Blogs from Alsace, France, Europe - page 26

PROMPT: What issues surround foie gras? Are these American only issues? Have you found the beer in Europe to be different that what we normally drink in America? Some of the issues that surround foie gras are the humane treatment of the animals being used for the product. In order to get the goose or duck’s liver large enough for a good pate the handlers must force feed them ensuring an enlarged liver. Many people would claim that this is animal abuse and is wrong. Also, the living conditions of the animals must be taken into consideration. If the animals are being both force fed and then living in bad conditions it makes the whole process seem very cruel. I think this is only an issue in America because in Europe foie gras is seen as ... read more

Tuesday, June 2 is the day I tried foie gras and to be real honest it was not my cup of tea. I think it got to me mentaly knowing that it is duck and goose liver and so automatically I just did not want to eat it. I'd have to so say out of all the tours we got this was my least favorite. I thought the guy compared to Hauns the 4 and Christoff was absolutely a drag but Mrs.Runnels did say he told her that foie gras was his passion even though it did not come across that way. I was happy to leave there and move on the next adventure. We had a choice after eating lunch and that was to either go to a brewery or to stay in Strasbourg to ... read more

I would say that Switzerland service and France service is about the same. In both countries the service is very slow unlike the service we receive back in the states. Meals seem to be a very important part of the day in Europe, a time to relaxed and socialize. When we where at the Traube Tonbach I found the service to be very nice. When they serviced the food they announced what was being served and in between meals they picked up plates and utensils that we were not going to use for the next course. I have also never received such good service when it comes to refilling drinks. Every time I looked down at my glass it was always full which was very nice. When it comes to service if my glass is constantly ... read more

This was our free day, and since I am not going to Paris or anywhere else, I decided to stay around. I slept in and it was very nice! I rented a bike and Nate, Brent, Josh, Sinai, Stephanie and I decided to go on a bike ride. We went riding through the trails and our first stop was a little flowing pond. There were two dogs who were jumping in to get the ball that was being thrown at them. I've never seen a dog jump in water! Afterwards, we wanted to go to what looked like a beach. When we finally made it, it was a nude beach!! We walked in and I was wondering what I saw some nudity and naked people everywhere! They all were about 55 and older it seemed! We ... read more

Beloved Arribella, whom we so adore, had an intrusion today, one we could not ignore. First she was a yankee, so true at heart. She then moved to France, her second arrogant part. The tour began with her talking, spitting out facts left then right, then having us interact by giving quizzes, what a fright! The day began with an early departure. Elz and I were a tad late, so as we entered the bus we got a round of applause. Ha, but it was ok! We began to head in town to Strasbourg in order to get our train tickets for our Paris trip tomorrow. It's a very good thing that we did because the train station is very large and very new for most of us, therefore the familiarity is not there. It took ... read more