Strasbourg, Alsace, France

When we see pastry and pastry shops, we know we are in France. We've just arrived and it was time for some light refreshments, coffee and a sweet roll. We needed a little time to take it all in before we start our march into the cute city and visit. I have, for a long time wanted to see this part of France. Finally I'm here and I wasn't disappointed. It is so prety and there are lots of cute villages to visit as you'll soon see over the next few postings. Besides pretty villages, great food, mainly pork dishes and great wine are plentiful. We went to the tourism office to see how we can get around by ourselves thus saving money by not having to pay tour operators since we don't drive overseas. We found there is a bus system that link most of the little villages on the route de vins and we can take it from the train station in Colmar which is the next city from Strasbourg, It is accessible by train and we didn't have to pay for the train since we have a railpass. It worked out real well because we could visit a few villages in a day by taking the bus. We went to Colmar and 2 other villages on the route de vins. If one starts early one could even hit 3 villages. It just cost a few euros for the bus ride.

I can understand why Americans love cruises and organised tours, it is hard work to be an independent traveler. This trip has so many stops, I have to pray that I remember where and when We have to be on any day. If it is Tuesday this must be Strasbourg or something like that. This trip to the route de vins is wasted on us since we don't drink but we are into cute and pretty villages.