The good lady Mansfield and myself are off to Basel in February for their Fasnacht, the 'three most beautiful days' of the carnival which is, apart from anything else (and certainly one of my main reason for going), a fife geek's heaven.

This will be my first visit so any tips from people who've been before?

I know the obvious ones (don't dress up yourself, don't take photos with flash, buy a blaquette and wear it proudly, wrap up warm for Morgenstreich, I've learnt the book 'Lifting the mask' by heart, etc) ...

I'm more after any tips on how to track down the 'wild' cliques, anywhere that's got a good view of the Monday and Wednesday processions that's likely to be less crowded than elsewhere, any of the less official events that it would be good to get a sight of, and also what are the decent local beers, is there anywhere a vegetarian might get a decent meal, etc etc ...

All hints much appreciated. I'm really completely over-excited about this one and it's still several weeks to go!