In the Footsteps of Caesar

I love history, especially ancient history. I can spend hours reading about the military expeditions of Roman emperors, the organization of Greek phalanxes under Alexander, or the mythology of the Egyptian Pharaohs.

One of the significant factors that attracts me to Europe is the rich history of western civilization that is cradled here. I still get excited when walking through the streets of towns and cities here, thinking about the history of the land. The Rhine river, in particular, is fascinating to me.

The Rhine – possibly the most important and influential river in Europe – flows 1,200 km from Switzerland into the North Sea. In fact, Basel is where the river bends northwards into Rhineland (a German province that has been at the frontline of conflicts for centuries), and flows all the way to the Netherlands and out into the sea.

This river was a major natural barrier for Cold War military strategic planners. It was a dividing line in both World Wars. If we go way back in time, the Rhine (and the Danube) provided a natural defensive border for the northernmost reaches of the Roman empire.

So you can imagine my excitement at the chance to swim in the Rhine!

Apparently, this is the thing to do in Basel during the hot and humid summer weather. The temperatures lately have risen to 34C and the humidity from the river valley makes everyone shine with a little sweat. Offices and homes are not air-conditioned either (I have heard that there is a law against it!), so taking a dip in the river is really the only relief.

After work on Friday, I hopped on my bike and headed to the river with a few of my friends to cool down. In classic European style, there were plenty of speedos, and more than a few people on the banks of the river with no swimsuits at all (although this was only in the more sparse areas).

The whole trip was a refreshing and fun way to spend a Friday evening.

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