Sneezes, cats and pastries.

Wow!  Frankfurt, Germany to Strasbourg, Paris, Struthof, Orschwiller, Colmar, Equisheim and Veckring, France then on to Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen Switzerland.  We packed in as much as we could during the 10 days that I had my "California sunshine" here.

We had some great conversations and lots of laughs. I've picked some of my favorite moments of the week to share:

We traveled by metro while we were in Paris.  During the non-peak hours, it is a fairly easy to navigate.  You get on, you find a seat and then you wait for your stop and get off.  Unfortunately, we had to travel during rush hour to catch our train (TGV) back to Strasbourg.

We allowed ourselves a little over an hour for a 20 minute trip.  We boarded and made our way to our transfer spot.  (Insert grinding brake noise here)  There was a "stoppage" on our line at the next station. The tram we had boarded was going nowhere.  An announcement (in French) was made and was followed by passenger groans and about half of the people getting up and walking off.  (What the heck did he say??) David clarified the message with another passenger.  Should we stay or should we go?

We decided to go.  We figured out an alternate route and now we were going to be cutting it close on time.  We ran through the station, down the steps and flung ourselves onto the alternate tram.  This one was very full and we had about 15 stops and one transfer before our final destination (the Paris Est Gare).  We made our way (with luggage and backpacks) to a lesser crowded spot.

As we continued to countdown our stops, travelers continued to board.  Soon, I was smashed up against the back of the tram.  Tammy's eyes kept getting bigger and bigger.  She isn't a fan of being in the midst of a crowded area.  We were packed in like sardines and would need to get off soon.  I had no hope of moving, but watched Tammy weave her way toward the door.  Suddenly, The lady next to Tammy sneezed.  It wasn't a daintly lady-like "achoo" it was like a trucker….complete with spittle flying through the air….yep, you guessed it, all over my claustrophobic, germaphobe friend. (Yes, she walks around with packets of Emergen-C  in her pockets.)

The lady in the white coat is the "sneezer"….

Well, I have to tell you, this tickled David, Tom and I to death.  I began snickering to myself (as did the guys),  however, it soon turned into an all out laugh fest….complete with tears streaking down our faces and our fellow passengers wondering what the heck was wrong with us.  I had to capture our moment on film, so here we are just before getting off at the Gare.  (yes, we made it on time)

After the 2 hour train ride back to Strasbourg we took our friends to a restaurant that serves traditional Alsatian food.  (It's a combination of German and French cuisine)  We all ordered something different in the hopes of sharing bites of each dish.  I ordered a Bibeleskas.  I've had this dish before and enjoyed it immensely.  The first time I ordered it, it was a dish of hash browns and it was served with a soft white cheese ("fromage blanc"), chopped bacon, chives, garlic and onions.  YUMMM, what's not to like?

As the waitress took my order she asked me what I would like "with" my bibeleskas.  Knowing that my husband loves french fries, I ordered those.  Out came the dishes.  Tom ordered sausage and sauerkraut, David ordered a jamboneau (pork knuckle) and Tammy ordered bouchée a la reine (think chicken pot pie in a flaky "crown").  They all looked delicious.  Then came my "bibeleskas".  The waitress brought a "vat" of french fries and a plate that contained a few slices of cold ham that someone "threw" onto it, some chopped onions, garlic, a bowl of sour cream and a few chives.

This is NOT what I was expecting.  Thank the good Lord I didn't ask for a SALAD as my side!!  Tammy was so tickled by my reaction that she laughed throughout the meal.  French fries can be dipped into sour cream, however I'm not sure how the HECK you are supposed to top them with a hunk of sliced ham.

We ate fresh pastries almost every morning and walked every calorie off before bedtime.  (NOTE:  if you plan to visit us, bring good walking shoes and you might want to get in a few practice steps before you come)

We probably averaged 5-7 miles most days and those included a lot of steep inclines and steps.  Kudos to Tom for making the trip up the Eiffel Tower (2nd platform) for a total of 1338 steps in all.  He has assured me that after this week, he is in the best shape that he has been in for at least 10 years.

I did catch these three trying to "schmooze" their way into First Class seats while in Switzerland on our boat cruise of Lake Brienz.

We were promptly "booted" down with the "regular" people as soon as the ticket taker came and saw our tickets.

The CRAZY moment of the week happened last night at dinner.  We were enjoying our meal when David looked over at the table behind us.

Yes, my friends.  This is a table that has a CAT sitting on it whilst it's owner is cramming a sandwich into her face.  This has put me over the edge.  Dogs sitting quietly under the table on a leash, yes.  Cats on the eating surface, NO.

My last chuckle for the week came late last night as we were arriving home from dinner.  We've walked into/out of our apartment at least 15 times over the course of the week.  Tammy just realized what sits adjacent to our front door……

One last elevator ride to the apartment…no one could bear to walk the steps one last time, so we all crammed on.

I won't bore you with the minute details of our week, but will just say that it was great.  I'm so thankful that God allowed our dear friends to make the trip.  27 years ago this month I met this girl and we've been forever sisters since.  Sad to see them go, but I know there are a few people in California looking forward to their return.

Weekend in Germany and the art of RSVPs

A rescheduling of a Pro basketball game allowed us to take a quick weekend trip.  David had his own basketball game on Friday night, so we couldn't leave until Saturday morning.  Where could we go for 36 hours?  We decided to make a quick drive to Germany and visit an adorable little castle called Schloss Lichtenstein. Unfortuantely, they didn't allow me to take photos inside the castle, so I can only show you a few shots from the outside.

After our 30 minute tour, we hopped into the car and headed south to stay in Lake Constance for the night.  We stayed at the Steigenberger Inselhotel, which is a former monastery that sits on a small private island on the edge of Lake Constance. Nothing like walking down the hallway to your room and seeing 13th century wall paintings!!

After a couple of hours lounging along the lake, we headed out to explore the city.  We walked to the harbor and took the obligatory photos of the Imperia, which is the city's most famous landmark.

Then we continued along the lake. We kept seeing LOTS of people dressed in traditional German clothing, you know, men in lederhosen and women in dirndls. Finally, it dawned on us that it must be Octoberfest!

We enjoyed some authentic German food (I would've said great German food, but only David enjoyed it) and headed back to our hotel.  Breakfast by the lake the next morning was fantastic.  We did happen to notice that there was a couple a few tables over who seemed to be taking a long time getting situated.

They each would bring something to the table and then the other would head back inside to the dining area.  A large basket of bread, assorted meats and cheeses, coffee, juice, hard boiled eggs, pastries, oops, forgot the butter and jam, could we have tea please?  David and I were exhausted watching them.  As we were leaving, at least 20 minutes after they started to get situated, they were finally both seated and seemed to be starting their feast.

Not bad for a hastily planned trip.  Also, I have to put in a good word for "HOTWIRE".  We have now  used their "top secret" hotel deals three times and not only have saved at least 40% off the published room rate, but have been able to research the areas well enough that we were nearly certain of the hotel we'd get.

THIS weekend, I have the privilege of co-hosting a baby shower for a sweet couple from Cleveland.  They are here in France with "dad's job" and are active members of the AIA.  (Americans in Alsace) For those of you who know me, you know that I love having people in our home.  It makes me happy.

Something that doesn't make me happy is the absolute rudeness (or is it ignorance) of people who do not RSVP or do so well after the stated date.  Ok people, I'm living in FRANCE….you know, the place/language where RSVP comes from?? (Répondez s'il vous plaît)

Now, I guess, because the LITERAL translation there is "Reply if it pleases you", that I shouldn't be too hard on people, but really, the invitation was via email (don't tell Miss Manners) and had the link for guests to reply right there.  The RSVP date was last Sunday (9/28) and yet I was still getting replies as late as 9PM last night (10-2). Again, is it rudeness, or do people in today's society not actually know what those four letter mean?

Why does that matter, you ask?  Well, because most hostesses like to have enough food, drinks, party favors and seating for their guests.  They give you a date for your reply so that they can SHOP for YOUR refreshments and PLAN for your enjoyment.  It's not so that they can control your life.  If you are waiting to see if something "better" comes along, then perhaps you should just RSVP "no" on/before the date given.  (RSVP is different than "Regrets only"…maybe I'll tackle that later!)

Sorry for the venting, but now I feel better and just in case you were one of "those" people who didn't understand why it's important to RSVP, now you know.

So, if I invite you to something, know I will expect your RSVP, elsewise, Reckon Someone's Very Perturbed at you.

Á Bientôt mon amis.  (See there, I am improving my French!)