It continued in Basel just as it had started on the train. The temperatures were already around 30 degrees at midday, so much too warm for a jacket. Without a seat on the tram, I was literally on display with my polo shirt clearly bulging and my handbag slung over my shoulder. But Claudia's presence gave me comfort and little by little I got used to it. After a short stop at Claudia's home, we made our way to the beautician. Again it went across the city.
The beauty salon was a small shop with only one beautician. She received me very kindly and openly. After I explained to her what I wanted and also showed pictures of me, she got to work. She was kind enough to explain a lot to me and gave me tips. In the end, I was extremely pleased that I took this step because it gave me a better sense of the tasks ahead of me.
With make-up and wig on, Claudia's husband and daughter picked us up by car. The little one didn't like my change at all. On the drive home she kept saying this. After we had spent some time at home, however, that settled down again.
The next shock came when I was told that we would go to their favorite Chinese restaurant in Germany. It immediately occurred to me that due to the summit there should be increased entry controls between Germany and Switzerland and such a control was really something I didn't want to experience. But it didn't help. We got into the car and drove to Lörrach. Arriving at the restaurant, the little daughter took my hand very sweetly and led me to “her” restaurant. I was also greeted very nicely, which definitely helped my self-confidence. It was my first time in a restaurant and absolutely unforgettable. Not that I really relaxed, but I came to terms with the situation.
After the meal we went back to Switzerland and I continued with Claudia to Basel to take photos. It was incredible to be able to move completely freely and increasingly relaxed through a city full of people in broad daylight. I certainly caught looks that brought me back down to earth, but overall I really enjoyed my first foray into the real world. In addition to many pictures that Claudia took, I also took with me that it was possible. We ended the evening with a cocktail in a street café before I took the tram through the city again – much more relaxed.
Unfortunately, we went back the next morning - after the experiences on the outward journey, but without a handbag and similar "abnormalities".
Claudia, thank you from the bottom of my heart for this experience and those who were to follow!
Bye for now
Your Nicole
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