Probably some of the most iconic art pieces in Basel are the ones created by Jean Tinguely, a Swiss artist famous for his sculptural machines. You can find samples of his work in the Tinguely Museum (hosting a permanent exhibition), in the Euroairport, and in this fountain located where the old city theater was once located. The artist set up these nine iron pieces in constant movement, interacting with each other. Today at lunchtime, I was walking in the city center and was able to capture a nice backlight shot that demonstrates the sculptures in action, splashing water.

I visited Italy last Christmas having the opportunity to go for the first time to the eastern city of Trieste. Even if this place is very Italian when you walk around and observe the buildings, you are constantly reminded that this region used to be part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It is also possible to find reminders of how once there was a considerable Slavic population living in this area. The Saint Spyridon Serbian Orthodox church is one of these reminders (1751 when Empress Maria Theresa allowed free practice of religion, prompting the migration of Orthodox Serbs). Unfortunately, it was a short day trip, so I didn't have time to cross to Slovenia. Next time, I will try to visit the southern part of the former "Free State of Trieste."

I have to confess I love the Christmas markets in Germany and Switzerland because they gave me back the Christmas emotion and spirit I used to feel when I was a kid that was long gone. Last Friday we went to visit the market in Basel, located in Barfuesserplatz, and on our way we found out that one of the places serving Glühwein had on top of it one of the traditional Christmas Pyramids. As you can see in this picture, this pyramid has the traditional shape with different motives in each one of the levels. I wasn't aware, but this type of decoration has its roots in the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) region of Germany. Anyway, I already had my first cup of mulled wine this Christmas, and I'm ready to party today. If I don't post anything before the 24th, Merry Christmas to all of you!

Yesterday we enjoyed a nice day at the thermal baths of this German city located very close to Basel, Mulhouse, and Freiburg. This was the first time we visited this town, and it turned out to be a picturesque place with a couple of fancy hotels, some restaurants, and full of baths due to the spring mineral waters it possesses. When we arrived in the town, we noticed from a distance the ruins of a castle, and when we were going back to the car, we noticed it again, so I grabbed my phone and took a picture. I was able to get a nice silhouette of the castle at this time of the year.

We just came back from Malaga, where we enjoyed some splendid weather during the last four days. We went there to meet some friends of my GF and enjoy the last bit of Spanish summer before autumn and cold weather is approaching fast to Switzerland. This was the second time I visited the hometown of Pablo Picasso, but this time around I spent more time there, and I discovered a city with some very interesting history reflected in places such as the Alcazaba, the Gibralfaro Castle, and the Malaga Cathedral. The first church I visited was called “la manquita” (the one-armed lady), because its south tower was never finished. Malaga is per se a very interesting city to visit, but it can also be useful as a starting point to visit many places in Andalucía. In this picture, you can see the Malaga port area from the uphill road that takes you to the Gibralfaro Castle.

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