If you like half-timbered buildings, Troyes is for you! At the beginning of the champagne territory, Troyes is a wonderfully preserved old city. We were in a restaurant and Randy, our friend, noticed an old wooden spiral staircase. “1463,” the waiter proudly declared! One of the churches was begun in the 800’s. Our three day stay here affords us opportunity to explore the beauty of the “old.” Randy and Melisa arose early to take our rented van to the rental agency, only to find it had moved since we made the reservation. It took them some time to get the new address and the van delivered. All ended well.

Our hotel upgraded us to nice mini-suites and since it is located in the heart of the old Troyes, we are able to walk the cobblestoned streets almost everywhere. We stop and gawk at the amazing half-timbered buildings. Some of them have leaned quite a bit over the centuries. One alleyway is very narrow and the buildings so lean into each other that one cannot see the sky above. Once again, the city cathedral is impressive as are the two other large churches in the city. As we approached the cathedral, the warden was closing the massive gates. He was kind and told us we could have fifteen minutes inside to view the old stained glass windows. As we headed out, nuns were walking the aisles kindly asking folks to leave.

We have enjoyed our casual visits with folks from Europe. Politics is a topic they often broach. We also talk about their country and where they live and what that looks like. Interesting and informative, always! When we say we are from Texas…well, everyone knows about Texas! Our hotel desk concierge was excited. He has a dream of moving to Houston and working for the Rockets. He follows the team with passion.

Our service has been fabulous! At one hotel, the hotel clerk parked his car in a handicapped space, so that we could have that space upon our return. He watched patiently and as soon as we drove in, he was out and moving his vehicle so that we could park. We have numerous such kindnesses by staff we could relate. At breakfast, they know who we are and the room in which we stay. Amazing!