Our German friends from Wiesbaden, Phillip and Manu, picked us up at Terminal 1 and drove us to the Frankfurt main train station (Hauptbahnhof) as our first let of the train was to leave at 14:01. Plus, they took our third suitcase that we won't need until we arrive in Wiesbaden. The first thing we did was for me to get Euro cash from the ATM in the train station. Within seconds of completing our withdrawal, we were approached by a small boy begging for money (in German). We know enough not to interact with any beggars or even acknowledge their existence.
Grabbed some sandwiches and a pretzel at the train station food court so we have something in our bellies before we are on the long train trips. Ordered a bratwurst sausage and a German style sandwich bread. We love the bread in Europe. Chewy on the outside and soft on the inside.
We mistakenly did not check the carriage number against our tickets. We are on Carriage 2 and Second Class tickets. We end up twice in the wrong seats as we didn't have the correct carriage number. Many of the carriages are listed as number 2 which confused us. We do find our correct seats on level two so a great view. Important that Lana is seated facing the direction of the train. Their "S" TGV trains run on electricity so are relatively quiet. It is an overcast day in Frankfurt around 23 degrees Celsius and overcast. All train announcements are in German, French and English. We are to disembark in Strasbourg, France.
We sit facing each other and are pretty much surrounded by German speakers. Lana begins feeling hot and has a good nap. I head to the bar car for a special promotion where you get a free cold or hot drink and some goodies. The goodies are a dessert and then a sandwich wrap and a bottle of water each. Plus, your choice of a German or French newspaper. I foiled a young German queue jumper in the bar car as she tried to butt in. As we travel, weather is mostly overcast early on and some rain as we close in on Strasbourg.
Train is pretty full as waited in Karlsruhe an extra 35 minutes. Lots of farms, rolling countryside and hills in the background. I am getting groggy/jet lagged despite taking my second NoJetLag homeopathic pill.
We are now in our third country in less than twenty-four hours. Strasbourg is located in the Alsace area of France which borders Germany. It has been German territory on and off for centuries except for after WWI. Weather is now warm and sunny. While at the train station we need to confirm our track number. Lana is on a hunt for potato chips! We do depart on time and find our track number. Plus, find coach 18 at end of the train. The seats are wrongly numbered, but it works out. On our way to Champagne-Ardennes station finally (all announcements are only in French). Raining at the Lorraine stop. Acres of rolling farmland. Lana finds an empty carriage and falls fast asleep. All French now around us after our switch of trains at Strasbourg, France.
Each village has the usual red-tiled roofs and a church spire. Religion has been very significant for Europeans over many centuries. I had to waken Lana from her deep sleep as we were coming to Champagne-Ardennes station. She was startled! Walked up a long incline pulling our suitcases and down the stairs to track 7 for the last train leg to Reims. Sunny and warm here. We arrive in Reims about 19 hours after we left Vancouver.
We find our hotel relatively quickly as it is conveniently located within a short walking distance from the train station. Our hotel is located on a main tourist fare so tons of restaurants and brassieres. The pedestrian only street is full of people, but many more people sitting and dining/drinking outside under the clear blue and warm skies.
Lana is in need of a bath. We get free wifi at the hotel and I/we can catch up on emails. It is already well after 8 pm and time to head out and find a place to eat. The good thing is we will be eating at a time that locals eat. This street is really a haven for fellow tourists. Lots of interesting sights and of course many restaurants and bars.
Water fountain coloured by different lights. Note the architecture in the background.
Very unique building as it is not very wide. In the heart of the tourist district.
Statue bottom section that was full of flowers. Very unique.
We try to stay away from the tourist areas, but our ventures down side streets do not turn up any restaurants. We decide to try the very busy and popular Le Gaulois. Basically, they serve French style salads and the obligatory Champagne drinks.
Lana ordered a fantastic drink that is mixed with Champagne (no pic). Called a "Femme du Monde" made of champagne, jus de passion, vodka and sirup de fraise. I ordered a Sylvaner Alsace white wine and they provided a bowl of nuts and the complementary French baguette (mais oui).
Lana ordered a La Jurassiene salad comprised of Jura cheese, potatoes, smoked ham and green salad. Lots of warm melted cheese within the cylindrical container below.
I ordered the Salade Folle comprised of smoked salmon, duck magret, sautéed foie gras and green salad. Need I say more? Warm and delicious with every bite. The wine was a good pairing.
Big delay in our actually receiving our salad orders. It took over 35 minutes. Our friendly server was very apologetic and in fact brought two glasses and poured champagne to the very top. The total cost of our bill was around 55 Euros and we made it an even 60 Euros. The tip of 15% is already included in the bill in France. We appreciated his service and attitude though. It was a beautiful night and despite our jet lag, we really enjoyed every element of our meal.
We were back in our room after 10 pm. Great walk back to the hotel and enjoyed doing some people watching as we strolled. Immediately after our return to our room Lana was asleep in the bed! I completed our day 1 blog and looking forward to some sleep finally myself.
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