There are a million questions that come up during an international move, and one of the most pressing for families is: Where do I send my kids to school? This is no simple question. Finding and vetting schools and arranging enrollment can be a challenge, and the choice of a school can shape a family’s social life and cultural adjustment.
New Airline Routes Bring Noise; Liquor Smuggle Fail on the Number 8; Federer Prevails at Swiss Indoors; Lost FCB Football Fan Found...after 10 years
News for 3 November 2015
From 31 March 2016, flight paths in and out of Basel airport will change. The changes are part of an effort to harmonize flight routes across Western Europe. The new paths are intended to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, improve safety, and coordination between air traffic controllers across the Functional Airspace Block countries, which include France, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.The new routes affecting the airspace over Switzerland, were announced on 27 October 2015. FABEC’s South-East project will eliminate two flight path cross-over points and modify military training zones, and will also reduce flight distances. Flights paths in and out of Basel-Mulhouse airport will also be affected - and will bring more crowded airspace over the city to the concern of its citizens and government. Overall direct flight routing will save 1.5 million flight kilometers or 5,000 tons of fuel annually according to FABEC. That represents an annual emission reduction of 15,000 tons of CO2.
*************************************** Last Friday, a 38 year old man was arrested on the #8 tram as it crossed form Weil Am Rhein, Germany into Basel. Swiss border guards, which regularly patrol the tram, noticed the man was carrying three large lumpy bags. When asked to open them, the bags revealed 30 bottles of undeclared whiskey and brandy, a total of more than 21 liters - where the customs limit is 1 liter per person. According to police, the men will now have to pay a fine in addition to duties. Their troubles won't end there, as the case has been referred to criminal prosecutors because of the quantities involved. Police have stepped up their surveillance of the 8 tram recently, as its become a popular means of crossing the borders for would be smugglers, and those looking to forego customs duties.********************************
Basel native Roger Federer, came in first at last weekend's ATP Swiss Indoors event at the Saint Jakob's Halle. Playing Rafael Nadal, Federer won the match in 2 hours and 3 sets: 6-3, 5-7, and 6-3, improving his series record to 11 and 23 and marking his overall 88th career title. Federer proclaimed the victory as extra special because of playing in his home town and having the local supporters in the stands.
********************************* A 71 Year old Swiss man has been returned to Basel after having lived on the streets of Milan for the last 10 years. It appears Rolf Bantle, was the resident of a group home in BaselLand, when, along with other residents they were taken to the Italian city to support FCB in a champion's league qualifying game. While attending the game, Bantle became disoriented and separated from his group after trying to find his way back from the toilets. Although a search for the man was immediately started, Bantle had no relatives who might have sustained a search. That was 2004- Mr. Bantle then turned up recently when he injured himself in Milan and was turned over to the Swiss Consulate when he was unable to produce any health insurance at the hospital where he was receiving treatment. Finally returned home, the long, lost Baseler described living on the streets of Milan for over 10 years primarily off the generosity of locals. For now, Mr. Bantle has found refuge in a retirement home outside the city, and he hopes to continue his support for his home team without having to travel.