The Switzerland Traveler

Photo: Flickr nchenga 

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There’s an exhibition of the works of Fernand Léger at the Beyeler Foundation in Basel at the moment.
Léger was a famous French Artist of great significance to the American Pop Art movement. See also Europop for other European influences on the genre.
Many of the works feature recurring themes, such as groups of figures and the holding of flowers, see above.
In order to shed light on how American art was influenced by Léger, there are also a series of works by artists such as Lichtenstein and Warhol.
The exhibition starts with his Cubist period, and I must confess to not loving this as much as some …read more

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Something the Swiss do well, and a lot, is to mix old and new.
They are really not afraid to put something from the 21st century next to something from the 14th.
Here’s an example in Basel.
I can just imagine the planning meeting if that was in England!
Photo Flickr David G

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The Beyeler Foundation in Basel is a magnificent piece of work, both inside and out.
It hosts a collection of modern art, with regular features on major, and not so major, artists.
I love the lily pond, especially as it is situated outside the window of the room where Monet’s famous tryptich of Water Lilies is on display.
Fabulous. 
Photo: Flickr – MisterSmed

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I never thought I’d say this but since the quarter finals finished, I want Germany to win. Until then I was backing Italy, because I always do – even on those rare occasions that England qualify.  I don’t really know why (it’s something to do with Ferrari) because their style of play is always so irritating.
But the Germans played bruilliantly against the Portuguese, and I think they can beat anyone now.
It was a bit of a struggle against Turkey, but they got through. And winning when you’re not playing at your best is the mark of a great team.
Only two …read more

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There’s little doubt that one of the highligts of the EM has been the support for (and by) the Dutch.
That peaked in Basel on Saturday night and it would be remiss not to document it a bit more.

One particular page on Flickr has a great series of pictures, some of which I’m showing here. Thanks to RNW for these.

If you’re curious about what else went on in Basel, why not take a trip over to RNW’s photostream (see link below)

In the meantime, we have two semi-finals and a final to look forward to. Let’s hope they provide as much entertainment …read more

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Orange. Or Oranje if you are that way inclined.
At least, it was on Saturday night. Hordes of crazy Dutch and Pseudo-Dutch (you know who you are Jonathan) invaded the city.
Actually the city was probably a cross between orange and green, as separating Dutch people from beer is nigh on impossible. And, as far as the EM is concerned, beer is green. Well, the cans are…
Sadly the Dutch were knocked out by a very on-form Russia, which will no doubt mean it’s a lot less fun from now on.
Finally, a few more afros for Kristie, who seems to like …read more

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OK I’m cheating here, as this picture was taken in Germany. But I like it.
What a great match that was yesterday, everything that was good about football, and a few of the bad bits as well.
Maybe the Portuguese should have dealt with the two set pieces, but on the whole Germany deserved to win.
And so one of the main favourites is no longer in the tournament. But there’s still Holland, Italy and Germany. And who is going to write off Croatia?
It’s definitely getting to the interesting stage now!
Tomorrow, Basel will be decked out in Orange. So I’ll probably be on the …read more

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Lest we forget what it’s all about, here’s a photo of some actual football. One of the best exponents of the game with the ball at his feet.

Looks like rain?
Oh yes! My God it tipped down. Fortunately I was under cover, but still got soaked.

Two countries that have impressed so far – Holland and Portugal.  And the fans have all been remarkably well-behaved…

…even with the amount of beer that is being consumed!

Photos Flickr Sam Herd meckimac coyote agile rhurturbia  jacek NL

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I thought after the last world cup, that the Swiss had set one of the most unusual records: namely that they got knocked out without conceding a single goal, either in normal play or in extra time.
They also became the only team to take part in a penalty shoot out and not score a single one. In fact they have never scored from the penalty spot in a World Cup finals match.
But now, Switzerland have taken the record for the fastest exit from the EM for a home nation.
Four days into the championship, and they are out after losing 2-1 …read more

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