There was only one disappointment today, we were
promised 80 degrees solid sunshine and actually got about 66 degrees and
cloudy. Despite that I was in shorts and the car roof was down. We explored the
Alsace wine country and the little towns that make it up.
We are staying right in the middle of the wine
growing country surrounded by vineyards. The towns and villages are very old
with narrow cobbled streets and overhanging wooden framed houses. First up was
the picture postcard village of Riquewihr. We arrived there early, as this is a
popular stop on the tourist route and we wanted to be there before the
inevitable crowds. We explored the lovely back streets full of interesting
historic houses. The main street was a little commercial but lovely never the
less.
Then about five miles away we visited Kaysersburg
which again was a picturesque little town situated around a fast flowing river.
Over all loomed a ruined castle. This was the birthplace of Albert Schweitzer.
We found a lovely outdoor café where we ate a typical
Alsatian meal. Onion tart and salad, followed by cooked ham, sausage, and
wiener all on a massive mound of sauerkraut with potatoes. Pudding was a
Kogelhoft, a local bready type cake accompanied custard. It was certainly a
filling meal. After a leisurely lunch we visited a viewpoint where there was
the American memorial to those who fell in the battle for Colmar during World
War Two. From here we could see right across the valley with the Vosges behind
us.
Then it was onto the wine tasting, we knew what we
wanted which was the Gewürztraminer. As usual when you compare the different
priced wines, it always those that are more expensive that take ones fancy.
This was the case here; so six bottles of excellent wine were purchased.
So after a busy day an hour was spent with our books.
Tomorrow Italy and Switzerland beckon.
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