The Train, The Train!
Bastile Day is today and boy are we glad we had the Renaissance arrange a taxi for 9:30 this morning. Streets closed everywhere, including our street. We had a wonderful taxi driver who apparently sweet talked the police allowing him to drive down our closed street to pick us up. Because of his tenacity, we made it to the train station an hour early.
After boarding, the conducter announced a mechanical issue saying please exit track 6 and go to track 2. Unlike airports, there was a train available. So, a packed train with lots of people, kids, strollers and luggage made their way to track 2. Because of this change, we departed 15-min late. This was going to be a challenge since we only had 15-min to change trains in Strasbourg, France.
Yes, we missed our train but, we were able to board the 1:04 pm train to Colmar, France arriving at 1:50. Our original train arrived at 1:20 so no big deal. Again, thanks for all your travel prayers. We're sure God was on our side again.
Colmar is east of Paris near the border of Germany. Our hotel is in old town with cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered medieval and early Renaissance bldgs. This place is georgeous.
Our first order of business after check in was lunch. We settled on a brasserie where Bill had Gratinèè, made with white cheese, cream, smoked bacon, onions and grated cheese. It looks like a pizza with paper thin, cracker bread type crust. Karen had the Vegan version.
To familiarize ourselves with old town, the tourist train was the perfect introduction. For 30+ minutes we choo chooed around enjoying the scenery, people and old buildings.
This region of France is known for having lots of storks and they are encouraged to nest on top of buildings by having metal frames on the buildings for them to build their nests in.
We caught this pair in their nest. We think they were discussing who was going to kick the kids from the nest when the time comes.
After a short rest back in the room, we decided that since lunch was around 3 pm, we were not hungry for dinner. Karen said we would 'free lance' dinner. Just walking down whatever street we felt like and seeing what we find. First we came across a cookie store where we were given samples and Karen bought a few for later.
Next we found a store and had some samples of gingerbread and nouget. Bill decided he wanted some ice cream so he got 2 scoops of strachetella and Karen got some pineapple sorbet.
We then walked around and found ourselves in Little Venice, a really unique and georgeous part of Colmar.
Karen decided we needed something healthy, so we found a cafe that served large salads. We shared a salad with a small glass of wine each at this sidewalk cafe on a beautiful evening. That was just enough, and we felt better for having something healthy.
Back in our room we ate the cookies Karen bought and they were very good. We will probably have to go back there soon.
After boarding, the conducter announced a mechanical issue saying please exit track 6 and go to track 2. Unlike airports, there was a train available. So, a packed train with lots of people, kids, strollers and luggage made their way to track 2. Because of this change, we departed 15-min late. This was going to be a challenge since we only had 15-min to change trains in Strasbourg, France.
Yes, we missed our train but, we were able to board the 1:04 pm train to Colmar, France arriving at 1:50. Our original train arrived at 1:20 so no big deal. Again, thanks for all your travel prayers. We're sure God was on our side again.
Welcome to Colmar.
Colmar is east of Paris near the border of Germany. Our hotel is in old town with cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered medieval and early Renaissance bldgs. This place is georgeous.
Our boutique hotel, La Maison Des Tètes.
Our room.
We overlook the atrium patio/restaurant.
Our first order of business after check in was lunch. We settled on a brasserie where Bill had Gratinèè, made with white cheese, cream, smoked bacon, onions and grated cheese. It looks like a pizza with paper thin, cracker bread type crust. Karen had the Vegan version.
Brasserie Restaurant for lunch..
Our Gratinèè. Bill's left and Karen's right.
To familiarize ourselves with old town, the tourist train was the perfect introduction. For 30+ minutes we choo chooed around enjoying the scenery, people and old buildings.
The little green tourist train.
This region of France is known for having lots of storks and they are encouraged to nest on top of buildings by having metal frames on the buildings for them to build their nests in.
We caught this pair in their nest. We think they were discussing who was going to kick the kids from the nest when the time comes.
After a short rest back in the room, we decided that since lunch was around 3 pm, we were not hungry for dinner. Karen said we would 'free lance' dinner. Just walking down whatever street we felt like and seeing what we find. First we came across a cookie store where we were given samples and Karen bought a few for later.
Cookie store.
Next we found a store and had some samples of gingerbread and nouget. Bill decided he wanted some ice cream so he got 2 scoops of strachetella and Karen got some pineapple sorbet.
Yummy, yummy, in the tommy!
We then walked around and found ourselves in Little Venice, a really unique and georgeous part of Colmar.
Little Venice.
Karen decided we needed something healthy, so we found a cafe that served large salads. We shared a salad with a small glass of wine each at this sidewalk cafe on a beautiful evening. That was just enough, and we felt better for having something healthy.
Back in our room we ate the cookies Karen bought and they were very good. We will probably have to go back there soon.
PS. Yes, Bill took the Little Venise picture that looks like a postcard.
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