Rachel Reed

TES  Over the Borders Correspondent

Where were you born, and where have you lived so far?

I was born in Australia and have since lived all over the place. 10 years in Papua New Guinea, 8 in Australia and coming on 8 in Switzerland. 

For how long have you been living in the region?

I  first came to Basel in 2003, stayed a couple of years, went back to Oz, and then like a boomerang returned to Basel. The past four years I spent living and working in St. Gallen (Eastern Switzerland) and am now back to rediscover this great city.

Why Basel?

A company located in the region was nice enough to employ me. 

What's your favourite place for a coffee or drink with friends in this region?

To be honest I haven't found a favourite yet (come on...I've only been back a few weeks!). Suggestions welcome...

Favourite bands or singers?

I'm a huge fan of Van Morrison, Ray LaMontagne, and Travis. I also have to admit that I'm a huge country music fan. 

Where's your favourite place in Switzerland?

Without a doubt Appenzell in Eastern Switzerland. The mountains are a great retreat in both summer and winter and offer endless kilometres of walking trails (the next best thing to a stroll on the beach). Rolling hills, picture-perfect villages, and the folk in these parts produce, in my opinion, the best of all Swiss cheeses. 

What is the most important advice you would give to someone new to Basel or Switzerland?

Try not to relate prices here to what you would pay it home. It gets depressing.

What languages do you speak?

English, German, and I'm pretty confident that I understand most Swiss dialects (not speak, just understand).

What is your favorite word in Swiss German or French

Seepferdchen (seahorse). Like the animal, love the name.



Why did you join The English Show team?

I joined back in 2003/4 as a journalism student who wanted to combine theory with practice. I'm back simply because it is so much fun to be part of the team. There's always a good event to get to and a few laughs to be had.

Why do you think The English Show is good for Basel, France and Germany?

Regardless of nationality or language I think it's important to get involved with activities taking place in and around one's region. Having a like-minded network to connect with and tune into can make life so much more tolerable! There may be no place like home, but there's lots to say for making the most of the place where you live.

Funniest thing you've experienced in Basel or Switzerland? 

The pig races at the OLMA fair in St.Gallen. No really, it's great - you can bet on a pig.