Nice breakfast and then an introduction to our group leader. The size of our group is about 40 people. Then a one and a half tour of Basel after which we walked around for about an hour and headed back to the ship for lunch. Attended a nice discussion of life in Switzerland and started sailing to our next destination. There seems to be lots of graffiti that isn't cleaned up.

Geni: Plane ride took 8 1/4 hours with a few minor delays but we got here. There are about 122 people on board the ship, but broken into smaller groups. Our program director is Tim, who is really interesting and knowledgeable. Walked around Basel, heard that pharmaceutical and banking industries have dominated the economy of Switzerland. It is a very expensive country to live in.

People on this trip are from all over and friendly enough; many of them have travelled together for many years. The staff is so friendly and helpful and the food is plentiful. We are sailing to Strasbourg, France tonight; going through about 15 locks in the river, but most of them will be during the night.