WATER POWERED BOATS

Recently in Basel on the Rhine we came across two wonderful ferries powered 100% by the flow of the river. The two ferries are very well used as there is considerable pedestrian traffic at river level. The road and other crossings are at a much higher level. The ferries are very simple in principle. The boat is attached to a cable that traverses the river at a high level. The attaching cable can 'run' along the main river crossing cable. When the ferry operator wants to cross the river he positions the rudder to make the boat go into the current. The rudder only has two positions. The boat moves away from the shore and would naturally go in the direction of the rudder, ie. across the river, as it has no power it goes with the flow downstream.

Margaret waiting for the ferry after ringing the bell.

The fact that it is loosely attached to a rigid cable across the river and the flow is pushing the boat, this results in the boat moving sideways across the river. It has nowhere else to go. All very cunning.

The ferry making its way across attached to the wire river crossing.

Upon reaching  the other side all the boatman has to do to return is flop the rudder the other way. All very clever, simple and energy free. The speed of the crossing will be determined by the flow of the river. When we were there it was more than sufficient with up to 30 passengers.

The second ferry being 'pulled across' by the flow.

We are leaving Soraya to her own devices for quite a while, the longest period to date, unless I get 'concerned' and pop back for a check. So it's off for other non péniche adventures, returning in March. So probably to everyone's relief no more blog posts until our return. You may have been wondering from a previous blog post about the fate of the 'red cabbage and prune choucroute'. Well let's just say it won't be going onto any future shopping list!

BLACK FOREST BUT NO GATEAU

Going across to Zurich for New Year we decided to drive through the Black Forest in Germany. It was a lovely route and as we rose higher the snow became thicker with beautiful scenery. We were slightly wary of the snow as we don't have snow tyres but the roads were very clear and we decided that if the roads started to get snowy we could always turn back and go a different route.

Geoff in the Black Forest.

As we'd been driving for a couple of hours we decided to look for coffee and cake. There wasn't much around until we came through a small village called Elzach which a had little shop that looked open. Brakes on, let's see what we can find. Yes, they had bread and they served coffee! Brilliant, not only that, they had an amazing spread of meats. Would they do sandwiches? Yes, of course. Take a roll, cut in half, put in a thick slice of hot beef and that's it. It was delicious. The other sandwich was a thick slice of 'pizza meat', which was meat with small pieces of cheese, tomato and pepper. Looked interesting and it was surprisingly delicious too. Desert? No, not a black forest gateau or anything sweet in sight.

Wonderful array of meat and sausages in the small village shop, definitely Germany.

KUNSTHAUS - ZURICH

Zurich's principal art gallery is the Kunsthaus. It is mainly a modern art gallery with a sizeable 'Old Masters' traditional collection. It's definitely worth a visit as it houses one of the best collections of modern art in Europe. The building or I should say buildings are very complex as it is a series of gallery spaces evolved from very different architectural styles over the last century as can be seen in the photographs. The collection is huge and very well represented by leading artists and art genres.

Adam und Eve by Augusto Giacometti.

It's a pity Google maps doesn't work inside a building as it is so confusing to find your way around. The up side is that around every corner is another amazing piece, and not an unmade bed in sight. That actually is a slight criticism the fact that the Hirst's, Emin's and the like are not well represented. Perhaps they are too risky for the Swiss gallery curators? Most of the pieces are 'paintings', two dimensional, there is very little sculpture or assemblage.

Three Studies of the Male Black by Francis Bacon.

Well we like a bit of Bacon! That aside it is excellent with all the big names. If you were to go I would suggest you miss out the 'Old Masters' galleries. Whilst they are excellent the whole gallery is so extensive that you get to the stage you're 'arted' out. Do the modern first then do the Old Masters if you feel you can take more.

Margaret by Geoff Evans.

The next photograph of a painting was part of a collection of huge pieces, all about 4-5 metres wide by Holder. They are a bit strange with a definite bias. Sexual? I'll let you decide.

Youth Admired by Women by Ferdinand Holder.

I hope that hasn't been too much modern art? One final painting was notable for the hanging. The room this painting was installed was a beautiful Art Deco room the only focus and the only art work was this striking piece.

Tableau No.1 by Piet Mondrian.

The good news, after all the art, the gallery does have a decent restaurant.

CAKE, BOUGHT AND GIVEN

We all like a bit of cake. When the wind is whistling, the drizzle is horizontal and the sky is leaden a coffee and cake fix in Café Felix on the shore of Zürichsee (Lake Zurich) is a must. The choice of patisserie is excellent and I would recommend the 'Waldbeeren'. But as they say everyone to their own.

Waldbeeren and expresso.

It is no understatement to say that Café Felix charges are legendary, mind you in Zurich you can pay much more. That aside, it was good. Meanwhile for the more frugally minded amongst us there is always free cake. The previous day in Basel we came across a very long queue adjacent to the Munster. We thought that can't be a queue for the cathedral. It wasn't. They were giving out free tea?? We asked why. We were told they were doing it for 3 days as long as you had your own cup. That seemed to be the answer. All very strange. After tea was handed out, no we did not have any, they were handing out Ginger Bread Men. Margaret thought tea is one thing but a Ginger Bread Man is another. Into the foray and out she came with......

Margaret looking pleased with her spoils. It was good.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Happy New Year to everyone and to all who read or occasionally look at 'Europe on a Péniche'. There will no doubt be more adventures, opinions and photos in 2018 to hopefully engage your thoughts.

An interesting smile at Vitra Design Museum.

Was 2017 good? Well apart from all that political nonsense, we met some lovely people, had interesting and sometimes challenging adventures, saw great places, experienced new foods and wines and without doubt had an amazingly fun time!

Geoff and Margaret wandering off into 2018 in Europe.