Au Revoir and Bonjour

For my last afternoon on the Cote d'Azur, Elaine and I went to Villefranche.  Unlike earlier in the week, this time it was really crowded - probably because it was a Sunday, the weather was lovely, and it was the beginning of the half-term break.  The beaches, restaurants and parking lots were all packed.  Luckily, we found a parking spot in the fortress.  Then, we walked down to La Darse, Villefranche's old harbour, and along the seaside path around to the seafront.  No matter how many times I come here - and I have been so blessed to have come here many times - it never fails to take my breath away.  A friend who also loves this place recently asked me why I like it so much.  I was unable to articulate why - perhaps it is the stunning scenery; perhaps it is just the beauty of the sea and mountains here; or maybe it is because this place, unlike many others on the French Riviera, has maintained the feel of an old fishing village.  There is none of the glitz and glamour of Cannes and St. Tropez.  Whatever the reason, I find it magical.  So, in spite of posting some pictures of this place in a previous post, here are some more, simply because I can't stop myself!  

A view of La Darse from the Bas Corniche Road

The pretty little Chapelle Saint-Pierre with interior paintings by Cocteau

Lunch at Olivula, a newish restaurant on the seafront

This restaurant, like Spalato and Trastavere a couple of doors away, is owned by a Croatian.  All are excellent.

After our lunch, Elaine drove me to the airport for my flights to Alsace where I will be staying with friends for just over a week.  Unfortunately, there was no direct flight from Nice to Strasbourg so I had two short flights: a 55 minute one from Nice to Lyon and then a 40 minute one to Strasbourg.  Sue and Keith were at the airport to meet me and less than hour later we were at their home in Rhinau, a small village on the Rhine and very close to the German border.  With or without their permission, I consider this almost like a second home - and they will tell you I have visited here almost too many times!  Again, like Villefranche sur Mer, I discovered Alsace for the first time in 1979,  At that time, I had no idea that I would end up having friends who live here and that I would get to explore it many more times as well as much more thoroughly than the day or two I had with a friend way back then!

Over last couple of days, Alsace has not had great weather so I haven't been taking photos; I figure there is no point posting pics of cloudy skies and wet roads.  However, this "down time"  is giving me a chance to "catch my breath" after being on the move pretty continuously for over 5 weeks.  Yesterday, the only photos I took were of the wines we consumed in the evening with our dinner - and they were all excellent.  I called it a "menage a sept", four bottles and the three of us!

Tuesday, a friend who lives nearby came for dinner.  So, aside from going out to check out Halloween stuff for another friend's daughter and get some groceries, our big excitement was going to the Peugeot dealership when Sue's "check engine" warning light came on while we were running our errands.  I bet this is the first time on a travel blog anyone has posted the inside of that garage!  Thankfully, it worked out okay - something about the fuel pump which needs to be fixed but it isn't urgent.  

Back "home", I played "sous chef" for Sue, the chef, preparing the dinner.  It was great fun as cooking is next after my passion for travelling.  It's a win-win getting to cook while I'm vacationing.  I made a roasted tomato tart for the entree and Sue did the main course:  daurade (sea bream) with a lemon sauce, a rice pilaf and carrot.  This was followed by a passionfruit sorbet.  We had a fun evening - with, of course, wine (Riesling this time).

Wednesday, in spite of the iffy weather, we headed to Lahr to see the annual Chrysanthema event when chrysanthemum displays are put up all over the town.  Somehow we managed to see them all and get photos before the weather turned.  We got out of town just before the heavy rains came in.  Whew!