France

We have been in France since October 21--a week. I have had some technical difficulties getting on line.  That coupled with the pace of the trip, has me way behind with posts.  Spent two days in Paris. Our hotel was a few blocks from the Eiffel Tower. Our first stop was to ride the elevator to the second level for a view of Paris.  Later we took a boat ride on the Seine and saw the tower lit up. City tour by bus the next day. Then we were off on our own to wander to the Place de Bastille and the Esplanade des Plantee, a park on an old rail bed and the inspiration for New York's High Line park. 

Airport

Waiting in the Amsterdam airport for our flight home. A few more photos. Our ship, the Viking Vidar.  Along the Rhine in Heidelberg. The mechanical horological clock in the Strasbourg cathedral.

.

Colmar

A medieval town in France, near Basel. Basel is where France Germany and Switzerland meet. Very charming even though it was raining. 

Basel, Switzerland

Thursday we landed in Basel, the terminus of our trip. We had a walking tour of the city. During our free time I went to the art museum, which according to our guide is rated number 5 in the world. They had just completed a new modern wing so that was where I spent my 2 hours. Below the two flags represent Basel and Switzerland. The second photo is the Baselisk, a mythical mascot of Basel which was made famous by Harry Potter. 

Black Forest

Explored the Black Forest on Wednesday. Lush landscapes and cuckoo clocks. 

Strasbourg

Half timbered houses, canals, gothic cathedral. 

Heidelberg

Visited Heidelberg castle and the old town. The castle is in ruins but reflects several centuries of building and many many rulers. Castle on the hill. Ruins with in the castle.

Castle from a town square.