The Trip, Part One: Alsace

We were lucky enough to do some traveling this summer, both visiting with far-flung family and your usual sightseeing. We spent 5 days in Alsace, the grapey part of France bordering Germany, then went for 6 days to the Black Forest in Germany, then another 6 days in Bavaria. Needless to say these are visually stunning areas, and I took waaaay too many pictures. But hey, the blog has been ignored for quite a while, so here we go!

First things first. We flew into Frankfurt and stayed there for a night before driving to Alsace. You should know something about Germany. In Germany, the eggs wear hats!

Driving down to Alsace, we stopped in the town of Wissembourg. They have an unfinished cathedral there.

Complete with delightfully macabre medieval graves.

Alsatian towns are unbelievably beautiful. Nearly every town we passed through was picturesque.

We stayed in this nice old building in Kaysersberg, overlooking the mountains and vines.

Believe me, there were mountains of vines!

Half-timbered houses everywhere contribute to the fairy-tale feeling.

Every town is full of candy and pastry. I love these big picture windows full of delights.

Self portrait with sweets. It was not possible to eat everything, so I took pictures instead!

There are also tons of pottery makers in the area. OH, if I could only fit 500 breakable pounds of ceramics into my suitcase, I would. I so would.

They make them on the spot. This lady was painting traditional blue designs on grey clay.

I am obsessed with dangly signs. There were lots to see!

More windows! Look at the cool pewter ornaments- they make them for every occupation.

Another great sign, complete with the requisite multitude of grape vines growing up the hills.

I wish I had a pastry shop at the end of my street. Maybe I can convince one of my neighbors to open a shop?

No matter how far you travel, you’re never far from gnome. Sorry, bad pun. But great gnomes! I really liked the tidy-but-natural gardens found throughout the area. That’s my style.

Pedestrian friendly towns-

with plenty of hand-carved details.

Oh, yes. Could there also be a charcuterie at the end of my street? That would be swell.

Kugelhopf! The official cake-like substance of Alsace!

Alsatian kitty!

Alsace is also famous for it’s nesting storks. They are encouraged to nest on the tops of the steep roofs. So beautiful!

This is Colmar.

I really wish someone would open up a European bakery at the end of my street.
I know, I said that already. But if I keep saying it, maybe it will happen!

Here is the best stone carving ever! It greets you as you enter the town of Bergheim, which is still surrounded by the medieval city walls. I forgot exactly what he is supposed to signify! But let your mind fill in that blank.

The castle at Haut-Koenigsburg:

Fabulous double-tailed mermaid decor! Who says they only have one tail, anyway?

Another obsession of mine- stained glass, medieval style!
I might have a few too many obsessions.
Nah.

And here’s the view from the top of the castle, juuuust before the incapacitating rainstorm!

Here are some lovely sign from the town of Rosheim, which happens to be where the French half of Eric’s family can trace it’s root back to. Homecoming!

Alas, we had to miss the Fete de’ l Escargot. Quel dommage!

Next up… scenes from the Black Forest…