June 27, 2010
After doing some much needed cleaning of the car, we headed north to Germany. It was strange to see places like Munich, Stuttgart, and Nurnberg on road signs. We have driven quite a bit on the autobahn. Several people told us to avoid driving on the autobahn. It really has not been too bad. I would not like to do it alone – but Phil is a terrific and safe driver. The speed limit is around 130 km (~80 mph), but some people drive MUCH faster! You just need to be aware of your surroundings and not get distracted!

We got off the autobahn around Stuttgart and drove to a small town called Bad Rappenau. It seems to be the county seat.

We found a church and inquired about the cemetery. A woman told us where it was – but also told us that the traffic would be bad because there was a “public showing”. We assumed that she meant a funeral. Not quite.

Soon the town square was flooded with cars donning German flags, people beeping their horns, wearing yellow, red, and black body paint, blowing air horns, and groups of youth singing, “Ich liebe Deutschland!” Apparently, Germany had won their World Cup soccer match against England. It was very exciting and we stood back and watched the show! We were just glad that they had won – and not France (if they indeed had been playing France – because we are driving a car from France). Traveling in Europe during the world cup is a great idea – it always gives you something to talk about with limited vocabulary.

We eventually walked to the cemetery – because our car was blocked in by the throngs of those celebrating the victory. The cemeteries are beautiful. Many flowers, varied head stones, and very well attended. We found some more family names – like Grimm, Bauer, and Klingmann. We also found the Jewish cemetery which was separated some distance from the main cemetery – and not well cared for at all.

By this time we were starving. We looked for a restaurant – and tried to decipher the menu. Bill Bryson, in his book Neither From Here Nor There, says to be careful ordering random things off menus in Germany. You are likely to order various internal organs and other things not generally consumed in the US. Dishes with names of Unterorgans und other Grosserstuff should be avoided at all cost. We laughed because we had passed a Chinese place and decided if we ordered Moo Goo Gai Pan – they would understand what we wanted. We gave it a try – nope, it is not the same in German. We did learn how to say vegetables, chicken, etc in German and got a lovely meal all the same. Funny – they name of the owner is Ming – just like at our favorite restaurant in Orrville.

If we were just to take pictures of the farmland and scenery – one might believe we were in Wayne or Holmes Co. Ohio – or perhaps Pennsylvania. It is easy to see why Phil’s family ended up where they did when leaving Europe – There’s No Place Like Home.

We are staying at an older hotel in Bad Rappenau called the Hotel Alder – nice accommodations with breakfast. Tomorrow we will do some more genealogy and then head for Brussels.

Austria . . . Switzerland

June 23, 2010
What a terrific day we had today! Finally, summer decided to show! The weather was perfect for a lot of physical activity – sunny with a breeze and not too warm.

We met Laura at the train station and rented some bikes for the day. We then boarded a lovely, modern train and rode 25 minutes or so up the valley to Innichen (Sudtirol) / San Candido (Alto Adige), Italy. At Innichen, we stopped for a coffee at a café which was at the bottom of a ski resort. On the spur of the moment, we decided to take the chair lift up the mountain and ride the “fun-bob” down. The “fun-bob” is like an individual bobsled which travels on a track. It was a lot of fun. Phil and Laura K. descended the mountain very quickly – I chose to control my speed a bit and enjoy the scenery – including the bell-laden cattle. (Yes, Toto we are not in Kansas anymore – we are in the Alps!)

The bike ride back to Lienz, Austria was one of the best rides we have ever taken. It was about 50 km (about 31 miles), mostly down hill, along side a rushing river, through alpine meadows and mountains, and with wonderful people – what more could one ask for?

About 2/3rds of the way back to Lienz, we decided to stop our ride to partake in another athletic event. We rented climbing gear (harnesses, helmets, safety equipment, and carabineers) and climbed up a rock crevasse next to a waterfall. It was a predetermined route equipped with cables, and some rebar for foot and hand holds. The vertical was challenging – the view amazing. We discussed how this event would never have happened in the USA without many liability forms, a guide, and training – or at least the participants demonstrating their competence. In many ways, the Austrian society is based on the concept of responsibility – not law suits.

After our strenuous climb – we completed our bike trip back to Lienz. We returned our bikes and drove up to the local castle for a “look-see”.

In the evening, we were again invited to Laura’s mother’s apartment for a delicious meal and wonderful conversation. We also met her cousin, Philipp. We really have felt welcome with open arms in Austria.

PS. The mountain mentioned yesterday was Grossglockner.


June 24, 2010
After breaking camp this morning, we drove NW through Innsbruck, Austria and on to Zurich, Switzerland. It was a beautiful drive through the Italian and Swiss Alps. We drove through many tunnels – including one that was 14 km (about 9 miles) long. We could have taken the northern or southern route into Zurich – we decided to take the southern route just so we could drive through Lichtenstein . . . which took about 20 minutes.

We are staying with Portia Harold. She is a friend of my parents. She went to Medina High School with my mother and worked at a summer camp with my father. She is such a wonderful woman. We have enjoyed many conversations about a wide variety of topics including, literature, politics, Europe vs. America, history, ecology, environmental stewardship, etc. She has opened her home to us – it sure is nice sleeping in a bed.


June 25, 2010
Another lovely, warm, sunny day! We had a charming breakfast of French toast, bacon, and coffee on the veranda – almost overlooking the Zurich See.

We took a walk around noon up the hill by Portia’s home. It is fun for Phil and I to observe the agriculture. We will need to tell our Swiss neighbors that Swiss cattle really do wear bells.

This has been a relaxing day of doing laundry, cooking, reading, and taking naps – just what the doctor ordered.

Tomorrow, we will head to Basel, Switzerland to begin doing some “Grimm” genealogy research. We will stay in Portia’s son’s (Hardy’s) apartment. Portia said that Grimm and Neff are common names in this area as well.

Beautiful Austria

June 20, 2010 – Part II
In the evening, we decided to drive to Castel Firmiano to the Reinhold Messner museum. He is the “first” person to climb Mt. Everest without oxygen. It was a very eclectic museum about mountaineering, Eastern religion, and our footprint as humans on the planet. We enjoyed it very much – but only had about one hour until they closed.

After visiting the museum, we stopped by the neighbor’s house that knew the Oss-Emer family. To make a wonderfully long story a bit shorter – Andy is the brother of Karl (Kari). Kari, Wetty and I hung out a lot together during the summer of 1977. Andy and his wife, Marlene, called Kari and he remembered me as “Hoots” and that I lived in Middleburg Hts., Ohio. I asked for Wetty’s contact information. He said that he had it at home and that if I called Andy in 1-2 hours he could give it to me.

Andy and Marlene asked us if we would like to go on a driving tour and to get some ice-cream. “Yes!” We drive to a small town where Marlene has a framing shop and everyone (but me due to lactose difficulties) had a delicious dessert of fresh strawberries, ice-cream, and real whipped cream – yummy.

We enjoyed talking through Marlene (Andy knew only German) to get to know each of them as well as catching up on 33 years of history. On our way back to Bozen we drove to Lago Caldaro. This is where Wetty and I would go swimming. Very beautiful!

Kari eventually called his brother with Wetty’s contact information. We said our thank yous (tanti grazie!) and returned to the camp ground. Actually, Andy and Marlene came to the camp ground with us because they had just read an article about the “Learning Loo” and wanted to see if for themselves.

After they left, I got on Skype and called and talked to Wetty. All is well. I will write her a long letter when we return to the USA. Mission accomplished! Yeah!


June 21, 2010
After breaking camp, we had a awesome drive to Lienz, Austria. The Alps are gorgeous. After taking a nap in the car on a side street, we learned how to navigate the Austrian public phone system and gave Laura a call. We sat in a mall and had a coffee and she met us there. It was wonderful seeing her.

She lead us to the Seewiese Campground (as Laura likes to call it – the most beautiful campground in the world). It is very nice – on a lake – and surrounded by the alps. We set up camp and then drove into town to have supper at her mother’s apartment. We had veiner snitzel, potato salad, lettuce salad, peaches with cranberry, wine, and finally Oma’s delicious apfel strudel. We had a nice evening with Sabrina (mother) and Julian (brother). It does the heart good to know that there are so many nice people in the world!


June 22, 2010
It has rained on most of the days of our vacation. Not today! Today it snowed! We met Laura in town and then drove to a near by town to make connections with her mother’s boyfriend, Gerry. He then drove us to the base of the tallest dolomitic mountain in Austria – Gross … I’ll need to look up the name.

He drove a very powerful Audi. . . very quickly. The roads were VERY twisty! I am glad that I am here to write this blog. I chose not to look out my side window – for I was on the side of the car which would hit first if we went over the edge! I was scared. After driving to 2214 meters we got out of the car and started to climb up at least another significant amount to a restaurant. We were still very far from the top of the mountain – but the view was fantastic. It was on the way up that it snowed very lightly. Laura and I made a snowman from some of the older snow.

This evening we had pizza at one of Laura’s favorite Italian pizza shops. After returning to the campground Phil and I walked around the lake by our camp ground.

Tomorrow we are renting bikes, taking a train to Italy and riding on a trail back to Austria. Fun. Fun!

Oberbozen - Literally, Over Bolzano

June 19, 2010
Cloudy skies – but at least it is not raining. . .yet. We took the bus into Bolzano to the cable car station. We took the Ritten cable car up to Oberbozen (Soprabolzano). They view was fantastic! At Oberbozen, we then took the train to Klobenstein (Collalbo). The Ritten train is the original narrow gauge train which has some wagons dating from the time of the Austrian Emperor Franz Josef. Not only is it a means of transportation – it is a museum piece. All in all we increased our elevation by over 1000 meters (3000feet). \

We enjoyed the panoramic view of the mountains, the quaint houses, wild flowers, and the hike. We hiked to see the Erdpyramided (Piramidid) or Earth Pyramids of the Ritten. The raw material for the earth pyramids came from moraine clays of the late ice age, which through erosion have been formed into a wonder of nature.

We continued walking up the trail to a church called the Maria Saal. It was here that we had the lunch I packed – and Phil kept breaking into song, “The hills are alive – wit.h the sound of music.”

After having some difficulty finding our bus back to the camp ground, we enjoyed a fine meal at the camp ground restaurant. By the way – if ever in the area – plan on staying at Camping Moosebaur – it is a teaching camp. There is signage all over camp that helps to educate everyone on the culture, people, agriculture, and political history of the Alto Adige (Sud Tirol) area. The restrooms are nicer that we have ever had at any other campground – or hotel for that matter. Very nice.

At supper, we met a nice couple, Hazel and Dave Jenkins, from Manchester, England. We talked with them all through supper and then they invited us back to their camper for a beverage. I had tea (after all they were from England) and Phil had some Greek red wine that they had purchased there last week. We were really glad to have a place to “hang out” because by this time it was raining pretty heavily – and the prospect of just hanging out in the tent or car for the evening was a bit glum.

They are both retired. Hazel a primary special education teacher and Dave a primary head teacher (elementary principal). We had a lovely evening taking with them on a wide range of topics.


June 20, 2010
It rained all night. After having breakfast in the campground restaurant and terrifically enjoyable (and much needed) showers – we have decided to have a resting day. Today will be full of writing, reading, and a short walk or two. The cool temperatures and rain don’t really lend themselves too much wildly strenuous activity.

We have also decided not to go to Selva val Gardena – because it is snowing there. Tomorrow we head for Leinz, Austria to visit our College of Wooster “adopted daughter”/friend Laura.

Welcome Home!

June 18, 2010
We woke up this morning in Milano, Italy. Yesterday, we traveled from Avignon, France to Milano. We stayed at the Abe Lincoln Hotel. It was a very nice place. Upon registration, they asked us if we wanted a matrimonial bed – not sure what that was, we said, “Yes, we are married.” We got a very nice room with a very large bed!

Today, we drove through the mountains to Bolzano, Italy. This is like coming home for me. During the summer of 1977, between my junior and senior year of high school, I was an AFS (foreign exchange) student. I lived with the Lorenzo and Laura Oss-Emer family. They had one daughter my age; her name was Barbara “Wetty” Oss-Emer. We were very close. Wetty also came and lived with my family in the US. For what ever reason, we have lost contact with each other.

I was determined to find my house here in Bolzano. We were following directions to our camping ground – Moosbauer – and got a bit mixed up when suddenly; I started to recognize my surroundings. We saw the Castel Firmiano, the mountain that Papa had renamed “Montana Laura(in my honor), and the bridge Papa would ride his scooter across on his way to work. We quickly parked, and walked right to “my” house. It is on the bank of the Adige River, across from the train station, and next to an apple orchard. I was for sure I had found the house – but it is no longer a residence – it is a government building which houses the offices of the River Adige authority. Many things have changed. There is a highway close by, new buildings, less orchard. I remember the area as being somewhat in the country – it is just now on the edge of town.

I tried to talk with two men. One only spoke German – and we didn’t get too far. The other was an older man who was coming up from the basement of “my house”. He spoke both German and Italian. I got a bit farther with him. Yes, this used to be an apartment house. No, he didn’t know the Oss-Emers. But, he wanted us to see his boat. He and his two sons paddle their boat and kayaks from Bolzano all the way to Venezia (Venice). This is about 260 km!

I asked him if I could please see the back of the house to confirm that it was “the” house. As soon as I saw the balcony, I started to cry. This is where Mama would “spin” the salad, hang out our laundry to dry, and call us for supper. The backyard is now non-existent. It is in this backyard where I spent many an hour in a hammock reading, studying my Italian, playing with the family dog “Jimmy”, and visiting with my friends. The orchard is smaller – but the walkway/dirt roadway by the river is still there. The gate is still there – it still needs a good paint job! 

As we were walking back to the car, a woman stopped with her car and asked (in English!) if we needed help. I explained that I lived in that house 33 years ago as a foreign exchange student. I asked her if she knew the Oss-Emer family. She did not – but perhaps her husband did – for he had lived in the area all of his life, She called him on the phone and he walked down the road to meet us. He only spoke German, so she stayed a minute to help translate – then she needed to go to work. Yes, this was an apartment building for two families at one time. Yes, he knew the Oss-Emer family. I told him that I knew Papa had died. He told me that Mama died just this year and that Wetty lived in Rome. Tomorrow, I will write him a letter and drop it off, explaining in writing who I am, and asking him to forward my contact information to Wetty.

This had been a good day!

Travel Day

Somewhere in Eastern France


Grand Pope Abode


Bridge to Nowhere - Avignon, France


Rachel and Pauline

June 17, 2010

Today was a travel day. We drove from Avignon, France to Milano, Italy. Lovely scenery - good roads. There was a complete rainbow on the boarder between France and Italy. I hope it is an omen of good things to come. Tomorrow, we head for Bolzano! Enjoy some pictures :-)

French Country Side & Avignon

Fontainebleau

June 13, 2010
We got Rachel and Katie to the train station so they could head for Avignon. Phil and I had decided to check out of the camp ground and head for Fontainebleau – a home built by many French kings about and hour SE of Paris.

We did not have a good map – and consequently got quite lost. What should have taken us about an hour took us 4 hours! We stopped many times to ask directions with limited success. It really was quite frustrating. We finally met a nice older business man at a petrol station – that after trying to give us confusing directions in broken English – and me trying to understand them in fractured French – said the magic words, “Follow me!” After that we were on our way! 

Fontainebleau was fantastic! We passed by Versailles on the way – streets lined with tour busses! I am so glad that we did not go there! Fontainebleau was beautiful and fully furnished. We also received a complementary audio commentary “thingy” with our admission price. It was in English – and really helped to explain our surroundings. I wonder what language the Buddhist monk was listening too?

After Fontainebleau, we drove an hour or so south and ended up in a cool little town called Joigny. It is along a river and the town overlooks the river and is perched on a hillside. Above the town is a vineyard. We are camping in a small camp ground near the lock on the river. After checking in – we went into town to get some supper. We found a Turkish kebab place – the proprietor was very friendly and patient with my French. He spoke little or no English. Regardless, I was able to order two kebabs and frites (French fries), two glasses of wine and later ask for a “coo-toe” (knife) and a “faux-chet” (fork). We ate out at a table on the street.

The street was definitely laid out prior to automobile traffic! The streets are barely wide enough for one car, yet the drive both ways and park on both sides as well! The sidewalks function as parking spots.

I need to find out what the “Salle Claude Debussy” is – it is here. We did find a road named Claude Debussy – and perhaps a theatre named in his honor. Wonder if he is from here? We also saw a school named for Antoine St. de Exupry – the author of The Little Prince.

I’ll end with Phil’s quote de Jour, “I just saw a sign for a crematorie – I wonder if it is a crematorium, something left over from the Nazi’s, or a place to get ice-cream?” I was so punchy-tired that I laughed until I cried.


June 14, 2010 – My 50th Birthday!
Most of today was spent driving through the French countryside. We chose to drive on a national road instead of the toll road (highway). This decision really paid off – we saw the agricultural side of France. Many fields of wheat, corn, wheat, poppies, various legumes (vegetables), wheat, hills of grapes, and more wheat – all “eye-candy for an agricultural nerd. Now we know where all of the wheat comes to make the one baguette/person quota this is required to live in this country. 

We enjoyed the little towns we navigated through – each one seemed to have a church or cathedral (depending upon its size), several red-tiled roofed homes – and every once in a while a castle, It rained on and off – but still the view was spectacular.

As the evening approached, we decided to take the toll road to make up time. We were surprised to find that the speed limit was 130 km (about 78 miles/hour) – only to be asked to slow down to 110 km (66 mph) when it was raining or dark. The French are crazy – yet very competent – drivers.

We finally arrived in Avignon around 9:30 p.m. and with the help of an excellent map and many friendly people we found the home in which Rachel lived last year on rue de la Violette. We were not successful with making connections with Isabella to stay there – but finally got a hold of Rachel (using a borrowed cell phone) and she said to stay at the Hotel Regina. Great – we now had plans for a place to stay. No problem – drive into the city and find the hotel.

Let me explain that Avignon is an ancient walled city. I imagine that the city founders had a hula hoop with in which they threw several boxes of uncooked spaghetti. Where ever they landed – and however they landed – it was decided to put a street. These streets were certainly not created during the same millennia as the automobile.

An hour later – we found our hotel and literally drove up onto the sidewalk in front of the entry door – this, by the way is a common occurrence. We were exhausted, but happy to find kind people within. We were given a room on the 5th floor, right next to Rachel and Katie.

The day ended with a Skyped call to my parents and Ben (who was driving across Arizona on his way to L.A.) What a birthday!


June 15, 2010
Provence is lush! Today we know why – it seems to rain every day! After breakfast in the lobby of our hotel (I received mine free, because they found out it was my birthday), we went and visited the Palais des Papes. In short, it is the fortification / housing quarters of 9 or so popes (depending upon how you count) that lived in Avignon after the papacy was kicked out of Rome. It was occupied for about 100 years.

In the evening, we met Isabella and two of her children (Marie -15 and Pauline - 6) and attended a wonderful band concert. There were three groups that played. First the “apprentices”, next the “junior” band members, and finally the “proficient” band members – with visiting soloists. It was fantastic! The conductor really related well with the members of the band, the music was interesting – and some of it familiar (Pink Panther and Pirates of the Caribbean), and the hall had tremendous acoustics. The concert was in the Opera House. Two of Isabella’s sons (Hugo and Tomas) played percussion. We really enjoyed ourselves.


June 16, 2010
This morning we headed off to the Les Halles food market to purchase items for breakfast. It was similar to Cleveland’s West Side Market. Fresh fruit, vegetables, pastries, spices, meat (some of which was difficult to distinguish (organs, tongue, testicles?, plucked chicken with heads and feet, hooves), fish, etc. I love going to fresh, local markets – it really helps learning nouns as well as gives you a great window into the culture within which you are immersed.

We got some fruit and of course a baguette and headed out to find some coffee – which by the way, is very strong and wonderfully rich. While sitting there in the tabac having our breakfast several fire trucks and an ambulance past by. If it really was a terrific fire, I’m convinced that the building would have burned to the ground before they arrived at the scene – think hula hoop filled with uncooked spaghetti!

After breakfast, we walked to Rue de la Violette to have lunch with the family Rachel lived with last year. Pauline showed us around the garden – frolicking and gracing as she went. We had a nice tour of the home – very nicely decorated. Isabella and I talked long about the quilts and handwork that adorned the walls. We all had to do something to “earn” our meal. Rachel played the piano, Phil did a little percussion number on the trap set, and I played a folk tune on the violin. Isabella’s children are very musical.

We had a lunch of taboulli, pasta, fruit, and lemon torte. It was nice meeting her primo French “family” and seeing where she lived.

This afternoon, we met Rachel’s new “family” – Dr. Eric and Mrs. De Lannoy and their five beautiful children. Dr. De Lannoy is an OB/GYN and Mrs. is a midwife. They live outside of the walled city in a 300 year old villa. It was something you would see in and upscale “Better Homes and Gardens”. The home was airy and nicely appointed and the veranda by the pool was spacious and family friendly. Rachel will have a part of the house as her own. It is somewhat connected – but apart (hard to explain). It is a dream. Such gorgeous surroundings, beautiful – kind people, and in a place she loves. They have a horse, a donkey, and a dog. They showed her the car that will be “hers” for the summer – Suzuki “Jeep”-like car.

She is excited to be with them – and they are excited to have her. They explained that the children kept on asking when Rachel was coming? The children ages 12, 11, 7, 6, and 6 months are angelic. I explained to them that Rachel as very friendly, kind, creative, and musical. They want her to basically “hang out” with the children and talk with them in English. As we were leaving, the youngest son, was upset and would not say good bye to Rachel, because he didn’t want her to go.

I am so very happy for Rachel – this will be a terrific experience for her!

This evening, we took a nice walk along the River Rhône with Rachel and Katie. The Palais des Papes in the evening light is beautiful.

A very “confidence building” experience happened while by the Palais des Papes. I enjoy taking pictures of other people with their cameras. I’ve done it on all of our vacations. This evening, I took a picture of a German couple from Munich. I spoke with them briefly in German. They wanted to know if I was German. When I explained that I was an American, they were surprised and complimented me on my German. I’ve tried so hard to speak French this week – when given the chance to speak in a language I am more familiar with – I was able to do it . . . apparently well. This felt good!

Pictures from Paris

Too little time - we will tell more later. Having a terrific time. Today is June 15 and we are no longer in Paris - we are now in Avignon, France.

Ciao for now! Laura & Phil

Pairs is Amazing!

The Tour Begins!

June 10, 2010
Our flights were wonderfully uneventful – except when we thought someone had taken Rachel’s backpack. It was quickly found by one of the flight attendants.

We got our car, found our campground, and headed into Paris. Rachel went off to meet some friends and Phil and I toured the Camps Elyses. It was fun window shopping, people watching, and partaking in all of the sights, smells, and sounds.



At one end of the Camps Elyses is the Arc de Triomphe – awesome! We got to see a firemans’ parade as they marched to the Arc de Triomphe.




The traffic in Paris is crazy! So fast! So close – and the motorcycles and bikes take such risks. I’m glad we are taking full advantage of the public transportation system.

In the evening, we were to meet Rachel back at Maisons-Laffitte, where we were camping. We were going to grab a bite to eat prior to returning to our caravan. While we waited – we had a nice beer and started to talk with some of the local people. Christophe, a ceramic specialist and plumber, was very friendly and we had fun trying to speak each other’s language. Even though his English was quite poor – he trumped us by far!

As the evening progressed – Rachel was later and later. Our friend Christophe, waited with us through much ringing of hands and heavy rain showers. She arrived an 1½ hours late. Metro and currency issues. We were just glad to see her in one piece.

Christophe and his girlfriend Angelique invited us to their home for dinner. BBQ chicken, vegetables, mushrooms, cucumber and tomato salad, and of course bread and wine. After supper – we had cheese and more bread for dessert – followed by verbena tea and apple liquor. Angelique is a voice teacher and will soon be touring to the USA with her singing group. Rachel played the piano as a thank-you for the evening. Despite the language difficulties, we had a very nice time.

We were told by many that the French were cold – and disliked Americans. We have not found this at all. Especially, with our new friends.

It made for a very late evening – we had not slept in about 36 hours. We were very sleepy – but the quick drive home though very narrow streets kept us awake long enough to brush our teeth.


June 11, 2010
We took our time getting up and going. Jet lag and travel fatigue had set in. We had a nice picnic made with food purchased at the camp store. I was going by what the pictures were on the label – I just hoped that I didn’t purchase cat food. Our picnic was in the shade of a strangely pruned cotton wood tree on the bank of La Seine. Very nice and relaxing.

Rachel went to the airport early in the morning to meet an OU friend – Katie. She will be with us for a few days.

Rachel and Katie went their way and Phil and I went to the Eiffel Tower. Very impressive. Thinking that if Ben were with us, he would want to go to the top – we did. We were awarded with a magnificent view of Paris and surrounding areas.

We spent the evening trying to find the Rue Cler. It is a small pedestrian only boulevard lined with little food shops and open air markets – touted as the perfect place to assemble a picnic. We never found it – local information personnel had never heard of it. I guess we will need to return with Rick Steves so that he can show us the way. 

Supper of cod and steak was enjoyed in a cafe on the Rue de Commerce. We sat at a table in the outside umbrelled patio and enjoyed watching and listening to our surroundings. Be careful never to order the least expensive item on the menu – the French eat some interesting things – kidney, tongue, and steak tartar. Yes, Mr. Bean, it really exists.

Late in the evening, we watched the soccer match between Uruguay and France. Our camp ground has a comfortable restaurant / bar on the bank of La Seine. We enjoyed a beer and hoped that France would win the match. It ended in a draw – we still are not sure why they didn’t have a shoot out to break the tie – but gathered it had something to do with total points earned during the world cup.

The Tour Begins

We have arrived in Paris. Our flight was wonderfully uneventful. Our rental car is terrific! A little small for two people - but we manage. The traffic in Paris is crazy - so we are well equipped.

We are staying in a very nice caravan. Clean and very friendly people.

On our first night, we met a very nice man, Christophe, and he and his girlfriend invited us to their home for supper. They were very gracious. Their hospitality was wonderful. All that we have heard about the French being cold and unfriendly - has not been our experience.

A Few Days Left

We were married in in a barn in Shreve, Ohio. A simple wedding - two people in love, a minister, and surrounded by the people we cared for and loved. In celebration of manythings:

1. 25 years of marriage



2. Phil's 50 something birthday



3. Laura's 25th anniversary of her 25th birthday



4. Life in general

We are headed off on a Grand Grimm Tour. We will try to keep you posted along the way. Pack your bags and come along on our celebration of life - "The Grand Grimm Tour 2010".