Showing posts with label Strasbourg. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Strasbourg. Show all posts

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Going Home, Traveling to My “Hometowns”

Hometown … a word that evokes emotion in everyone.  And yet, when people often ask me about my “hometown”, I can’t quite pinpoint to where that is.

It’s because I consider every one of the places I’ve lived in the past four decades as my “hometown”, and I must admit, as I get older, I enjoy more the trips that gets me back to these cities, as traveling is no longer about discovering new places as much as going back to ones that I have fond memories of, seeing friends and family and sharing them with my son.  

So, without further ado, here are 8 cities I love that I’m proud to call my hometown: Seoul, Houston, NYC, Paris, Strasbourg, Frankfurt, Berlin, and San Francisco.

Seoul, South Korea

Seoul is FABULOUS!  Over the past three decades, I have witnessed not only my home town but also my homeland transform itself from the rubble of the Korean War to become an economic powerhouse not only in Asia but worldwide, and no city in South Korea epitomizes and reflects this transition like its capital, Seoul.  From the concrete jungles of the 80’s and 90’s to the softer-edged 21st century urban oasis that it has become since the new millennium, largely thanks to its visionary Mayor, Seoul is not only one of the most interesting and exciting cities in Asia but also the most tourist-friendly.

Seoul is a cosmopolitan city that equals, and in some respects, surpasses the likes of other megapolis in the world like New York City and Tokyo.  Everywhere you look, there’s a reflection of prosperity that has been built from sheer determination and dedication of its citizens.  From the upscale high-rises in Gangnam district to the chic boutiques in Apgujeong; or the rows galleries filled with fine art in Samcheongdong district to the regal omnipresence of Gyeongbokgung, Seoul is a sophisticated traveler’s dream come true.  

Great thing about Seoul is that, like NYC, another favorite city of mine, it’s ever-changing and ever-evolving, and every time I return to the city, I’m reminded that the best is yet to come.

For all my favorites & recommendations in Seoul, check out:
Houston, Texas (USA)

Everything is BIG in Texas!  And Houston is no exception; it's the biggest city of them all, and one of the biggest in the country (4th largest in the US).  Nevertheless, growing up in this cosmopolitan metropolis, I felt as if I was living in a small town, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing since no matter where you come from, Houston has a way of making you feel like you belong.  

Unbeknownst to most people, Houston is one of the most ethnically diverse places in the United States only to be matched by NYC and LA, and definitely one of the most diverse cities I’ve lived in.  It truly is a microcosm of people from all over the world, and this diverse group of immigrants have brought a wonderful mix of cultures and cuisines to Houston.

There’s no doubt that the city has a great restaurant scene, and even after traveling all over the world for two decades, some of my favorites are still in Houston.  One factor contributing to this is Houston's ethnic diversity, and Houston's proximity to Latin America and the Cajun areas of Louisiana.  The ethnic richness has become an essential hallmark of Houston restaurants, where cuisines from Vietnamese to Indian have become part of a common culinary vocabulary, right along with the vital strains of Mexican, smokehouse and cowboy cookery for which the state is more generally known.  And Houston is unique in Texas for the strong currents of Cajun, Creole and Deep Southern cuisine, not to mention, you can find the freshest variety of Gulf seafood as well.

Although people always assume that Texas is known for its football teams … go Texans! … in Houston, you will also find a vibrant culture and art scene, with professional resident companies in ballet, opera, symphony and theater.  Also, the nearby Museum District stakes its claim as the country’s fourth largest, with 18 cultural powerhouses set within blocks of one another.
 
Houston serves up nationally recognized dining, shopping, entertainment and nightlife, as well as world-class attractions … also, a little organization called NASA.  Best of all, there are plenty of budget-friendly things to do, especially considering that one of my favorite museums in the world, de Menil Museum is free.  

Sadly, anything good that has been established in Texas, from NASA Space Center to the thriving art scene has been completely nullified by the debacle of the Bush era, as it seems that the only thing most people outside of Texas can associate it with is the idiosyncrasies of W’s administration.

During one of my first outing with some friends in California, I was asked where I was from, and when I said that I grew up in Houston, a wife of a friend snarkly replied, “I won’t hold that against you.”  Well, I hope she does because I’m proud to be from the great state of Texas.  Say what you will about it, but one thing is certain, Texas is never boring!

What to do:  
Where to eat:
  • Kim Son's - a great Vietnamese restaurant in a rather generic setting, but definitely worth the trip if you enjoy Vietnamese cuisine
  • Kiran's - believe it or not, a fantastically fresh sushi restaurant that happens to be a buffet!
  • Rajin Cajan - a great Cajan restaurant near the Galleria on Richmond, inside the 610 Loop ... you won't be able to miss this restaurant as it has a giant crawfish sitting on top of its roof
  • Sambuca – a great Sunday brunch place with live jazz
  • Vietopia – fabulous Vietnamese restaurant with great food and ambiance
My favorite neighborhoods:
  • Montrose – There are a lot of fun funky one of a kind shops and cafes.
  • West U near Rice Univ – residential but absolutely charming … like a little village; the shops & restaurants there tend to be bit more sterile but nevertheless a wonderful area for a drive or cycling (only recommended during winter months)
  • the Heights, especially 19th Street – without a doubt my fav area filled with antique shops, one of a kind stores, and great/fun restaurants & café … think Brooklyn Heights meet E. Village
  • Westheimer/Elgin near Montrose – a great selection of consignment, antique shops, and quaint cafes
  • Chinatown on Bellaire - if you're feeling adventurous, but there are great Chinese restaurants throughout Houston area ... one that I would recommend is "Fu's Garden" It's a chain restaurant; nonetheless, it is very tasty and well worth the search if you're near by.
NYC, New York (USA)

I absolutely fell in love with NY from the first moment I step foot in the city.

I was in my mid-teens, and my mother had visited a friend of hers in Queens, with whom we’d stayed for few days, and those were the most exciting few days of my teenage life. NY was the polar opposite of the middle class suburban environment in which I’d grown up. It was fast-paced, wonderfully diverse, full of energy and excitement, and most of all, REAL.

Human interactions and emotions are in your face and displayed in the open for anyone who care to observe them. People from all walks of life from all over world interact and sometimes clash as naturally as breathing air, and in the city of over 8 million, people move about as if they’re engaged in a dance, which only the natives of the city know.

Most of all, it’s a city that enables you to experience the world … or at least a great introduction to it … and gives you an opportunity to meet amazing people under the most extraordinary circumstances.  It’s a city that allows you to experience life that’s far more exciting than any story that Hollywood can put a spin on.

It has been just over a decade since I’d lived in New York City. Yet, once a New Yorker, you always feel like a New Yorker, as THE city has a way of seeping into every core of who you are.  It’s been great being able to return to the city with my family, especially our 5-year old son, who after last trip told me that he liked NYC so much that he wanted to live there … that’s my boy! It’s not hard to see why he loves it, as NYC has a way of captivating people of all ages, and the best part is that being with my husband and our son, we’re able to discover the side of NYC that I wasn’t able to as a single 20-something who worked like crazy all day and played all night.

As a family, we’ve been able to discover and enjoy the softer and more serene side of NYC, and have learned to enjoy that in the city that never sleeps, peace and tranquility is always just around the corner.

For all my favorites & recommendations in NYC, check out:
Paris, France

I was mesmerized by Paris from the first moment I’d arrived in Gare d'Austerlitz.  I was BLOWN AWAY by its beauty, and my life-long lover affair and addiction to Paris began.

Surprisingly, in spite of all the negative stereotypes and media coverages dubbing Parisians as being the rudest people in the world, my first encounter with them was absolutely wonderful. Even when I’d walked into a swanky but charming hotel in the Latin Quarter, Hotel de l'Universite and explained to the lady at the front desk that I needed the room for few nights but didn’t have any credit card or money to secure the reservation as my wallet was stolen, she just looked at me kindly and gave me a key to a room. Looking back, I can’t believe I’d experienced such kindness in Paris … and I never have since that first trip.

The entire stay in city of light was absolutely magical and enchanting! Seeing the Monet’s ‘Water Lilies’ in Musée de l'Orangerie, sitting underneath the Eiffel Tower, walking along the Champs-Élysées, and seeing the great masterpieces in Musée D’Orsay. I could have sat in Jardin de Luxembourg all day … and I think I did.

Then, as I was watching the sunset over Paris from the top of Montmartre outside the Sacre Coeur, the city twinkling with lights as the night fell, I knew I had to come back soon. And I did several times, before eventually moving to Paris in the summer of ’97.

During my first trip, as I was strolling through beautiful streets of Paris, I’d wondered whether the Parisians were aware of all the beauty that surrounded them. I found out that they did, and indeed it was a dream come true to be able to live there and wake up to it every morning!

However, I had to wait 3 more years before moving to Paris, and as my trip came to an end, I was terribly saddened by the thought of leaving. I remember I’d actually postponed my train ride back to arrive in Gatwick literally minutes before my flight, and as the train passed the Eiffel tower, I felt as if I was parting from or leaving a good friend. Then again, I always had a propensity to fall in love with a city, and Paris would be the first of my many loves.

For all my favorites & recommendations in Paris, check out:
As a self-proclaimed Francophile, I wanted to visit France since I could remember. From the moment I was introduced to the French language in middle school, I was enamored by the lovely sound of every syllable, and I couldn’t wait for the day when I could visit the country where everyone spoke French.

Then, after my whirlwind trip to Europe, I couldn’t stop thinking about Paris. Although I was there for only few days, I knew with an absolutely certainty that I wanted to live there. I saw myself waking up in the city of light everyday, walking along the Seine, sipping coffee in Jardin du Luxembourg while soaking up the sun or being drenched in the rain, and of course, speaking French.

I was living in New York City at the time, which in its own right is a phenomenal city ... a Parisian friend of mine once told me, “NY is the city that Parisians dream of living.” … but after a torrid relationship with a beau and a career that was eating me alive, so much so that my doctor actually warned me that if I wanted to live to see my 30th birthday, I needed to slow down, I decided it was a time for a MAJOR change.

So, I enrolled myself in first available class at Alliance Française in Paris and signed up for 3 months of classes. I thought I would try it out for the summer, and if Paris lived up to my expectation, I would find a way to stay there permanently.

I subleased my apartment on the Upper East Side, put my stuff in storage, and headed out to JFK with 2 suitcases, like the way I’d arrived in NYC only few years before. The school had provided me with housing at a dormitory in one of the universities, and I had a close friend in the city as well as my boyfriend (who is now my husband) across the border in Germany. I thought I was set … boy, was I wrong!

Life in Paris was quite the contrast from what I’d experienced as a tourist, and I never fathomed the difficulties I had encountered. Although I was able to converse at a basic level, it wasn’t just the language barrier that posed a challenge. And it wasn’t as if I had come from Greebow, Alabama. I was used to living in a cosmopolitan city ... a tough city where the mantra is, “If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere.” Well, I guess good ole Frankie never lived in Paris because nothing prepared me for the challenge.

However, after talking to other expats and reading quite a few literature about their lives in Paris, I realized that what I was experiencing was quite common among the expat community. Even for many tourists, the reality of Paris doesn’t always live up to its romantic image and expectations, and some even require psychological treatment following a visit to Paris. It’s called “the Paris Syndrome”, and it is a known psychiatric disorder that tourists suffer after visiting Paris as a result of dashed hopes and shattered dreams when faced with the reality of France’s capital city.

Granted I didn’t suffer a mental breakdown, but when I read the book, “A Year in the Merde” (which literally translates to A Year in Shit) by Stephen Clarke, it clarified everything that I was feeling, the frustration of dealing with endless bureaucracy, the overwhelming negativity of the people around me , the hopelessness of a society that still (covertly) upholds its class system, and oh-la-la, the MERDE ... literally everywhere.

Of course, there were plenty of times when I was in awe of the city … my god, to be in Paris! I had what I called “movie moments” every time I walked outside my dorm, and for the most part, I enjoyed my life in Paris. However, I knew after the summer was over, it was time for me to move on.

The question was whether I would stay in France and pursue my studies or to return to New York. Although I was disappointed by the experience in Paris, I still really enjoyed being and traveling in France. I’d only been to few cities outside of Paris, but I knew I wanted to discover and see more.  Also, I definitely wanted to go to a city where I could fully immerse myself in learning and speaking French, and wouldn’t have the safety net of reverting to English.

I’d found out about a new language school, CIEL that offered full immersion classes in Strasbourg, a city that was close to Germany (actually on the French-German border) in Alsace. I’d also contemplated on several cities in Provence and in Côte d'Azur, but given that Strasbourg was only 2 hours away from Frankfurt where my boyfriend lived, the choice was a no-brainer.

Moving to Strasbourg turned out to be one of the best decisions I’d made in life, as well as one of the most wonderful experiences I ever had. Aside from being one of the most breathtakingly beautiful cities in France, and in Europe, Strasbourg was also diverse, dynamic and vibrant.

Words can’t express how I’d felt on the first day after my introductory class, when I took a walk into the historic center, the Grande Île (Grand Island), which is classified a World Heritage site by UNESCO. It was like walking into a fairytale book, with black and white timber-framed buildings accented by colorful flower boxes, and charming little cafes, restaurants and shops everywhere. I was mesmerized and enchanted!

Also, on the contrast to Parisians, people I’d encountered in Strasbourg were friendly, courteous, and generous, which I’d found most French to be. The interactions with the locals were so completely different from the encounters I had with (most) Parisians, and it was also wonderful to meet a diverse group of students from all over the world.

It was truly an amazing experience to live in such an idyllic city, immersing myself in learning a foreign language that I’d always loved, and experiencing a totally different culture. It was everything I’d dreamed of, and one of the best and the most memorable experiences I’ve had in my life.
 
My favorites in Strasbourg:
  • Hotel Gutenberg – a lovely and charming hotel in the heart of the city
  • the wonderful outdoor markets, especially the antique book market on Saturdays
  • the Christmas market – will take your breath away
  • l’Orangerie – a lovely park near the European Parliament building
  • Flam's – a wonderfully inexpensive restaurant that serves up all sorts of tasty tarte flambé
At first glance, Frankfurt looked like an ordinary American city, the skyline, the slew of modern buildings, and even the wide Autobahn (highway) that’s spread out throughout the city. Then, as I traveled and saw other cities in Germany, I learned that much of the country looks quite similar, and the layout of the major cities like, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Darmstadt, etc, are almost identical. This is because as so much of Germany was heavily bombed and destroyed during WWII, a lot of the reconstruction and rebuilding was done hastily during the same period. Therefore, with the exception of smaller villages, which were considered insignificant to the Allied Forces, and Munich, which surprisingly was able to maintain most of its structure, the rest of Germany was in ruins after the war.

However, Frankfurt is unique in a way that it has something that only few cities in Europe has, diversity, and it's the only city in Germany where I can see the presence of people from all over the world … not including tourists.

Being the headquarters of the European Central Bank and some of the largest banks and financial services, Frankfurt is a hub for international expat community. Also, for centuries, the city has been a gateway for various migrants groups, attracting immigrant from all over the world. Also, known as “Little Istanbul”, Frankfurt is home to one of the largest Turkish immigrant population not only in Germany but also in Europe.

Once I’d learned to look past Frankfurt’s austere appearance, I began to appreciate the city for all the comforts it provided me as an expat, a foreigner, an ethnic minority, and more importantly, as a person of color.

I appreciated that there was a variety of ethnic restaurants in Frankfurt, especially wonderful Korean restaurants. I loved that there was a sushi bar on my street, even if they served only two types of fishes. I also loved the Turkish Imbisses, the American burger joint, which oddly enough is called the Kangaroo Bar, the wannabe Mexican hotspot, and most of all, the fantastic tapas restaurant around the corner.

However, it wasn’t just about being a foodie that made me appreciate Frankfurt.  It was that I was able to see people of all ethnicity in these restaurants and throughout the city.

Most often, when I was traveling in Germany, especially in the cities and villages in the eastern and southern regions like Bavaria, I felt as if I was the only foreigner or a person of color in the entire city … and I probably was.

I began to realize the importance living in a diverse environment, being around people from different countries and cultures, and seeing other people of color. This is something that I took for granted while living in the US, especially in ethnically and culturally diverse cities like NYC and Houston. I was always surrounded by an array of different ethnic groups. Sadly, in Europe, ethnic diversity is not something that can be found easily. There are only handful of cities that are culturally and ethnically diverse, and Frankfurt is one of them.

So, in a way, I was glad that I was living in a city that reminded me of America and the multicultural environment I was accustomed to, and although I can't say that Frankfurt is as fascinating, beautiful or interesting as NYC or Paris, I love its ethnic and cultural diversity, and best of all, the people I have met and gotten know in Frankfurt.

For all my favorites & recommendations in Frankfurt, check out:
I was blown away by Berlin from the first time I was there in 1997.  It was less than a decade after the Wall had come down, and the remnants of the Communist era was visible everywhere.  

Berlin was like no place I’d ever been, especially in Europe.  Unlike Paris, Brussels and Madrid, it was modern, edgy and raw.  The entire city was like one giant construction site, and there were no certainty as to what the future will bring.

Since then, Berlin has evolved into a scene-stealing combo of glamour and grit.  Teeming with not only top museums and galleries but also cutting-edge architecture, entertainment, nightlife and shopping, a global influx of creativity has turned the German capital into a cauldron of cultural cool reminiscent of New York in the’80s.

I’d always felt as if I’d been born a decade too late and have missed out on all cultural revolution and evolutions of the 70’s and 80’s, and being in Berlin was my chance to experience it all.  

So, I jumped at the chance to start an international Master’s program at a university in Biesdorf, an eastern suburb of Berlin.  Aside from the preparation of getting into the German academic system and acclimating myself into the culture, which turned out to be relatively complex, life in Berlin was exacted what I’d imagined.

Overnight, I was thrown into la vie de bohème (the bohemian life).  As an international program that was designed to attract and cater to international crowd, I was able to meet and get to know students from all over the world.  It was an eye-opening experience to share our history and background, and to gain a perspective of lives that were so different than mine.

I would sit in smoke-filled cafes for hours with my classmates talking about societal and political issues like genocides, civil war, nationalism, but more importantly, the issues that concerned most of us like racism.

Unfortunately, these discussions seemed applicable and relevant even today, as Berlin is and has always been a politically hotspot.  Even before the rise of Third Reich, many important political battles were fought here.  The division of the city after World War II intensified the tension between competing political systems, as well as between capitalism and communism.

And no city in the world embodies the paradox of political ideologies more than Berlin.  It is unique in a way that throughout the 20th century it has attracted counterculture more than any other place in the world.  You can find everything from world-class museums to underground graffiti art, grand operas to guerrilla clubs, gourmet temples to snack shacks, and whether you prefer posh or punk, you can find it in Berlin.
 
Nowadays, people look to Berlin for the latest trends in lifestyle, music and art.  Inspired by this outpouring of creativity, growing numbers of artists are arriving in the city from around the world, making it one of Europe's most exciting destinations.

Long gone are the days of when I could sit in a café, order a tall glass of beer for 2 Euros and have an afternoon-long conversation.  In the past 5 years, most of my favorite neighborhoods and places in Prenzlauerberg and Kreuzberg have become trendy hotspots that caters the chic and the in crowd.  However, I will always remember fondly the time I’d lived there, and look forward to going back every summer with my little boy not only to share all the wonderful memories I’ve had but also to witness the continued evolution of Berlin.  
 
For all my favorites & recommendations in Berlin, check out:
San Francisco, California (USA)

The saying goes, “I left my heart in San Francisco”, and my heart definitely belongs here.

Even after living in so many wonderful cities, I must say, San Francisco never seizes to amaze me.  It is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve seen, and I could spend all day strolling or driving in this city, as even running an errand or a simple drive can turn into a postcard moment.
 
However, my favorite thing about San Francisco is the diversity, in culture, people, cuisine and lifestyle, and without a doubt, it is one of the most diverse cities I’ve lived in. I also love the unpredictability of the place, as anything goes, and the “typical” everyday scenery on the street is anything BUT.

Within a relatively compact 40 square miles one can find the grandest Victorian mansions next to elegant Art Deco skyscrapers; the sprawling, verdant oasis of Golden Gate Park, along with some shockingly good museums; and funky boho bastions filled with independent bookstores and galleries, and indie-designer shops along side high-end retailers. And the best thing is that no matter where you go or how upscale the restaurants and shops may be, most people are dressed in jeans (or better yet, shorts) and flip flops. 

San Francisco is a city that offers all the conveniences of a big city, like public transit, progressive art scene, world class restaurants, and of course the multi-ethnic community, with very little inconvenience.

Most importantly, although San Francisco is a great city for people of all ages, it’s especially a wonderful place for children. Mainly because throughout the years, San Francisco has managed to hold on to its small town atmosphere, and unlike other larger cities, there are relatively few tall buildings and vast number of recreation areas and parks.

There are tons of fun activities and things to do with children, so much so that if you spent a month in San Francisco, there are enough activities to fill up each day with different things. It's a place where you can linger for hours in a quaint neighborhood cafe surrounded by breathtaking views, kick back on one of the many picturesque parks, or hangout in a children’s museum which happens to have the best view of the city, and unlike many metropolises where children are treated like nuisance, in San Francisco, almost every activity, restaurants and even cafes are catered to the needs of families; hence, they’re oriented to make children feel as comfortable as the adults.
 
It has been an absolutely joy to live in this city for the past 6 years with my family, and we definitely look forward to exploring and discovering more of it!

For all my favorites & recommendations in San Francisco, check out:

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Thursday, May 2, 2013

10 Extraordinary Experiences in France

As a self-proclaimed Francophile, I’ve spent the past decade traveling and discovering every corner of France.  From the picture perfect country sides of Alsace to the magnificent beaches of Dune de Pyla, I love all the wonders that the country has to offer: breathtaking scenery, charming villages and towns, spectacular beaches (mostly the western coast and not the proverbial Cote d’Azur) and mountains, the divine selection of wine, the scrumptious cuisine … and on … and on … and on.

However, here are 10 extraordinary experiences I've had that were not only a lot of fun but also has changed the way I traveled. It is unlikely that any of them will be mentioned in travel guides or magazine as "must dos", but they are extraordinary experiences beyond just visiting and seeing the conventional tourist attractions.

Rollerblading in Paris 
Over the years, rollerblading (roller, as the locals call it) in Paris has become a trendy event, and these days, you can even join hundreds of skaters (called Pari-Roller) to cruise down the magnificent city of lights in the middle of the night. 
 
However, I like to think that I started this trend back in 1997, while I was studying there, and blazing through the cobblestone streets of Paris while observing the gorgeous scenery and the Parisian sitting at outdoor cafes was truly an unforgettable experience.

Learning French in Strasbourg 
Strasbourg is a picture perfect town in a region that borders Germany known as Alsace, and ever since the European Parliament has moved its headquarters there, it’s become a bustling town that attracts thousands of tourists who flock to get a glimpse of its magnificent gothic cathedral and immaculately maintained vieille ville, la Petite France.

I had the pleasure of attending a language school filled with people from all over the world, which made for a very festive atmosphere, and we were more interested in learning about each other than conjugation. Nevertheless, it was a great place to soak up the French language and culture.

Skiing in Megeve 
Megeve is a wonderfully charming ski village near Mont Blanc with a splendid selection of restaurants, hotels and shops.  Among all the beautiful ski resorts and towns in Europe, Megeve is my absolutely favorite.  The village with its turreted houses around a 17th-century church, the scent of wood smoke  that permeates through the entire town, and the sounds of hooves clopping on cobblestones is straight out of a fairytale.

From 11am to 6am, the center of the old village closes to traffic, except for pedestrians and sledges, and you can shop at your leisure, stopping everywhere from the cobbler to the antiques dealer to the many boutiques.  The picture-perfect charcuteries, fromageries and boulangeries sell some of the best delicatessen in France, and the shops offer a wonderful variety of traditional crafts.

Biking Around Lac Leman 
Covering about 140 sq miles (362 sq km), crescent-shaped Lac Léman is the largest, and in my opinion, the loveliest lake in Western Europe.  My husband and I’d discovered it on our way from Provence to Frankfurt, and what a lovely surprise it turned out to be!  We’d stayed overnight in a little town of Thonon-les-Bains at Hotel le Duche de Savoie.  We’d arrived late at night and didn’t get to see much of the town that evening, but when we woke up the next morning, we were pleasantly surprised by the spectacular view outside our window. 

Lac Léman truly is a hidden gem, and we’ve gone back several times throughout the years exploring different cities and towns around it.  However, the BEST part of being there is observing and absorbing the breathtaking scenery.

Wonderful Meals in Beaune 
People often ask me where I’ve had the best meals during my travel, and although the term ‘best’ is highly relative, without hesitation, Beaune comes to mind. Having said that, the great thing about traveling in France is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money on great food, which throws the whole myth about 'French food being overly pricey' right out the window, and Beaune is a perfect example of that.

Beaune is a relatively unknown town in Bourgogne, which makes it an ideal place for a stopover, especially since there is a larger selection of charming hotels and wonderful restaurants that offer haute cuisine at a reasonable price. Also, the town has a charming market on Saturday mornings that offers rather a large selection of produce and crafts, and the Hotel Dieu alone is definitely worth a visit.

Beautiful Town of Orange 
Orange is a charming little town, located in the south of France. Although it may not be as sophisticated as some of the more tourist-driven towns and villages in Provence, it has one of the most well-maintained Roman theaters in Europe. It also has a beautiful town square and offers budget travelers a great selection of charming hotels at a reasonable price.

To me, Orange will always be the best kept secret in Provence. It is without a doubt one of the most charming little towns in the region, and my husband and I have such fond memories of visiting Orange on our first road trip and staying in Hotel St. Florent, which has become one of our favorites in France.

Enchanting Medieval Town of Sarlat-la-Canéda
Sarlat is a picturesque town located in the heart of France, and although it’s the best-preserved medieval town in southwestern France representative of 14th century France, or Europe for that matter, due to its isolated location, tourism-wise, it remains to be one of the least developed places in France.

Walking through this gorgeous town filled with so many ancient buildings, we felt as if we’d stepped back into another age.  My favorite experience in Sarlat was going to the outdoor market on the weekend, and having a lot of scrumptious meals, as even the rustic food are prepared with the freshest ingredients from local farmers.  Oh what I would give to taste cassoulet in Sarlat again!

Pilgrimage to Rocamadour 
All the guide books may rave about Mont Saint Michel, but I prefer Rocamadour.  Located about 100 miles north of Toulouse, Rocamadour is a pectacular natural and religious site perched high on a rocky plateau.  The name literally derives from “roc”, which translates into rock, and “Amadour” named after the Saint whose body was known to be preserved in the area.

Aside from being one of the most spectacular sites in France, Rocamadour serves an important pilgrimage destination. Today, tourists come to Rocamadour for its religious interest, historical significance, beautiful architecture, and most of all, for the spectacular views, and for us, staying in Rocamadour, especially our favorite Hotel Beau Site, was a truly unique experience we would never forget.

The Chapel That Le Corbusier Built 
Notre Dame du Haut in Ronchamp is undoubtedly one of Le Corbusier finest work.  High on a hill near Belfort in eastern France, Le Corbusier’s masterpiece unfolds in the round, offering, like a sequence of Mondrians and Arps, different and uncannily poised compositions from every angle, back and front, side to side, inside and out and, crucially, in relation to the grounds. It commands the hill as the Parthenon does the Acropolis, its immense roof a great airfoil or billowing sail appearing to lift the building off the earth, and simultaneously seeming to weigh it down, compress it.

What Le Corbusier called the chapel’s “ineffable space” derives not from Zen-like simplicity or Baroque extravagance but from this quasi-Cubist asymmetry of robust, jaunty, sensuous shapes, held in improbable equilibrium as if by a juggler on a tightrope. It’s a sculptural feat. Nowadays architects rely on digital technology to fashion swooping, soaring spaces that look as if they folded in on themselves. Ronchamp, by contrast, is the product of old-fashioned craft and serendipity, every surface different from every other, imperfectly, lovingly made. – “Quiet Additions to a Modernist Masterpiece” by Michael Kimmelman

Picnics on Dune de Pyla 
About 60km (40miles) from Bordeaux lies the Dune de Pyla, the highest dune in Europe and one of the most magnificent beaches in the world.  At the summit, you get a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the large pine forest on the other.

One of my favorite travel experience was sitting on top of the dune, having a picnic consisting of a great bottle of Bordeaux with my husband while soaking up that glorious view, which seemed surreal at times.  We also loved our charming little hotel La Corniche which had a breathtaking view of the Ocean.

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All About France by Regions 


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Location: France

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

All About France, Picturesque Alsace Lorraine

One of the great perks of living in Western Europe is the proximity to so many different countries and cultures, and Frankfurt being situated smack dab in the middle of Europe, as far as traveling goes, I couldn’t have asked for a better location.

Of course, as soon as I landed on the continent, I had made it my mission in life to see and discover as much of France as my time and finances would allow. I wanted to explore this country filled with world-class art and architecture, unmatched food and delicious wine that has inspired many to gasp in satisfied contentment, and to see the breathtaking landscapes. Even before my first road trip to Southern France had ended, I was already making a list of other regions and cities to see.
I quickly found out that traveling in France is like taking a bite out of a scrumptious mille-feuill, a French pastry made up of alternating layers of puff pastry and pastry cream. It literally translates ‘a thousand leaves’, and it’s layers and layers of tasty goodness that fills your mouth with such pleasure that once you’ve tasted it, you will never go back to eating an ordinary pie.

My first stop, Alsace Lorraine. Being that it’s a region closest to Germany, and that I’d gotten a brief but lovely introduction to the area and its culture during my studies in Strasbourg, my husband and I wanted to explore Alsace Lorraine almost every chance we got.

Though often spoken of as if they were one, Alsace and Lorraine, neighboring regions in France’s northeastern corner, are linked by little more than a border through the Massif des Vosges (Vosges Mountains). Lorraine, a land of prairies and forests popularly associated with quiche, has little of the picturesque quaintness of Alsace. However, it is home to two particularly handsome cities, both former capitals. Nancy, one of France’s most refined and attractive urban centers, is famed for its Art Nouveau architecture, while Metz, 54km to the north, is known for its Germanic architecture and the stunning stained glass of its marvelous cathedral.

Alsace is one of the most picturesque regions of France. Filled little villages and town that are straight out of fairytales, gorgeous landscapes with imposing medieval castles, and picturesque vineyards and wineries that produces world-class wine, it is an ideal travel destination for anyone looking for a taste of France’s joie de vivre.

Gertrude Stein has famously declared, “America is my country and Paris is my hometown.” I definitely understood this sentiment as soon as I’d arrived in Paris, as it’s beauty and culture allured me as it has millions of visitors before me. However, if Paris is heart of France, then Strasbourg is definitely its soul.

This beautiful home of European Parliament captivated me from the moment I first saw it. Also, as the capital of Alsace, it offers a wide variety of options in hotels as well as dining and entertainment.
Colmar
Situated in the heart of the Alsace, Colmar is a charming little town along the Route du Vin. The old town is beautiful, reminiscent of la Petite France in Strasbourg, with narrow cobbled streets, flanked on either side by sixteenth and seventeenth century half-timbered houses.
More picturesque villages & towns in the area: Eguisheim, Guebwiller, Kaysersberg, Obernai, Ribeauville, Riquewhir, Saint Hippolyte and Turckheim
(Chateau de)Haut Koenigsbourg
a monumental medieval castle in the midst of the Alsacean mountains
Mulhouse
another big city in the area, not as quaint or charming but nevertheless has a good selection of inexpensive hotels and a wide variety of restaurants

Ronchamp
High on a hill near Belfort in eastern France, Le Corbusier’s masterpiece unfolds in the round, offering, like a sequence of Mondrians and Arps, different and uncannily poised compositions from every angle, back and front, side to side, inside and out and, crucially, in relation to the grounds. It commands the hill as the Parthenon does the Acropolis, its immense roof a great airfoil or billowing sail appearing to lift the building off the earth, and simultaneously seeming to weigh it down, compress it.

What Le Corbusier called the chapel’s “ineffable space” derives not from Zen-like simplicity or Baroque extravagance but from this quasi-Cubist asymmetry of robust, jaunty, sensuous shapes, held in improbable equilibrium as if by a juggler on a tightrope. It’s a sculptural feat. Nowadays architects rely on digital technology to fashion swooping, soaring spaces that look as if they folded in on themselves. Ronchamp, by contrast, is the product of old-fashioned craft and serendipity, every surface different from every other, imperfectly, lovingly made. – “Quiet Additions to a Modernist Masterpiece” by Michael Kimmelman
Verdun
Built on both banks of the Meuse and intersected by a series of canals, Verdun may not be the prettiest city I’ve seen in France, but it is definitely one of the most memorable. Most visitors who come to Verdun are there to see the famous World War I battlefields and the cemeteries of the unknown soldiers, the setting of the novel, “All Quiet on the Western Front” by Erich Maria Remarque, where one of the most devastating battles in the First World War and the history of warfare took place.
The Vosges (La Route des Crêtes)
The Vosges are one of the oldest mountain ranges in France, and once formed one of the country's boundaries with Germany. Richly forested with tall hardwood trees and firs, they skirt the western edge of the Rhine and resemble Germany's Black Forest. La Route des Crêtes, originally chiseled out of the mountains as a supply line, begins west of Colmar, at the Col du Bonhomme. High points are Münster (home of the cheese), Col de la Schlucht (a resort with panoramas as far as the Jura and the Black Forest), and Markstein. At any point along the way, you can stop and strike out on some of the well-marked hiking trails.
My favorites in Strasbourg
  • Hotel Gutenberg – a lovely and charming hotel in the heart of the city
  • the wonderful outdoor markets, especially the antique book market on Saturdays
  • the Christmas market – will take your breath away
  • l’Orangerie – a lovely park near the European Parliament building
  • Flames – a wonderfully inexpensive restaurant that serves up all sorts of tasty tarte flambé
Recommended Hotels & Inns in Alsace Lorraine

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