US General Elections...Finally...; Basel Hauptpost Closing Plans Unveiled; Menstrual Chocolate Unveiled at Feinmesse; New Trams for 3, 15, 16 Lines;

News For 8, November 2016

In the crescendo of politics leading up to today's Presidential elections in the United States, it seems you had to be hiding under a rock, even in Switzerland, to avoid hearing about it.  By the time of this program, most voters in the US and those living overseas will have been able to vote, although results and the projected winner won't be known until the early hours of tomorrow in Switzerland.  If you find yourself unable to sleep and need to watch minute-by-minute elections results in the company of others, the Democrats Abroad organization is hosting an all night event with breakfast here in Basel.  More information can be found at their website.

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Basel's main post office near Marktplatz is now scheduled to be closed in 2018 after 164 years of service.  In a letter to media last Thursday, the Swiss Post blamed a massive downturn in its core business, primarily attributed to the advent of email and increased customer mobility.  The Swiss Post also pointed out that three other branches will continue to operate that are within a kilometer's distance.  Cantonal authorities and the Basel Chamber of Commerce have been discussing the issue with Swiss Post to insure continuous and convenient service for their constituents once the office closes. 

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Lucerne based chocolatier Marc Widmer unveiled his newest chocolate creation called "Frauenmond" at the Basel Feinmesse this week.  The chocolate, with 60% cocoa content, is unique for the infusion of 17 alpine herbs meant to soothe the symptoms of menstruation.  Widmer, who is also an herbal therapist, was inspired by a tea-blend for menstruation he encountered in his travels throughout the Swiss countryside.  Although the chocolate is not offered as a medical product, Widmer believes they do exert a soothing and relaxing effect providing relief for women.  Despite skepticism, many attendees at the Feinmesse report reduced angst and discomfort at Widmer's booth.

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If you'd like to take a ride on one of the BVB's new short Flexity-Trams they are now in service on the #3 line since last Friday.  The trams are a massive upgrade relative to the older short trams which have been servicing the 3, 15 and 16 lines in the city.  The 15,16 lines will get the upgrade early in 2017.  The long versions of the Flexity-Tram have been in service on the 8 and 14 lines since last summer.  In total, Basel will put 61 of the Flexity-Trams into service through the tram system by the end of next year at a cost of 250 million Swiss Francs.