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April in Bavaria & Alsace
Planning
After 17 months, surgery, a dying cat, and just life … I get to travel again!! I usually go somewhere twice a year, so the 17 months felt soooo hard. I would gaze at hotels and pretty foreign streets on my computer screen with stark longing. I'd had spinal surgery in August of 2024, then with foolish abandon went to Paris that November. It was a disaster because I could barely walk. Then, I had surgery for an arthritic toe in April 2025. And then my 14-year-old cat began to decline. Though I planned a few trips, she would worsen as I was packing, so I always had to cancel. Those who have gone through the passing of a beloved pet know this next part. I can travel now … finally … but kind of feel that I don't really deserve it and kind of really don't want to. Nevertheless, I'm going. One of my cancelled trips was to a posh resort in Hohenschwangau above Füssen, about 1h from my home in Garmisch. In December, I'd really stupidly made pre-paid non-cancellable reservations, but when I threw myself on their mercy, they very graciously allowed me to use the reservations in April. After that, I wanted to spend time in Colmar and see the nearby villages, so that was my next stop. But I got the dates wrong and had an extra free night, so decided to spend a silly single night in Appenzell, between Hohenschwangau and Colmar. Then I wanted a stop on my way home, and decided on Überlingen on the Bodensee, where I've stayed before and enjoyed the town and the vibe. So that is the plan: Drive 1h to Hotel Ameron Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau x4 nights Drive 2h to Hotel Traube, Appenzell x1 night Drive 2h30 to Hotel le Colombier, Colmar x5 nights Drive 2h30 to Bad Hotel, Überlingen x4 nights. Drive 3h home I don't usually drive on my trips, but as the 71-year-old bod grows less and less capable and more and more whiny, I decided to drive my own car. But I plan to use transport as much as possible once at the hotel, as I dislike driving in new places without a navigator to help me interpret the GPS. That should be fine in Germany (Füssen and Überlingen), but France, as usual, presents a problem. I'll go into more detail from Colmar. Füssen I adore the town of Füssen, so naturally to spend a wonderful few days wandering its winding streets, I decided to stay in Hohenschwangau. Ja, makes perfect sense. Well, I have a strong desire to always see Alpine lakes, and I don't begrudge spending money for lakeview rooms. There are two big lakes in the area, but I could only find one hotel that offered lakeview rooms, and that was at this posh resort. So, to get the views I wanted, I resolved to suffer the three restaurants, room service, bar, pool, spa, and two saunas (one textile, one textile-free). I made reservations for two massages and made sure to pack a bathing suit. The drive was easy. Hohenschwangau is a zoo, even in April. I walked around, found my way through the 4 buildings of the resort, and had lunch. A big group of about 60 elderly Germans came in and occupied four of the big bench-seating tables in the restaurant. I wondered what on earth was going on – some had sat down at my table. After a few minutes, a woman dressed in gorgeous Tracht (traditional Bavarian clothing) starting addressing the group – it was a tour! OK. I finished and paid in a hurry, then wandered down to the lake and along it for a while. Then time for my hot stone massage … amazing … then a sauna in the textile-free one (I was alone, so my bravado was wasted), then I was pretty much just melted. [img alt="View from my room "]https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/2000x1333/p1140637_785f32c04a62de3c8764af909eae43298cb23aa0. jpg[/img] View from my room [img alt="The bathroom ... "]https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/20260409_111504_f3403be8ba3c9cc38105c91cd3e52c8faa 5c795c.jpg[/img] The bathroom ... [img alt="I dont have to tell you how often Ive almkst walked into the glass door "]https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/20260410_074445_958c940d9b5c224f6e0bb7a7e24ea2cc40 ba60f0.jpg[/img] I don't have to tell you how often I've almkst walked into the glass door [img alt="This wing of the hotel abuts the Museum of the Bavarian Kings "]https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/20260409_111809_b5b97f66f6b6a692e7c7ec853a78b9d460 240f3d.jpg[/img] This wing of the hotel abuts the Museum of the Bavarian Kings [img alt="Walking around the lake "]https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/20260409_122303_cd0cf15bad75d338a410385df20b619012 65234d.jpg[/img] Walking around the lake https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...112955a94f.jpg [img alt="View from the breakfast room "]https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/20260410_080507_1__7f16d130e35c3bdb78f4c0e221e1afa fb68928af.jpg[/img] View from the breakfast room [img alt=" "]https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/2000x1333/p1140643_320d870fb8080247f235af930855354d63aca10d. jpg[/img] |
[img alt="The bathroom
"]https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/20260409_111504_6985f46ea70f2d1c0b21b165d974381da0 455119.jpg[/img] The bathroom [img alt="Ive almost walked imto this glass door a few times "]https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/20260410_074445_6cd64b63a0259e3019a5f9436a99655026 26878c.jpg[/img] I've almost walked imto this glass door a few times [img alt="This wing of the hotel abuts the Museum of the Bavarian Kings "]https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/20260409_111809_14340f42ff86854e29576999290273bea0 6775e4.jpg[/img] This wing of the hotel abuts the Museum of the Bavarian Kings [img alt=" "]https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/20260409_122303_8b46b7255503ddf03758cfe416f10125c8 1eda37.jpg[/img] https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...89b950cea7.jpg View from the breakfast room https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...693c10d04d.jpg View from the room |
Apologies that the photos are not uploading...
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on for the ride
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Hi bilbo! Happy to see you here!
I've resized all the photos a second time, and I hope they'll post this time. Friday 10 April Breakfast at the hotel was the best I've ever seen. There were three rooms of food – one just for breads & pastries (!); one for cheeses, cold cuts, fruits, cereals, butter (in blocks that you cut into), honey (including a honeycomb); and one for warm foods, including eggs Benedict, omelets cooked to order, a waffle stand, sausages, bacon, etc. It was a real feast every morning, but I tried to control myself. The plan today was to make it to the lake down in Füssen; it was grey and chilly and cloudy as I left the hotel. I was wearing my big purse with an umbrella & everything, and my big, heavy camera. I found the bus stop about a 10-minute walk from the hotel, the bus came, my Schwangau Card was good for payment, and several minutes later I got off at Pulverturm Füssen. Got to the Rewe grocery store to pick up stuff for dinners, then headed south towards the river at the edge of town because surely one could walk along the river to get to the lake. Ahhh, not so fast. Apparently you can get to the lake along the river, but it is the long way. The shortcut goes north through the town. I decided to turn around and go through town. That detour cost me a total of about 20 minutes … which is critical for me. Despite the spinal surgery, I still have drop foot on my left foot, so after walking for about 20 minutes, I am lurching and stumbling and tripping like a drunkard. I can walk for longer if I walk at an agonizingly slow pace, with deliberate steps. I also use a cane now, as it helps with balance, and it also helps me to focus on my steps and walk a bit more steadily. So those lost 20 minutes ended up costing me the lake. I did walk along the beautiful Panorama walkway until about 15 minutes from the lake. But the wind was strong, the rain was intermittently strong, my shoes were getting wet, and my shoulders were really not happy about carrying so much. So I turned around and moseyed back to town and had lunch at one of my favorite spots, Le Perle. I had risotto asparagus (it is spargel season) with dried ham and hollandaise sauce, and it was about the best risotto I've ever had. I'd walked for about 90 minutes, which is a big accomplishment for me. Of course, I didn't go far. But that wasn't important to me. Back at the hotel, spent the afternoon reading and recovering and had a neck & shoulder massage. [img alt="Skirting Füssen "]https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/1340x2000/p1140645_5355a9bef0881123099880be97192f5fb67a4572. jpg[/img] Skirting Füssen [img alt=" "]https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/1340x2000/p1140648_d2df0af0645ab2e5b789a3df3312650066bda7aa. jpg[/img] [img alt="Approaching the Panorama Way "]https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/2000x1333/p1140650_36e94ea65e5780162500d72076b45a6247feab2f. jpg[/img] Approaching the Panorama Way [img alt=" "]https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/2000x1333/p1140652_65de23fc99da689a25e3f28c7a8453b492c0a33d. jpg[/img] [img alt=" "]https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/2000x1333/p1140654_192740b3ae4a453cdec98bc1392ec1d3dd1aed62. jpg[/img] [img alt=" "]https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/2000x1333/p1140656_81c5f0201d061e9bf5432d4eacc639c779b085cf. jpg[/img] [img alt=" "]https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/2000x1333/p1140657_6930272ee576c4cf01d194e234151138e4c73981. jpg[/img] [img alt="Füssen's Wall "]https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/2000x1333/p1140659_cccf88ceb2377007d9e328393d9fe15a5f62a45b. jpg[/img] Füssen's Wall [img alt=" "]https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/2000x1333/p1140661_e39e44b68011538cb33f27f8b5408044827b9632. jpg[/img] [img alt="Lunch! "]https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/1500x2000/20260410_112524_ffcf04bbbd8eb38e1b2c022704b6cfa832 e8f36f.jpg[/img] Lunch! |
Well, rats. No photos.
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Going to try posting the photos in Chrome...
[img alt="Skirting Füssen "]https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/1340x2000/p1140645_84ade98b00203a66e7e386773cf84b2b779c3d7d. jpg[/img] Skirting Füssen [img alt=" "]https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/1340x2000/p1140648_2658c72bbf54679a0d65bb621b796f073ae5e316. jpg[/img] [img alt="Approaching the Panorama Way "]https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/2000x1333/p1140650_27d09a9c1c18e2f7166f056ba1288fdd669f2726. jpg[/img] Approaching the Panorama Way [img alt=" "]https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/2000x1333/p1140652_e42a3e17bccc1b57707a0690dccca6612de98f4d. jpg[/img] [img alt=" "]https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/2000x1333/p1140654_ef852305ab3079347243a621e8e44e99e64e2e36. jpg[/img] [img alt=" "]https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/2000x1333/p1140656_92ef4647ae100e9a59d7fb08c88c87e667e51422. jpg[/img] [img alt=" "]https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/2000x1333/p1140657_15132bd8cb0fed72eec014aa49e2e82c949b4dc3. jpg[/img] [img alt="Füssen's Wall "]https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/2000x1333/p1140659_eac21c1c1aa600a06ca3c04c103ff6d287572c8c. jpg[/img] Füssen's Wall [img alt=" "]https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/2000x1333/p1140661_b09cd1d9d01f35b8ea7e2a2d2416cbadc5096607. jpg[/img] [img alt=" "]https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/1340x2000/p1140662_747f342f0dcb71d38a334246b3d0663b10390564. jpg[/img] [img alt="Lunch! "]https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/1500x2000/20260410_112524_4ebae1e0a835a20f8d106172f24b050ce4 71a2d1.jpg[/img] Lunch! |
I'm signing on to follow your trip and looking forward to more your wonderful photos.
Also, condolences to you over the loss of your beloved cat; it's so very difficult to say good bye our loyal little buddies. |
Along for the ride swandav, and so sorry to hear about your cat and physical challenges. All one can do is keep on keepin' on and I see you're doing exactly that. I'll bet that neck and shoulder massage felt wunderbar.
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I’m in, of course…
you had a challenging year, glad you are travelling again. I loved the area around Füssen and the charming town itself, (mountains, forests, lakes) we only stayed a night and did a couple of short hikes, wish we had stayed longer. |
I always love your trip reports swandav. Looking forward tremendously to your photos when you sort that out.
I'm sad about your pussycat, but we experienced the same when we lost the last of 2 14 year old dogs a while back - suddenly you can free yourself up for trips and don't have to worry. We did take advantage of that for a while, but of course we signed up for more mayhem - we have another two dogs now. Enjoy the break while you can! Lavandula |
Swan, what an outstanding view from your room!
Must've felt so good when the plane touched down to begin your trip--your patience was rewarded. You mentioned 'twice per year'. Where to next? I am done. the TR |
Hey guys,
Y'all are so kind. You're wonderful. Thank you especially so much Trophywife, Mel, & lavandula, for your kind words about how hard it is to you lose your baby & tormentor, lol. Two dogs around the same time, lavandula ... that must have been a seriously sad time. I am so sorry. Thank you Adelaidean! Yes, Füssen is my favorite town in this area; it has so much variety. Thank you zebec! Yes, I am a real sucker for Alpine lakes & lakeview rooms! Thankfully I didn't have to endure any stinkin' flights, as I live in Bavaria, just 1h from Füssen. Next trip is in the fall, and I plan to be gone for about 6 weeks, from Paris to Montreux to Munich, and Paris again. My nephew and his fiancee are taking a "Band of Brothers" WW2 tour, and I am meeting them in Paris for the start of the tour; then I'm heading to Montreux for 8 nights while they're touring; then I'll see them in Munich for a few days at the end of their tour; then back to Paris for 1 month just 'cause I can. I will try again later with the photos, will try from my phone on data and see if there's any success. Thank you again, my favorite little band of intrepid travellers, s |
Testing the photos with my phone on data...
[img alt="Skirting Füssen "]https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/1340x2000/p1140645_a4d80e110bfba6b58ed5159a8a8aa6e37c5f90bb. jpg[/img] Skirting Füssen https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...41d5b49041.jpg [img alt="Approaching the Panorama Walk "]https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/2000x1333/p1140650_446dc7deb6defc4bfd01a4e69884c34af469c0de. jpg[/img] Approaching the Panorama Walk [img alt=" "]https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/2000x1333/p1140652_cdfcd55226f421d4837c4482d3567a8278e1cdde. jpg[/img] [img alt=" "]https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/2000x1333/p1140654_2cbfcb3322857c219f050be2f2ad04b0eebc9c43. jpg[/img] [img alt=" "]https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/2000x1333/p1140656_5245c3292262ac34ee52e87dff8b0a9ffe64cd7d. jpg[/img] [img alt=" "]https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/2000x1333/p1140657_475902d306db7983ac1c625cff81dffd62b52400. jpg[/img] [img alt="Füssen's Wall "]https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/2000x1333/p1140659_b2287e612483732b55658d69cd87826066afee8c. jpg[/img] Füssen's Wall https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6d6719c755.jpg [img alt="Lunch! "]https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/1500x2000/20260410_112524_fa5b105338b64b1731da351c77805ed4c8 b92a0f.jpg[/img] Lunch! |
spargel season gets earlier every year, but thanks for the heads up.
My advice on the photos, if it helps, don't put anything in the comment section, not even a space. Maybe that will help |
Thanks! That seems to work!
Saturday 11 April My plan today was to find the Lechfall and roam around the town, one of my favorites. So, the short walk, the bus, and Füssen. I roamed around a bit, made my way to the river, and walked along it to the Lechfalls. Again, it was the long way, about 30 minutes (normal walkers could do it in 15 minutes). But it was a gorgeous walk, well worth it. The falls were pretty cool – could hear them from about 50m away. I walked back to Füssen the fast way, along the road. Boring but quicker. Then wandering the town, found a pizzeria rated 4.7 at Google, and it was truly one of the best ever. Sunday 12 April It was drizzling and grey and chilly today. I had been wondering whether I should give the lake another go or just take advantage of staying at a resort. Well, decision made. I read all morning, had lunch in the bar with a big red, had a nap, then used the elliptical in the gym and had a sauna. It was a Finnish sauna, and I didn't last more than 5 minutes. There was a couple in the sauna, and I couldn't see them well without my glasses, but it seemed they had draped towels across their bits. Lol, not Germans or northern Europeans then. I had laid my towel on the wood and laid down on top of it (no flesh on wood!) and closed my eyes. It’ very relaxing. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f0c2201cff.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b4a7eb077c.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...a1ab8d0de2.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6eb1658c96.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ee099fcf8c.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...fb012677bb.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ba29d14d46.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...2ca86dad7d.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...106249de68.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...bac03dfdb5.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...153f7fd307.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...05cb6a9ece.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...8ecf7407c0.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6249bb675f.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e08789716a.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...fe7a489f49.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e6a6feac7b.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...52f327b143.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...230e6c20b2.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...51363458cb.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...5848a69757.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...247271ce67.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...39d481525b.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ec4e047c17.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...4adcae0b6a.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...34a36c634d.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...a625164063.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f621c906b5.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...2aa1bdea32.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d943713f05.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...bead241214.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f99a10a417.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d481c0d860.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...4a67cb31d5.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...99bf7dde3d.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b149cf9883.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...24891e846d.jpg |
I wish I had the guts to go towel free in a sauna, but I'm just too much of a prude yank🫣
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Following your report closely. I am so sorry about your beloved cat and health issues, s!
The towns look typical Bavarian, LOL, and beautiful even in the rain :-) |
Following along, thanks for sharing.
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Enjoying the report. Tyrol, Salzburgland, and Bavaria were favorites for us, and looking at your photos makes me smile.
Condolences on the loss of a furred companion. It is never easy to say goodbye. |
Originally Posted by Melnq8
(Post 17716303)
I wish I had the guts to go towel free in a sauna, but I'm just too much of a prude yank🫣
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Hey guys,
I'm going to pause on the report to see if we (me & Fodors' Tech Pros) can fix the photo problem. I would like to be able to add captions and spaces between photos. Lol, Mel! The first time I was in a clothing optional sauna, I pulled open the door to get a full frontal of some Jabba the Hut character. I know I shouldn't fat shame the poor guy, but it was a pretty big surprise. I've lived here long enough, I guess, to have adapted some attitudes. First of all, I know my old 71-year-old body is not significantly more hideous than others', and second of all ... I guess we can get a funny story or nothing at all will happen. You can keep the towel wrapped around you the whole time you're in there. You cannot sweat on the wood, so the towel must come between your skin and the wood. You can take 3 or 4 towels if you want. Thank you, Ingo! You may remember when I first got her. I'm doing ok hobbling along, lol; at least I have an excuse not to try to keep up with Mel's hikes ;) Thank you ANUJ! Glad the photos are giving you a smile! I also just adore the Salzburgerland! Thank you so much; yes, it's a tough time. So, no new photos. But I drove 2h20 from Hohenschwangau to Appenzell. It was pretty easy, but Waze put me on some cowpath over a mountain -- the road was so narrow that one car had to stop if a car approached in the opposite direction. I'm not finding Appenzell very gorgeous. The countryside outside of town is beautiful, but the town is just a few pretty buildings around a central square. If I need to use this area again as a mid-point in a drive, I'll probably stay in a countryside inn. s |
S, yes I remember. Do you remember that I almost got to see her once on the drive to (or from?) my Swiss vacation?
How do you upload? In my trip report I upload one picture at a time from "Device", meaning the PC's hard drive. I can add titles, then click on upload, then, once it has uploaded, I click enter and then start all over. |
I hope the photo issue gets sorted - we are hanging on for our mountains/ cute villages/ velvet green meadows..photos 😎
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Yes, I remember that vividly, Ingo. Lol that was just the start of her rule over every single aspect of my life..
Yes, I tried it that way, twice, on the test area. It didn't work for me. The only way the photos will load is if I don't hit "return," which means the photos will all run together. Thanks Adelaidean! I think I will go ahead and post another day. You can tell me if it's tolerable having the photos run together, or if I should wait and try posting from home, from my laptop or my old tablet. |
Monday 13 April
Today's mission is to drive to Appenzell, which Google maps says should take about 2h30. I left at about 09.00, and despite drizzle and fog, it was an ok drive. Except at one point where Waze had me make a sharp right-hand turn up a mountain on a very narrow road – so narrow that one car had to stop and pull over for any cars coming the opposite direction. I arrived around 12.00 to the tiny town. It's really just a cluster of pretty buildings around a square. I'm guessing that the main draw here is the countryside and nearby villages, but with only one night, I didn't have the time to see much. I wandered around town and had lunch, then wondered some more. The hotel told me that they were going to close completely on Tuesday, that I would be having breakfast at a neighboring hotel, and that I should just put the key in my room when I left. It was quite eerie being the only soul in the hotel in the morning. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e8b482fe26.jpg Appenzell https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...74fb84a8ed.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ba80446ad1.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...78dc762948.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...47ab5a8e3b.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...c58637462f.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...a95da102e1.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...79aa68b757.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...597fe56a67.jpg That gorgeous countryside outside of town https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...53c19b91e4.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6bc9a75696.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f44fa5d7d8.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...1c0b23dae3.jpg Not all the buildings are gorgeous and inviting https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...aedab20ad9.jpg |
Good to see the pictures showing up here ... congrats! ;-)
Appenzell has never been a favourite of mine. Cannot say what it is. Yep, it's picturesque at first sight, but then ... You captured the ambience very well in your photos. Keep it coming, s! |
Great, .. you got the photos up.
Looking forward to Colmar and surrounds. |
Thanks Ingo!
Hope this is what you wanted, Ade! Tuesday 14 April Google maps said the drive today from Appenzell to Colmar would be about 2h30. Waze laughed. It took 4h. Waze routed me on local roads; I was only on a highway for about 60 of the 240 km. I don't know why it did that; I'm guessing there was so much construction and traffic on the highways that the local roads were actually faster. It was mostly ok but took about an hour to get through Freiburg. My confidence in driving alone through unfamiliar European towns got a big boost though. I got to Colmar at about 13.00. I parked in the hotel's garage (TIGHT squeeze – my car's sensors were SCREEEEECHING at me) and set off to have lunch and explore. What a beautiful town. I fell in love immediately. My hotel is on Rue Turenne, just steps from the canals, but very quiet. Wednesday 15 April Today's just for meandering. I wandered the town, found the Medieval Ramparts, the Dominican church and Dominican library, Hansi Museum (really a large shop with a museum at the back, but I didn't go in – it reminded me of a Käthe Wohlfahrt store in Germany), the House of the Heads, the Cathedral, and the Unterlinden Museum. I skirted the annoying Easter Market stalls; they felt very kitchy, trying to build on the Christmas markets. Really loved the Unterlinden Museum, especially so many displays with clear German origins – such a graphic reminder of how arbitrary country borders can be. Sat and stared at the Isenheim Altarpiece, which was difficult as there were various tour groups and tour leaders speaking in urgent whispers into a microphone. Absolutely adored the cloisters. Then lunch at a truffles restaurant, then got lost, and eventually found my way back to the hotel. I’d been on my feet for 4h with no perceptible foot drop, so that's a big win. I was walking super slowly, so I guess that is the key. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...280c3eb8ef.jpg Little Venice https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...06ce3f38ad.jpg Little Venice https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...9701d8b9fe.jpg Little Venice https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...22aca55466.jpg Fountaine Rosselmann https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...7e9923c806.jpg Pretty sidestreet https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ff4b49297d.jpg Park https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...1af2613450.jpg Chapel Saint-Pierre https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b1618aff07.jpg Park by the chapel https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...47f556d1d0.jpg Medieval Ramparts https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...65f37f2960.jpg Medieval Ramparts https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...18291135b7.jpg Medieval Ramparts https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ee05bf7a26.jpg The old town is full of little squares and streets like this https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...abe50f01ce.jpg Saint-Martin's Church https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e617e26af4.jpg Saint-Martin's https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...4109394da6.jpg Saint-Martin's https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...934250cbe8.jpg And across from tne church, kitchy Easter/Spring Market stalls https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...66ae26481b.jpg Saint-Martin's https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...9f825184ef.jpg Pretty Street https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6f8632f0f9.jpg Kitchy neon ride https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...4a42a5367a.jpg House of Heads https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d2ff9f5a7a.jpg Hansi Museum https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...c22a7f2ce3.jpg Lovely old half-timbered buildings https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...91934d983b.jpg Unterlinden Musem, housed in a 13th Century Convent https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...7510464a4a.jpg Pretty buildings https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...14738b0c89.jpg Cloisters of the museum https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...08832594e4.jpg Cloisters https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...a98b79a534.jpg Cloisters https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...75d539558f.jpg Pretty street https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...47c40194f7.jpg Pretty building https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...782ca41098.jpg Interesting street https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...88e1e66e34.jpg Love these old stone buildings https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e723158fbd.jpg Pretty building https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...9d31d51f24.jpg Pretty street |
I love Colmar. I only visited as a day trip from Freiburg but saw a lot. Unterlinden museum was super fascinating - the Isenheimer Altar stunning. Did you go into St. Martin church? If I recall correctly it has the Madonna im Rosenhag, a lovely altar painting.
Good news on your foot! :-) Please keep it coming! |
Oh yes, wandering those streets - gorgeous….
now you just need to stumble across a patisserie 🍰 |
Lol Ingo! We have the same taste. Sadly, I didn't go inside the St Martin's Church. I tend to favor Gothic style churches, like the Basilika St Michael in Altenstadt (Schongau). Do you know that one?? I'm mesmerized when I go inside. But it seems I'd like St Martin's, from the photos. I'll see if I can get there.
Lol Ade ... NO! NONOnononooooo Thursday 16 April Today's mission was to see Riquewihr. And here's where the problem with public transport comes in. I didn't want to drive – the tiny garage, the screeching car, town traffic, and hunting for parking at my destination are just not worth the convenience for me. So, transport options were, one, the Kutzig bus, but it only runs on weekends, when everyone in France who is not at the Eiffel Tower will be in Riquewihr. The second option is a local bus that runs from Colmar to Riquewihr, but only twice in the morning, at 07.45 and 11.10, with returns possible at 15.15 and 16.18. Well 07.45 is too early and 11.10 is too late. Ah well, I decided to take the 11.10. In Switzerland, there would likely be a bus every 15 minutes, and in Germany likely a bus every hour. Well, that's France. I left the hotel at 10.00. Google maps said it would take 15 minutes to walk to the train station. But I get lost a lot, I walk supersuper slowly these days, I needed to find an ATM enroute, and I needed to locate the bus stop. So I left at 10.00. The walk took me 38 minutes, and I found an ATM at a bank across from the Gare. Then I hobbled between the four or five bus shelters, and a few folks and I found the correct one pretty quickly. The drive out was unremarkable. The vineyards did not enchant me. Well, it's early in the year, so there is not much growth yet. But my favorite vineyards are those above Lake Geneva because, well, Alpine lake. So these vineyards were … fine. So I walked through the village taking photos. I get its appeal; it's a beautiful little place. But I found it a bit much. Found a cozy spot for lunch. Walked through town again. Interestingly, I heard mostly French on the street. Maybe two groups of folks speaking English. One group speaking Italian. And lot of German, but it was a different German than I'm used to; it was almost Swiss, very singsong melodic. Don't know if that's typical of Black Forest German or not. I only had to wait about an hour for the 15.15 bus, and I got to talking with a pretty and sweet Korean young woman who was travelling through France for four weeks. She spoke little English and no French, so we chatted through her phone's translate app. Once at the Colmar Gare, I hopped on the free electric bus for a ride back to the hotel. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...a689967145.jpg Riquewihr https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...dfb8df95e2.jpg Riquewihr https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...936b58f942.jpg Beautiful buildings https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f4b00a5e22.jpg Love the old stone https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...2f8384d8f7.jpg Riquewihr https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...311bf7d72c.jpg Riquewihr https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6d5a3f76ae.jpg Riquewihr https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...3e098872e5.jpg There was one main street through the town, with interesting side streets https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...221f5e75c4.jpg There were many small courtyards -- some were shops and some were restaurants https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...37d7f073c2.jpg Riquewihr https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...796051879b.jpg Riquewihr https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e37a8c414a.jpg Riquewihr https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ca967d29c9.jpg Riquewihr https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...7c9ce2507e.jpg Riquewihr https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b9c92a9e17.jpg Unfriendly local. But still a sweet sweet baby baby https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...c8105d8c92.jpg Riquewihr https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...aeaeb1636d.jpg Riquewihr https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...181952910a.jpg Riquewihr https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...5b279dc768.jpg Riquewihr https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...053f95c764.jpg Riquewihr https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b88ede8ddf.jpg Riquewihr https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...183c96fca0.jpg Riquewihr https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...4026b4289e.jpg Riquewihr https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...3ee99b1cea.jpg Riquewihr https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...0c4278e3c9.jpg Riquewihr https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...5b4635aa1c.jpg The edge of town https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...1e1a0a3ea5.jpg Edge of town https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...4db03ae8c3.jpg Riquewihr https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...01c5d4f6c4.jpg Riquewihr https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...25530879f9.jpg Riquewihr https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...0de74000d9.jpg Riquewihr https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...5ae3071ff9.jpg Such beauty in the age https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...3a22a79440.jpg Riquewihr https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e526f0e577.jpg The Ramparts https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...12d01f7e4a.jpg Edge of town https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...8d7ce3e8a4.jpg More locals, more friendly https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ddf30cc1fe.jpg Evidence of life beyond tourism -- beer & cigar stub https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d01c1ad014.jpg Riquewihr https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...bb54d3806d.jpg This was the roof of the restaurant where I ate. Had a wonderful Tarte Flambee with Emmental cheese https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...9b7c453f49.jpg Riquewihr https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...3769c653e3.jpg Riquewihr https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...72861419bc.jpg Depiction of Riquewihr https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...db4fb27b96.jpg Outside of town https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...2a15319682.jpg Outside of town |
Those side streets are really charming. And nice to see it greening up, even if it’s too early for flowerboxes.
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Picturesque, so cute! I love the mix of stone and timber-framed houses.
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