I Miss Alsace

by Rosemarie
(Fort Wayne, IN, USA)

My mom is an Alsacienne, so I have many good memories of summer visits in the lower Rhine...hiking from Barr to St Odile, touching the Pagan Wall, gaping at the incredible views from various chateaux, costumed people dancing in the streets, crepes, tarte flambe (flammekueche), giant heart-shaped iced cookies...

My last visit was over five years ago to introduce my husband to the family. He met my Papi before he passed.

Papi (Theo. Busch) was a Lutheran minister who stayed in Alsace with his family during WWII so he could care for those who could not flee... a hero to many.

In his retirement years he helped revive the folk art tradition of hand-painting verses for weddings, confirmations and special occasions.

Some of his work is in the Haguenau museum. His mother, Louise Meyer Busch, was an accomplished art instructor and Impressionist artist.

I carry the art gene ;) and continually refer back to my Alsace albums for inspiration.

My tip is: if you know people who live in Alsace, contact them and visit them. Alsacian hospitality will make your trip the best ever!