Great heat wave

We had a serious heat wave strike us here in Basel on Saturday. It was just almost unbearably hot with temperatures of 37-38 degrees. I literally felt that I was melting away. A friend and co-worker of C invited us to join them for some swimming and hanging out by one of the rivers just outside of Basel. We were quick to take them up on that offer. I think that was the best way to spend this very very hot Saturday. This was the kind of heat that makes you slooow down, walk slow, speak slow, move in slow motion.

Besides the Rhine river there are a number of smaller rivers around the city that also are excellent for cooling off in or just hanging around. Even if the water is pretty shallow it is still cool and nice. The temperature in the water was barely 20 degrees so it sure felt refreshing to take a dip. This was much needed in order to cool of a bit. I am usually a real wimp when it comes to cold water but I had no hesitations Saturday. We spent a few hours here by the river hanging out and cooling off. 

Fun to hang out and meet new people which hopefully also can turn out into new friendships being made. A that works with C was super nice as well as his girl friend C. A is Swiss and from Bern whereas his girlfriends is from Germany (she has lived in the States for quite some years before moving back to Europe). They also had a happy and very friendly dog called Chipotle. 

 

 This river was a popular spot for both dogs and humans. This is one of the rivers where you are allowed to bring your dog for swimming as well. There were quite a few very happy dogs having a blast in the water. This other girl and her dog were just next to us. It was fun and fascinating to watch just how much her dog loved swimming in the current. It would happily swim against the current, exercising it self for a long while. Like most dogs it also loved swimming and retrieving a stick of wood time after time.

 

All dogs love C and there was instant friendship between C and Chipotle.

 The sun and the heat was blasting down on us so we happily soaked up in the cool water of the river. A had brought a smaller portable grill so that we could have a picknick by the river.

Ended the evening at A and C's place with a nice glass of cool Rose and this lovely view of Basel's roof tops before biking home. 

I am SO grateful for our fan in the bedroom. Without it, it would be impossible to sleep. This is quite a heatwave that we have had in Basel for about a month now. Since this is our first summer here we have no idea what to expect. We might actually consider getting a portable AC unit for next year.

 Sunday was the perfect day for a slow start with a nice sleep in, long breakfast and then we packed a bag and headed to the Schwimbad in our neighborhood. We both swam a few laps in the pool. C did 1000 meters and I did 500.

Then in the evening IT finally came! The rain. Oh my what a blessing! The rain being both much needed for yards as well as trees. It rumbled in with thunder and lightening yesterday night. Finally the air was cooled down a bit. The kind of rain that will hopefully clear things up a little and giving us a break to the heat wave.

The much needed and welcomed rain. We opened up all our windows and just let the windy air fill up the apartment. Such a nice relief that this cool down offered. I fell asleep to the sound of the heavy rain drops and the rumbling of thunder in the distance. Quite a cozy feeling. Today, Monday it is supposed to rain the entire day. I don't mind at all. Actually it is quite nice. Much cooler today. I can wear something else besides shorts and skirts today. 

This week will be a short week. Swiss national day is Thursday on August first. C is off work then. The national day celebrations are kicked off already on Wednesday evening with fireworks. Saturday we are driving down to Lugano to pick up the new car. A fun week with plenty of stuff happening and things to look forward to. What's up in your neck of the woods?