Blogs from Alsace, France, Europe - page 8

The whole orchestra seemed to be relieved to leave Mister Bed and the Ibis Budget. Unfortunately I did so without seeing any of Strasbourg. Our accommodation for the next few days was much more enjoyable - a Christian retreat centre in the Vosges Mountains: Le Tabor. The owner was a cheerful Frenchman, Etienne, who had previously been a missionary in Africa. The journey up to the centre was somewhat nerve wracking... I was impressed that the mini-bus drivers managed to drive up such steep, tight and winding lanes from the village below. The location was stunning with views down the valley to the local town of Munster which is distinctive for the storks which perch on huge nests built on the most inaccessible parts of buildings. The retreat centre itself looked inviting with vibrant purple wisteria ... read more

It was just a relaxing day at the beach, and lots of fun.... read more

Strasbourg is the perfect overture to all that is idiosyncratic about Alsace – walking a fine tightrope between France and Germany and between a medieval past and a progressive future, it pulls off its act in inimitable Alsatian style. in a nutshell.....its everything thrown together to make an exciting city visit! Tear your gaze away from that mesmerising Gothic Cathedral and in just a minute and you’ll be roaming the old town’s twisting alleys lined with crooked half-timbered houses à la Grimm. Then feasting in the cosiest of winstubs (Alsatian taverns) by the canal side in Petite France and marveling at how a city that does Christmas markets and gingerbread so well can also be home to the glittering EU Quarter s and France’s second-largest student population. But that’s Strasbourg for you, all the sweeter for ... read more

Is it French, is it German, or Alsatian as some of the locals insist? The city of Strasbourg, comfortably situated at the convergence of international borders, cannot be easily typified. I had prepared myself for a true French experience but was mildly surprised by the city and the people. True, everyone speaks French, the food looks French and most people behave in the characteristic French way. After all, Strasbourg has been a part of the French republic since the end of the second world war. But spend a while in the city and you will be able to glimpse its heart. Savour the local cuisine, stare at the magnificent houses on the river, wander through its xmas markets and most importantly, talk to the locals. Even if your French is terrible. You will find it unlike ... read more

Alsace?...where…and why? This was the question after, “Where are you off to next?”- not only from fellow Kiwis but those we met during our travels. Alsace is a region in France where the River Rhine forms the eastern boundary with Germany. It has been disputed and fought over by the two countries for centuries, sometimes being part of Germany, sometimes ‘taken back’ by France. This makes it interesting in several ways – cuisine and customs reflect the heritage of both countries and the hundreds of little villages which have in varying degrees survived the ravages of many conflicts including two world wars are like living museums of medieval Franco-Bavarian architecture. But our main reason for visiting was to sample the magical wine of Alsace. It’s no mystery why gewürztraminer, the most famous wine of the region, ... read more