Alsace nominated as one of the Top10 regions to visit!

via Lonely Planet

Crazy! In its “fifth eagerly-awaited annual collection of the best places to go and the best things to do around the world for the year ahead”, Lonely Planet, one of the most worldwide renowned source for travelers, has nominated my region, Alsace, as one of the Top 10 Regions to visit in 2010!!

As one of the Top 10 Regions for 2010, Southwest Western Australia “offers variety in spades,” Lonely Planet’s book says. […] Other regions to make the list are Alsace, Bali, Fernando Noronha, Goa, Koh Kong Conservation Corridor, Lake Baikal, Oaxaca, Southern Africa and The Lake District.

For those who don’t know Lovely Planet:

For over 30 years, Lonely Planet has inspired and guided independent travellers to explore the world around them. Our team of expert travel writers are all about on-the-ground research and no-holds-barred opinion. Lonely Planet is passionate about responsible travel and encourages people to make their impact as positive as possible. Whether it be through our trustworthy guidebooks, innovative downloadable digital guides, award-winning website or cutting-edge television programmes, Lonely Planet aims to inspire life-changing travel, where every minute can hold a new experience.

Winter time

This week-end was quite special. We had first -12°C during the day on Saturday. Then -14°C during the night from Saturday to Sunday.

Sunday was much more warm, about -3°C, but with 15 cm snow and a very strange light.

(Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF17-40, ISO 3200, post-prod with DxO Optics Pro v6.1)

Some other pictures on visuals.didierbeck.com.

Ruinart Blanc de Blancs

As you may know, I am quite a fan of the Ruinart champagne house.

Yesterday evening, we could share a marvelous “Blanc de Blancs” (100% Premier Cru Chardonnay grape from different years) of Ruinart with some of our “old friends”. Just fantastic, high finesse, very balanced acidity, great presence, bright, fresh. All this in a very classy bottle.

Really a highlight for all of us.