Because we are close ... 48° 27' 45" N, 07° 28' 42" W

Much to the astonishment of our European chums, we decided to pop by and visit Florence in Obernai on our way to Düsseldorf.  We were so close, only a couple of hours on the train.  "Close" we discovered, is a term that holds a different meaning to our friends in France.  They were dazzled that we had made such a l-o-o-o-ong side journey!

And it was so worthwhile. Florence has done such an amazing job renovating her house.  From the purchase to the interior demolition job and into a beautiful, fully functioning home ... all on a very limited budget and including a huge amount of hard work.  Florence, we are so proud of you. 

The cosy living room

The super functional kitchen

Guess who had a little play with the pantry??

Florence organised a little party, bringing together friends we have made over the years we have been visiting.  With local wines and spirits flowing freely, it was the wee, small hours before we staggered off to bed.  Next morning, Yves Lehmann popped by with a couple of bottles of premixed cocktail from his distillery to help with our recovery!

Thibaud has set out snacks. Party time!

Hair of the dog after a big night. 
The advantages of being friends with a distiller!

It was a wonderful side trip and well worth the effort of travelling over two hours out of our way! Florence dropped us at the station in Strasbourg and off to Düsseldorf we went for part two of the adventure.

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