Prettiest Square in Paris?

Recently, I stumbled across a blog called mymelange.net. The author, Robin, writes exclusively about France and Italy. While perusing her blog, I found a post that she entitled " The Prettiest Square in Paris". She goes onto describe it, along with pictures. Now, not having been to this square, I can't really say whether it is the prettiest or not, but, as I was reading this I wished I was back and could be relaxing in Place Dauphine near the Pont Neuf, the first bridge built on the Seine. Looking forward to our next visit to France in general, and Paris specifically. À bientôt Arnie

Traveling on the TGV

Traveling Across France on the Train à Grande Vitesse 6:45 in the morning and we are comfortably situated onboard the TGV (Tay-jay-vay). Sitting on this train is more like being on an airplane than a train in that the seats are very similar with trays that fold down from the backs and so forth. No seat belts that I can see though. We have our iPads out working on trip itineraries and looking forward to the experience of traveling at 200 plus miles an hour. We'll let you know if it is everything that it is cracked up to be.

TGV - Train Grand Vitesse

7:45 - The greatest surprise that I have had so far this trip has been the large expanses of France that are sparsely populated. Most of the places we have been before were more heavily populated with much shorter distances between villages. Trough this portion of central France we have passed through dense forest land and extensive farm land, but few villages can be seen. I think one of the things we appreciate most when we are over here is that there are real live towns with city centers and people walking and riding bikes while taking care of daily chores, and that stores are located in the neighborhoods so that you don't have to get into your car and drive everywhere, and as a result people seem to have a greater sense of community.

8:15 - We must now be in what I can only think to describe as France's breadbasket. Vast tracts of open farmland of corn, wheat, and so on with church spires peaking over many of the knolls announcing the location of another tiny village with its own boulangerie (bread shop), fromagerie (cheese shop), and boucherie (butcher). And, most likely, a little cafe on the corner with a few small tables and colorful umbrellas. Tres jolie! We said we would let you know whether it is everything that is cracked up to be. Well, it most certainly is. The train doesn't reach the speed of flying, but when you factor in how much easier it is to get to and from the station and on and off the train, along with the scenery make this a super way to travel on the continent. Tell me again why this doesn't work for us in the U.S.?

Waiting on the Train

Just waitin’ for that train so we can get goin’ again. And, here it is.

Palais Rohan in the rain in Strasbourg

Palais Rohan, Strasbourg, France

Today was a lovely rainy day. After the heat, the rain has been a welcome relief. The cooler temperatures put spring back into our step. The rain also gave the narrow streets a more authentic feel. It has been a good day, but we are looking forward to the next phase of our trip that takes us to the northwestern parts of Normandy on the English Channel and to Brittany. Should be a lot of fun. And, we shouldn’t have to worry about excessive heat as the weather is typically very much like Seattle, wet and cool.

Gare de Strasbourg

This is the view off the balcony of our hotel room in Strasbourg. The big bubble shaped building across the park is Gare de Strasbourg, the train station. We will be hopping over there early tomorrow morning to catch the train to Paris and on to Normandy.

Strasbourg Cathedral

The cathedral here in Strasbourg is one of the most impressive that I have ever seen. I’m afraid the pictures that we post will not do it justice.

Sante', Salut, Prosit from Strasbourg

Sante', Salut, Prosit from Strasbourg

Thinking Cool

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

Strasbourg Heat

It is so hot here in Strasbourg today, that I had to put something cool as a post.

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.