Maria Silkey

TES  Reporter

Where were you born, and where have you lived so far?
I was born in southern Minnesota. We moved all over as my family were migrant workers, spending lots of time in Arizona and along the west coast of the US and then back to Minnesota.

How long have you been living in the region for?

I have lived in Basel environs since Nov 2001 - coming on 10 years soon!

Why Basel?
Well, to be honest, I thought I was on my way to Berlin - but my company transferred me here instead. What a happy "mistake" ,  Basel has the perfect balance of country and city life.

What's your favourite place for a coffee or drink with friends in this region?
Cafe Beschle has the best homemade ice cream ever, but for hanging out I have to say Starbuck's.  The coffee isn't anything to write home about but they do let one sit and chat for hours.

Favourite bands or singers?
You'll have to read my music reviews to find out. I'm currently listening to Foals, Elbow, Gradá, Brassbanda, Prokoviev,  Animal Collective,  Jamie McClennan, Karine Pollard, and strangely, the Orb.

Where's your favourite place in Switzerland?
I like wandering around the Swiss-French borderlands as you head south of town - amongst  forgotten places with rambling hotels that were built in better times. Places closer to Basel are the top of Gempen; and on very hot evenings in the summer, wild camping in the farmers' fields above Mariastein to get out of the city heat.

What is the most important advice you would give to someone new to Basel or Switzerland?
Swiss expat life is a little like your first year away at college except you can afford better beer. So, do like you did then, and no matter how tired you are, accept every invitation to go out with anyone who asks - you'll quickly build a network and really start enjoying Switzerland.

What languages do you speak?
American after a fashion, German if I'm forced to.  I can ask for directions from taxi drivers in French, Spanish, Croatian,  Danish, and on a good day, Russian.

What is your favorite word in Swiss German or French

“Merci viel mal” I like that it's French and German all mixed up and then entirely Swiss.  Besides, it's good to know how to say "thank-you" in as many languages as possible.