Monday, September 23, 2013

France Day Two

There's nothing better than getting a good night's sleep after spending the last day curled up in a tiny airplane seat while crossing the Atlantic. I woke up this morning feeling ready to go!  Nancy, John and I had breakfast in the hotel, and then took off on foot to explore more of Strasbourg. We wandered along the canals of the Petite France area, visited the Strasbourg Cathedral, and just took in the sights. Afterwards, we stopped for lunch, and since we continued to have good luck with the weather, we ate outside.  People were walking their dogs, enjoying the day, and at that moment, all was right with the world.

















After lunch, we returned to the train station to pick up our rental car. They upgraded us to a Citroen, and with the help of a somewhat lag-timed GPS, we found the freeway and headed south to Riquewihr, where we'll be staying until next Monday. It's a less than an hour drive, and the countryside looks like a postcard. There were a few trucks on the smaller roads, hauling grapes in from the fields, as harvest started. We stopped in Dambach at a favorite winery, and did a tasting, as well as a quick drive through of the town.






There was more to see, but we had to meet Valerie at 5pm to pick up the house keys and be shown around. Valerie works with Jean Paul, keeping everything organized and up to date. It was good to see her again! The house is stunning.  Called the "Marco Polo," we are staying in a winemaker's renaissance house which was built in 1613.  It is designated as a National Heritage house. Riquewihr is a walled town which looks very much as it did in the sixteenth century. With a population of 1,600, it is a tourist destination.  I love it early in the morning and late at night, when the tourists are gone!  Here are a few photos of the house.




The house is very spacious, and I'm comfortably settled in upstairs here for the night. Sweet dreams, everyone. See you tomorrow!

20 comments:

  1. Beautiful! The house looks amazing.

    Sandy McKenna

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    1. Sandy, it is! We are very lucky...had stayed in another apartment in town that was equally wonderful several years ago, but this one is even better!

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  2. Ahh, sounds lovely as usual. This is another beautiful rental you have found. And, the wine from Dambach...brings back memories. Have a great trip and fingers crossed the weather stays this way the whole week. Elaine

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    1. Elaine!!! I miss you, and keep thinking about what a great time you would be having here. Nancy and I have talked several times about how brave you were when we all went to the Christmas markets, and you drove to Ribeauville and Riquewihr in that horrible fog!

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  3. Love the pictures and the house. Enjoy your travels.
    Diana the Gayle is jealous.

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  4. Wow!! Beautiful...looking forward to seeing more! Thanks Vickie! - Mary Ellen

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  5. Love it Vickie thanks for sharing. Even though I am not able to go with, I feel like I am there with you!
    Andrea

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    1. Andrea, I'm glad you can come along! It is so beautiful here, and the weather has been perfect!

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  6. What a great house! Your non-adventurous sister would be curled up all week on the bed with a good book. Have fun!

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    1. It is a great house! You would love it! And my second-floor nest is so cozy...a good book sounds like a plan, except that there are so many wonderful little villages to see here.

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  7. Looks great mama, love all the picts, Nancy and Jon look great and the one of you is Fabulous you look amazing! Have fun :)

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  8. Beautiful......keep the beautiful pictures coming......since I am not going anywhere, I need to live through your eyes!! Thank you so much for the candle! Love you. Kathy

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    1. I'm glad I could get to the cathedral to light Melissa's candle. We are enjoying Alsace...such a beautiful part of the world!

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  9. Glorious pics Vickie! So glad your trip is going well. Will visit blog often. love, Tracy D.

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  10. Fantastic photos Vickie, like a breath of fresh air....so delightful!
    Love the photo of you too...
    Enjoy, enjoy!
    Susan

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