Kelly Trips and Tours

Last night we decided to do a 'unplanned side trip', so we studied our AAA France guide book. After some research, we called Hertz and reserved a car. After breakfast it was a short 15-min walk to the agency and in no time, off we went exploring in our little rental. Our near new Fiat 500 for the day. Karen read about this medieval Chàteau about 15-miles from Colmar along the Alsace Wine Route. The drive up to the castle (it's at 2, 500-ft) was very nice through grape vine covered hillsides leading into the forest. As we got close to the castle, there were cars parked along the narrow road for miles. Bill decided we'd go all the way up and see if we might be able to park closer - after all, some peps might be leaving. He was right, and we only had a short walk. Approaching the Castle The Chàteau de Haut Koenigsbourg turns out to be a much-visited castle, looming above the woodlands and countryside below. In fact, it is one of France's most widely v...

Good morning.  Today is our 52nd anniversary.  Who would have known that 52 years ago we would be spending our anniversary in Colmar, France.  Thanks and love to all our family and friends who have made our lives so wonderful and full of love. Some interesting facts about our boutique hotel, the Maison des Tètes, built in 1609.  Known as 'The House of Heads', it turns out it is one of the highlights of Colmar, a splendid Renaissance building featuring an ornate facade of little personages and small busts, an example of Alsatian architecture. It owes its name to the unusual 105 grotesque masks. Not so bad, are they? We enjoyed a nice breakfast in our hotel this morning before setting out.  We discovered that since it was Sunday, most everything was closed. We wondered around town and came across the toy museum so we decided to relive our childhood. Surprisimgly it was open. Toy museum (3-floors and nearly everything was represent...

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. W...

What is Sacrè-Coeur? The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, commonly known as Sacré-Cœur Basilica and often simply Sacré-Cœur, is a Roman Catholic church and minor basilica, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in Paris, France. A popular landmark, the basilica is located at the highest point in the city. No, Karen, that's not our Uber! Front of the Basilica overlooks the city below. Construction began in 1882 and was completed in 1914. The basilica is dedicated in honor of the 58,000 who lost their lives during the Franco-Prussian War. The back of the basilica.  Beautiful ceilings! The alter. Side murals.  The surrounding neighborhood is very pretty, with small narrow cobblestone streets, several shops, cafe's, homes and the like. Streets of Montmartre around the basilica.  Karen helping the local economy in a small shop. The neighborhood. It must be time for lunch? A unique lunch today at on...