Sept. 8th

Sunday, Oct. 7, we celebrated the Canadian Thanksgiving at BFA. About 80 Canadians were there to enjoy the turkey and trimmings.

Met Mark and Lori Wiebe who are directors here with Janz Team International. Mark grew up in the Okanagan and they know many of the Willow Park people.
On Thursday it was Mark and Cyndy's day off so we went into France which is less that 1/2 hour away. Here we are in Colmar. It is a very beautiful city founded in the 9th C. It received the status of a free imperial city of the Holy Roman Empire in 1226.

Being in the important Alsace region, it was wanted by other countries and went back and forth between the Germans, French and Prussians. After WW1 it was returned to France only to be annexed by Nazi Germany in 1940. Now it is under the control for the French but there are still many German speaking people there. Here we are outside one of the French Cafes enjoying their cuisine.
Tiera and her special friend, Kenny Reed.
Picture outside of the Maugenhard dorm. We take this picture each year to see how much older we look.

Picturesque Colmar. Called "little Venice".

Center of Colmar, the old city.

Cyndy and Mark are really fun to travel with. They are alway game to do anything. They love to eat just like Jeanne and I do!!

Before going to Colmar, we went to Riquewihr. It is a village that they say looks the same as it would have 400 years ago. Many of the houses there date back from the 16th and 17th C and still have the attractive courtyards and fountains.

The town has also retained much of its medieval fortification and a castle. This town largely escaped damage during WW II. Riquewihr is an important part of the Alsace wine-growing region.

Andrea and her friend at their locker at Riverside School
Supper at our favourite pasta restaurant.

Back in Prague, we went to Karlstejn to take in a Medieval Festival. Had a great time but Andrea got worn out quite quickly that day so we cut the day short. Our great grandkids with the Karlstejn Castle in the background.
The "guys" enjoying a typical Czech meal. The girls were not interested and went to the crepe place for crepes. Did they every miss out on a good meal.
Tight fit downtown.

Back to the Medieval Festival. Don't know why these pictures got all mixed up.
Even the kids were encouraged to take part. Mark and Sara made a good effort with the bow. I think mother was "concerned".

The leaves are started to fall here too but the weather has been nice and warm. First week in Prague it was cold but since then it has been short sleeves weather.
Couple of lost medieval jousters.