This morning finds us up at the crack of dawn, to get out and onto a connection of Ubers, and trains, to finally get on the way to Strasbourg. We got there in the end, and with no problem, but I still managed to have an apoplexy on the way.

So, not much to update thus far, as we thunder along on the TGV (French for Train of Great Speed) at 315km/hr.

VERY sad to leave our last accommodation, which was super comfortable, and roomy, and cosy. We loved it, and would have happily stayed longer. Syd had made friends with each of the budgies on the wall paper, and took some time saying goodbye to each of them this morning. Lol. The photo will make sense of it.

We are feeling the wear and tear of moving along at such a pace, trying to jam everything in. I've had to lower my expectations as to how much ground we can cover. And it's been arduous in the daily planning, to make connections, forward plan, see things and make sure everyone is fed, slept and has enough downtime.

BUT, everyone is shaping up nicely to the travel style. The grumpiness has abated, and they're grabbing rest when they can. I'd say we're having a good trip now. The London leg was debatable though. I could happily have sent a few of them home. Lol. Glad we persevered.

Will get back a bit later with the tie up of today. I might shut my eyes now, as we hurtle through the last 45 minutes of our trip.

*****

We got into Strasbourg without mishap, and our accommodation was pretty close, less than a kilometre. The walk there was picturesque, but I have to say, I don't like the weight of my pack! Luckily, with doing the washing in the last accommodation, I'd redistributed the dirty clothes back among the troops. I'll keep the system that way now, it'll keep my pack lighter.

The streets here are beautiful. Strasbourg centre is on a little island, surrounded by canals. It's VERY easy to walk around, there are very few cars, but it's VERY easy to get in the way of a cyclist! I had to stop taking pictures of buildings, because they're so beautiful, but they're not that interesting to look at once we get home.

Leaving our bags at the hotel, because we were 3 hours too early for checkin, we went out in search of lunch and something to keep us occupied for a few hours. We really all just wanted to sleep, but it was good that we got some steps under our belts. Everywhere is very close to our hotel, only 10 mins walk.

The buildings are stunning. I know I've said that only a few paragraphs ago, but it's really very true. No matter where you look, there's another stunning vista. The cathedral is brilliant!!!

I was surprised, as given that it's autumn, I thought that there would be fewer flowers around, but there are plenty! In spring I bet it's overwhelmingly pretty! And the fragrance would be amazing!

I wanted to go to Colmar while we were here, but I really don't need to, as this place is gorgeous enough.

We got some dinner from the Carrefour. I got my AMAZINGLY delicious olives stuffed with anchovies! The kids didn't like the idea of them, and then they tried one and couldn't stop eating! I also found some fabulous cheese, a bottle of wine, and a wonderfully flavoured ham. The meat here seems quite expensive. Oh, and I'm dying for some eggs!!

After dinner, K4 & I headed downstairs to watch Ireland beat South Africa in the rugby.

We went back up and slept like a baby! Zzzzzz!

***Oh, I meant to say that yesterday, while we were at Disneyland, I started to talk to a fellow in one of the shops, and he talked to me in French. I was too tired to try to understand him (8pm, after 10 hrs having fun!) and said I didn't speak French. He said I'd sounded very convincingly like I did! My accent was excellent! Lol. And today I asked a lady for a Kugelhopf, and she answered me in German. So I guess my German accent is pretty good too! Lol. If only I knew more than kugelhopf. ;-) Lol.