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Gail

Joined: 21 Feb 2008
Posts: 5839
Location: Texas, Lone Star State.



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Posted: Jul 05, 2017 17:06 Post subject: Ste-Marie-aux-Mines, a New Experience. Gail Spann, 2017 |
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Just returned home after a 16 day trip to France, Germany and Luxembourg!
I downloaded 3,816 photos from my new Nikon Coolpix P900, and I have over 800 photos on my iPhone.
Jim and I have not been to a European Mineral show and Bryan Swoboda, of Blue Cap Productions, had asked us to join him for the show, with some filming of our experience.
He was anxious to get our opinion of the show, and to record the amazing time he knew we would have.
We spent quite a bit of time in the charming Ste-Marie-aux-Mines and fell in love with the people and the community. We also went to see a private collection, or two, and a few of the museums in Paris and Idar-Oberstein. We also visited the wonderful home of Gerd and Brigitte Dreher, and spent quite a bit of time with their son, Patrick. From there we went to stay with Peter Lyckberg, in Luxembourg.
I want to dedicate this report to Bryan Swoboda, for his generous invite to the show.
My photos are vast, and as usual I do diverse concepts and people, and minerals. I don't know everyone's names, so please list the number of the photo and feel free to let me know.
There is glass in front of minerals in museums, I did my best.
It was hot, so we look a little worn in some of the shots, but our spirit and undying enthusiasm for minerals never waivered.
We went into a Mine and played at being tourists. It was fun.
We ate well, no...we ate WELL. And drank wine and champagne. We walked, talked and breathed minerals...much to our delight.
It was beautiful, I took photos of the buildings because, well...I am an American and we don't see the charming structures like some of you do. Flowers, yep...I even took graffiti photos because I hate graffiti. What a way to ruin an old building or bridge.
The people were delightful, the faces of new and old friends warmed our spirit.
Hope you enjoy this report, it won't be fast, but I will add as I can over the next few days and weeks. Enjoy.
Best regards, Gail Spann.
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After a long flight, we ended up in Paris at a local hotel to the airport to meet with Bryan Swoboda. Food. Food Food! |
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_________________ Minerals you say? Why yes, I'll take a dozen or so... |
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Gail

Joined: 21 Feb 2008
Posts: 5839
Location: Texas, Lone Star State.



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Posted: Jul 05, 2017 17:16 Post subject: Re: Ste-Marie-aux-Mines, a New Experience. Gail Spann, 2017 |
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...
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One of the first things to do was rent a wi-fi for use all over Europe. It worked out well, you could run up to five connections at a time. |
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The hotel was kind of "new age" in it's concept, and we enjoyed the fun lobby. This was by the CDG airport in Paris. |
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Oh yeah, on the way to the hotel we had to catch a bus, as we waited we saw this.....ugh. |
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_________________ Minerals you say? Why yes, I'll take a dozen or so... |
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Gail

Joined: 21 Feb 2008
Posts: 5839
Location: Texas, Lone Star State.



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Posted: Jul 06, 2017 12:01 Post subject: Re: Ste-Marie-aux-Mines, a New Experience. Gail Spann, 2017 |
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Oh by the way, on the flight to Paris...
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_________________ Minerals you say? Why yes, I'll take a dozen or so... |
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Gail

Joined: 21 Feb 2008
Posts: 5839
Location: Texas, Lone Star State.



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Posted: Jul 06, 2017 12:06 Post subject: Re: Ste-Marie-aux-Mines, a New Experience. Gail Spann, 2017 |
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Bryan Swoboda had asked us to be part of the filming of the "What's hot in Ste Marie" series. We were honored and thought it was a good time to make the Ste.-Marie-aux-Mines show.
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Life is good. Bryan met us at the hotel and we had gin and tonics, then we rested before traveling to Ste. Marie the next day. |
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_________________ Minerals you say? Why yes, I'll take a dozen or so... |
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Gail

Joined: 21 Feb 2008
Posts: 5839
Location: Texas, Lone Star State.



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Posted: Jul 06, 2017 12:20 Post subject: Re: Ste-Marie-aux-Mines, a New Experience. Gail Spann, 2017 |
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We drive, We arrive. Ste-Marie-aux-Mines.
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We love the window boxes of flowers. |
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Traveling with these two is going to be fun! |
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We stopped above Ste Marie. |
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_________________ Minerals you say? Why yes, I'll take a dozen or so... |
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Gail

Joined: 21 Feb 2008
Posts: 5839
Location: Texas, Lone Star State.



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Posted: Jul 06, 2017 12:26 Post subject: Re: Ste-Marie-aux-Mines, a New Experience. Gail Spann, 2017 |
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And we have heard we had nice accommodations.
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Bryan had a hotel, and we pulled up and realized this is where we are staying! |
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_________________ Minerals you say? Why yes, I'll take a dozen or so... |
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Gail

Joined: 21 Feb 2008
Posts: 5839
Location: Texas, Lone Star State.



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Posted: Jul 06, 2017 12:29 Post subject: Re: Ste-Marie-aux-Mines, a New Experience. Gail Spann, 2017 |
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...thanks to the Mayor, who managed to help us with this beautiful place to stay.
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_________________ Minerals you say? Why yes, I'll take a dozen or so... |
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Gail

Joined: 21 Feb 2008
Posts: 5839
Location: Texas, Lone Star State.



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Posted: Jul 09, 2017 13:31 Post subject: Re: Ste-Marie-aux-Mines, a New Experience. Gail Spann, 2017 |
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Heading to the show, just 1/4 mile from our house.
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Ran into the Kristalle folks sitting on the steps of the Theater. |
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_________________ Minerals you say? Why yes, I'll take a dozen or so... |
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Gail

Joined: 21 Feb 2008
Posts: 5839
Location: Texas, Lone Star State.



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Posted: Jul 09, 2017 13:36 Post subject: Re: Ste-Marie-aux-Mines, a New Experience. Gail Spann, 2017 |
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...the Theater was where there were dealers inside.
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This day was HOT. People sat out in the shade. |
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Bill and Will !!!! ( Larson ) |
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Magazine dealers were located inside. |
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_________________ Minerals you say? Why yes, I'll take a dozen or so... |
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Gail

Joined: 21 Feb 2008
Posts: 5839
Location: Texas, Lone Star State.



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Posted: Jul 09, 2017 13:41 Post subject: Re: Ste-Marie-aux-Mines, a New Experience. Gail Spann, 2017 |
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Alain Martaud. Bryan is hugging his wife in the background. ha ha! |
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The Ladies of Crystal Classics |
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_________________ Minerals you say? Why yes, I'll take a dozen or so... |
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