We now have a division of labor — Judy is doing the narration and I am just doing the pictures. It’s a better use of our time and yours. You won’t have to read so much and I won’t be up half the night trying to do both tasks. Many thanks to Judy for helping.
The four of us opted for the tour of the medieval French town of Riquewihr. Located in the wine region of the Alsace, it has been dubbed one of the most beautiful villages of France.
We drove through miles upon miles of vineyards. With only 1500 inhabitants, the village itself appears to have remained unchanged over the centuries, providing us with a feeling of how a village in the region would have looked 400 years ago.
Fortunately, it largely escaped damage during WWII. We thoroughly enjoyed strolling through the cobbled streets admiring the 16th-17th century houses. Even spotted a huge stork’s nest atop a chimney, with its “inhabitants.”
Judy will remember this town for the 15 minutes of panic when she feared she had lost her glasses. God was with her as they were found under a bus seat! Along the way, we passed through the birthplace of the sculptor of our Statue of Liberty, Auguste Bartholdi. A model of the statue stands in the round-a-bout leading to the town, Colmar.
Arriving back at the ship with a couple hours to spare before dinner, we hiked up the hill to the town of Breisach, Germany, to photograph the town and Rhine River below from its sentinel cathedral, the cathedral of St. Stephen. Unfortunately, Breisach didn’t escape the ravages of the war. 85% was destroyed by the Allied forces crossing the Rhine, including much destruction to the cathedral.
Later, we enjoyed a sumptuous dinner in the ships smaller dining room–a relaxing time of food, wine and conversation with old and new friends.
Leave a Reply