Today we can’t celebrate 75 years of peace in Alsace, France and Western Europe...
Not the way it deserves celebrating.
But it’s a fantastic reminder that we have been through other difficult moments.
Alsace has even been through worse than World War Two.
Believe it or not...
And we can get through this moment too.
I can’t wait to tell you all the stories of Alsace when it’s safe fo you to visit again.
In the meantime, we’re still going to have some fun!
Confinement challenges....
Stuck at home with no camera for at least one more week.
This is a photo of a farmhouse down the road from me (from before the camera death).
Waiting, reading, writing and getting ready for a little freedom hopefully soon.
Although a very tentative and cautious freedom here in Alsace.
Our ICUs are still stretched to their limits.
But some good news!
Our « virus circulation levels » are extremely low.
Alsace is pretty safe for now.
As long as we stay careful.
What are you up to this week?
Guess What I Made Last Week!
Well, I made a choucroute (or Alsatian Sauerkraut) last week.
But...I cheated.
I was tempted by how pretty the made-for-you versions looked.
We have tons of made-for-you choucroute here in Alsace France.
But...it's a far cry from the good stuff.
And even though it was fine, I regret not making my own.
Even though it could easily be 2-3 weeks of food for me. ;)
Next trip to the store, I will get some supplies and maybe a real one is coming soon.
In the meantime, I am soooo tempted to make some real Alsace pretzels.
Or even better, some pretzel bread which we eat a lot here in Alsace!
But I am open to suggestion...
So what are your thoughts, wishes, desires and dreams?
Just looking for little roads to explore during our stayhome order here in Alsace France.
I’m not allowed to wander very far from home.
Just 1 km and just for an hour each day.
Good thing I live in a quiet beautiful corner of Alsace.
Here are just some of the cherry trees I saw blooming.
I lost count of all of them.
Now I know where to go for cherries later this year 😊
Grocery shopping here in Alsace France today!
Lucky me. It wasn’t too crowded.
And I finally got some flour 😊
Let the baking commence!
What’s hard to find where you live right now?
How to Make Alsace Food: the Flammekueche
Want to know how to make one of Alsace France's most famous dishes?
This is the easiest way I know to make your own tarte flambee or flammekueche at home.
Lots of time for research and exploring the “far away” corners of my village.
We’re allowed to go outside for a little while each day here in France.
I’m very lucky to live in a naturally very beautiful part of Alsace.
Where there aren’t many people.
I would so much rather be meeting all of you and telling you all my strange and crazy stories here.
And there have been delightful surprises in these uncertain times.
I’ve crossed paths with a few people (always keeping our distance of course).
I’ve heard more than a few interesting stories.
And at least in my neck of the woods, everyone is kind and friendly (at a distance for sure) 😊
What are you doing today?
**TURN on the sound of this adorable babbling brook I found on my walk today! 😊
How are you doing?
I hope that you are all well in this difficult moment.
You can probably imagine what it’s like for a small travel business right now!
I just thought I’d share a little something from my walk here where I live.
We’re on a stay at home order here in Alsace France.
But I can go for short walks.
What are you doing where you live?
World War Two in Alsace France
I was so honored to celebrate Alsace’s liberation
with the family of a war hero this year.
And introduce them to the history, culture and beauty of Alsace.
75 years ago Alsace was still not free.
Thanks to so many scared and brave people for everything they did.
Despite the coldest winter of the century
For people they didn’t know.
Alsace is deeply grateful.
And we remember their sacrifice.
An Alsatian Version of Thanksgiving This Year
I may not be celebrating Thanksgiving the right way
But I am doing it in a very Alsatian way!
I’m kicking off Advent properly this year.
It starts this weekend you know 😉
So excited to eat this dish!
And kick off the Christmas season here in Alsace.
And we are just now officially starting the real Christmas season 😉
Advent is the kickoff date normally!
Happy Thanksgiving 😊
On this day in Alsace France
Not something you usually think about once the Christmas markets open in Alsace France.
And you don’t have to wait til now to learn about Alsace’s war history.
In fact it might be easier once the markets are finished hahaha
Just one of the other interesting stories I could tell you when you make your way to Alsace.
And can you believe how beautiful it is even in late November? 😳
I’m still blown away by it.
Love to hear your take on my little tastes of Alsace history and culture.
First day of the Alsace Christmas Season in France
Well Alsace is in full Christmas mode now.
At least part of it is.
We do have a lot to do for the next 5 weeks
And it’s not all ready yet.
Plus we don’t want to overwhelm you just yet.
And it is a lot to take in!
Pace yourself.
And if you need to get away from the crowds, I know where to go 😊
