Sweet home, Chicago

This morning our previously quiet hotel appears to have been taken over by a group of argumentative and noisy Australian women on a hiking expedition. We escaped by following the Alsace wine trail out to Kayersberg, a picturesque village known for its half-timbered houses, colourful buildings and decorated balconies. Red geraniums are tied closely to Alsace heritage and there aren’t many balconies and window boxes that aren’t decorated with them.

We were treated to the Kamaleon Big Band playing jazz standards in the main square, as we wandered around taking in an art exhibition and some wine tasting before heading back to Turckheim for their ‘new wine festival’. Kayersberg was very busy and, as we left, another full coach arrived and we were pleased to leave.

On the drive back, John’s quest for the perfect photo involved an off road experience through the vineyards for Matt’s Golf, kindly lent us for our trip. He won’t ever know because he doesn’t read our blog….

A lovely afternoon was spent, sitting in the sunshine, in Turckheim’s main square, drinking wine while listening to live music. There was something supremely cheery about being entertained by an accordionist and tuba player playing Blues Brothers, Grease and Tom Jones medleys. When they took a break, L’Orchestre d’Harmonie de Turckheim took over with a distinct change of tone and style.

In order to buy food and wine, we had to pay up front and were given a ticket. Each vendor crossed off the value of our purchase and, when we left, our unspent Euros were returned. Such a simple and effective system.

Tonight, the hotel restaurant is closed so it’s leftovers that we found in the car together with a nice bottle of local Pinot Gris. If you look closely, you can see our afternoon’s wine glasses which we chose to keep rather than have our deposit back.