Dad kept talking about stopping in the small town of Riquewihr (in France on the way from Strasbourg to Freiburg) and I thought it was just another cute little town with a cathedral...well it was, but incredibly charming and unique! The town is set aside in a valley and it looks like it is frozen in medieval times. Well, take a look...
This is in the heart of the Alsace country and the embroidery, cloth, cakes/ sweets are unique to these area. It reminds me of folk art. (I boughts some really cute handcrafts, nougats and "koug" the little funnel cakes they specialize in.) http://www.everyculture.com/Europe/Alsatians.html
one corner of the village Riqueweir
I think this is an old wine/ grape press?
old map of the city
An old fountain, we saw several of these on our trip...a pipe extends from the side.
Notice the old roofs on these buildings.
"Koug" a special funnel cake made in this area (different flavors like lemon, pistachio, blueberry, etc) This guy said this shop has been baking these cakes for centuries.
This is "flammekuchen" recommended by Nicole Wagner...local thin pizza and very delicious!
Next we drove through the Black Forest to Freiburg (an old city and university town). We stayed in the heart of old town, in what used to be an old wine cellar back in 1060's. The hosts were very friendly and offered us sparkling wine and we sat on the cobblestone street. I went into a wine and cheese place looking for a snack. The owner gave me a block of delicious cheese to go with our little crackers. This was our welcome to this darling city.
the Old Town of Freiburg near our hotel Rotu Baron (Red-Gold Bear)
We drove from here to Lake Constance (Konstanz). This is a huge lake and Constance has a typical cobblestone old city. We ate lunch (cold fish with salad) right on the water in an old hotel. We watched the big statue of the "Strong Lady" turn around...we laughed because at first I thought it was my imagination or the beer (that she was turning in the water). Lots of tourists here! Some rock band was playing loud 80's music like "Radar Love". the Old Town of Freiburg near our hotel Rotu Baron (Red-Gold Bear)
This place claims to be one of the oldest guesthouses in Germany.
Dad is singing the "Three Corner Hat Song" again, modeling this old hat box.
The main clock tower of Freiburg near our hotel was under construction so it was not picturesque.
Then I was shocked to see that McDonald's gets to put its name on this old tower! (And there were very few McDonalds and other American franchises here.)
Piers on Lake Constance (Konstanz)
This buxom Iron Lady turns around in circles. In each hand is a goofy king or bishop maybe. Not sure what she is saying about history and rulers. She is scantily clad...Dad says, "This is a typical German full-figured lady." I replied, "Dad!"
This is the local beer...
several times we ate delicious German/Bavarian icecream dishes!
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