Bâlehoo

IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE…

I know, I know. The fact that we could possibly be talking about Christmas already terrifies or horrifies some of you. But what can we do? The decorations and trees are already up in old town Basel. Every department and grocery store has lights, cards and decorations out for sale. Admit it, whether you like it or not Christmas is coming so its time to start thinking about what you are going get for that impossible to buy for second cousin on your mother’s side. You know the one.

One challenge for us expats is – how do we get things for our families or friends, both here and back in the distant homeland? Or rather, do I spend CHF 500 just to ship everyone I know back in Philly an authentic Swiss cowbell, to show them what its like to live here in Basel?

Me, I prefer to try the internet. Let other people handle all of that annoying “shipping” stuff. But before you just head straight to their Wish List on Amazon.com, why don’t you check out some of these ideas—maybe you’ll find the perfect gift for that special someone. Or maybe not, but I can at least say I tried.

And if anyone out there has any ideas, please send them to me at matt.meehan@balehoo.com and I’ll share with the rest in the next Bâlehoo newsletter.

HERBAL RELOADED

If you are in the Basel area and are looking for a range of natural skin and body care products to give as gifts, why not visit www.Herbalforexpats.com/gifts?

You’ll find a wide selection of skin, body and hair care products which are filled with natural ingredients, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to provide outer nutrition for your skin. They also offer a selection of fragrances for him and her. All purchases can be gift wrapped if required and delivered to your door.

FEEL YOUR INNER YODELER

Want to give the folks back in the USA an “authentic” feel for living in Switzerland? Why, then try www.shopswiss.com/ . From cowbells to folk milking jackets to fondue pots and Swiss flags, how can you afford NOT to buy something from here?

And co-owner Tony is an expert yodeler and entertainer. Just thought you should know.

ROCK LOBSTER

Your family like to eat lobster? Of course they do!! So why not show them what a classy person you are and surprise them with a load of live ones right on their doorstep for the holidays!? Nothing like the sweet taste of fresh lobster meat–not to mention the free biology and ethics lesson for the kids. For lobsters, lobster rolls and other seafood products, I recommend the Hancock Gourmet Lobster Company. Visit at www.hancockgourmetlobster.com

TO TEE, OR NOT TO TEE

Teens and young adults (and the immature among us) love silly, rude or snarky t-shirts. Feed the habit and hit www.davidandgoliathtees.com .

GLOVELY

The website is nothing to write home about, but I can say for a fact that the gloves are. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of visiting the Madova Gloves shop in person, you ought to—located in Florence, Italy, just across the Ponte Vecchio on the Oltrarno side of the river. Madova gloves are still made in Florence, as they have been since 1919–your friends will forever remember that you were the cool one who once gave them a fabulous pair of chestnut-colored Florentine leather driving gloves lined with lamb’s wool. www.madova.com .

SPEAKING OF LEATHER

I love those Italian leather bound journals or books, with the handmade paper. It just feels like times gone by. Ok, so about 300 years gone by, but in this age of electronic gadgets, putting pen to paper on something made from all natural materials from a bygone era feels—good. Check out Epica and see if there is anything for that burgeoning novelist or journalist (or even blogger) in your life. www.epica.com

FOR THE PERSON WHO THINKS THEY HAVE EVERYTHING

Well, I can assure you they don’t have everything, at least not everything on this site. Gadgets, gizmos, games, toys—for a range of odd, silly, stupid or just plain fun stuff, check out www.iwantoneofthose.com . I especially like the “Kitsch and Daft” section. I mean, who doesn’t “need” a Swiss cheese door wedge? Or a set of remote controlled lederhosen? If this sounds like someone you know, then perhaps www.iwantoneofthose.com is just what you’ve been searching for.

More online shopping ideas? Let me know at matt.meehan@balehoo.com

***

CANCER TOUCHES US ALL

The English-speaking Cancer Support Group of Basel is organizing a cancer awareness day in English focusing on breast cancer and colon cancer with the generous support of Leben wie Zuvor and the assistance of the American Women’s Club of Basel.

The event will take place:

Saturday, March 1, 2008, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Hilton Hotel, Basel, Switzerland

One in three of us will encounter cancer in our lifetime when we or those close to us become ill. This one-day conference aims to inform the general public, particularly women as patients and caregivers, about many aspects of breast and colon cancer. Leading medical specialists will address the group in clear, accessible language.

Reserve the date now! Full details will follow in the coming months.

For more information:
mjs@hispeed.ch
sue@suestyle.com
www.leben-wie-zuvor.ch

***

ASIAN FOOD + BIKES = MYFOOD.CH

I reported on this new food courier service in August, but now it is officially up and running. Or should I say pedaling? If you have a hankering for a little tandoori from Jay’s, some green curry from Chanthaburi, a bit of maki from Noohn or a wok specialty from Susu, you can either order online or by phone from myfood.ch and have it delivered to your door—and free delivery in Basel Stadt.

Bonus from myfood—you can order Unser Beer for those times when you are having some people over but haven’t gotten enough booze. Get online, order your beer, and kick back and wait for it to arrive.

Check out www.myfood.ch and let the good food come to you.

***

TIBITS IS NOW SLINGIN’ HASH IN BASEL

Attention Basel vegetarians and health conscious eaters, there is some good news–the new Tibits restaurant has just recently opened. Located on the Stänzlergasse, just off the Steinenvorstadt, Tibits is a casual, cool, no reservations, serve-yourself-cafeteria-style place that emphasizes tasty and healthy food. It’s not all vegetarian, but there are a lot of veggie choices.

I haven’t been there myself yet, but I’m told from those who have been to other locations (one in Zurich, one in Bern, one in Winterthur) that the food is excellent and the cappuccinos are top notch—so if you are in town and don’t know what you’re in the mood for, you might want to check out Tibits. Plus, it’s open Sundays starting at 9 am…until midnight. Can’t beat that.

Word to parents—they are also kid friendly, with a kid’s section where the kids can play while mom and pop enjoy their meal.

Tibits Basel
Stänzlergasse 4
Basel

www.tibits.ch/e

Telephone 061 205 39 99
Fax 061 205 39 98
Email info@tibits.ch
(No reservations taken)

Open daily
Mon-Fri 07:00—24:00
Sat 08:00—24:00
Sun 09:00—24:00

***

NEW ENGLISH-SPEAKING HAIRSTYLIST IN BASEL

Admit it. One of the biggest fears moving to a place where you don’t speak the language is the haircut. I mean, aren’t we all just a bit afraid that “a little of the top” might be misunderstood to mean “Sinead O’Connor looked great,” or “keep it a little longer in the back” might be lost in translation as “I love a mullet”?

Well, if this is still a concern for you, there is a new option. Barry J. Cook, a hair stylist/colorist with 20+years experience who specializes in catering to the English speaking professional, is now in Basel. For eight years Barry owned Hair Design by Barry in Atlanta, Georgia. So call or e-mail Barry today for your free 15 minute consultation (new clients only)!

Salon île de Paradis
Hardstrasse 118
CH-4052 Basel
+41 61 312 11 10 (German speaking)
Tram 14 Karl Barth Platz
www.hairdesignbybarry.ch

***

ADD SOME SURREAL TO YOUR LIFE

From September 12, 2007, to January 27, 2008 the Museum Tinguely is hosting an exhibition by Max Ernst, the great 20th century German Dadaist and surrealist. The exhibit is entitled “Max Ernst. In the Garden of Nymph Ancolie,” and it is the first large exhibition of his work in Switzerland since 1963.

For more info, check www.basel.ch/en/events/up_to_date/max_ernst

Or visit the Museum Tinguely website at www.tinguely.ch/en/exhibition/index.html

***

Do you have news or information to share? Send it to matt.meehan@balehoo.com