Month: July 2013

France Adventure Post 2

Bonjour nos amis! I (Cindy) am finally back to the land-of-the-living :-). I’m not sure what kind of bug I picked up, but the start to this France Adventure has been a slow one with not feeling good for the last week or so….

We spent four nights in Reims (the French pronounce it “Rahnce” – ???). We visited the cathedral during the day, then at night we did stay up until 11PM to see the light show. The show was amazing – various scenes and lighting displays made for a jaw-dropping 30 minutes. After that, Todd was on his own to wander and look after me (it is kind of a blur the last 4 days…); Todd has been great – picking up ginger ale, massaging acupressure points, and giving me lots of time for rest.  The champagne houses we were going to visit, never happened .

Daytime Shot

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One shot during nightime show
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We are now in Colmar (Alsace region) – a 4 night stay. Friday was still a much needed rest day for me, we– went for a bit of drive, then back to lie down. Saturday, we visited 3 towns not far from Colmar. The countryside is row upon row of grape vines. Many vineyards have figures of Christ at the field’s edge to bring blessings to the vines. Most tasting bars are located in the towns – but only open from 10AM – 12PM and 2PM – 5PM.

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Sunday we walked about 20 minutes to the city centre to take some pictures, people watch, and have some lunch.

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The area is heavily influenced by German– food and building designs. To date, we have had our best food in this region. Friday night, Todd had sauerkraut, pork knuckle, and roasted potatoes; I opted for portage du jour – a vegetable soup. Saturday, I ate over half (the most I’ve eaten in days) of a plate of warm potato salad, pork knuckle, and green salad; Todd had the vegetarian Tarte Flambee – a very popular, super thin crust pizza. Had my first glass of wine in days on Saturday….so I am definitely feeling better :-).  

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One thing to note when booking future accommodations – make sure there is air conditioning (the average in France to date has been in the mid 30s, with Saturday reaching 40); the last B&B and this one, do not have air…..so hot).

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Our trusty ride Peugot 308 diesel with six speed

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Observations  –

Eat lunch between 12PM and 2PM, or you won’t get any food until after 7PM; if they are open, they will only serve beverages….

The French appear to like their pillows very dense – I bought a much softer pillow at the supermarket …much better :-).

 

 

France Adventure Post 1

Versailles, France 

We arrived in Versailles around 11am on Thursday, and since check-in wasn’t until 3pm, we left our luggage and went to explore the town…, in our zombie-like trance (7 hour flight, although half of what we have done the last few years, hit us hard). ….Two and half days later and still adjusting….at least the migraines and nausea are gone !

Room was upgraded because of the Visa Luxury package we used for booking, almost double in size and in the main building. The hotel – Trianon Palace, completed in 1910 – is just outside the Queens’ gate to the Palace of Versailles grounds (hence the name). In 1919, in the reception salon of the hotel, the conditions to the Treaty of Versailles were dictated and then signed several days later in the Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles. Some of the famous people who have stayed here include Marlene Dietrich, the Kings of Morocco and Jordan, and Queen Elizabeth II.

The Palace of Versailles grounds are expansive, over 800 hectares was altered by Louis XIV, upgrading his dad’s hunting lodge to the palace grounds – moving the royal palace from Paris to Versailles in 1682. We walked through the Palace, saw the gardens – wow, then took the tram to the Grand Trianon and Marie Antoinette’s estate,– could have walked and seen more, but still not 100% and the heat and sun were intense. We spent about 4 hours wandering enjoying the sites….

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Every day except Saturdays, a huge market is set up for people to purchase fruits, vegetables, meats, fish and more. The scene is very animated – great spot to people watch. It is very common to see people walking down the street with multiple baguettes – some even munching on them….>

Todd has tried Foie Gras and bone marrow (below) – both very buttery in texture – rich (and probably not something to eat every day…). We are starting to get used to the European dining times – 7:30 first night, 8 the next, and almost 8:30 the third night.

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The trip was planned with places and accommodations in October when the Tour de France route was announced, it wasn’t until months later we learned that the final stage (Versailles to Paris) is the only evening ride. – We are scheduled to pick up our car at 4 and be in Reims around 6. Now we are just hoping the road closures that are happening don’t affect us too much .

Some observations to date

Lots of People smoke !
                                                                                      
– wine is soooo cheap – paying on average $5 Euro a bottle !