Blogs from Alsace, France, Europe - page 27

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Europe » France » Alsace » Strasbourg May 31st 2009

So today we travelled into the Alsatian wine region of France. The day started out with a tour guide who was way too happy to be up at the time of the morning! She was good and informative, just a little odd in her ways, but since we had no set schedule, first stop was the train station for people to get tickets, then off we go to the Haut Koenigsboourg Castle. Now as was drilled into our heads, this castle was not for princesses and stuff but was a fortress to protect the region. Kaiser Wilhelm, discovered it, and had it restored though improperly in a few places and with a few of his own touches. However we at SFA invaded it, and since we all made it i guess successfully thanks to Ms. Vivianne. ... read more

Europe » France » Alsace » Riquewihr May 31st 2009

Today we had a really relaxed tour on the bus. We had a tour guide Vivianne Beller gave us a really nice tour. She was born in Massachusetts and moved to France and has lived here for 32 years. She has 3 children and one lives in Pars, China, and America. She goes to America probably twice a year. We traveled around as she informed us of the plantations, and what things are grown. We are in the Alsace and we stopped by the "Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle". The castle was built in the 12th century and was the residence of the several different eminent proprietors including members of the Habsburg dynasty and German emperor Wilhelm II. As we went through the tour, it was like we were fighting to get through and we got a real sense ... read more

Europe » France » Alsace » Strasbourg May 30th 2009

Our last day in Switzerland was bittersweet. We had all really fallen in love with the small city of Engelberg, but were excited to see France. Our schedule for the day included a trip to a fantastic glass factory and a behind the scenes look at the Palace Luzern hotel. The glass factory did not disappoint. The museum part was so well done, and we ended up spending a lot of time (not to mention money) there too. After the factory tour we had some more free time in Lucerne. I found a cute pair of dress shoes for $49 CHF (Swiss Franc) and did a little souvenir shopping. At 1 p.m. we took a behind the scenes look at another four star hotel, the Palace Luzern. The hotel was gorgeous and we all enjoyed seeing ... read more

Europe » France » Alsace » Strasbourg May 30th 2009

Today was a back of the house tour of Hotel Traube Tonbach, according to Arabella site of Germany's best restaurant, and with 3 Michelin stars, 12 chefs and 12 tables only I'd say its got to be pretty damn close! The work and effort that must go into al aspects of the Hotel is just absolutely stunning, even from the Children's center, cooking classes for guests, there always seems to be something to prevent boredom. The Black Forest region of Germany is an absolutely stunning region, I've not seen anything else like it ever and to be honest, this hotel captured the region, fit into it's surroundings perfectly. That is what every hotel aims for, but not all manage to succedd. In my opinion, the level of service was on par with what was experienced throughout ... read more

Europe » France » Alsace » Strasbourg May 30th 2009

Saturday, May 30 we visited a hotel in Strasbourg, France. In my opinon I think Switzerland hospitality is much better for tourist then French hospitaltiy. The day we went up to mount titlis in Switzerland was the day I had great customer service. When we were done seeing what mount titlis had to offer we headed back down to the ground. Stepanie T. and myself decided that we wanted something like hot chocolate to warm us up. As we were walking we saw that Cafe Desire was open. In Engleberg most of the resturants have such strange hours so we took what we first saw. Luckily it turned out in our favor. When we got there we were greeted with by the bartender with a big smile and hello. We sat down and he told us ... read more

Europe » France » Alsace » Strasbourg May 30th 2009

PROMPT: Is French hospitality delivery different than what you experienced in Switzerland? Discuss a recent customer service encounter that you had. Yes the French hospitality delivery is different than what I experienced in Switzerland. To me Switzerland and the people there were extending their hospitality to our group as if we were just a part of their extended family. For example, the family that owns Blatter was always welcoming and willing to talk about topics from the city to our trip. Mrs. Bradley even had a conversation about New Zealand with the family. Another example of Swiss hospitality was when we visited Hans IV’s dairy farm. His family helped Nate out after he got sick, something that they did not have to do. The fact that all of this happened even before the tour started just ... read more

Europe » France » Alsace » Strasbourg May 30th 2009

I can honestly say that I have never seen a love so true in my life. I have seen many couples, in many styles, but Christoff (idk how to spell it) and chocolate have undoubtedly topped it all. Today was our first full day in France. I began the day with an amazing run. The trails here at awesome!! Mrs. Bradley and I went on a rather long and adventurous run this morning. We ended up splitting up on the second half. It was heavily wooded, and rather scary... you bettcha I hauled ass out of there as fast as my little heart would let me, then the next thing I know, I was on a levy, trees towering over me by at least 100 ft, and just beyond, perfectly laid crop rows... It was fascinating. ... read more

Europe » France » Alsace » Strasbourg May 30th 2009

Today we went on a river tour of Strasbourg. I did not find this tour to be very helpful because as you listened to the headphones and it told you the history about some builds to the left or right but you were not always sure which one they were talking about. After the boat tour we had lunch then we went to the chocolate factory were we were able learn about Christian’s chocolate making. He informed us that he started working in the business when he was 14 with his father and that chocolate was his life passion. He had us test some chocolates and ice cream as well. The ice cream was the best ice cream I have ever had before. It was different from your every day ice cream though because it was ... read more

Europe » France » Alsace » Strasbourg May 29th 2009

Strasbourg is called the capital of Europe because all of the houses of government are located there. I guess the architecture is different from Switzerland because it looks older, more "ancient" times. Taking the boat tour around the river Ill was very interesting. It gaves us a historical background on the city and the buildings and monuments. An interesting fact was that Motzart played many concerts in Strasbourg. Mr. Meyer and his patisserie was so much fun. I dont think I have ever met someone so passionate about his career. He really loves chocolate. He didn't really talk about the business side of the shop, as much as he did talk about loving what you do in life. He made it very clear that he would never sell something that did not give him pleasure. I ... read more

Europe » France » Alsace » Strasbourg May 29th 2009

Friday, May 29. Today was the day of finding out what Strasberg, France was all about and what it had to offer. My morning began at 7:30am not waking up in Engleberg hotel but in a chateu in Strasberg. This morning when I went to eat breakfast I was hopeing to have scrammbled eggs like in our other hotel but I was sadly disappointed. Anywho after breakfast it was already time to take the bus to Strasberg. When we arrived the first thing on the agenda was to take a tour about the history of Strasberg on a boat. I'd have to say that the boat we were on was one the neatest things I've ever seen. It was kind of rectanlgular sahpped that had no celling and it probably held at least 60 people. When ... read more




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