Europe 2016 Sept 15th Day 18 Stein am Rhein to Strasbourg

So this was the day to visit the Bernina factory in Steckborn.
Oh my god, that was the BEST mattress I have ever slept on, if only I could take it home. Great night sleep followed by a good healthy ( have to say as most of you do not believe me ) brekky at the Chlosterhof before hopping in the car and heading down the road about 13km to meet our guide. This had been graciously organised through Martin at Chermside Bernina and Bernina Australia before we left. Got there before the 10am appointment and was met by the lovely Sandra Schmidt. She asked Jane if she had a Bernina to which Jane replied 3, and I corrected her by saying that it would be 4 as there is a new Q20 waiting for her when we get back. The look on her face was unforgettable and I certainly did not expect the tears. This of course got a tear in my eye and Sandra had to get the tissues when I explained it to her. O:-) and then she explained in German to the receptionist, so tears all round. See she didn't need diamonds for our 30th wedding anniversary this is much more practical and desirable for my wife.
Well the tour was a good hour and a half and quite interesting I must admit. Saw the Q20's being assembled ( only 3 people HAND assemble and max of 3 a day) and I think Jane wants the one by Fabio, but no way ;-). Finally left and on our way to Strasbourg for the next 3 plus hours.
It was a lovely drive and we came across quite a few "back" roads on the way thanks to the GPS, but it was fun, except the 700m drop down a narrow road just wide enough for one car with a few pull over passing areas.
Along the way we stopped about 2pm in a little place in Germany called Wolfach on the river Kinsig, which was quaint and similar to Stein am Rhein. One sandwich cut in two would have fed us, why are all meals sooo big? Then kept on the move before getting to Strasbourg in France a little before 4pm. Getting into the City was not fun, and patience may have been a little low as those ##_#@@ French drivers were called a name or two before finally parking the car and getting a room in Le Grand Hotel, directly opposite Gare de  Central, Strasbourg which will make it easy for Jane tomorrow. Excellent room and enough space for a family let alone just the two of us.
As usual, and thanks to daylight savings ( have I mentioned this already ?) This gave us another almost four hours of daylight to get out and explore this wonderful old city; and wasn't it just so, delightful. Lovely bridges over the canal around the old part ( petite France) and as usual great old buildings with intricate and ornate details. I really enjoy just looking at these and photographing the details, just superb. Even stopped for a drink during this time and chose a local craft beer Gaualise ? ale; worst ever, tasted worse than drinking benedril, so a cleansing Pinot Grigio instead after Jane tipped the beer in the gutter. Finally when dark into a restaurant for dinner, Jane had a salmon tarte ( thin pizza actually, but really nice) and I went for my first steak of the trip; accompanied of course with some Alsace wine. Nice meal after another long day; gotta rest soon.