October 23 & 24, Loire Valley, France to see Castles

Up early and off to the train station Saturday morning for another sight seeing adventure in France. Taylor loves European history, especially the castles, so this was kind of her trip weekend. I really enjoyed the castles I visited when in London, and was also looking forward to this trip. We have been a little nervous about our recent travels due to the striking here in France. It has affected the trains, airports and gas stations. So we packed books, snacks and bought playing cards in preparation of some possible sitting and waiting.

We just had one slight delay in our travels to Amboise, France. We arrived around 2:00 pm and made our way to our hotel. The day was a bit dreary which made me realize almost immediately as we were walking through the village that not a single house or building was painted or had color. A few had a colored front door or maybe some color on shutters but most were all grayish white. As we traveled through the Loire Valley this became more and more apparent to me and I just couldn't get over it. The architecture of this region goes back to the Renaissance and the Chateau d'Amboise mirrors the classic Italian style.

There were beautiful windows in this castle.

Our timing entering the castle brought us into an English tour group, so we were able to get in on some of the narration of the castle tour.

As we moved to the 2nd floor of the castle we saw the difference of 300 years in time. The second floor was more elaborate and felt warmer. The first floor felt dark and cold to me. The cold rain outside did not help any I'm sure.

After enjoying our step back in time in the castle we went into the chapel on the grounds.

Leonardo Da Vinci was laid to rest here. He spent much of his time at this particular castle as he was good friends with the king, and had asked to be buried here.

After the cathedral we took a quick look around the grounds, due to the rain and made our way into the gift shop.

From here we checked into our hotel and wandered some shops. The little city center was very clean and had some really nice little shops and restaurants.

We had read and heard that the wine of this region is very good and we must try the reds and whites. Oh, okay if we have to. We wandered toward the wine route and found Cave Duhard open. We went in and were served several tastings of reds and a white. Very, very good. We purchased a red, 2004 Chinon, and a white, 2009 Montlouis, both of which are very popular in this region.

Wine tasting here is so different than at home. The caves are huge, dim, cold and damp smelling, but very authentic. The area this cave was located was an adventure in itself. You find yourself wandering down little alleyways surrounded by homes from the 1500's all with no color. It was very serene and with the cool, rainy weather even more so. I thought it was quite fun and interesting.

After we had more than our share of wine tasting at this cave we were all starving, so we headed back to the little shopping area where we had spotted a couple nice places for dinner.

We all agreed on a very small little place named Ancree Artiste. It seemed to be run by a father and son and was very quaint and cozy inside. The walls were stone and wood and it was very inviting. The son waited on all the tables and was very friendly and efficient. We had a wonderful meal of Galette's. A Galette is like a thin buckwheat pancake wrapped around melted cheese and whatever else you want in it. Taylor had four cheeses, I had mushroom and cheese and Eric had a couple different hams, potatoes and cheese. Very comforting and good. We had three cakes for dessert, lemon, chocolate and coconut all of which were delicious with hot chocolate. The father who was the owner, played jazz and sang at the piano. He was just a bit flirty with me, which was okay, because after all I am only a week away from the big one and a little flirting now and then can't hurt the ego, that's for sure.

Sunday morning, up for our little hotel breakfast before we take a taxi to see Chateau de Chenonceau. We made a couple of touristy mistakes here. We got talked into the "buffet breakfast" at the hotel which was around 10USD each and consisted of bread, cold cereal, and tea or coffee and then we paid approx $100 USD for a taxi to get us to and from the castle which was about 15k from our hotel. Oops, we didn't do our homework to well on that one. The village of Amboise was really neat but turned out to be a poor location for travel without a car. The hotel also was not very nice and none of them in the area looked very nice, even though it is a popular tourist area. I think it is just so old.

Anyway, I got over it and as the sun was rising in the sky we made our way to the fabulous Chateau De Chenonceau. It was built in 1513 and was the home to many famous french women. The Chateau is surrounded by beautiful Renaissance gardens.

Ah yes, home sweet home. Could you imagine!

The Chateau is built on the River Cher and surrounded by beautiful grounds.

I never much thought I would have wanted to live in a castle long ago, but this one was bright and inviting. Typically they feel cold and harsh to me.

This castle was very impressive with it's 16th century tapestries, fireplaces, paintings, sculptures and furniture from the Gothic and Renaissance periods.

We were able to see most of the castle which was wonderful.

There were beautiful, huge bouquets of  fresh flowers and plants throughout the entire castle. All of them grown and arranged on the castle grounds.

In between touring the splendid castle and walking the beautiful grounds we had lunch in what was once the stables. It was very neatly turned into a cafeteria style eatery and was very nice.

We had a beautiful cool but sunny day to wander through all the remarkable French-style gardens which are kept perfectly to this day.

Taylor seemed to thoroughly enjoy her step back into the French history of the 16th century.

Before we knew it, it was time to get back in the taxi to go to the train station in Amboise, to take the train to Paris Austerlitz, to take the metro to Paris Est, to take the train back to Strasbourg, to get to our car in the parking ramp to drive back to our little temporary digs in Holtzheim. Another enjoyable weekend just flew by! We were feeling very lucky to have gotten through this time of strikes and travel with barely any hiccups.

October 21, Thursday

This blog is not going to be about another fun and exciting European travel adventure as the others have been. We are more than half way through our 3 month assignment and as I knew it would, reality is coming to the forefront.  Don't read me wrong, this is not a complaint by any means. I know this is the opportunity of a lifetime as so many have told me. I just want to get out there some of what goes along with the opportunity of a lifetime.

When we first realized this trip was really going to take place, I was very excited to take a break from my crazy life. I was working full-time (and a little stressed with that), I have two homes to take care of, one of which is up for sale in this tough market, two pets, a husband (who is nothing but helpful), and a crew of wonderful children, grandchildren, family and friends (all of whom I wish I had more time for).  But when we were presented with the idea that we would be living in Europe for 3 months we did what we needed to do to make it happen. Who wouldn't? This meant me resigning from my job (they have no leave of absence for these types of situations), asking many, many family and friends to cover my responsibilities, of which I have many with work, the bills, the houses and the pets, taking care of our appointments and prescriptions and other details to be out of the country for 3 months. This was by far the hardest part, I do not like to ask for favors. I know it's a strong word, but I hate having people do things for me. I'm a doer.

So I now find myself more than half way through the assignment. The time has passed pretty quickly and the experience has been awesome. However, the pains of distance are becoming more real each day. Eric is working long days and Taylor and I are doing our best to make good use of our time. I cannot remember having time like this since I got married and went to work over 30 years ago. I know what you're thinking. What I wouldn't do for even one free day. Believe me, if  I was home I would be thinking  the same thing. I know I need to learn to relax and make the most of every moment. Taylor is much better at this than I am. The loss of my income is taking a toll on the savings account because the bills at home did not go away, and I keep thinking I could be making better use of my time. My family is having issues (and this kills me) due to the distance, and the guilt of having others cover my responsibilities at home is painful.  I am trying to make the best of this incredible opportunity, there is a lesson here somewhere and when it is time to go home I will know what that is.  Maybe it's that I cannot control everything all the time! I appreciate so much all of you who are helping me out at home. I look forward to the opportunity to return the favors. I know the simple things I never thought about before will be relished like; having a conversation (I feel a bit deaf and dumb here because I cannot understand or speak the  language), holding and playing with my grand babies, having dinner with my children, seeing my extended family, getting in my car and knowing how to get where I'm going, having a bath and shower that I can turn around in, laughing so hard I almost cry at some of things Barb and Don (from work) shock me with, a paycheck, my special little house in Ludington that always restores me, making a purchase without being shocked by the price, my cozy bed, large kitchen, television, popcorn and movies, and so much more.

I warned you this was not my typical blog, just a little reality check. Hope I didn't bum you out. Just want you all to appreciate the everyday things in your crazy lives. I have no complaints by any means. I know I am very blessed in life. God is good. I'm really trying to learn the word relax, but that's a tough one. I think I'm going to learn to knit!

October 17, 2010, Sunday in Rothenburg

We had breakfast in our hotel restaurant and bundled up in our new down coats and Ugg boots for the day in Rothenburg. Eric had been to this village 20 years ago and has wanted to bring me here since.

Our first adventure of the day was to walk the wall surrounding the city.

View of this beautiful old city from the wall.

After we walked the wall we went into St. Jacob's church where we were able to see a 500 year old Riemenschneider altarpiece. This is one of Germany's greatest woodcarvings. It was unbelievable and a joy to see in this beautiful old church.

Okay time for some shopping. This old city has become a very popular tourist destination so it has many shops. We went in several and I finally started to make a dent in my gift giving list.

One shop in particular named Kathie Wohlfahrt was really something. It is a Christmas shop and looked like any other shop from the outside, but once you entered you disappeared into Christmas land for a long time. The shop went on and on and had everything you can imagine for Christmas. I thought I was in Frankenmuth until I stepped back outside the shop.

All that shopping made us hungry. Time to have a Schneeball. These are like a doughnut but they are strips of dough each fried and wrapped around each other into a ball. Then they are covered in powdered sugar, chocolate, caramel, cinnamon and sugar, and other deliciousness.  They are very popular here and are pretty good but I can't imagine the calories in one of these. Doesn't seem to stop us from making our purchase.

We climbed the Town Hall tower.

View from the top.

The climb was not bad but stepping out into the cool breeze on that tiny landing  was freaky!

Another delicious meal in another warm, inviting restaurant and we were geared up for our hike to the Toppler Castle.

We hiked outside the walls of the city, down a winding path through the woods into Tauber Valley. This is where we found the 600 year old Toppler Castle, which looks more like a tree house. It was the summer home of the town's Mayor in the 15th century. We had read that it was worth a look due to the furnishings, but it was closed so we were not able to get inside. I still enjoyed the walk in the cool, fall air. We decided the hike back up to Rothenburg was good for a treat before leaving the city.

We each enjoyed a dessert with hot drinks, at a very modern decorated bakery before leaving Rothenburg.

We left through one of the tunnels leading out of this very neat medieval walled city for our long journey back to Holtzheim.

Eric had been looking forward to this trip partly to drive the autobahn in Germany where there are several stretches with no speed limits. Unfortunately, he ended up more frustrated than anything else. There are some stretches where he was able to get well over one hundred mph, but there is so much traffic and so much construction that you just get going and have to sit again in another traffic jam.

We have been surprised by all the traffic everywhere we have been in Europe. There are way more cars on the roads than I ever expected. No matter where we go we sit in traffic. Driving in Michigan will be like the lost city when we get home. It will be nice.

October 16, 2010, Saturday, Eric's Birthday!

I can't think of a happier place for my man to be on his birthday. This was long awaited for him. This new museum opened in January 2009. Eric had been to the original much much smaller museum years ago.

The architect was given a small triangular space to build the museum and the result is a really cool looking building.

Here she is John!

       The car of your dreams!

I'll take this one.

Eric really enjoyed his day and we saw so many awesome cars. I even told Eric at the end of the day that maybe he can have one again soon, at least once the upcoming wedding is paid for.

After a good lunch in the "cafeteria" at the museum we did a little shopping in the gift shop and made our way to Rothenburg Ob der Tauber, a medieval walled city in Germany.

We arrived in Rothenburg Ob der Tauber in good time,checked into our hotel, popped into a few shops, and chose a restaurant for dinner.

I had a wonderful vegetable dish with salad, Eric had sausages with sauerkraut and Taylor had French Onion soup. It was all very good comfort food as the weather was cold and dreary. We finished just in time to get to the "Night Watchman Walk".

The Night Watchman walking tour was fun. The "Night Watchman" talked about the medieval times and what it was like to live in Rothenburg. He explained the war and how Rothenburg was able to mostly stay intact which makes it one of Germany's best preserved walled towns.

He pointed out some of the oldest buildings in town including a bar named "hell" which brings up all kinds of jokes within the walled city. When someone in Rothenburg tells you to "go to h..." people are happy to oblige.

This was a fun event and a great way to end the day.

October 14, 2010, Thursday

Got up and rode with Eric to work so I could drive home and have the car for the day for our chocolate outing.

We headed out with driving instructions in hand (again). I missed the first turn and had a slight meltdown in front of Taylor, but once turned around, the rest of the journey was quite smooth (only 1 near death incident that I'm not sure was even my fault).

We first watched a film on the making of chocolate narrated by chocolate itself. It was interesting and a bit humorous. Then we toured a little museum with exhibits of old chocolate making tools.

We learned some important things, not only is chocolate good for your cholesterol and mood, but it prevents cavities. Mmmmmm more chocolate.

This is a dress that was used in a fashion show. It is covered with chocolate discs. I want one.

We were given a chocolate demonstration with an explanation of the differences in white, milk and dark chocolate. Of course we had to sample some of each. I learned how to keep my chocolate shiny after dipping. Now my seafoam will be much prettier.

They really believe in their chocolate here. I'm a believer!

After our demonstration we visited the little tea room and gift shop. We purchased a few little chocolate items including some chocolate tea!

Tomorrow I will be making plans for the weekend. Eric has his birthday Saturday and he chose to travel to Stuttgart, Germany to go to the Porsche factory. From there we will make our way to Rothenburg, a walled city where we will spend the night in a hotel within the walls of the city. I understand it is very beautiful, so I will post pictures early next week. Oh yea, I'll put a few Porsche pictures out there too. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

October 13, 2010, Wednesday

I have been wanting to go to a place called the Musee Les Secrets Du Chocolat. It's a chocolate museum/factory not far from here that does daily tours. Since it is another beautiful, cool, sunny day Taylor and I decided this was a good day for it. I did my weekly cleaning of the house and we got ready to go. Just as we were about ready Daniel knocked on the door because he had some mail for us. I told him our plans and he suggested we take the bikes, which I was quite excited about. So he got them ready for us, gave us some directions (kind of), he also brought over a coupon  good for one free entrance, and he called ahead because he has a friend who works there and told him we were coming. Daniel is so awesome to us. So off we went on the bikes to the chocolate factory....how fun right?

Remember, getting around here is not easy. We headed out on the bike path with map in hand. Just under 3 hours later we were back home after riding in a huge circle (I think). I looked again at the maps at home and still cannot figure out where we rode let alone how to get to the museum. Seriously frustrating, but had a nice long bike ride which Taylor was thrilled about. We decided the only way to get there was via the bus to the tram to another tram to another bus. This route is spelled out on the brochure so we couldn't go wrong right? The only problem is it takes us way out of the way from where we live to where the museum is.

When Eric heard our tale he suggested we try again tomorrow and drive it. I have not driven yet. But for chocolate I can be persuaded. So he and  I headed out to do the drive so I would be prepared and be able to find it. Driving directions map in hand we headed out with me driving. I was surprised how quickly everything came back to me driving a stick. Now I just have to deal with the road signs and traffic. With Eric directing me we headed down the Autobahn and even with the driving directions we couldn't find it. Eric was not going to give in so I got off the Autobahn and pulled over so he could take the wheel. After more turning around we finally spotted it but still could not find the road up to it. We went back to the beginning of our instructions and redid the route for the third or fourth time, not sure, and finally had success. We made it to the parking lot! It looks pretty cool too. So back home for tonight and tomorrow I will get up and take Eric to work so Taylor and I have the car and I will attempt this on my own! A few extra prayers will be prayed tonight!

Hopefully I will have some chocolaty  pictures posted in a day or so with a story of success.

October 12, 2010, Tuesday

We found a place last night thanks to a hint from the Archaud's that carries Diet Pepsi! So happy. The place is named Lidl and they had really good prices especially on beverages. It was not a very big market but they had an entire aisle of beer and wine. Most of the wine was under 3Euro. We have not had bad wine since we've been here so we decided to buy a couple of the Bordeaux (which is becoming my new favorite red). One of them was under 2Euro and the Superior was under 3Euro. We opened the lesser of the two and it is quite good. Amazing.

Enjoyed a nice run today under the blue skies. Started to get a bit stir crazy this afternoon so scanned the French cookbook to see what I could do. I made the Vichy carrots and potato salad to have with our turkey for dinner. Then I wanted to make a tarte or a souffle but I only have a toaster oven so I went to the food network website and made Alton Brown's Brownie recipe. Yummy! Shocking the butter and sugar in scratch brownies. I shared with Daniel and Karin, our wonderful landlords. They very much enjoyed.

10/10/10, Sunday at Europa Park

What a blast! Justine and her family invited us to Europa Park, about an hour from here in Germany. They very generously covered the entrance fees as our birthday presents (all three of us have October birthdays). This was extremely generous of them because any event here is very, very pricey, like the zoo yesterday! Anyway, there was no convincing them that we would take care of our own tickets, so off we went and it was so much fun.

This park was very much like Disney Epcot with the sections of different countries.  Dispersed throughout the countries were many rides, including some very fast, high, scary roller coasters.

The park went all out for Halloween. It was decorated with thousands of pumpkins. As we entered the park there was a dark queen that I decided I should be photographed with, seeing as how this is my dark year and everything. Okay, Okay, I'm sure 50 won't be all that bad. Hmm... which one am I?

This day completely cured me of the home sickness I was having for Fall and Fall decorations. The place was very tastefully done and I loved it!

After hitting the haunted house ride we headed for one of the big roller coasters. This one was in the dark with a space theme. The outside typically looks like the big sphere at Epcot, but they had it covered like a pumpkin for Halloween. It was fun! So I was feeling brave and from here we headed to a much bigger, higher roller coaster. It was scary but I really liked it.

We moved from country to country enjoying the scenery, the rides and our friends.

Love It! I wished I had more time to just enjoy the Fall beauty. But we had rides to ride!

Like this one. This is their new mega coaster and it was crazy fun!

We all six were able to ride this together.

Justine and Taylor above and Justine's parents to the right.

We got a little wet!

We had such a fun day. I had my first wienerschnitzel with potato salad, (which being in Germany you can imagine how delicious it was), and I managed to digest two bags of popcorn in the park. This was the first decent popcorn I've had since leaving home, and it was good! I also enjoyed many rides, and was petrified by one in particular. My fear of heights did me in on that one, and Taylor and Justine found it quite amusing.

As the park closed we popped into some souvenir shops where I got the sweetest little surprise for Kenadee! After our fun day we were all a bit hungry so we followed the Archauds back to France to a restaurant near their home where they have the best Tarte Flambee. These are an Alsacian speciality. They are similar to a very thin crust pizza with fresh creme, cheese, onions and usually small bits of ham. This restaurant was once a hunting lodge, and was very large, and fixed up beautifully. The wood inside was awesome, very homey, and the food was excellent!

Great day, great food and best of all great friends to share it with!