Colmar, France and Captain's Party

After lunch aboard the Kara we were back on our bus for the short ride to Colmar, a beautiful restored town, originally founded in the 9th century.  The town is situated along the Alsatian Wine Route and considers itself to be the "capital of Alsatian wine". My guide book mentioned that this is where Emperor Charles the Fat held a "diet" in 884.  For you Trivia Pursuit players!


Colmar's secular and religious architectural landmarks reflect eight centuries of Germanic and French architecture and the adaptation of their respective stylistic language to the local customs and building materials. Many very interesting buildings, but the water tower was most memorable. The majority of our group took a walking tour with a very knowledgeable guide named Jack.  Some of us rode the little touring train around the oldest parts of Colmar and then had lemon sorbet amid a cappuccino and a great time to discuss world matters!  

Old Town section of Colmar pictured below.

A group of our Joyful Friends traveled this afternoon to the Colmar War Memorial. The battle for Colmar was one of the most important, hard fought, and decisive battles during World War II. Out numbered, out flanked, and out equipped, American troops, valiantly lead by Audie Murphy,  fought and died and yet eventually won this battle, in which he held off enemy troops single-handedly for 1 1/2 hours, in this unforgiving winter battle of 1944.  He received every American combat award for valor available at the time of his service including the Medal of Honor,  thus becoming the most decorated American serviceman. He also received recognition from France and Belgium. Tom Blose told me that their guide who led them to Colmar was amazingly familiar with the story of Audie Murphy's heroic actions and leadership during this battle and her story was so moving, touching and personal.

Colmar War Memorial

That evening the Viking captain, program director, and crew hosted a reception and welcoming dinner.