Ouzo, Schnapps, Rosé & Prosecco

Gem56 · Jun 11, 2019

We had a couple of stops over the days we were visiting Strasbourg, under the beautiful big Plane Trees along the canal

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OZDUCK · Jun 11, 2019

I have never had an inclination to visit Strasbourg before, even though we passed close by on at least four occasions. I must say that your photos have made me regret those decisions. Thank You.

Jacques Vert · Jun 17, 2019

Hi everyone.

No, we're not still drinking Rosé under that tree! We haven't had decent internet access for a few days and @Gem56 can't upload her photos.

What a waste that would be!

Hopefully +1 will be able to continue the TR soon.

Gem56 · Jun 18, 2019

A few more from Strasbourg

Barrage Vauban
Bridge, weir and defensive work erected in the 17th century on the River III

Taken from the Barrage Vauban

The covered air conditioned tour boat

Susan Marks · Jun 18, 2019

Gem56 said:
We arrived in Delphi early afternoon and the area was swarming with buses and cars. We had received advance warning that all the sites are really busy in the middle section of the day. So we visited the Museum and the Sanctuary of Athena around 3pm. The following morning we headed for the Archeological Site at 8.30am. Our timing was perfect. Having said that, July and August, which apparently is peak season, the crowd situation could be quite different.

The Archeological SiteView attachment 167389
They sure were gullible in those days . What a load of rubbish!

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And so scams began... (Read the 1st para from above). On the basis of this "scam" the "faithful" donated money/assets sufficient to build various buildings, statues, temples, pottery etc..

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Is that a real spider? Looks rather dangerous.

Gem56 · Jun 19, 2019

Susan Barker said:
Is that a real spider? Looks rather dangerous.

Sure is. Nasty looking isn't it!

Susan Marks · Jun 19, 2019

Gem56 said:
One last but not least post about Annecy. I'm sure that most travellers of Europe will have experienced the public toilets that clean after every visit. For those that haven't, here's what happens.

There are 3 lights on the door, similar to traffic lights. If the light is green, it is free to enter. When you come out, the door locks behind you and the light turns orange. The sprays come out in full force and the floor and the toilet are sprayed with water and disinfectant. When the cleaning process is complete the light turns green nd it's ready for the next visitor. If the light is red it is out of order.

There is a sign on the door in 3 languages, but I guess there are many people who still may not be able to understand any of these languages or don't bother to read the sign.

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We were waiting in the queue when we saw a lady exit and the next lady waiting in line quickly grabbed the door and promptly entered. We knew exactly what would be happening and couldn't help but smile, imagining what must be happening behind the locked door. She did evenutally emerge with very squelchy shooes. She got more than she bargained for I think.

And you didn’t try to stop her from going in? Nah. That would have spoilt the fun wouldn’t it?

Gem56 · Jun 20, 2019

Susan Barker said:
And you didn’t try to stop her from going in? Nah. That would have spoilt the fun wouldn’t it?

Well... we were a couple back in the queue and having a conversaion and not really paying all that much attention. She entered before we realised what she'd done.

Gem56 · Jun 20, 2019

The Wine Route

Gem56 · Jun 20, 2019

Approximately 30-45 min drive from Strasbourg is the northern end and it heads south ending at Thann - just a little north west of Mulhouse. Here's a link to the map.

Map of the Alsace Wine Route and the cycle route

Download the Alsace Wine Route Map (pdf)

www.alsace-wine-route.com

A very pretty drive through all the wine growing areas. Lots and lots of cellars to visit. The recommendations we received were: Ruhlmann, Dopff and Ribeauvillé. However, there are wines that cater for every taste across the region.

It's not exactly "well" signposted however there are signs to guide you. One or both of these signs appear in most villages.

Gem56 · Jun 20, 2019

The thing to remember is that all the cellar doors are closed between 12 and 2pm for lunch so it's best to prepare to stop for lunch during this time. Cute little and not so little villages to drive through along the route.

Gem56 · Jun 20, 2019

Gem56 · Jun 20, 2019

Looking after the grapes

Gem56 · Jun 20, 2019

Bern

This was really just an overnight stop on our way back to Evian. Our stay was at Holiday Inn. Whilst it's in the "burbs" a little out of town, it's right next to the tram and train stations for a quick ride to the city.

Also only 200m to the Toblerone factory - where you can apparently have tours, however we didn't take that up. I believe there is often a strong scent of chocolate in the air. Toblerone is handed out at check-in and is waiting for you in your room. The room was a standard room however it filled the need.

Due to the cost of food in Switzerland, we decided to stop for a meal along the way there after leaving the wine route, while still in France. Much cheaper option.

Gem56 · Jun 20, 2019

As part of the City Tax fee you receive a FREE tram/train/bus ticket that is applicable for the entirety of your stay (both the day you arrive and the day you check-out); perhaps the only thing in Switzerland that can be considered good value! So, we made the most of that FREE ticket and took off into the city the next morning to catch the sights.

The Parliament Building

The Financial district - In the same location as the Parliament Building

Susan Marks · Jun 20, 2019

Gem56 said:
Well... we were a couple back in the queue and having a conversaion and not really paying all that much attention. She entered before we realised what she'd done.

Poor lady, but funny for onlookers.