Fairs Extraordinaire! Tips for Tackling Mastering the Winter Fun MUBA, Creativa, Your 2013 Swiss Rules of Dog Tobogganing eco.expo, and more... Tax Return Ownership in Switzerland!
Volume 2 Issue 5 CHF5/€4
FEBRUARY 2014
AmazingAmazing thingsthings startstart toto happenhappen whenwhen itit getsgets coldercolder inin BaselBasel
EVENTS T R A D I T I O N S LIVING O U T I N G S LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
MAGAZINE Dear Readers,
FEBRUARY 2014 Volume 2 • Issue 5 The month of February, with its cold and dark days, has plenty of in- door entertainment to offer in Basel. In particular, February is filled with TABLE OF CONTENTS fantastic fairs! Most importantly, there is MUBA, the biggest and oldest public trade fair in Switzerland. But equally interesting are fairs focusing Feature Event: MUBA 3on coins, weddings, vacations, creative arts, not to mention health, envi- ronment, and lifestyle. There is definitely something for everyone!
Events in Basel: February 2014 4-6 If you need additional inspiration for indoor activities on those wintery afternoons, you can find terrific new museum exhibits with many English- Fun Family Outings: Beyond Basel 7language tours, children’s theater, a number of family concerts, a pre-teen dance, a Badminton championship, as well as many workshops from fight- ing like a knight to walking a tightrope. As always, you can also choose Markets and Fairs in Basel 8-9 from a multitude of great evening events for that perfect night out, such as concerts, theater, shows, musicals, dances, wine and vodka tastings, or eating fondue in a candle-lit gondola. If you are relatively new to Basel, you Inside Basel: Fasnachtsbrunnen 10-11 can attend a Basel for Newcomers tour, or join an expat experience work- shop designed to help with your adjustment to this new world! Sports and Recreation 12-13 If you are still in the mood for some wintery fun, you also have lots of options, including outdoor skating, ice discos, a visit to an ice palace, the Center Calendar: February 2014 14-15 Snow-Up, skiing and snowboarding (see our December/January issue for great tips on ski resorts), not to mention the classic family-fun activity of tobogganing—peek inside for tips on where to go tobogganing this win- Workshops, Tours, and Education 16-18 ter, in the Basel area and further afield.
In this issue, you will also find a list of the holiday camps for kids offered Special Feature: Tips for Tackling Your Taxes 19 during the upcoming Fasnacht break, some tips on tackling your taxes, read about a Swiss Youth Music Competition, and some new road rules to Information Desk: Woof! I Am a New Dog in Basel! 20-21 be aware of. Finally, you can find out everything you need to know about owning a dog in the Basel area and learn about the crazy fountain near the theater, Tinguely’s Fasnachtsbrunnen. Did You Know? 22 There is no need to hibernate this winter—turn the page to start planning your calendar for what is sure to be an exciting month! Holiday Camps for Kids 23 Christine Entertainment: Parents’ Night Out 24-27 Christine Pesold Editor-in-Chief Mark Your Calendar: March 2014 Back Page [email protected]
Basel Family Magazine Contacts: COVER: Tinguely’s Fasnachtsbrunnen may be Basel’s best- Editor-in-Chief: known fountain, but it is certainly not the only one! There are Christine Pesold about 200 public fountains in Basel, from small ones decorated Advertising & Subscription with a basilisk to large ones in which children splash in the Manager / Editor: summer. Maintaining all those fountains requires a lot of work. Susanne Hiller In Basel, this is the job of several Brunnenmeister (fountain Art Director: masters) at the IWB who regularly check on and clean the Jon Hoefer fountains. During cold spells, they often are particularly busy For more information about to make sure the freezing water doesn’t damage the fountains. subscribing or advertising – For example, the Fasnachtsbrunnen is checked twice daily to please contact us: make sure that the pipes are not frozen and to chop off some of [email protected] the ice when it gets too heavy for the sculptures.
www.baselfamilymagazine.com photo credit: cover: © jon hoefer tourismus © basel credit: photo
Basel Family Magazine © Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. It is our goal to provide valuable, timely information to the expat community of Basel. The opinions expressed in the articles in this magazine are those of the contributing authors and do not reflect those of other members of the edito- rial staff and of any organizations or agencies distributing this magazine. Though we make every attempt to provide accurate information, we cannot be held responsible if any event is cancelled, postponed, or modified. We encourage readers to contact the event organizers or their websites to obtain the most current event information. If you have any questions, please contact Basel Family Magazine staff at: info@baselfamilymagazine. com. Please note: No part of this periodical may be duplicated in any fashion, or redistributed in any written language, without permission from the executive staff at Basel Family Magazine.
2 www.baselfamilymagazine.com FEATURE EVENT
MUBA February 14-23
MUBA is a public trade fair held at the Messe Basel for 10 days each winter. The first predecessor of this fair took place almost 100 years ago, in 1917, under the name “Schweitzer Muster- messe” (Swiss Industries Fair). Since then, it has continuously changed and grown, making it now the biggest and oldest public trade fair in Switzerland. Over the years, Baslers affectionately began to call the fair MUBA, an abbreviation for MUstermesse BAsel, and eventually the name stuck!
What is MUBA? Highlights for 2014 In contrast to most trade fairs TunBasel: that are limited to one specific in- Kids and teens are invited to experiment, tinker, and ex- dustry or business branch, MUBA perience science and technology with over 30 projects and features everything, including experiments offered by 20 institutions. Additionally, younger home furnishings, art, applianc- children in the morning and older pupils in the afternoon es, renovations, clothing, leather, will be inspired by fascinating research activities presented by jewelry, wines, food, sports, rec- professionals in the field. reation, vacation, nature, inter- national wares, and much more. Special sections will focus Nagra Time Ride: on health, staying fit in your senior years, local media, Swiss product design from socks to clocks, and a young designer’s This exhibition will take you for a ride to another world—650 market featuring one-of-a-kind designs from bathing suits to meters down and through 180 million years of the earth’s eveningwear. They also will schedule daily activities, such as history. This exciting journey through time and space will cooking and fashion shows, and many FC Basel stars will be also deal with the issue of radioactive waste management. on hand for autograph sessions. The food court area will have something for even the pickiest family members, and many Kletterwald Expobasecamp (Climbing Wall): vendors will offer specialty foods and wines for tasting. From the 2nd to the 3rd floor of Halle 2, you will find a giant climbing wall with two instructors on hand to guide you. Childcare at MUBA Using ropes to secure the climb- If you want to peruse the different offerings, browse for furni- ers, parents can work together ture, or enjoy a wine tasting without having to drag your kids with their children, students along, you can leave them with a professional childcare ser- with their classmates, and older vice, Robi-Kinderland, set-up in Halle 2. Run by Robi-Spiel- siblings with younger ones for Aktionen, it offers tons of activities for the kids, including an indoor mountain-climbing ride-on toys, trains, carts, bouncy castles, dress-up castles, experience. arts and crafts, and much more. Kids ages 3 and up can be dropped off for CHF 5 per hour. Open from 10:00-20:00 daily, Farmer’s Association: closes at 18:00 on the last day. The circular courtyard will convey a bit of a farm atmosphere with a petting zoo, straw, farm-fresh specialty foods, a little www.muba.ch restaurant, and an exhibition on agricultural machinery.
MUBA Opening Hours and Ticket Information: Hours: Daily from 10:00-20:00 Discount Card Holders: * Note that your MUBA ticket is also valid for (10:00-18:00 on the last day) > Holders of the GA, U-Abo, and Oberrhein- the fairs that run in parallel for that same day (ie, ischer Museumspass pay CHF 9 on all days, Basler Ferienmesse, Creativa Basel, and eco.expo Cost of Admission: including weekends. Basel). Adults*: > Holders of Familienpass pay CHF 9 on all ** “MUBA Fair Card” allows free entrance to Monday-Wednesday: CHF 9 days, including weekends, for the entire MUBA and its parallel fairs for their duration. In Thursday-Sunday: CHF 15 family! addition, the MUBA Fair Card provides free or “MUBA Fair Card”**: CHF 22 > Colour-Key holders get into MUBA free! discounted entrance to many other fairs around Switzerland and nearby France and Germany for > If you show your “Fasnacht Blaggedde” 1 year, including the Basel Weinmesse (wine fair) Students & Children (ages 12-16): (bronze, silver, gold, or Bijou Fasnacht and Feinmesse (gourmet fair)! This card can be Accompanied by an adult: Free badge), you can enter MUBA for free on purchased online by credit card or directly at the Not accompanied by an adult: CHF 9 the opening day (Friday, February 14). fair’s main entrance. photo credit: © muba, mch messe schweiz (basel) ag © muba, mch messe schweiz credit: photo
FEBRUARY 2014 3 Events in Basel: February 2014
Spielobjekte – Die Kunst der Möglichkeiten February 19 – May 11 The exhibition “Spielobjekte—Die Kunst der Möglichkeiten” (Play Objects—The Art of Possibilities) presents about 100 art objects from the 20th century whose composi- tions can be modified. With a wide selection of works from various artists, the exhibition intends to bring awareness to the diversity and history of play (ludic) objects. A number of exhibits also allow for ludic participation by the visitors. The vernissage will be held on Feb- ruary 18; entrance to this vernissage is free.
www.tinguely.ch museum/kumsama tinguely ©
Basler Jugendbücherschiff 2014 including Basel’s Xavier Mertz who unique “mountain dining” experience— Until February 5 entered Antarctica in January 1912 as the without leaving Basel! If you are look- first Swiss, never returned home. During ing for a romantic setting for 2-4 people, This yearly event is a very special book his expedition, he kept a diary and photo- consider booking the quaintly decorated fair that takes place on the ‘MS Christoph graphed and documented his adventure gondola lit by candles and decked with Merian’ boat that is docked at Schifflän- to his bitter end. The Naturhistorisch- fur throws on the chairs. The chalet is lo- de. It houses all kinds of books for kids es Museum Basel, in cooperation with cated at Binningerstrasse 14 in Basel and of all ages in many different languages. the Staatsarchiv Basel-Stadt (Basel City can be reached from Heuwaage by walk- Children, adolescents, their parents, Archives), is presenting a special photo- ing along the canal in the direction of school classes, teachers—essentially any- graphic exhibit of Xavier Mertz’s expedi- the Zoo, or from the tram stop “Zoo” by one interested in children’s literature—is tion to the eternal ice. This exhibit will walking along the canal in the direction invited to the ship to leaf through the be accompanied by German-language Heuwaage. They are open Monday-Sat- books on hand and discover new reading tours every Sunday from 14:00-15:00. urday starting at 19:00; closed Sundays. material. www.nmb.bs.ch You can make reservations under 061- www.ed-bs.ch/bildung/pzbs/biblio- 564-6699, or [email protected]. thek/literale-foerderung/basler- www.baraccazermatt.ch/bs jugendbuecherschiff A Taste of the Mountains in Basel Until the end of March Children’s Theater—Merlin the Have you noticed the alpine-style chalet Jazz Concert at the Tinguely Museum Magician located near the Basel Zoo? Each winter January 31 and February 28 season, the “Baracca Zermatt” is set up in January 25 – April 6 From 16:00-18:00 on the last Friday of Basel to bring the mountain spirit to our The Basler Kinder Theater is presenting every month, top jazz performers are city on the Rhein. This charming fondue the funny little mysterious tale of “Mer- giving concerts in the space dedicated chalet offers rustic cuisine in a nostalgic lin der Zauberer” (Merlin the Magician) to the current exhibition at the Tinguely atmosphere that will make you believe every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. Museum, providing a musical highlight that the Matterhorn is just outside the This version, presented in Basel dialect, and a point of focus. The concert is free door. You will be charmed by the walls will enchant the whole family and is with admission to the museum. riddled with rarities from days gone by, suitable for kids ages 4 and up. Tickets www.tinguely.ch the chandeliers and wax-dripped candles are CHF 12 for kids, CHF 14 for adults; that cast a special light, the roaring fire half price for Familienpass holders. in the center of the room, and www.baslerkindertheater.ch Lost in the Antarctic the cords of wood stacked Until March 30 at the door. Whether for Odilon Redon Exhibit At the beginning of the 20th century, ex- relaxing with friends, plorers and adventurers were magically a big family celebra- February 2 – May 18 drawn to the last undiscovered conti- tion, or a com- Odilon Redon (1840-1916) is one of the nent of Antarctica. Explorers became pany event, it most amazing artists from the dawn heroes back at home, while their promises a of modernity. The exhibition at the people waited for reports of Fondation Beyeler will focus on paint- the expeditions. Many, ings, pastels, drawings, and prints that 4 www.baselfamilymagazine.com best represent Redon’s importance as a to stay and dance with them. Older Family Concert pioneer of classic modernism and thus kids ages 8-10 can be dropped off for February 16 on the avant-garde dimension of his art. their dance from 15:00-17:30. They pay “Akkordeon—Das Multitalent” (Accordi- Redon’s enigmatic and mysterious work CHF 5, which includes soft drinks, on—The Multitalent) is the title of this is characterized by breaks and contrasts— water, and popcorn. No need to sign up, family concert presented by the Musik- from the black of his early coal work and just come by. If you would like to place schule Basel in the Grosser Saal of the lithographs to the development of his your kids on a mailing list to learn about Musik Akademie Basel. Cost is CHF 15 for pastels and oil paintings that later lead future events, send an email to BIP BOP adults (CHF 5 with Familienpass); people to a “color explosion.” His works oscil- at [email protected]. under age 20 are free. late between opposites: bizarre monsters are juxtaposed with heavenly creatures, www.musik-akademie.ch dreams with nightmares, and nature with imagination. Family Concert February 15 www.fondationbeyeler.ch As part of the mini.musik series, the Basel Symphony Orchestra presents De Räuber Hotzenplotz “In Eis und Schnee” (In Ice and Snow). February 2 and 16 Crunching snow creaks under our feet in The classic children’s storybook “De Räu- the freezing cold. Find an ice cave shel- ber Hotzenplotz” (The Robber Hotzen- ter in a snowstorm—is anyone hiding in plotz) comes to life as a musical for the there? Kids will experience how the icy first time in Switzerland. The fast-paced and playful music played on the flute, photo credit: © ismael lorenzo credit: photo and clever staging of the classic story violin, cello, and piano will make them will enchant its audience with real magic feel as if they were there. Suitable for kids Snow White at Theater Basel tricks, witty word play, and visually pow- ages 4 and up who will also get a chance Snow White Ballet: February 6, 8, 10, 16, & 19 erful storytelling. This 70-minute long to try the instruments at the end of the Ballet Basel and the Sinfonieorchester Ba- musical is suitable for kids ages 5 and up concert. Concert is at 16:00 at the Grosser sel team up to present the world première and will be presented at the Stadt-Casi- Festsaal of the Stadt-Casino. Tickets can of Snow White, a ballet choreographed no Basel on February 2, and at the Halle be purchased online or at Bider & Tanner by Richard Wherlock. This feature-length Weiermatten in Reinach on February 16. and cost CHF 20 for adults and CHF 10 version of the well-known story takes you www.kindermusicals.ch for kids; families with 2 adults and 2 kids on a journey through the dark enchanted pay CHF 50, plus CHF 7 for additional forest, across the seven mountains to the kids. seven “cheeky chappies” who proceed The Wave—Theater www.sinfonieorchesterbasel.ch to keep the heroine safe from all kinds February 3 TNT Theatre Britain presents the first theatrical production of the novel “The James Ensor Exhibit— Wave” in English. This extraordinary The Surprised Masks novel, which has made an impact in February 16 – May 25 Europe in the past 30 years, is based on James Sidney Edouard, Baron actual events at a California high school Ensor (1860-1949) was a Bel- in the 1960’s. At the center of the story gian painter and printmaker. is a school experiment that quickly got He rejected the ideal of beauty out of hand, which studied the struc- in European history and was an ture of fascism and the attractiveness of important influence on expres- mass movements. Performance will start sionism and surrealism. Ghosts, at 11:00 at the Burghof, just across the skulls, skeletons, and other maca- border in Lörrach (Germany); tickets are bre forms characterize his bizarre, €15 for adults, €10 for teens, and can be ironic, sometimes aggressive purchased online. and provocative works that are www.burghof.com always underpinned by profound humour. His unusual motifs Pre-Teen Dance reveal the absurdity and gro- tesqueness of everyday human February 8 life. The Kunstmuseum Basel will BIP BOP dances are held at the Quartier- be exhibiting almost 60 of his zentrum Bachletten (QUBA, Bachletten- works from private Swiss collec- strasse 12, Basel) to a musical mix of the tions as well as from the Royal top 70s, 80s, 90s, and current hits. Kids Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp. ages 5-7 are invited to the dance party James Ensor, “Die Intrige,” 1890 (detail) www.kunstmuseumbasel.ch © 2014 Kunstmuseum Basel from 13:00-14:30; they pay an entry fee of CHF 1 and the parents are welcome
FEBRUARY 2014 5 Events in Basel: February 2014 (continued) of harm—first and foremost, of course, Jazz Brunch Family Concert from her wicked stepmother. Just “who February 22 February 22 and 23 is the fairest of them all” and whether, On the last Saturday of each month, the The Musikschule BS and the Musik at the end of the day, the prince is able No. 2 Brasserie at Volkshaus Basel pres- Akademie Basel will be presenting a to compete with seven spirited, leaping, ents a rich breakfast from Marc Arnold’s benefit concert at the Musiksaal of the and spinning dwarfs will be revealed kitchen, accompanied by live jazz from Stadt-Casino in Basel. Reflecting the in this staging of the fairytale ballet. Eric Gilson and guests. Breakfast starts at groups’ colorful variety and music styles, Performances will take place on the 10:30 and reservations are recommend- listeners will be led through a musical Grosse Bühne at the Theater Basel and ed at 061-690-9311. world from classical to jazz and from are suitable for ages 8 and up. Tickets pop to folk music. Concert is free but cost CHF 50-155 for adults, CHF 27-60 http://volkshaus-basel.ch donations for the Blindenheim (Home for kids and are available online. for the Blind) BS will be accepted. There Snow White Opera: February 20, 22, 24, & 28 will be a concert on February 22 at 18:00 and a shortened version for families on Heinz Holliger is the composer and February 23 from 11:00-12:15. musical director for this opera in five www.musikschule-basel.ch scenes, which is based on poet Robert Walser’s multi-layered eponymous play with and about the characters from the Joint English Book Sale well-known fairy tale. Holliger describes Save the date, April 3-5 2014, for the this version of the story as “a fairy tale upcoming Joint English Book Sale at about a fairy tale about a fairy tale…”. the Basel West Library. Donations of The audience can expect an exciting take gently used books are welcome. Storage on this opera. Recommended for ages space is limited, so books with physi- 16 and up; performances will take place cal damage will not be accepted. Non- on the Grosse Bühne at the Theater Ba- fiction titles must be relevant and have sel. Tickets range from CHF 50-115 for current information. Please help by adults and CHF 27-60 for students and donating children’s books for all ages. can be purchased online. For drop-off locations, please contact
www.theater-basel.ch lyons © mark credit: photo Nicole Scoles at [email protected].
6 www.baselfamilymagazine.com Fun Family Outings: Beyond Basel
Visiona – Panorama Weil am Rhein, Germany
February 7– June 1 In 1970, the Danish designer Verner Panton was commissioned by Bayer AG to create the interior landscape Visiona 2, one of the most radical visions of the future in 20th-century design. Instead of separate rooms with classical fur- nishings, Panton developed a domestic environment composed of colorful, modular upholstery elements, reflect- ing the informal, relaxed attitudes and lifestyles of the time. The centerpiece of Visiona 2 was a spectacular, cave-like interior landscape marked by vibrant colors and organic forms. The exhibi- tion in the Vitra Design Museum Gallery presents a faithfully reproduced, walk- in reconstruction of the installation, complemented by a behind-the-scenes look at Panton’s Visiona 2 project.
www.design-museum.de vitra design museum © credit: photo
Ice Palace, Fribourg be rented for CHF 5 for kids and CHF 10 for adults), tobog- Until the beginning of March gan, or do anything else you can think of! They provide sev- eral trails for this, including a family-friendly trail (3.1 km Karl Neuhaus (also known as the “Tinguely of Ice”), has long), a fitness trail (8.6 km), a cardio trail (12.3 km), and an built his ice world in the area of the Schwarzsee valley near endurance trail (15.9 km). You can download the map that Fribourg. Here you can walk through the forest and visit shows the participating towns, the trails between them as numerous ice buildings, including palaces, igloos, caves, a well as the list of events and times in each of the towns (“Des penguin mountain, a pirate’s ship, and much more. There are parcours et des animations pour tous”) at www.snowup- surprises in each one as well as a playground, a giant swing, interjurassien.ch/snowup/parcours-2014.pdf. and a pirate’s ship. The ice palace is set up at an altitude of 1,000 m but depends nonetheless on the weather. It is Parking is limited, so consider taking the train to one of the prudent to call (079-613-0997) or check their website participating towns. before heading out. Cost is CHF 10 for adults and CHF 5 www.snowup-interjurassien.ch for kids. Open Wednesday to Friday from 14:00-21:00, Sat- urday and Sunday from 12:00-21:00. The ice palace can be Art on Ice, Zürich reached by car in about 1 hour and 45 minutes, or by public transport by taking the train to Fribourg, then the TPF bus February 27 – March 2 direction Schwarzsee/Lac Noir and getting off at the stop If you are a fan of figure skating, this show is not to be missed! called “Lichtena.” Art on Ice is the unique, colorful interplay between Olym- www.eispalaeste.ch pic and world champions on the ice and international mu- sic stars performing live on stage. The 2014 European Tour starts out at the Hallenstadion in Zürich with six shows, and Snow-Up, Canton Jura features the band Hurts, pianist Khatia Buniatishvili, singer February 2 Loreen (winner of the 2012 Eurovision Song Similar to the annual Contest), and the Swiss “Slow-Up” in autumn, the ensemble Mummen- Jura region of Switzerland schanz, a modern fig- is hosting the 6th annual ure and theater group. “Snow-Up.” This all-day Tickets range from event promotes getting CHF 68-168 and can be around in a snowy envi- bought online. ronment without the help of motorized vehicles. Thus, you
can walk, cross-country ski, roller-ski, snow-shoe (these can www.artonice.ch ag on ice production © art credit: photo
FEBRUARY 2014 7 Markets and Fairs in Basel
Basler Ferienmesse (Vacation Fair) Tansania, come and be advised by ty while travelling. For example, you can specialists on travel to this extraordinary learn what to do in the event of theft, February 14-16 continent. conflict with the law, or lost passports Several smaller fairs run alongside the Busreisen (coach vacations) will also be when travelling abroad. The Swiss Trop- MUBA. One of them is the Ferienmesse a special feature of this year’s Ferien- ical and Public Health Institute will also (vacation fair), which features informa- messe. Travel on coaches that offer 5-star advise visitors on vaccinations and how tion and offers on holiday packages and amenities such as comfortable seating to avoid health problems when travel- vacation spots. This year will feature with plenty of legroom, air condition- ling south. travel to the continent of Africa, with ing, toilets, TVs, and even kitchens, is The fair will be held in Halle 4.0 and vacation possibilities as vast as the land becoming increasingly popular. The Halle 4.U of the Messe Basel, from itself. So whether you are thinking of variety of coach vacations include day 11:00-19:00 on Friday and Saturday and doing a safari in Botswana trips to winter sport areas, weekend trips from 10:00-18:00 on Sunday. Adults pay or visiting the plains of for shopping or cultural outings such CHF 15 and kids under 16 are free if as theater or open-air festivals, multi- accompanied by a paying adult. Re- day theme outings to wine regions or duced entry of CHF 9 for unaccompa- spa resorts, and longer trips to scenic nied kids ages 12-16, holders of a GA, regions. Specialists in coach travel will be U-Abo, Colour-Key, and Oberrheinis- on hand to present vacations in luxury cher Museumspass. Entrance is free on coaches that promise to be both mem- Friday, February 14, if you display a orable and environmentally friendly 2014 “Fasnacht-Blagedde.” Entrance to alternatives to car and airplane travel. the Basler Ferienmesse is also included There will also be many in the MUBA entrance ticket. stands devoted to safe- www.baslerferienmesse.ch photo credit:© jon hoefer credit:© photo Basler Münzenmesse (Basel Coin Fair) graphic, music), and Verein Allwäg will be on hand to offer play opportunities for the kids. The hope is that this pilot will illus- February 1 and 2 trate that the Markthalle could become a popular meeting and Each year, this traditional numismatic event staged at the Messe exchange location for Baslers every Sunday. Basel opens the series of three important Swiss coin shows in www.sonntagsmarkthalle.ch Basel, Bern, and Zurich. The Basel Coin Fair boasts top-class exhibitors with a special focus on the interests of collectors. Strolling through the exhibition halls, visitors will not only Marinatal (Wedding and Party Fair) experience 2,500 years of numismatic history but also coins, February 8 and 9 medallions, historical bonds and stocks, railway medallions, This yearly fair pres- and paper money from different times and countries. The fair is ents a wide range of ex- open from 9:00-17:00 on Saturday, and 10:00-16:00 on Sunday. hibitors for all matters Admission costs CHF 8 on Saturday (free on Sunday), and your relating to the topic of entry ticket will automatically be entered in a large prize draw. marriage and parties. www.worldmoneyfair.de There will be fashion shows, professionally made-up and coiffed models, as well as Sunday Brunch & Market artists and musicians with live performances. The fair will take place at Halle 4 of the Messe Basel from 10:00-18:00 on both February 2 days. Cost is CHF 13, kids 14 and under are free. Every Sunday from 10:00-16:00, you can enjoy a plentiful brunch www.hochzeitsmessen.ch at the SUD, Burgweg 7, in Basel. The all-you-can-eat brunch buffet costs CHF 32 (kids pay CHF 1 for each year of their age), CHF 18 for a single serving, and CHF 6 for a bowl of müesli, Children’s Fleamarket fruit, or salad. Reservations are recommended at [email protected]. On February 12 the first Sunday of each month, the brunch is accompanied by The community center Quartiertreffpunkt LoLa is inviting all a market where you can buy clothing, home accessories, toys, kids to bring in their no-longer-wanted toys, CDs, DVDs, and jewelry, and agricultural products. books, to sell or exchange with other kids from 14:00-17:00. You www.sud.ch don’t need to preregister, simply show up at Lothringerstrasse 63 in Basel. www.quartiertreffpunktebasel.ch/quartier-treffpunk- Sonntagsmarkthalle te-basel/quartiertreffpunkt-lola/ February 2, 9, 16, and 23 As part of a pilot project, the Markthalle in Basel will be host- Creativa Basel ing a market with flea market stands, vintage design, handmade crafts, and culinary highlights from 9:00-17:00 every Sunday February 14-17 until March 16. You can browse or set up your own stand. There Creativa is a new fair running in parallel to MUBA, aimed at will be a different theme each week (fashion, jewelry, toys, those who are in a creative profession or at hobbyists who
8 www.baselfamilymagazine.com simply like to be creative in their spare time. These cold winter months are ideal for doing crafts at home—so why not come and learn about new products, developments, and techniques; see special shows and exhibits; or join in the many workshops. Paint pictures with the newest types of paints, create jewelry with beads of all kinds, and even make your own dishware design with colorful ceramic paints. And if you become inspired, you can purchase a variety of craft materials on site. Open daily from 10:00-20:00 in the Foyer of Halle 1.0. Adults pay CHF 15 and kids under 16 are free if accompanied by a paying adult. Reduced entry of CHF 9 for unaccompanied kids ages 12-16 as well as holders of a GA, U-Abo, Colour-Key, and Oberrhei- nischer Museumspass. Entrance is CHF 9 for the whole family with the Familienpass, and free on Friday, February 14, if you display a 2014 “Fasnacht-Blagedde.” Entrance to the Creativa is also included in the MUBA entrance ticket. www.creativa-basel.ch eco.expo Basel February 20-23 Another fair that runs alongside MUBA is called eco.expo Basel (formerly Natur), which focuses on sustainable development and lifestyles, with an emphasis on sustainable consumption. This fair provides information and wares on topics related to nature, such as recycling, energy, climate, food and drink, fair-trade and organic products, green fashion, research, home, environment, and health. “Zukunft Mobilität” (mobility in the future) will be this year’s special focus. Learn all about how we will move about in the future, how our mode of transporta- tion affects our environment and our home, and what your personal mobility footprint is. Erlebnishof Hatti will provide a petting zoo for the kids, and this year’s guest canton will be canton Wallis. eco.expo will be located in the Foyer of the Eventhalle of Messe Basel, from 10:00-18:00. Entrance is CHF 15 for adults, and free for kids 16 and under when accompanied by an adult. Entrance to eco.expo is also included in the MUBA entrance ticket. www.eco-expo.ch
Repair Market February 22 The Quartiertreffpunkt BURG (Burgweg 7, Basel) is the location for this one-of-a-kind market from 10:00-13:00. If you have items that need repair, such as small appli- ances, chairs, clothing, computers, toys, don’t throw them away but bring them to the market where volunteers will be on hand to try
and repair them. On this Saturday, © reparier-bar credit: photo a bookbinder will also be on site. This initiative is not only great for the environment, but a nice way to meet people and chat over some cake and coffee. Alternatively, if you are good at crafts, enjoy working with wood, metal, fabric, needles and thread, and/or soldering irons, perhaps you would like to vol- unteer some time on that day to help “fix” items. You can sign up for this task on their website. www.reparier-bar.ch
FEBRUARY 2014 9 Inside Basel by Susanne Hiller The Fasnachtsbrunnen — A Carnival in the Water
One of the most interesting landmarks in the center of Basel is the water hoses and low-voltage motors so that they can constant- fountain in front of the Theater Basel — the Fasnachtsbrunnen. It ly spray, squirt, turn, twist, scoop, and pump in an intricate, attracts visitors any time of the year, but is particularly fascinating never-ending dance. In fact, some people interpret the differ- ent sculptures as the members of an unusual theater ensemble in cold winter weather, when the metal sculptures may turn into that seem to interact with each other, each with their own unique ice sculptures. “personality,” just like the actors and dancers used to do on History of the Fountain the old theater’s stage. The fountain was designed by the Swiss sculptor and painter, When the temperatures are below freezing for an extended pe- Jean Tinguely (1925-1991), who grew up in Basel. He is par- riod of time, the metal objects turn into fascinating ice sculp- ticularly famous for his moving sculptures, many of which tures. This process is actually encouraged by Basel’s fountain you can see in the Tinguely Museum dedicated to his works masters, who regulate the water flow to some of the sculptures that is located next to the Rhein on the Kleinbasel side of the to optimize ice formation. But while beautiful, the ice cover Schwarzwaldbrücke. Since the 1970s, Tinguely also applied can be dangerous to the underlying metal structures, and in this approach of “kinetic art” to the design of fountains, and the first really cold winter after the fountain’s installation sev- the first of these was the Fasnachtsbrunnen. It was donated to eral of the large sculptures broke under their heavy ice load. the city by Migros, on the occasion of the company’s 50th an- Since then, they have been reinforced with four strong sup- niversary in 1975. The construction of the fountain took about ports each. With these precautionary measures in place, you 2 years, and it was finally inaugurated with major festivities on will hopefully get to enjoy Basel’s surrealistic, temporary ice June 14, 1977. (Tinguely himself arrived at the event on the sculptures as well this winter! back of a camel!) Ever since, it has been one of the main tourist The image below is a sketch by Jean Tinguely of the different sculptures of attractions in Basel, a place for locals and tourists alike to meet, the Fasnachtsbrunnen (Basler Theaterbrunnen) from 1977. contemplate the unusual sculptures placed in the fountain, or © Museum Tinguely, Basel, Donation Niki de Saint Phalle. discuss with others their thoughts on these strange and whim- sical machines.
Ties to the Theater Basel Although the name does not really imply it, the fountain is in- timately linked to the Theater Basel. First of all, it was built on the site where Basel’s previous theater was located, which was torn down after the current theater building opened in 1975. In fact, the fountain is placed right where the stage of the old theater used to be. But not only that, the fountain also in- corporates numerous movable pieces that were salvaged from the old theater’s building and stage equipment! These pieces were incorporated into a total of 10 moving sculptures that are hooked up to photo credits: © basel tourismus / museum tinguely / museum tourismus © basel credits: photo
10 www.baselfamilymagazine.com k l
The Sculptures: The sculptures each have a whimsical name, although those are unrelated to the theater and refer more to their shapes or movement. j They are: m j dr Theaterkopf o dr Querpfyffer (the theater head) (the flute player) k dr Schuufler p dr Wäädel (the scooper) (the brush) l s’Seechter q d’Spinne n (the strainer) (the spider) o m d’Fontääne r dr Waggler p (the fountain) (the wiggler) s n dr Spritzer s dr Suuser (the squirter) (the dasher) q r photo credit: © susanne hiller credit: photo
FEBRUARY 2014 11 Sports and Recreation
Alte Ziegelei in Oberwil, Hohestrasse 134, on Saturday and Sunday, or CHF 50 for a Atelier M12. weekend-pass (Friday-Sunday); free for kids Familien Spieltreff: They are open every up to age 16 and Colour Key holders. Tuesday evening from 17:00-19:00 dur- www.badmintoneurope.com ing the colder months for family play. www.stjakobshalle.ch Entrance costs CHF 12 for adults, CHF 8 for kids, or CHF 25 for families; discounts Disco Night at the Skating Rink, Rhein- with Familienpass. felden Family Play-Sunday: They are open one Sun- February 14 and 28 day per month from November to Febru- Young and old are welcome from 20:15- photo credit: © joe connolly credit: photo ary from 13:30-17:00 for an afternoon of 23:00 to the skating rink in Rheinfelden Outdoor Skating fun and games. Entrance costs CHF 15 (Kunsteisbahn Rheinfelden), where you Until March 9 for adults, CHF 10 for kids, or CHF 30 per can skate to your favorite requests played family; discounts with Familienpass. The Basel’s two outdoor skating rinks at Egli- by DJ EM. Entrance is CHF 7 for children next Family Play-Sunday is February 9. see and St. Margarethen are still open for and CHF 12 for adults; skate rentals are a few more weeks before the season ends www.play4you.ch/agenda CHF 5 for children and CHF 7 for adults. on March 9. They are artificially frozen, For more info and location, go to their website. so no matter what the weather is like, you Badminton European Men’s and can enjoy this winter sport. You can rent Women’s Team Championships www.kuba-rheinfelden.ch/vital/eis- skates for CHF 5, as well as little pushbars disco/index.html February 11-16 to help beginners to learn. Entrance and skate rentals are half price after 17:00 at This championship Indoor Playground at Spiel-Estrich Margarethen and after 17:15 at Eglisee, takes place every two years. This year, a to- The Spiel-Estrich is an indoor playground www.ed-bs.ch/jfs/sport/sportan- tal of 26 men’s and located in the attic of a building at the lagen/copy_of_kunsteisbahnen/ back right corner of Kaserne. Robi-Spiel- margarethen-keb 21 women’s teams will be competing Aktionen invites kids for supervised play www.kunschti-eglisee.ch for the titles of Euro- time on Wednesday and Saturday after- pean Champions. In noons from 14:00-17:00, as well as on the Play4you, Oberwil addition, the newly first Sunday of each month from 10:00- Play4you is located in a 500m2 large space inaugurated U15 In- 14:00. The children can blow off some that offers fun for the whole family. It is dividual Championship is held at the steam on a variety of equipment, includ- filled with classic and modern games of same time. St. Jakobshalle will be the ing slides, suspended swings, ladders, all kinds that require skill, strategy, or location for this competition, with 10,000 and ride-on toys, while parents enjoy a just a desire to have fun. Most games are spectators watching today’s and tomor- coffee and Gipfeli or do a little nearby self-explanatory, but there is always a row’s champions playing on 12 badmin- shopping. Entrance is free on Wednes- friendly staff on hand to show, explain, ton courts. Entrance is free on Wednesday days and Saturdays; CHF 5 on Sundays. help, and even play with you. Address: and Thursday, CHF 15 on Friday, CHF 20 www.robi-spiel-aktionen.ch
ehc basel sharks / fc basel schedule: FEBRUARY 2014
EHC Basel Sharks (Eishockey / Ice Hockey) FC Basel 1893 (Fussball / Soccer)
Orange: Home Game @ St. Jakob Arena Red: Home Game @ St. Jakob Arena
Date Time Home team Guests Date Time Home team Guests Sun., Feb. 2 17:00 HC Red Ice Martigny EHC Basel Sharks Sun., Feb. 2 13:45 lausanne-Sport FC Basel 1893 Tue., Feb. 11 20:00 EHC Basel Sharks SCL Tigers Sun., Feb. 5 19:30 FC Le Mont LS FC Basel 1893
Fri., Feb. 14 20:00 gCK Lions EHC Basel Sharks Sat., Feb. 8 19:45 FC Basel 1893 BSC Young Boys Sun., Feb. 16 17:00 EHC Basel Sharks HC Thurgau Sat., Feb. 15 19:45 FC Basel 1893 FC Sion NOTE: Please check their website for possible playoff games. Thu., Feb. 20 21.05 Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC FC Basel 1893 Sharks Tickets: Cat 1: CHF 35 • Cat 2: CHF 30 • Standing Room (Adults): CHF 18 Students (up to age 24): CHF 15 • Kids Ages 6 - 16: CHF 8 Sun., Feb. 23 16:00 grashopper Club FC Basel 1893 For ticket information visit: www.sharks.ch Thu., Feb. 27 19:00 FC Basel 1893 Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC FC Basel Tickets: Prices range from CHF 25 to CHF 75 for adults in regular seating. Children ages 6-16 receive a discount of 25% in the regular seating areas. There is a special area for families and young adults (up to age 22) with slightly lower prices. For ticket information visit: http://fcb.ch/stadiumplanprices photo credit: © ehc basel sharks credit: photo
12 www.baselfamilymagazine.com Sports and Recreation
Fencing Trials February 10, 17, and 24 If your child would like to try their hand at fencing, the Fechtgesellschaft Basel is offering free trial days on February 10 (for kids ages 5-9), February 17 (for kids ages 10-14), and February 24 (for teens ages 15-17). For more information or to sign up, con- tact Maitre Manfred Beckmann at 061-281-6361 or at [email protected]. www.fechtgesellschaftbasel.ch
Get Going! by Nic Oatridge Tobogganing Fun in Winter!
sel, hilly Gempen usually has snow, Of course, some of the best toboggan but be careful where you park or your runs are in the Alps, and over 100 re- souvenirs will include a parking ticket! sorts have lift-served toboggan runs Going a little further afield, the Chöpfli with toboggan hire in the resort. The in Gelterkinden (30 minutes from Ba- closest to Basel are in Engelberg, Kle- sel) and Waldweid in Waldbur (about wenalp, Sörenberg, and Melchsee-Frutt. 40 minutes from Basel) are also popu- Also easy to get to is Meiringen, where lar choices. Also 40 minutes from Basel, you can take a bus from Schwarz- Langenbruck has a small ski lift perfect waldalp to Grosse Scheidegg for a 5-km for beginners, and all of the hills near run with a 500 m descent. The Bussalp the lift are used by families to toboggan. in Grindelwald offers four different to- So you don’t want to ski or snowboard, As you need to walk up these hills be- boggan runs ranging from 4.5 to 12.5 but you would like to make the most of the fore you can slide down, this activity is km long. You can take the Bus from the snow? One of the most enjoyable family sure to tire out the kids! Grindelwald train station up to Bussalp, pursuits is tobogganing, and it couldn’t be If there is not enough snow in the Basel and after some sun or food at the res- easier to take up. area, the Black Forest often has better taurant, you can toboggan back down The important thing is to make sure snow conditions. If you are willing to to Grindelwald. you are dressed for the occasion. Ob- walk up a hill to toboggan down, you If you want to make it a weekend break viously you will need to dress to keep have many options, including Kandel, or longer and go tobogganing, some of warm, but also you should aim to be Friedenweiler, St. Blasien, Breitnau, the most beautiful Alpine resorts offer waterproof—at the very least waterproof and Menzenschwand. However, there great lift-served runs and plenty of oth- gloves and sturdy, waterproof footwear. are several places where you can get er diversions in addition to the slopes. I recommend you also wear a helmet, transport to the top. At Seebuck in the Scuol, St Moritz, Klosters, and Arosa are especially for the kids. As far as the to- Feldberg ski resort you can hire among my favorites for a wide selection boggan itself goes, most resorts will hire toboggans from the Thoma ski school of winter activities, including toboggan- these out, but you can buy your own and then go down a 2-km run. In ing and skiing; they all can be reached from a flea market or sports store. The Altglashuetten, a “magic carpet” lift by rail. Many people also come from all classic “Davos” toboggan is the wooden serves a short toboggan run. Above Lake over Europe just to toboggan the 6-km construction that can take one or two Titisee, the flood-lit 1-km run down to run from Preda to Bergün that twists people and which you steer and brake the lake from Lenzkirch-Saig is served by and turns dramatically through tunnels with your feet, but kids tend to prefer a toboggan bus from Titisee itself where and below viaducts in the Albula valley. the plastic variety with a steering wheel you can hire toboggans; they also offer To get to the start of the run you take and brake. If you want to travel light, snowtubing at the top. Even when there the UNESCO World Heritage section the plastic “saucers” are effective and is no snow you can take the Hasenhorn of the Rhaetian Railway line, before inexpensive alternatives to fully blown coaster at Todtnau that runs in a track setting off on one of the most remark- toboggans. alongside the toboggan hill, also served able Alpine experiences. Now that you are kitted up and ready, by a chairlift. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * where should you go? If there is snow In the Jura, the closest lift-served to- in Basel, the choices are many. The park boggan run to Basel is at Wasserfallen, Nic Oatridge is an expat who has been living in Basel for 7 years and has been skiing and snow- at Margarethen is great for the younger approximately 40 minutes from Basel. boarding in Switzerland for 30 years. He is the kids, as are some of the hills in Bruder- You can get there by bus, taking the num- webmaster for an English-language website holz, such as the field at Hechtliacker ber 70 from Aeschenplatz to Reigoldswil, where you can get terrific information and tips or by the water tower. Chrischona, with from where a gondola takes you to the on ski opportunities in Switzerland and beyond: its elevation above Bettingen, is always top. You can also hire toboggans there http://www.swisswintersports.co.uk a favorite. About 25 minutes from Ba- for CHF 5. photo credit: © nic oatridge credit: photo
FEBRUARY 2014 13 FEBRUARY 2014
MAGAZINE
Ongoing Events / February 2014 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY
“Lost in the Antarctic” Exhibit Naturhistorisches Museum, Basel JAN 26 27 28 29 Until March 30
A Taste of the Mountains in Basel Baracca Zermatt, Basel Until end of March
Odilon Redon Exhibit Fondation Beyeler, Riehen February 2 – May 18, 2014 >> Merlin the Magician 2 >> De Räuber Hotzenplotz 3 4 5 >> Jugendbücherschiff James Ensor Exhibit >> Snow-Up >> Theater – “The Wave” >> Family Play at Play4You >> Merlin the Magician Kunstmuseum, Basel >> Brunch and Market at SUD >> Castles / Knights – Lecture >> Musical – “Fame” >> English Storytelling February 16 – May 25, 2014 >> Sonntagsmarkthalle >> Musical – “Grease” >> Musical – “Grease” >> Real Blues Band >> Basel Coin Fair >> Musical – “Grease” >> Shadowland Spielobjekte Exhibit Tinguely Museum, Basel February 19 – May 11, 2014
Visiona – Panorama Vitra Design Museum 9 >> Merlin the Magician 10 11 12 Weil am Rhein, Germany >> Marinatal Fair >> Snow White Ballet >> Family Play at Play4You February 7 – June 1, 2014 >> Sonntagsmarkthalle >> Fencing Trials >> Badminton Championships >> Tightrope Workshop >> Castles / Knights – Lecture >> Bookworms – English/German >> Merlin the Magician >> Marilyn Monroe Workshop >> Tinguely Tour >> Children’s Flea Market Ice Palace >> “The Language of Colour” Tour >> Children Cook at Italian Restaurant >> Fairytale Afternoon at Union >> Sunrise Avenue Fribourg >> Family Play Sunday at Play4You Until beginning of March >> Musical – “Grease” >> Night of the Musicals >> Musical – “All You Need is Love”
>> Merlin the Magician 16 >> De Räuber Hotzenplotz 17 18 19 >> MUBA >> Badminton Championships >> Merlin the Magician >> Creativa >> Snow White Ballet >> Vacation Fair >> Fencing Trials >> “Spielobjekte” Vernissage >> Musical – “West Side Story” >> Sonntagsmarkthalle >> Family Play at Play4You >> Snow White Ballet >> Musical – “West Side Story” >> Family Concert >> Castles / Knights – Walking Tour >> Origami Workshop >> Tour of Odilon Redon Exhibit >> Concert – Ich sah Gesang in der Ferne 23 24 25 26 >> MUBA >> Snow White Opera >> Bookworms – English >> Merlin the Magician >> eco.expo Basel >> Fencing Trials >> Tinguely Tours – “Spielobjekte” >> Storytelling in Tamil and German >> Merlin the Magician >> Family Play at Play4You >> Brad Mehldau Trio >> Family Concert >> Musical – “West Side Story” >> Simple Minds >> Sonntagsmarkthalle >> Musical – “West Side Story” >> Castles / Knights – Fighting Like Knights >> Marilyn Monroe Workshop >> Musical – “West Side Story” >> Nana Mouskouri www.BASELFAMILYMAGAZINE.com
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 30 31 FEB 1 >> Jugendbücherschiff >> Cocktails at the Museum >> Jazz Concert at Tinguely >> Merlin the Magician >> Best Piano Trios in Jazz >> Jukibu – Bookbinding Workshop >> Basel Coin Fair >> Shadowland >> Shadowland >> Basel for Newcomers Tour >> English Comedy >> Vodka Tasting >> Spanish Wine Tasting >> Spanish Wine Tasting >> Spanish Wine Tasting >> Shadowland >> Musical – “Fame”
6 7 8 >> Merlin the Magician >> Jugendbücherschiff >> Snow White Ballet >> Jukibu – Bookbinding Workshop >> Pre-teen Dance >> Merlin the Magician >> AFTER HOURS: Chillen im Museum >> Theater – “The Wave” >> Snow White Ballet >> English Storytelling >> Cube Concert: Mozart and Piazzolla >> Stories and Songs in Two Languages >> Marinatal Fair >> Real Blues Band >> Musical – “Grease” >> Musical – “Grease” >> Marilyn Monroe Workshop >> Musical – “Grease” >> Musical – “Fame” >> Tour of Wood-fired Power Plant >> Tightrope Workshop >> Storytelling in French and German >> Dance Night >> Musical – “Grease”
>> Merlin the Magician 13 14 15 >> Family Concert >> MUBA IMPORTANT NUMBERS >> Badminton Championships >> Merlin the Magician >> Mint Condition >> Creativa >> Children’s Flea Market >> Vacation Fair SOS: 112 >> Children Cook at Italian Restaurant >> Jukibu – Bookbinding Workshop >> Storytelling in Japanese and German >> Sunrise Avenue >> Disco Night at Skating Rink >> Depeche Mode Police: 117 >> Depeche Mode Fire Department: 118 Ambulance: 144 Poison Center: 145 20 21 22 A Hand in Need: 143 >> MUBA >> Merlin the Magician >> eco.expo Basel Child/Teen Helpline: 147 >> Snow White Ballet >> Snow White Opera >> Jukibu – Bookbinding Workshop >> Jazz Brunch >> Musical – “West Side Story” >> Talk – UNStudio >> English Storytelling >> Merlin the Magician Afterhours Pharmacy >> German & Austrian Wine Tasting >> Cocktail Concert >> Family Concert >> Musical – “West Side Story” >> Musical – “Fame” >> Snow White Opera Petersgraben 3, Basel >> Musical – “West Side Story” >> Repair Market 061 263 7575 >> Marilyn Monroe Workshop >> Musical – “West Side Story” Kinderspital Spitalstrasse 33, Basel 26 27 28 MAR 1 061 704 1212 >> Merlin the Magician >> Art on Ice >> Art on Ice >> Storytelling in Tamil and German >> Cocktails at the Museum >> Snow White Opera CALENDAR COLOR KEY >> Brad Mehldau Trio >> English Comedy >> Jazz Concert at Tinguely >> Simple Minds >> U.S. and Bordeaux Wine Tasting >> Jukibu – Bookbinding Workshop >>Basel Events >> Musical – “West Side Story” >> Musical – “Fame” >> Discussion/Symposium – Future Light >>Beyond Basel Events >> Musical – “West Side Story” >> Disco Night at Skating Rink >>Markets and Fairs >> Clubfestival BScene >> U.S. & Bordeaux Wine Tasting >>Sports and Recreation >> Dance Night >>Workshops, Tours, and Education >> Musical – “West Side Story” >>Entertainment: Parents’ Night Out >>Special Feature Workshops, Tours, and Education
Real Castles — Imaginary Knights? intertwined with noble families, making cial focus on the chivalrous side of Basel February 3, 10, 16, and 23 Basel an ideal starting point for a time in the Middle Ages. The tour starts at the travel back to the Middle Ages. Our im- ticket counter at the Barfüsserkirche at Glinting armor, long swords, romantic castles, ages of knights and castles are charac- 13:15, costs CHF 15, and lasts 90 min- and minstrels—our images of the chivalric terized by idealization and romantic no- utes. Ticket price includes entrance to way of life are riddled with clichés. The Histo- tions. How did castles come to be built the exhibit for the whole day; no pre- risches Museum Basel (Basel Historical Mu- on rocky hills? How did the high ideals registration is required. seum) at Barfüsserplatz is hosting an exhibit of chivalry relate to reality? And why entitled “Echte Burgen—Falsche Ritter?” (Real does the time of the castles still fascinate February 23 — Fighting like Knights us so much today? These and other key castles—imaginary knights?) that focuses on This course is an introduction to medi- questions about the Middle Ages will be how knights and the castles they inhabited eval long-pole fencing for children and illuminated by speakers from science have been idealized over the centuries. Using adults. Long-stick fighting, along with and practice. Lectures will take place at an informative and entertaining approach, it fencing with shields and swords, was an the Kollegienhaus of the University of presents the latest findings of medieval histori- important part of the military training Basel, Lecture Hall 102. For information ans to examine where reality ends and fantasy of future knights. At fairs in the Middle and to register, contact the Volkshoch- begins, from the first knights to Batman & Co., Ages, long-stick fighting between roving schule Beider Basel. from primitive wooden fortresses to the tur- fighters was a popular attraction—the reted castles of fairy tales. They offer several www.vhsbb.ch stick fight between Robin Hood and Lit- German-language tours weekly—check their tle John on the log bridge over the river website for dates and times. Below are some is legendary. In this special workshop, of the special tours and events related to this selected elements of long-pole fencing exhibit. will be rehearsed as a sequence of martial movements. These short, well-defined February 3 and 10 — Lecture Series sequences can be combined for a longer In collaboration with the Historisches floor duel and give rise to a safe yet dy- Museum Basel, the University of Basel is namic duel for both fighters. These one- hosting two German-language lectures hour workshops will be held at 13:15 entitled “Echte Burgen—Falsche Rit- and 14:15 at the Barfüsserkirche, one ter? Eine Zeitreise vom Mittelalter in die Sunday per month until June. Cost is Gegenwart” (Real castles—Imaginary February 16 — Special Walking Tour CHF 15 and includes entry into the spe- knight? A journey from the Middle Ages Through Chivalrous Basel cial exhibit for the whole day. Places are to the present day). The Basel area is one In conjunction with the exhibit, Peter limited, so register before the previous of the most castle-rich regions of Eu- Habicht will take you on a German-lan- Wednesday at 061-205-8670. rope. The city and country were closely guage tour through the city, with a spe- www.hmb.ch photo credit: © peter portner © peter credit: photo Cocktails at the Museum time gain some valuable tips for day-to- zerland. It takes approximately 65,000m3 January 30 and February 27 day life, such as public transport, post, of wood from the region annually and and healthcare. You will also receive processes it into wood chips to gener- In conjunction with the exhibit “The useful information on where to shop, ate electricity and heat for 6,500 house- ‘Stronger Sex’ in Antiquity,” the Anti- the many cultural institutions in the holds. Families with kids ages 10 or old- kenmuseum Basel is offering an eve- city, and possibilities for spending your er will learn why wood is an ecological ning of short tours and cocktails from leisure time. This is a joint project run by form of electricity and district heating. 18:00-22:00. The exhibition traces an an- the Presidential Department of the can- The tour is from 10:30-12:30 and costs cient Athenian on the journey through ton of Basel-Stadt and Basel Tourism and CHF 20 per family. You can register online life from childhood to death. Original is designed to make new residents of the on their website under “Familienkurse,” by objects from ancient times are contrasted city feel welcome and at home as quickly clicking on “Anmelden” for workshop with contemporary ones. A German tour as possible. The tour is from 10:00-12:30 number 47. begins at 19:00 and an English tour starts in English and costs CHF 5; meeting at 19:30; entrance cost of CHF 5 includes www.peb-basel.ch point is at the Basel tourist informa- the tour and admission to the cocktail tion at the SBB. You can contact them at bar. [email protected]. Tightrope Workshop www.antikenmuseumbasel.ch www.basel.com/en/search/ February 8 and 9 citytours Zirkus Schule Basel is inviting kids for Basel for Newcomers—Live, Learn, an introduction to two different types of tightrope disciplines: the very tight wire and Enjoy Tour of the Wood-Fired Power Plant rope and the stretchier nylon slack rope. in Basel February 1 Both types of tightrope artistry involve On this tour, which is specially geared February 8 the art of balance, but with very different toward new residents of the city, you The Holzkraftwerk Basel (wood-fired styles and technical characteristics. The can get to know the city and at the same power plant) is one of the largest in Swit- workshop for beginners and intermedi- 16 www.baselfamilymagazine.com Workshops, Tours, and Education
ates ages 8-14 is from 9:30-12:00, and the Bookworms Program—English/German ternship, as well as young adults with intermediate and advanced workshop February 11 disabilities through the award-winning for those ages 14-99 is from 13:00-16:30, “@-work” project. The workshop costs Bibliothek Basel West is hosting a book on both Saturday and Sunday. Cost is CHF 35 per child, plus CHF 11 for mate- group for babies and toddlers ages 9 CHF 75, CHF 5 rebate for members or sib- rials. You can register your child online months to 3 years and their caregivers lings. Register quickly as spaces go fast! on their website under “Kinderkurse,” by with nursery rhymes, finger plays, action clicking on “Anmelden” for workshop www.zirkusschulebasel.ch stories, singing, and picture books in number 80. English and German. Participation is free of charge and no registration is required. www.peb-basel.ch Marilyn Monroe Workshop From 10:00-10:30 at Allschwilerstrasse February 8, 9, 22, and 23 90 in Basel. “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” sings www.stadtbibliothekbasel.ch Marilyn Monroe in the movie “Gentle- men Prefer Blondes.” In this workshop, Tinguely Tours kids ages 6 and up can decorate a “Mari- lyn” puzzle made of wooden letters with February 11 pearls, rhinestones, and gold ribbons You are invited to join a short, guided to make it sparkle, just like in the song. tour in English of the permanent collec- Participation is free and participants can tion at the Tinguely Museum starting at take their creations home. No registra- 13:00. Admission to the museum costs CHF 15 for adults; free for kids 16 and tion is required, although you may need Origami Workshop to wait for a turn. under when accompanied by an adult, February 16 www.spielzeug-welten-museum-basel.ch otherwise CHF 10. Cost of tour is includ- ed in the entrance fee. If you have yet to visit the Basler Papier- www.tinguely.ch mühle (Basel paper mill), it is a wonder- ful place to visit with your family. Here, The Language of Colour historical technical exhibitions straight February 9 Children Cook at an Italian Restaurant from the Middle Ages come together with In conjunction with the current exhibit February 12 fully functioning workshops to keep the of the drawings and paintings of Basel- Kids ages 6 and up are invited for one museum and its craft alive. On the third born painter and draftsman Jakob Chris- Wednesday afternoon from 15:30-18:00 Sunday of each month, the Origami-Ver- toph Miville, the Kunstmuseum in Basel to cook like a real chef in an Italian res- ein Gelterkinden holds workshops where will be holding an English-language tour taurant. Kids will learn to make a pizza, museum visitors can explore the colorful entitled “The Language of Colour” from from the dough to the oven, and will world of paper folding. Workshops are 11:00-12:00. Price is regular admission also prepare a delicious desert. They will from 13:00-17:00 and are included in the plus CHF 5 for the tour. be guided by a professional staff, assisted entrance price to the museum. www.kunstmuseumbasel.ch by youths that have yet to find an in- www.papiermuseum.ch
Jukibu Intercultural Library Events Jukibu is a multi-cultural library that houses books for children and adolescents in over 50 languages, their largest collection being English-language books. Below is the February schedule of the foreign-language events organized at the library. To learn more or become a member, visit their website. www.jukibu.ch
Date Time Event Suitable for…
February – March 1 Every day lesewinter- Puzzle fun in all the libraries in Basel Primary school children
Every Friday 17:00-19:00 Bookbinding workshop for children Children 9-12 years
February 5 10:00-11:00 English storytelling (with BCT) Parents with toddlers
February 8 10:30-11:30 Storytelling in French and German Primary school children and their parents
February 9 14:00-16:00 An afternoon of fairytales at Union (Klybeckstrasse 95) Parents and children of all ages Stories will be told in Italian, Spanish and German
February 15 10:30-11:15 Storytelling in Japanese and German Primary school children and their parents
February 21 16:00-17:00 English storytelling (with BCT) Parents with toddlers
February 26 16:30-17:00 Storytelling in Tamil and German Primary school children and their parents
FEBRUARY 2014 17 Workshops, Tours, and Education (continued)
Tour of Odilon Redon Exhibit University Lectures for Kids! February 16 Every year, the University of Basel offers a series of lectures in The Fondation Beyeler will be giving a public tour (15:00-16:00) German aimed at children ages 8-12. This year’s lectures will take in English of the temporary exhibit featuring the works of the place from 17:00-18:00 on either Tuesdays or Thursdays for five pioneer of classical modernism, French artist Odilon Redon. consecutive weeks in May and June. This year’s five lectures are Admission is CHF 25 for adults (CHF 50 for the whole family entitled: Warum werden die Schweizer immer übergewichtiger? with Familienpass), CHF 6 for kids ages 11-19, and free for kids Warum präparierten die alten Ägypter Mumien? Warum gibt es under age 11. The tour costs an additional CHF 7. Gold und Silber im Universum? Macht Religion liebevoll – oder gewalttätig? Wieso ertrinken Fische nicht? The lectures are all www.fondationbeyeler.ch given by University of Basel professors and are aimed at getting kids thinking and asking questions. Registration is free and the UNStudio—Talk by Ben van Berkel 900 places fill up quickly, so register now! Once registered, kids February 20 are expected to go to all five lectures. Best known among the buildings by Ben van Berkel in http://kinderuni.unibas.ch Germany is the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart (2006), whose radical spiral form exemplifies the designer’s sculptural architecture. The Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein, Germany, is hosting a talk/conversation in English with Professor van Berkel focusing on his worldwide projects. The talk is at 18:00, admission is free, and no registration is required. www.design-museum.de photo credit © rylla resler © rylla credit photo Expat Experience Workshop Bookworms Program—English Moving abroad comes with a whole set of new experiences, February 25 amazing chances to learn, incredible frustrations, and so much Bibliothek Basel West is hosting a book group for babies and more. It’s a great adventure, but it is not always easy. Would you toddlers ages 9 months to 4 years and their caregivers. Join like to meet new people, share your stories, and learn from each a morning of nursery rhymes and stories that are all read, other? Join the next Expat Experience Workshop. Gain tools to spoken, and sung in English. Participation is free of charge and help you manage the at times bumpy road of expat life, and no registration is required. From 10:00-10:30 at Allschwiler- be inspired to make your expat experience the best possible. strasse 90 in Basel. Courses run Wednesday mornings as well as Thursday www.stadtbibliothekbasel.ch evenings in February. For more information, email at rylla@ theexpatexperience.com or call 076-422-0138. Tinguely Tours –“Spielobjekte” www.theexpatexperience.com February 25 You are invited to join a short, guided tour in English at 13:00 of the new exhibit entitled “Spielobjekte—Die Kunst der Möglich- keiten” (Play Objects—The Art of Possibilities). The exhibition, which intends to bring awareness to the diversity and history of play (ludic) objects, will include about 100 pieces from various artists. Admission to the museum costs CHF 15 for adults; free for kids 16 and under when accompanied by an adult, otherwise CHF 10. Cost of tour is included in the entrance fee. www.tinguely.ch
Future Light—Interdisciplinary Symposium/Discussion February 28 As part of the exhibit entitled “Lightopia,” the Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein, Germany, is organizing an Eng- lish-language think tank that will comprise discussions about the future of lighting design among experts from the fields of architecture, design, lighting technology, brain research, and philosophy. In a final event that is open to the public, the results of this interdisciplinary dialogue will be summarized, presented for debate, and further developed. Participants include Siegrun Appelt, Ulrike Brandi, Anna Wirz-Justice, Ralf Schmitz, Daan Roosegaarde, Udo Heider, and others. The talk is at 18:00, admission is free, and no registration is required. www.design-museum.de 18 www.baselfamilymagazine.com SPECIAL FEATURE
Tips for Tackling Your Taxes
Last February, we published an article on minimising your taxable income in Basel Family Magazine (you can find it at www.baselfamilymagazine.com in the Archive). This year we have some additional tips for your tax return, as well as information about some changes in tax rules affecting employees and business owners.
General Changes 2014 • All bank statements as per Rules for the Safekeeping of December 31, 2013 Private Tax Returns Employees: Annulation of Wage Ceiling for Unemployment • Yearly statement from health There is no legal obligation to store Insurance Contributions insurance tax documents for a private person. The Arbeitslosenversicherung (ALV) Only businesses who are registered • Documentation of all privately is the Swiss unemployment insur- in the Swiss Handelsregister (Swiss paid medical expenses, invoiced business register with the Swiss ance. As of January 1, 2014, all salaried by health professionals income above CHF 126,000 is now Chamber of Commerce) must keep included in the ALV2 contribution; • Confirmation of 3rd pillar retire- their documentation for 10 years. the rate is 1% (0.5% paid by the em- ment benefit contributions However, the statute of limitation ployer, 0.5% by the employee). The for taxes is five years. It is therefore • Yearly statement of all life previous ceiling of CHF 315,000 has a good idea to keep all tax related insurance policies been annulled. documents for five years, even after • Receipts for charitable donations the final tax bill has been paid.
Businesses: New Value Added Tax • Documentation of further educa- For home owners a longer safe- (VAT) Number tion (professional training) keeping period applies. When a The previous six-digit Mehrwert- property is sold with profit, the in- steuer (MWST) number (VAT num- • Documentation of expenses for vestment costs (eg, purchase price, ber) is no longer valid. It has been dependents needing care (NOT construction, renova- children under 19) replaced with your UID number tion, or value-adding (Unternehmens-Identifikation- • Statements of all bank loans and investments at the snummer; the official Swiss business the yearly interest on these time of the sale) identification number) with “MWST” must be document- added at the end (eg, CHE 107 973 996 • Statements of all investments/ ed. As a result, you MWST). As of January 1, 2014, it is equity holdings in companies need to keep all imperative that you use the new VAT • Securities details these documents number. You can find out your UID as long as you number via the official UID register at • Details concerning any debt own the property. www.uid.admin.ch. All billing and Keep them filed • For all property owned: location, other company forms HAVE to be separately. tax value (Grundbuchausdruck; correct from January 1, 2014. official Swiss tax valuation), date Contributed by: of purchase, insurance, income Ansophie from subletting, and when sublet- General Tips for Tax Returns Hohenstein & ting, all the costs associated with Checklist for Your Personal Janine Pitsch, the property Tax Return laloba consult The following list includes docu- • For all cars owned: brand, year gmbh ments and records you would need of first registration, value to complete your tax return: • All other assets (eg, jewelry, • Documentation on all income paintings, instruments, antiques) (eg, pay slips, statements of other • Assets outside of Switzerland income) It is a good idea to immediately • If you are self-employed: the file all documents you received in annual financial statements of your business—balance sheet January that state that the docu- and income statement—and ment is for tax purposes, so you amount of Alters- und Hinterlass- have them on hand when you get enenversicherung (AHV; old age ready to file your tax return for the and survivors’ insurance) paid previous year.
FEBRUARY 2014 19 THE INFORMATION DESK
Woof! I Am a New Dog in Basel! by Claudia Mundt
Dogs are such wonderful companions, and having a pet How do I import my dog into Switzerland? dog is a great experience for the whole family, teaching kids about If you are moving to Switzerland from an EU country, your dog caring for a pet and the associated responsibilities. But making the needs a vaccination against rabies, a complete pet passport, and decision to get a dog in a foreign land can be a little daunting, as it an identification microchip or tattoo (tattoo is only valid if older comes with a whole new set of regulations. Don’t let the unknown than July 2011). Note that canton Basel Stadt no longer accepts deter you! If you are thinking about getting a dog or relocating any tattoos—your dog needs an ISO-conform microchip with 15 digits. a dog to Basel, read on to get a summary of what you will need to know. www.blv.admin.ch/themen/01614/01884/01888/index. html?lang=en What do I have to do before I own the dog? If you are moving to Switzerland from non-EU/EFTA states, If you have never owned a dog, you have to complete a man- you can import a maximum of 5 animals. In addition to the datory dog ownership class, “theoretischer Sachkundenachweis regulations listed above for import from an EU country, an (SKN),” before you buy a dog. This 4-5 hour class provides you animal health permit is required for dogs that enter Switzerland with information about the dog’s general needs as well as your via a Swiss airport from a “rabies risk country.” new responsibility as a dog owner. If, however, you can prove that you already owned a dog before September 1, 2008, the www.blv.admin.ch/themen/01614/01884/01889/index. class is not required but may still be useful, especially if you html?lang=en are new here. This class is also mandatory if you are moving with your dog to Switzerland, as long as the dog entered your Important: It is forbidden to import dogs with docked ears and/ home after September 1, 2008. You can find a list of registered or docked tail (TSchV, article 22). Exceptions are dogs that have dog trainers in your area at http://blv.bytix.com/plus/trainer/. already been kept by the relocating person for a certain time English classes in the Basel area are available at http:// before moving to Switzerland. Check with the relevant customs wholetthedogsout-basel.ch authorities before importing such a dog. For additional informa- tion, go to: Where can I purchase a dog? www.blv.admin.ch Once you have decided to get a dog, you need to consider wheth- You can get answers regarding your personal situation with the er you want to get a puppy or an adult dog, a mutt, or a pedi- very helpful online tool “Crossing the border with dogs, cats or greed dog. Keeping in mind that the characteristics of the breed ferrets” offered by the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office are more important than the looks, it is especially important (FSVO, Bundesamt für Lebensmittelsicherheit und Veterinär- to consider which breed best suits you (activity level, barking wesen [BLV, the former BVET]). The easiest way to find this tool tendencies, territorial behavior, hunting instinct, size, etc.). Be is to type its name in the search box. aware that in Switzerland, certain breeds of dogs are forbidden unless you hold a special license. These include purebred dogs or dogs crossed with the following breeds: Pit bull, American Where do I register my dog in Basel? Staffordshire terrier, bull terrier, miniature bull terrier, Visit a veterinarian within 10 days after you have entered Staffordshire bull terrier, Rottweiler, Dobermann, Dogo Switzerland. Your vet will take care of the mandatory argentino, and Fila brasilera. If you want to adopt a registration in the national pet database of Switzerland, dog from an animal shelter, consider the Tierschutz ANIS (Animal Identity Service). This service should cost beider Basel (www.tbb.ch). They are located at Walz- approximately CHF 30. Your dog also needs a license! werk, Tramstrasse 66, Gebäude D 29 in Münchenstein. You can contact them at 0900 78 78 20 (first 2 min free, then CHF 1.90/min). photo credits: © james blum credits: photo
20 www.baselfamilymagazine.com Register your dog within 10 days after entering Switzerland or Is it mandatory to use a kennel/transport container when the canton at the Basel Stadt veterinary office. Cost is CHF 160/ transporting the dog in a car? year in Basel Stadt; costs in Baselland differ (eg, CHF 140/year in Binningen). For a license in Basel Stadt, contact them by email No, it is not mandatory as dogs are considered as goods. They at [email protected], or by phone at 061-385-3224. You can should, however, be transported in a safe way and should not find the online form at: be able to disturb the driver or other passengers. Nevertheless, a kennel is the safest way to transport a dog in the car. www.veterinaeramt-bs.ch/kv/taetigkeitsbereiche/hunde/ formulare/formular_anmeldung_von_hunden.cfm Do I need a ticket for my dog on public transport? Do I need insurance for my dog? It depends on the size of your dog. Small dogs (height max. 30 cm) that are carried in a bag travel for free. A half-fare ticket Yes, it is obligatory. Check with your private insurance must be bought for larger dogs, and they must be on a leash. provider to assure that your dog is covered under your liability www.tnw.ch/tickets-und-preise/allg-tarifinformationen/ insurance.
Do I have to visit dog training with the dog? What do I need to consider when traveling with my dog? Always ask your vet in good time before you are going on If you have not owned your dog since before September 1, 2008, vacation if there are special requirements (eg, extra vaccinations, or if you cannot prove this, you must attend the mandatory de-worming, etc.) needed for your dog. You should also check practical lessons (praktischer SKN) with your dog at least four for current information on the internet from the representatives times, for 1 hour each. The course must be completed within of the country where you plan to travel with your dog. one year of the dog entering your home. This practical class is also mandatory if you are moving with your dog to Switzerland. http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/liveanimals/pets/nocomm_ To find a registered dog trainer in your area, go to http://blv. intra_en.htm bytix.com/plus/trainer/. English classes in the Basel area are available at http://wholetthedogsout-basel.ch/. What are other important rules? • It is the duty of every dog owner to dispose of their dog’s feces Should I consider a dog sitter? correctly. “Robidogs” are green containers (about the size of a Even though you love your dog, sometimes work or schedule rubbish bin) that can be found everywhere in Switzerland. They dispense conflicts force you to be away too many hours at a time. On plastic bags to clean up after your dog and provide a receptacle such days, it is a good idea to enlist the help of a private dog to dispose of the plastic bags. sitter who can check in on, feed, and walk your dog for you. Such services can be hired by the hour or by the day. • Note that dogs are not allowed in many places, such as parks, playgrounds, etc. These places are marked Where do I find veterinary services? with a round sign (a black dog on a white background encircled in red). All vets are listed in the directory www.local.ch, and most of them speak English. If you need help outside of the usual • In Basel Stadt, dogs must wear the license attached consulting hours, you can call the “Tierärztlicher Notfalldienst to the collar. der Kleintierärzte Basel und Umgebung” (Veterinary emergency service for small animals in and around Basel) at 0900 99 33 99 • Dogs must be strictly kept on a leash in all areas (1.80 CHF/min). of Basel from 20:00-06:00.
Claudia Mundt is the owner of WHO LET THE DOGS OUT?, a service that seeks to help the English-speaking com- munity in Basel with their dog-related needs. She is a dog trainer, certified for all mandatory courses. She offers mandatory theory & practical lessons for dog owners (SKN), puppy training, dog training, and pri- vate dog sitting in English and German. She would be most happy to help you welcome your newest family member! Contact her at [email protected]. www.wholetthedogsout-basel.ch
FEBRUARY 2014 21 Did You Know...?
Guardianship That Gives Joy of our society. The care received during experience of caring for a young ani- by Lorraine Rytz-Thériault their impressionable first year lays the mal can also be applied for future pets, foundation for each young dog’s future and, in an expat’s lifestyle, taken with Comfortably nestled in the Allschwil/ success as a self-confident guide-dog,” you if assigned to another country. You BL countryside is the Foundation Swiss states Silvana Gross, Chair of the Board are warmly invited to inquire about the School for and Administrator. “guardianship that gives joy.” Guide Dogs With a need for approximately 70 foster Each first Saturday of the month at for the Blind. homes per year, the school is reaching 15:00 the school offers a special guided Surrounded out to the international community for tour for potential foster families. With by open fields this distinct engagement. Families (in- advance notice, English-speaking tours and light for- cluding couples and singles) who would can be arranged. Foster family direct est, the in- like to welcome a puppy into their homes line: 061-487-9580, email: info@blind- ternationally for 12 to 15 months are being sought. enhundeschule.ch. Next possible dates recognized school gets on with the busi- The foster family program is highly in- this Spring are February 1, March 1, and ness of breeding, training, and placing teractive and supports both care-giver April 5. their highly specialized and socialized and dog. Jennifer Meyer, co-leader of dogs into compassionate service. www.blindenhundeschule.ch the breeding department, has training At the very core of the school’s work are handbooks and DVDs also available in its wide-eyed and open hearted, furry Lorraine Rytz-Thériault is a Community English. In fact, you might view this as Organizer with two decades of active bundles of energetic puppies. “These a good short-term option to see if per- advocacy for expat engagement. youngsters are destined for assisting dis- manent dog ownership is reasonable for e-mail: [email protected] advantaged or handicapped members your family. The gained knowledge and photo credit: © sssbh credit: photo Driving Lights Are now Obligatory rages, rest stops on the motorways, and three music categories: Classical, Jazz, Since January 1 of this year it is now the border crossings, and is valid through and Rock&Pop. law that all drivers have to have lights the end of January 2015. After the recent Classical: Youths ages 8-20 (ages 10-22 on their vehicle at all times, even in the public vote, the price stays at CHF 40. for singers) are invited to register for this daylight hours, to increase visibility and You have to stick the Vignette directly competition on their website. You will reduce the risk of serious crashes. Newer onto the inside of the windshield, either need to register in the solo or chamber vehicles often are already equipped with on the left edge, or behind your inside music categories, and also indicate if daytime running lights that automatical- rearview mirror. If you are caught with- your music category is older than 1750, ly switch on when you start your vehicle out a valid Vignette, or if it is improperly or 1950 and more modern. The first and switch off when you turn on your attached to the windshield, you can in- round of the competition (Concours En- regular headlights when it gets dark. If cur a CHF 200 fine. So get yours now! trada) will take place on March 28-30 in your vehicle doesn’t have these, you have different locations (including Binningen- two options: You can either simply use Bottmingen); the final round (Concours your regular headlights during the day- Finale) will take place on May 8-11 at the time (you can also have those connected Conservatoire de Musique in Lausanne. to the ignition by a mechanic, so that Jazz or Rock&Pop: These two competi- you won’t forget), or you can equip your tions have separate juries and are open car with special daytime running lights exclusively to groups/bands. For these that are installed below the regular lights cohen © stefan credit: photo Schweizerischer Jugendmusik- competitions, groups of 2-10 members and are also connected to the ignition. are invited to submit a demo on their wettbewerb This rule also applies to motorcycles (but portal (www.mx3.ch/stage/sjmw_jrp) (Swiss Youth Music Competition) not E-bikes)! Failure to comply can result between February 1 and April 1, 2014. in a fine of CHF 40. Visit their German, This is a music competition for young All instruments, as well as vocals are per- French, and Italian website to get more musicians of all nationalities who are mitted, and all members of the group information. residing in Switzerland or who are Swiss must either play an instrument or sing. www.tcs.ch/de/test-sicherheit/ citizens residing abroad. It is the biggest The groups selected will be invited to verkehrssicherheit/via-sicura/auto- national music competition with the the “Come Together” live selection from matisches-tagfahrlicht.php highest of standards for talent selection June 26-28 at the jazz club Moods in and judging, and is a prestigious compe- Zürich. The Awards Session for the Jazz tition to take part in. Over 1,000 youths and Rock&Pop competitions will be pre- Autobahn Vignette 2014 will participate and have the chance to sented at the Moods jazz club in Zürich The 2013 Autobahn Vi- enjoy music, meet others with similar in- on June 27 and 28. gnette expires at the end terests, be heard by a professional jury, There is a non-refundable registration fee of January 2014, and you and experience the reaction of a large of CHF 100 and transportation costs are will then need to display public audience. There are many prizes, assumed by the participants. Visit the of- the 2014 Vignette before you take to the including monetary prizes to be used to- ficial website for more information about Swiss highways. The new Vignette, which wards music camps or additional train- the competition or to register a demo. is red with white numbers, is available for ing with masters, concert engagements, purchase at post offices, gas stations, ga- and the like. Competitions are held in www.sjmw.ch
22 Holiday Camps for Kids If you want to keep your kids busy during the Fasnacht break (aka Sportferien), there are numerous camps for which you can enroll them. The table below provides you with some web addresses to find camps and register online. Camps fill up fast, so don’t wait!
Provider Website Description
Kids Camp International www.kcinternational.ch • Arts-and-crafts camp for kids ages 3-14
Kwerk Bildschule www.kwerk.ch • Design and build your own machine (ages 7-12)
• Learn about the many uses and reuses of plastic (ages 9-14)
Vitis Sportcenter www.vitis-allschwil.ch • Badminton, tennis, squash, and multisport camps for kids ages 4-9 and 7-16
Squash Club Van de Merwe www.kinder-sportwochen-basel.ch • Two 1-week multisport camps for kids ages 7-14
Badminton-Halle www.badminton-halle.ch • Badminton/multisport camps for kids ages 6-14
Ooink Ooink Productions www.ooinkooink.ch • 8-day ski and snowboard camp in Klosters for kids ages 10-17
Sports-Department BS www.sport.bs.ch • 8-day ski and snowboard camp in Lenk for kids ages 10-17
Zentrum für Spielen und Gestalten www.kaltenbach-stiftung.de • Camps on printing techniques, pottery, animal wood carving, painting, book making, circus, kaleidoscope building, metal sculpting, mask building & theater, doll making, and more; located in Lörrach (Germany)
Intersoccer www.intersoccer.ch • Morning soccer camps (ages 3-5)
• All-day soccer camps (ages 5-13)
Aikidoschule SanShinKai Basel www.aikidoschule-sanshinkai-basel.ch • One-week Aikido course for kids ages 5-9 or 10 and up
Kinderhuus Gampiross www.kinderhuus-gampiross.ch • Fasnacht camp with mask making, Fasnacht songs, drums, and piccolos (ages 4-9)
Töpferschule Ruth Moll Basel www.toepferschule-moll.ch • Morning pottery classes for 2 hours/day for 5 days
Zirkus Schule Basel www.zirkusschulebasel.ch • 1-week circus camp followed by the presentation of a show (ages 8-14)
To download a flyer with a long list of camps offered in the Basel area during the break, go to: www.ed-bs.ch/bildung/ volksschulen/tagesstrukturen/ tagesferien and click on Fasnachts- und Frühlingsfer- ien 2014 on the right side of page. On this site, you can find a variety of holiday camps in the first week of the break on various topics including animals, Fasnacht, Hip-Hop culture, Basel discov- ery, gymnastics, baking, winter Olympiads, detective work, clowns and funny stories, and creative workshop. Have a great break!
FEBRUARY 2014 23 Entertainment: Parents’ Night Out
West Side Story February 18 – March 16 The Broadway classic West Side Story will be performed in Eng- lish with German subtitles at the Theater 11 in Zürich. The groundbreaking choreography by the legendary Jerome Rob- bins, book by Arthur Laurents, and the unforgettable music of Leonard Bernstein to the lyr- ics of Stephen Sondheim made West Side Story, which is based on Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Ju- liet,” a masterpiece that is still as explosive and timeless today as it was at its world premiere in 1957. Tickets range from CHF 39-139.
www.musical.ch www.ticketcorner.ch
Fame Best Piano Trios in Jazz Vodka Tasting Until April 16 January 30 January 31 Theater Basel will be presenting the musi- The natural piano sensation Iiro Rantala Outside at the snow bar, or inside at the cal “Fame,” in German and English. This is teaming up with bassist Lars Daniels- house bars, Paul Ullrich invites vodka is the well-known story of the students son and drummer Wolfgang Haffner. The lovers to taste from over 25 vodkas and in the School of Performing Arts in New “power trio” comes to Switzerland to vodka-cocktails and to see how vodka York, their ambitions, friendships, strug- present their new funk-oriented jazz mu- is distilled in a mobile distillery. Also, gles, romances, and their quest to become sic that is rhythmic, dynamic, and full plates of the finest salmon will be avail- famous. Does love stand a chance when of magic at the keyboard. They will be able for CHF 20. This event will be held egos, artistic vocation, and the desire for performing at the Festsaal of the Stadt- from 18:00-22:00 at their Gundeli loca- fame collide? Whom will “Fame” make Casino at Barfüsserplatz. Tickets range tion at Laufenstrasse 16 in Basel. Cost immortal in the end? from CHF 26-58. is CHF 25, which includes cocktails; no www.theater-basel.ch www.offbeat-concert.ch pre-registration necessary. www.ullrich.ch English Comedy January 30 U.K. comics Doug Segal and Nick Doody will be bringing anglo-saxon humor to the Kuppel in Basel at 20:00. Tickets are CHF 35 and can be purchased at Ticket Corner in person or online. Shadowland www.internationalcomedyclub.ch www.ticketcorner.ch January 29 – February 2 Grease In 2007, this American dance company February 3-9 Spanish Wine Tasting fascinated the world with their spec- Performance director David Gilmore will tacular performance art that had never January 30 – February 1 be staging this inspiring production at before been seen—behind a lighted Mövenpick Weinkeller in Basel (Halt- the Musical Theater in Basel. A brightly screen, elegantly fused knots of people ingerstrasse 101) is hosting a tasting of colored musical fun of petticoats and transform into figures such as moving Spanish wines as well as their wine of parties, ponytails and horsepower Cadil- cars, elephants, rising flowers, castles, or the year. Event is free and will take place lacs, rebellion, and of course love. Expect centaurs. Is it shadow theater? Dance? during their opening hours on Thursday fast choreography, incisive dialogues, See for yourself at the Musical Theater in and Friday until 20:00 and Saturday until and soulful vocal numbers. Tickets range Basel. Tickets range from CHF 45-100. 16:00. from CHF 60-115.
photo credits © ticketcorner © credits photo www.ticketcorner.ch www.moevenpick-wein.com www.ticketcorner.ch 24 www.baselfamilymagazine.com Real Bluesband Stories and Songs in Two All you Need is Love February 5 Languages February 9 Hary de Ville and his Real Bluesband February 7 The Beatles are without a doubt the most have been playing together for 33 years. The GGG Library Basel West, Allschwil- famous band of all times. This Beatles mu- In this performance, they will be playing erstrasse 90 in Basel, is hosting a literary sical will focus on the music, with small a “Best of…” program at the Burghof in and musical apéro at 19:00. scenic episodes, historical imagery in the Lörrach, featuring original compositions Esther Murbach reads from her bilingual background, and narration by moderator as well as arrangements of classics origi- short story collection Hollywood Man- Alexander Gregory. Show will be at 20:00 nally by Eric Clapton, Fleetwood Mac, BB sion; songs in Swiss German and English at the Burghof in Lörrach (Germany); King, and more. Concert starts at 20:00, by Olaf Kirchgraber. Admission is CHF tickets are €48-58 and can be purchased tickets are €15 for unnumbered seating. 10; take tram 6 to Allschwilerplatz or bus online. www.burghof.com 36 to Morgartenring. www.burghof.com
Cube Concert #6—Mozart & The Wave Piazzolla February 7 February 6 The American Drama Group will be pre- senting this theater piece based on ac- This session of the Cube Concert series— tual events that took place at a Califor- which fuses classical and electronic dance nia school in 1969. It describes a social beats—will focus on the tango. Featuring experiment aimed at showing how the Veit Hertenstein, viola soloist of the Sin- Third Reich could develop that went ter- fonieorchester Basel, the concert will in- ribly wrong. This English-language pro- clude Mozart’s Viola Concerto in A Major, duction will take place at 20:00 at the K 423 and Piazzolla’s “Le Grand Tango.” Schauspielhaus, Steinentorstrasse 7 in The concert will be held at the Kuppel Basel. Tickets range from CHF 41-60 for at 21:00. Tickets are CHF 35 and can be adults, and CHF 23-32 for students. purchased at Bider & Tanner. www.theater-basel.ch www.sinfonieorchesterbasel.ch
Dance Night Sunrise Avenue February 8 and 28 February 12 “Tanznacht40” dance parties are for those This Finnish rock quartet has a dynam- who have at least 40 years under their ic style that ranges from rock songs like belts. The event on Saturday, February “Hollywood Hills” and “Fairytale Gone 8, features old and new music with Don Bad” to ballads like “Heal Me.” They will Philippo, and the one on Friday, Febru- be coming for one night to the Hallen- ary 28, features House & Electro with DJ stadion in Zürich. Show starts at 20:00 Ice. Dance Parties run from 21:00- 03:00 and tickets are CHF 79. at the Querfeld-Halle (Halle 8), Dornach- www.ticketcorner.ch erstrasse 192, Basel. Friends, couples, and singles are welcome; admission is CHF 15. Mint Condition www.tanznacht40.ch/daten_basel. February 13 html Mint Condition is an American R&B Night of the Musicals band, formed in the mid 1980s at Central
© mark niedermann © mark High School in Saint Paul, Minnesota. February 9 The group is well known for its diverse AFTER HOURS—Chillen im Museum Die Nacht der Musicals (Night of the musical style—they can play anything February 6 Musicals) will pair powerful voices with from traditional jazz, mainstream R&B, From 18:00-23:00, the Naturhistorisches soulful ballads. The most famous songs and rock-based music to funk grooves and Museums Basel invites you to “AFTER from the most successful musicals, in- even Latin and Jamaican-based rhythms. HOURS—Chillen im Museum.” Enjoy a cluding Sister Act, Tarzan, Dirty Dancing, Their captivating live performance is at drink at the bar, visit the impressive col- The Lion King, Mamma Mia, Rocky Hor- the METRO Grand Casino Basel at 20:30; lections in the basement of the museum, ror Picture Show, Evita, Phantom of the tickets start at CHF 38. Check out their or go on short tours behind the scenes Opera, and Cats, will be combined with deluxe VIP packages, including balcony to see the museum’s treasures up close. peppy dance and acrobatics for an enter- seats and unlimited free Champagne. On this evening they are also offering taining and varied show. One night only Note that entrance to the casino, its bars, a Slamshow. Entrance is free; spaces for in Basel at the Stadt-Casino, starting at restaurants, and events hall is only per- tours are limited! 19:00. Tickets are CHF 59.90-119.90. mitted to people 18 years and older. www.nmb.bs.ch www.ticketcorner.ch www.grandcasinobasel.com
FEBRUARY 2014 25 Entertainment: Parents’ Night Out (continued)
Depeche Mode Concert—Ich sah Gesang in evening featuring over 40 wines from February 14 and 15 der Ferne Germany and Austria by many wine makers. The event costs CHF 10 and The British pio- February 16 will take place from 17:00-21:00 at their neers of electronic A wind quintet from the Sinfonieor- central location at Schneidergasse 27 in music are com- chester Basel will perform works by Basel. Black Forest specialty plates will also ing to Zürich’s Astor Piazzolla, Elliott Carter, Jacques be available for purchase at CHF 15. No Hallenstadion Ibert, and Detlev Müller-Siemens in this registration is required and there is no for two nights on installment of the Black on White con- obligation to buy. Any wine purchased on their Delta Ma- cert series. Paired with the music will be the night of the tasting will be 10% off, chine World Tour. excerpts from “Atlas eines ängstlichen and the entrance fee will be reimbursed Seize the chance Mannes” (Atlas of an anxious man) by with an order of CHF 100 or more. to see Martin Gore, Christoph Ransmayr. The concert will be Dave Gahan, and held at the Basler Papiermühle at 17:00. www.ullrich.ch Andy Fletcher who Tickets are CHF 35 and can be purchased have played togeth- at Bider & Tanner. Cocktail Concert er under the name Depeche Mode for www.sinfonieorchesterbasel.ch February 21 33 years, selling over 100 million re- The Sinfonieorchester Basel spotlights cords worldwide, each of their albums Soyoung Yoon, first violinist and concert German and Austrian Wine Tasting reaching the top ten. Tickets start at mistress, in the second Cocktail Concert CHF 85. February 20 of the 2013-14 season. The concert with www.ticketcorner.ch Paul Ullrich is hosting a wine-tasting guest conductor Michal Nesterwocz in-
Ticket Office: Get your tickets now! These are some of the great concerts and shows that will be happening around Switzerland in the upcoming months. Who: Where: When: Tickets: James Blunt Hallenstadion, Zürich March 17, 2014 www.ticketcorner.ch Backstreet Boys Hallenstadion, Zürich March 19, 2014 www.ticketcorner.ch Rea Garvey Kaufleuten, Zürich March 23, 2014 www.ticketcorner.ch Harlem Globetrotters Hallenstadion, Zürich March 28, 2014 www.ticketcorner.ch Night of the Jumps St. Jakobshalle, Basel March 28 & 29, 2014 www.starticket.ch Celtic Legends Stadt-Casino, Basel April 11, 2014 www.starticket.ch Justin Timberlake Hallenstadion, Zürich April 14, 2014 www.ticketcorner.ch Mummenschanz 4 Families Musical Theater Basel April 27, 2014 www.ticketcorner.ch Massachusetts—Das Bee Gees Musical Stadt-Casino, Basel May 4, 2014 www.ticketcorner.ch Mamma Mia! Musical Theater Basel May 13 – June 8 www.ticketcorner.ch The Australian Pink Floyd Show St. Jakobshalle, Basel May 15, 2014 www.ticketcorner.ch Chick Corea Piano Solo Stadt-Casino, Basel May 16, 2014 www.ticketcorner.ch The Sound of Hollywood St. Jakobshalle, Basel May 16, 2014 www.ticketcorner.ch Bobby McFerrin KKL Luzern Konzertsaal May 23, 2014 www.ticketcorner.ch D.J. BoBo—Circus Tour St. Jakobshalle, Basel May 29, 2014 www.starticket.ch Robbie Williams Hallenstadion, Zürich June 2, 2014 www.ticketcorner.ch Miley Cyrus Hallenstadion, Zürich June 7, 2014 www.ticketcorner.ch The Beach Boys Kongresshaus, Zürich June 27, 2014 www.ticketcorner.ch One Direction Stade de Suisse, Bern July 4, 2014 www.ticketcorner.ch Metallica St. Jakob-Park, Basel July 4, 2014 www.ticketcorner.ch
26 www.baselfamilymagazine.com cludes Peer Gynt Suites Nos. 1 and 2 by Simple Minds Edvard Grieg and the Violin Concert in E Minor, Op. 64 by Felix Mendelssohn. The February 26 concert will be held in the Grosser Fest- With six of their albums reach- saal of the Stadt-Casino Basel at 18:15. ing number one in the U.K. Tickets are CHF 25 and can be purchased charts, this Scottish band has at Bider & Tanner. been making rock history, with www.sinfonieorchesterbasel.ch more anthems played than any other group. Following this year’s release of their greatest- Nana Mouskouri hits album “Celebrate,” they February 23 will be stopping for one night Nana Mouskouri is a Greek singer who in Switzerland, to rock the reportedly has sold over 200 million re- hall at the BernExpo (Bern) cords worldwide. Sometimes described with their greatest hits of the as Europe’s answer to Barbra Streisand, past 35 years. Tickets start at her distinctive, angelic soprano voice CHF 75. was the result of having been born with www.ticketcorner.ch only one vocal cord. She will be perform- ing at the METRO Grand Casino Basel at 17:00; tickets start at CHF 75. Note that forming at the Festsaal of the Stadt-Casi- U.S. and Bordeaux Wine Tasting entrance to the casino, its bars, restau- no at Barfüsserplatz. Tickets range from February 27 – March 1 CHF 44-89. rants, and events hall is only permitted Mövenpick Weinkeller to people 18 years and older. www.offbeat-concert.ch in Basel (Haltingerstrasse www.grandcasinobasel.com 101) is hosting a tasting of English Comedy American wines, as well as Brad Mehldau Trio February 27 their Bordeaux-Arrivage wines. Event is free and February 26 Comics Joey Page (U.K.) and Paul Myer- haug (Canada) will be bringing anglo- will take place during their The American cult figure of modern jazz saxon humor to the Kuppel in Basel at opening hours on Thursday will be in Basel for one night as a part of 20:00. Tickets are CHF 35 and can be and Friday until 20:00 and the Offbeat Concert–Best Piano Trios in purchased at Ticket Corner. Saturday until 16:00. Jazz series. He is joined by Larry Grenadier on bass and former Chic Corea-drummer www.internationalcomedyclub.ch www.moevenpick- Jeff Ballard on drums. They will be per- www.ticketcorner.ch wein.com
Clubfestival BScene February 28 and March 1 BScene has been an explosive and colorful snapshot of the regional music scene since 1997. For two days, bands will play rock, pop, electro, hip-hop, jazz, reggae, world music, and folk on 11 different stages in various club locations around Basel. The stylistic range of the festival attracts an eclectic crowd from the three-country region and makes BScene one of the benchmarks in Basel’s cultur- al calendar. It is staged by a non-profit organization with the goal of promoting new or lesser-known bands. Tickets can be purchased for one day (CHF 30 and CHF 25 for students) or for 2 days (CHF 50/CHF 40); they allow entrance to all shows on that day. Visit the website for a complete list of shows, times, and locations. www.bscene.ch photo credits: © clubfestival bscene / © daniel barbalata © clubfestival credits: photo
FEBRUARY 2014 27 For more information about subscribing or advertising – please contact us: MAGAZINE [email protected] A Family Guide to Discovering Basel for the Expat Community www.baselfamilymagazine.com
How to Get Your Copy
Basel Family Magazine is available by subscription. Simply fill out the form below and mail it to us or fill out the online registration form on our website: www.baselfamilymagazine.com
Individual copies can be purchased at: BIDER & TANNER • Aeschenvorstadt 2, 4010 Basel (Bankverein) BASEL TOURISM • At the SBB Train Station • In the Stadt-Casino photo credit: © jon hoefer at Barfüsserplatz MARCH 2014 HIGHLIGHTS – MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Liestal’s Fiery Parade March 9
Fasnacht March 10-13
Badminton Swiss Open March 11-16
Basel World March 27 – April 3
Daylight Savings Time Begins March 30 ! Become Part of the “Family”– Subscribe to Basel Family Magazine Today!
YES! I want to subscribe to Basel Family Magazine (10 issues / year*) for only CHF 50 / year (plus S&H**)
Mailing Address: Billing Address (if different from mailing address): First / Last Name: First / Last Name / Company: Street / No. Street / No. Zip Code / City: Zip Code / City: Country: Country: E-mail: E-mail: Phone number: Phone number:
Payment Method: Please send me a pay-in slip. Please send me an electronic invoice by e-mail.
Mail completed form to: * Issues: Annual subscriptions include 10 issues per calendar year: 8 single-month issues and 2 double issues (December/January and July/August). Subscriptions will begin the month after payment has Basel Family Magazine Subscriptions been received and will continue for one full calendar year. c/o Basel Family GmbH Unterer Rheinweg 56, 4057 Basel ** Shipping & Handling Costs: CHF 25 / year (in Switzerland); CHF 48 / year (in Germany or France).