Time clock yet to adjust - I am surprised the big fellow did not make it automatic - rise at a ridiculous hour - walk the town - through a lovely park behind the Dom and beside the Rhine - back to the town gate - breakfast on the street - battle the menu - rescued by a North African waiter - English menu? - yes please! - only one so you share - look at the slim, 30 something, women drinking strong coffee and smoking cigarettes - they are careful not to let food touch their lips - is the figure worth it - they think so!
Off to the parking house - instructions in German but the technique clear - on our way - autobahn - secondary road - the French border .
Approach the Vosges mountains - stop the car! - I want a photo - do not be silly - there will be plenty of opportunities later.
Wander into the village of Zellemberg - Tom Tom says left - do not enter signs greet us - stop - look for alternate route - more do not enter signs - give up - ask local - in sign language he makes it clear that everyone ignores the signs.
Zellenberg is a tiny neighbour of the historic wine trading hub, Riquewihr, on the Alsace wine route - find the hotel - easy since this town is tiny - head off to Riquewihr.
Riquewihr lives up to Knud's description as the "Beechworth of the Alsace" - a lot older and many more trading stalls.
Ah - a lesson learnt - sign language is not universal - that van ahead is having trouble reversing against the traffic - put up your hand to show that you are happy to wait for him to manouver - cop a tongue full punctuated by hand movements indicating what you can do with any available digits - smile and drive on .
Back to hotel to adjust the time clock - Bernie congratulates herself on her choice of accommodation.
Watch the other guests - german or french? - are they laughing at our attempts at menu decyphercation? - no just enjoying themselves!
Back to the hotel - Bernie sleeps - Mike writes.
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