in space.  There is one shower room and a bathroom (which is probably very clean as I hate baths and never use it).  The flat also comes with a maid service and cook (okay, now this sounds good but a: I am not known for my cleaning and b: even less known for my cooking).

LOCATION

The flat is ideally located only 10 minutes from Basel airport and 1 minute from the main train station giving you access to cities all around Europe.  

There is a beautiful park at the end of the road (although, i cannot say this for certain as Lola and myself are banned from it).

OTHER SPECIAL NOTES

I have my own bomb shelter in case there is some sort of war on your trip (will post picture).  And my building is full of machine guns in case someone attempts to break in (lots of Swiss men in there).  Oh and If you want to fit in , bring lots of red shoes. 

PRICES

BAJANS       - bottle of rum, Bajan seasoning and a bottler of pepper sauce

BRITS          - summer fruits no sugar added Robinson's squash and paxo stuffing

CANADIANS - PC White cheddar macaroni and cheese, Hamburger relish

OTHER        - negotiable

GUEST COMMENTS FROM GUEST BOOK

"Very relaxing, great time, just what we needed!  Thanks for the walks Lola"

"Great to meet your friends, thank you for a fabulous Sunday Roast, will be back!"

Can even just walk you across borders!

PHOTO GALLERY

Breakfast room, Amanda's special  highly recommended

Hostess's on a walk (obviously not in a park)

To comment

So had some people say they did not know how to comment. If you hit comment and then comment, above the comment box, it says 'comment as' just check anonymous and then you can comment. Would love to hear from people!

Yippee!

The world is slowly being coloured in! Thank you :)