Basel Winter Wonderland
Nov 24, 2024
A couple of days ago, winter came early to Basel, and out of nowhere, the city turned into a winter wonderland. Snow was falling throughout the day and night, and the next day, the city was completely covered in white. It was so sudden that the city was not prepared for it; as a result, many tram lines were not working, and the streets were full of snow. The snowplows were out and about, trying to clear the streets, while people walked around in their winter jackets and boots.
Nevertheless, it was a beautiful sight to see! I took a walk through the city and captured some pictures, like the one above, taken over the Rhine River, next to the Wettstein Bridge. I always love the sight of snow falling and the city covered in white—it is so peaceful and quiet. Walking on fresh snow is always enjoyable, especially with the crunching sound under your feet.
Basel Herbstmesse 2024
Nov 10, 2024
A couple of weeks ago, I visited the Basel Herbstmesse. This year, I had the chance to ride the Ferris wheel again, which they usually set up in Münsterplatz. From the top, I snapped this picture—showing the cathedral and the Rhine River in the background. The view is amazing, and it gives a nice vie on the city!
Even though I've been going to this fair for years, I realized I’d never actually read up on its history. Turns out, it’s not just any fair; it’s the oldest and largest in Switzerland. It’s been held in Basel since 1471! The fair was first allowed by Emperor Friedrich III and started out as a market for selling goods and livestock. Hard to imagine that now, with all the rides, food stalls, and fun attractions we see today.
The fair’s changed a lot over the centuries, but it’s amazing how it still feels like a local tradition and brings the whole city together every year. If you’re ever in Basel during Herbstmesse, I definitely recommend a ride on the Ferris wheel for those city views—it’s worth it!
Preveranges Beach in Anime Style
Sep 8, 2024
Capturing the Jet d Eau in Backlight
Jul 27, 2024
Pleasant evening in le Day
Jul 7, 2024
Last week, I had the opportunity to visit the village just before the Vallorbe station, thanks to a kind invitation from a friend and former work colleague. He invited me for dinner at his house, which is conveniently located right next to the station 'Le Day'. Not only was it a very pleasant evening with excellent food and company, but it was equally interesting to get to know this region of Vaud.
Before heading to his place, he suggested that we take a walk near a meadow where we spotted some chamois grazing on the cliff near the viaduct. These animals are indeed very interesting. We then went through the tunnel under the viaduct, where I had the opportunity to take the photo above.
It’s a very nice region, and I will definitely come back again.
Falcon in the park
Jun 15, 2024
Last week, we were walking near Schützenmatt Park when we stumbled upon an unusual sight in the middle of the central meadow. One of the storks that typically wanders through the park in the early morning was having a confrontation with a bird of prey, which looked like a falcon. The scene unfolded over a few minutes, during which the stork protested with its distinctive "clack-clack-clack-clack." Finally, the falcon got fed up and flew off to a branch of a nearby tree, close to where we had parked our bikes.
I discussed with L. how unusual this situation was. It's rare to see such wildlife behaving this way in the middle of an urban park. It made me wonder if the argument had started earlier, perhaps in the sky, between these two fascinating birds.
Sunset in Burier
Apr 20, 2024
A few weeks back, I visited a dear old friend, a guy that I know from our school days, who now is living close to me in Vaud, Switzerland. My routine for these visits usually involves taking the train on to Montreaux and descending at the Burier station. This time, everything aligned perfectly, allowing me to witness a really nice sunset painting on particularly quiet lake Leman a set of vibrant colors.
Back in Locarno
Feb 17, 2024
It is almost 9 years since the last time I had the opportunity to visit Locarno. This is a beautiful city in southern Switzerland, located on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore. It is known for its mild climate, its mediterranean air and its amazing landscapes. Last night I took this picture in the Piazza Grande which is the main square in the city center. I was remembering that just on that occasion in 2016, I attended a screening of the movie "Lo chiamavano Trinità" in this square.
Augusta Raurica
Feb 11, 2024
Augusta Raurica is an ancient Roman archaeological site located near the modern town of Kaiseraugst, Switzerland. It was once a thriving Roman settlement and served as the capital of the Roman province of Rhaetia. Augusta Raurica was founded in the 1st century BCE and reached its peak during the 1st and 2nd centuries CE.
The proximity to Basel, along with convenient transportation options, makes this place an excellent destination for a day-trip excursion, especially when the weather is nice. Last weekend we visited again this place and enjoyed the did a walkround the site. It's interesting because it contains a number of well-preserved ruins, including the theater, the temple, and the forum. It's recommended if you are visiting Basel.
Happy New Year 2024
Jan 1, 2024
Yesterday we were celebrating the New Year's Eve in Switzerland with a delightful Bogotanian dish called Ajiaco con Pollo. We placed the steaming pot at the center of the table and everyone pour a good amount of it, adding capers, cream and the important avocato slices. This Colombian dish always bring some nice memories of my childhood so I was delighted to discover that we still had some dried "guascas" to recreate it as close as possible to the real deal. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year 2024!
Ray of light on a snowy day
Dec 15, 2023
A few weeks ago, Basel experienced an unusually chilly couple of days, including a particularly frosty weekend that gave us a fresh layer of snow. This wintry weather was the perfect excuse to enjoy classic winter activities such as crafting snowmen, engaging in friendly snowball battles, and enjoying some fun ice sliding.
The following day was bright and sunny, and as a result, the lingering cold ensured the snow stuck around a bit longer. These moments presented some interesting photo opportunities, as the example captured in the image above. The photo showcases the sun's rays creating interesting patterns on the snowy rooftop.
Jaguar and serpent in Geneva
Nov 28, 2023
Every time I visited the city of Geneva, whenever I had to wait at the train station platforms, I always noticed those luminous works of art in the street in front, and I always wondered what the story behind them was. Even the last time I visited Geneva, I took the photo you find above, when I was passing by
Some days ago I was reading the story of those displays and it's as interesting as beautiful they are: In December 2016, this work, titled "Pinta Cura", created by the local artist Frédéric Post, was setup in the center of Geneva for the 3rd edition of the Geneva Lux Festival. The work details the shamanic symbolism of Yage medicine among some indigenous people in Colombia, featuring the figures of the anaconda and the jaguar, two animals of power linked to healing and care.Impressionist Painting of Morges (AI)
Oct 19, 2023
A couple of days ago when I was coming back from work and I was arriving to the picturesque city where I live, I started to think: What would happen if I told one of the AI tools to paint this place using the impressionist technique, and then told it to describe it? Well here is the result of this experiment:
"In an impressionist painting of the Swiss town of Morges, we are transported to a tranquil and picturesque scene next to the pier of Lake Geneva. The essence of the Impressionist style is to capture the fleeting moment, the play of light and color, and the atmospheric ambiance. In this particular painting, the artist has masterfully conveyed these elements.
The canvas is alive with vibrant, dappled colors that dance across the scene. The shimmering waters of Lake Geneva, in soft shades of blues and greens, extend toward the horizon, creating a reflective surface that mirrors the world above. The surface of the lake is beautifully textured with strokes of various shades, conveying the rippling movement of the water..."
Geneva from the cathedral tower
Sep 1, 2023
A couple of days ago I had the opportunity to visit Geneva again, with a good friend of mine who was visiting me for the first time in the region. We decided to pay a visit to this interesting city, without definite plan, just chill and walk around the city. When we were passing near the cathedral I noticed there were some people up there in the tower and I proposed her to go up to have a panoramic view of the city (I had never done it before).
The plan turned out to be very interesting one, offering beatiful views of the different parts of the city with a clear and sunny sky. One of those views is captured in the previous photograph: The iconic Jet d'Eau in the middle of the clear water from the lake Geneva.
Eglise de Saint-Sulpice
Jun 15, 2023
Nice composition in Morges
May 3, 2023
Tulip Festival in Morges
Apr 10, 2023
A couple of days ago, as I was strolling near the lake, my eyes caught this intesting sight. The scenery, which featured the lake and the mountains in the backdrop, with the bright yellow tullips on the stage. I couldn't help but think that it would make an nice composition for a photo, such as the one I attempted above
Alps mountains in the background at the EPFL
Mar 13, 2023
One of the advantages of the EPFL campus is its location relatively close to lake Leman. Sometimes the landscapes that can be seen in the background are really spectacular and this was indeed hat happened last week: I was on the esplanade walking towards the library when I noticed in the background this composition that I thought definitely deserved a photo and a post about it.
Serene sunrise in the town of Morges
Feb 26, 2023
Right place at the right time in Morges
Dec 30, 2022
Amazing Bernese Alps in the Background
Sep 19, 2022
Happy New Year
Jan 1, 2022
On this first day of 2022 I had the opportunity to enjoy this beautiful sunset on the shore of Lake Geneva, with the church of Morges in the background. I felt at that moment that in spite of the difficult beginning of 2022, I have hope that everything will be better and that it will be a great year!
COVID-19 Situation in Switzerland in November
Nov 17, 2020
The number of cases of covid-19 in Switzerland increased dramatically in November, reaching more than 10,000 at the beginning of the month which forced the cantonal and federal authorities to take strict measures to prevent contagion.
One of the main differences with respect to the wave that occurred during the spring time, is that the number of hospitalizations has increased significantly as can be seen in the graph above. We hope that those measures taken by the authorities will help to control this new peak. Of course everybody has to their part: #wearamask.
COVID-19 in Switzerland
Aug 26, 2020
Both in Basel city and Zurich it is required to wear facemask with the objective to reduce the COVID-19 transmission. The country flattened the curve but as soon as it began to reopen, the cases started to up again. The cantons of Geneva, Vaud and Zurich are the most affected as it can be observed in the previous graph.
Live births in Switzerland
Jan 17, 2017
Wikipedia has a useful page with a lot of stats about Switzerland Statistics. The chart above shows the number of live births per year. Very relevant information today.
Film Festival in Locarno
Aug 2, 2016
Last weekend we did a long weekend trip with my girlfriend to the Ticino region of Switzerland, staying in Locarno. I wasn't aware but the Locarno Film Festival was starting this week and part of this event was a preview showing of a movie on Sunday night open to the public.
The organizers decided to honor Bud Spencer, one of the classic italian actors from the 70's in the action-comedy genre who passed away earlier this year. They featured Lo chiamavano Trinità, one of the best examples of the "Spaguetti Westerns". I really enjoyed this movie!. It brought really nice memories since the movies featuring the duo Bud Spencer / Terence Hill were one of my grandpa's favorites.