Hi Everyone,

I've been in Basel for almost a year now and although I really like living here I'm finding it really hard to find a social group. I tried originally to befriend the locals but that has proved to be a nightmare - swiss people are very sensitive when it comes to friendships!!

So basically I really want to meet up with some English people who can understand my sense of humour and have a laugh.

to the tune of Edgar's Fault, I sing

You're not the only one .... not the only one ...

Hang in there, mimi1981 and welcome to the forum.

but does it really have to be only English people or people who speaks English and understands English humour??????

No it doesn't only have to be English people as long as they speak English and are easy going then that's perfect.

Glad I'm not the only one....was beginning to get paranoid that I was the problem!!!

Hi Mimi and welcome to the forum.

Apparently there is a regular meetup in Basel for forum members. Search the forum and you're sure to find it.

Although I don't live in Basel I do work there and like yourself, I only have a small social circle. If you're interested in meeting up maybe even just over a lunchtime then by all means get in touch.

Hang in there girl!!

to befriend the swiss it takes time....

Hi Flashman,

I'll try and hang in there! I'll definately take you up on the drink sometime but as for lunch it's a bit impossible where I work as I tend to eat at my desk (terrible habit I know but the job leaves me little choice) so let me know when's good!

Hi Aurora, I've heard it takes time but I'm a bit impatient and need some friends now as well : -)

hi...

I'm here in Basel for 3 months now. My social circle's still limited to my office mates, small company, and only 5 of us... pity!

James

Hi James,

Well if you hear of any good social groups drop me a line and I'll do the same if I have any joy!!

Have you checked Centrepoint?

I will... But things are more difficult to me because I have rather different skin colour than the rest (I am Asian). I don't know how people here see us.

I ordered a new bike and probably will kill my time cycling around Switzerland, if you are into biking, we can plan (I am beginner, by the way!)

Hi Mimi, Hi James,

My husband and I have been in Basel since August (almost a year!) and while, yes, it can be a bit slower to meet a big social circle, we have found some chilled out people who love a good chat here and there. On weekends, we are usually out and about, so if you fancy a drink sometime, you should come along and join us - you never know who you might meet!! We are always keen to meet new people too and have a chat over a few drinks!

Cheers,
Megan

We are your support group!!! who needs the locals?
welcome and maybe check into the yahoo groups in CH. They are useful.

Mimi,

I am not sure I can be of much help other than to tell you that you are not alone. I have been here since October and the one thing that is destined to have me scuttling back to England is the fact that I feel starved of human contact. Even in the office there are closed doors (and they are not necessarily Swiss).

HAving had a huge family and social life back in the UK both my children, husband and I are finding Switzerland hard in that respect. If anyone fancies a get together - especially with children - please let me know.

Andie

So why don't you all pop along to the Great English Breakfast this coming SUnday at the Penny Farthing pub in Aarau.

I've done it a few times and it's excellent value for money. You''l also meet some fellow forum members. me included!!

Take a look at the current thread about it: The Great British Breakfast Buffet

Hi James, Unfortunately I don't have a bike so wouldn't be able to join you on your adventures around switzerland
....but maybe we can organise a group of us to meet up and go for some drinks or something?

Megan and Andie, I would definately like to meet up for some drinks sometime. I am in the UK until 6th May but anytime after that is fine. And as for scuttling back to England Andie, I know exactly how you feel!! The only thing that keeps me here is the fact that it is actually a great country to live in (much better than UK!) and I like the swiss mentality on many things it's just sometimes a bit hard to understand.

Flashman, Unfortunately I can't make the breakfast this Sunday as I am in the UK but I read that thread before and if I would be here I would come along as I miss a good English brekkie!!

hello my names alan ,i am just moving into the Gundeldingen district on tuesday. it would be nice to meet anyone who be interested in getting together for a drink & a chat.

if you wish to meet up reply to this thread with your contact details.

looking to hearing from you .

alan

Hi Alan - and of course anyone in Basel who wants to join!

This Saturday we will be going to McGuinness's Irish Bar for a few drinks, if you feel like a few drinks and a few new faces! We'll be there around 9-9.30, the address is Elisabethenstrasse 33 which is Kirschgarten stop on the Tram #2 line, or a short walk from Bankvarein for many others.

If you're planning to join and want a contact number send me a PM and I'll send you back my mobile number.

Cheers,
Megan

Hi mimi1981,

It's actually comforting to see I'm not the only one "suffering"... I'm also in Basel since almost a year now, and I would also like to meet new people and make friends here. Send me a PM, we can meet some time to talk...

Cheers,

Laura

As I mentioned in my earlier post I work in Basel during the week and am always open to new aquaintances. So if any of you guys want to meet for lunch during the week (Mo - Fri) in the areas of Munchenstein, Gundeldingen or Basel Stadt itself then please by all means get in touch with me.

Hey Mimi,

I've been in Basel two weeks now, so I have not been around long enough to feel too lonely yet. I've been too busy sorting out all the things I need to do to live here legally like permits and insurance! Having had a Swiss boss in the UK though I know how hard it is to win the friendship and trust of a Swiss person at first.

Still it looks like there are a few of us English speakers around to be sociable. I am away tomorrow back in the UK until the 20th but I would be keen to get out on my return. I think it's going to be a nice summer, so it would be a shame not to have people to go out with in the evenings!

I know there is a regular curry night for English speaking forum Baslers, which I will look forward to joining in future...

Mel