Scooting Around Town

We searched high and low, long and hard for affordable bikes for the Keaton, Landon and Olivia. We looked at our new favorite store, Salvation Army, at various sporting goods stores, and bike shops. Our conclusion was that affordable and bikes are words not used together in Basel. Before completely ruling out a bike we thought it would be wise to find out the rules for bike ownership. So off we went to the information center. Bikes must be registered with the police and a fee paid for a tag. Also it is more expensive to take your bike on the tram than to take yourself on the tram.

The decision was clear, we would shop for scooters-the kind without motors. Again the price comparison shopping began. Off to Salvation Army, various stores and pricing online. Do you know what it costs to ship anything to Switzerland???? A lot. After several days we found the perfectly priced scooters. Each child grabbed a box and we proceeded to pay for three brand new shiny scooters. Their faces were glowing with excitement. The poor little things would soon have transportation and freedom again.

Their first free day was Sunday. Keaton and Landon took their tram passes and a cell phone and they were off. Freedom! They checked in by phone several times. Came home to eat and use the facilties. And stopped by Haden's apartment for a visual inspection. Then they were off again to get a donner kabab and head home.


A kabab is the same as a schwarma if you have traveled in the middle east and sort of like a gyro in the states. Most of the stands are owned by Turkish families. The freshly made pita is filled with shaved lamb, lettuce, tomaotoes, cilantro, a spicy sauce and cumcumbers. Yum! Our apartment is above a store that sells the best tasting and best priced kababs in town. The store owners recognize us now. The other night Robert made an attempt to introduce himself to the shopkeeper. Hussein's, the shopkeeper's, best attempt at pronouncing Robert was "Bobert." Close enough. We frequently go downstairs for milk, eggs, candy, and produce. Olivia talks her daddy into going to the store most every night for a sweet treat.

Although the boys have freedom to roam about on their scooters, Olivia does not. Daddy has become her escort. Needless to say, he is getting lots of excercise.