Thinking Cool

In a continued attempt to think "cool", here is another video of water.

Chez Leslie, Colmar, France

Just a few shots of our lovely room at Chez Leslie. The room as beautiful balcony over looking one of the squares in a quiet residential neighborhood. It is owned and run by Leslie Collins/Pivard, a transplanted American that has been living here for 16 plus years.
We have had some very interesting discussions about the differences between the French social structure and our almost non-existent one. She is very passionate when she discusses the overwhelming benefits of, for example, health care here versus the U.S. She couldn’t get over how so many in the States are opposed to quality health care for all.

But, I have let my political views take me off topic once again, much to Jodi’s dismay. Sorry, honey. Sometimes, I just can’t help myself.

Rue de Poissonerie and Rue de Tanneurs, Colmar, France

As I was reviewing our pictures this morning, and marveling at the beauty of this place, I remembered something Jodi and I heard while passing a tour group. This section of town, now called Le Petite Venise, little Venice, has streets named Rue de Poissonerie and Rue de Tanneurs, Street of Fisherman and Street of Tanners. The guide was discussing how the tanners worked with the hides describing the process of soaking the hides in urine. The better off people had a pot to piss in, those less fortunate didn’t hence the saying, “piss poor”. Don’t know if that’s true or not. Makes a nice story for the tourists though. My thought though, was the god awful stench that must have permeated every facet of life hear. The urine, the tanning process, the fish, the muck, and all of it running into this pretty little canals and streams. Gives the beauty now a great deal of perspective.

Last day in Colmar

Today was our last day in Colmar. Tomorrow we move on to Strasbourg. We’ll only be there one and a half days, as we are there to catch the TGV, France’s super fast rail system, to get us over to Normandy and eventually Paris.
Today was stiflingly hot. Hotter than Yakima right now by almost twenty degrees. 94 degrees is just about too much when your out traipsing around. We managed to survive it pretty well though with a couple of new straw hats and plenty of cold drinks and sorbet under the umbrellas.
We really love the Alsace region of France. Yesterday, as we were visiting one of the smaller villages, we came across two older ladies speaking Alsation, a dialect of German that seems to have French influences.
The picture is another of the section of Colmar called Le Petite Venise.

Le Petit Venise, Colmar, France

This photo is also in the Petite Venice section of Colmar. I just love the colors and way the rising sun's light filtered just enough to give added interest to the photo. And then of course, there's Jo's great smile. You think she might be enjoying herself just a bit?

Early morning in Le Petit Venise, Colmar, France

An early morning shot of Le Petit Venise in Colmar, France.

Nose to Nose

Jo and this French rooster going nose to nose in their debate over the best way to prepare coq au vin. For some reason the rooster didn't think there was a best way. Go figure.

Tartine Italienne

Tartine Italienne - Copa (similar to prociutto), Parmesan, roquette, greens, and sun-dried tomatoes. Delicieux! Tres delicieux! Oh, and let’s not for get the always necessary Biere Pression. Just a cool refreshing beer on tap.


This trips theme may just become a journal on the wonderful food available here.