Colmar, Grand Est, France
After a stroll around the old town of Colmar with Lynette & James, and stocking up on supplies at the Monoprix, we set off in their car to explore a couple of villages in the Alsace region — Kaysersberg-Vignoble and Riquewihr. This region has swapped hands between the French and the Germans five times in the last 150 years, and no doubt many times before then, and so it is a real blend of both cultures, particularly in the architecture of the buildings.
It took a while to work out how to use the parking metre in Kaysersberg-Vignoble, but we finally worked out how to put a few euros into the machine to obtain a ticket. It was relatively quiet in this small town — so different from the hustle and bustle of Colmar. Our first mission was to climb the tower of the castle ruins above the town. The famous philosopher Albert Schweitzer lived in this town, and so a number of information boards on the way up to the ruins displayed some of his reflections on life.
Tower conquered, we rewarded ourselves with an ice cream each, wandered around a little, and then headed back to the car.
Our next stop was the very pretty town of Riqewihr, a place both Michael and I have visited many years ago with Astrid. In fact, I have been there twice with her, but remembered it as being so picturesque that it was worth visiting again. My memory, although a little hazy, served me right — although swarming with tourists, the colourful, well-maintained buildings invited me to take many, many photos.
After a late afternoon drink in the main street of Riquewihr, we checked out the outer walls so that I could point out the old latrines (the protruding sections that served as toilets or perhaps as places to empty containers of human waste — beware anyone walking below when these were used!).
Lynette & James dropped us back near our apartment in Colmar, then went back to their hotel (12 minutes’ walk away) to freshen up for dinner. Michael prepared the dinner (salmon fillets, potatoes and salad) for us all. It was well after 8pm by the time we dined, and close to midnight by the time we collapsed into bed.
Tracy
2018-08-09
Riqewihr,looks gorgeous
Ian
2018-08-09
Another happy re-union of old friends enjoying beauty spots together.
melandmic
2018-08-09
You would love it here, Tracy — lots of pattiserie and boulangeries! Every street is lined with interesting and colourful old buildings. Yes, Dad — it’s fun sharing adventures with good friends!
Debbie
2018-08-10
The old buildings look beautiful Merrilly, such picturesque scenery. How does the local wine stack up against our Aussie wine?