Mark
If you would have asked me 30 years ago, France is the last place I ever thought I would end up calling home. In 1986, I was denied entry at CDG airport for my first visit to Paris because I didn't have a visa (in the mid-eighties tourist visas were necessary for a brief period). But, in 1994 I discovered Alsace and immediately made it my second home. Then, in 2012 it became my only home. Now, I can't imagine living anywhere else. It is a 180 degree turn from my hectic life in Miami working in the film and TV industry, and lastly in public accounting.
For my first five years here I did not have resident status. I filled my time getting to know Alsace and starting an English-language theater company for kids in Strasbourg for which I am still active today. In 2017, I became eligible to work. I taught English as a foreign language for my next five years here. Last year, I retired until UnTours found me. Now, I get to pass on my passion and knowledge of the area to curious UnTourists. I am one lucky UnGuide!
The UnQuestion & UnAnswer section:
Q: Where are you from? A: I’m from Hollywood, Florida—on the southeast coast halfway between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale.
Q: How would you describe yourself in one sentence? A: I’m a resourceful person and multimedia addict who enjoys meeting people from all over.
Q: How long have you been collaborating with UnTours? A: I’ve been with UnTours since 2023, a newbie but well-trained by my predecessor who has 20+ years of experience.
Q: What do you enjoy most about leading tours with UnTours? A: Alsace found me 30 years ago. I love matching all that I’ve learned about doing in this area to what our guests tell me they are most looking for.
Q: What’s your top highlight from your destination? A: High above Alsace sits Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg, a restored castle dating back to the 12 th century—it’s our iconic version of Paris’s Eiffel Tower. And what a view! However, if you prefer your castles ruined—there are lots of those as well!
Q: What are some must-see spots or hidden gems in the area that aren’t in typical tourist guides? A: Some villages are more touristic than others, but every Medieval village has something transporting and worth discovering—a public square, a park, or it might be as simple as a water fountain. Take the village you are staying in, walk within it and include a stroll through the surrounding vineyards—there are plenty of paths. Then, let me know when you return to the present.
Q: Are there any annual events or festivals that you think are worth attending? A: The granddaddy of local festivals in our small Medieval villages is Pfifferdaj in Ribeauvillé which occurs the first weekend of September. Look it up! But, don’t worry…there is always something happening in the area—social and cultural activities abound!
Q: Do you have any advice on local customs or etiquette that would help UnTourists blend in and respect the community? A: When dealing with anyone in the local community, throw in a word or two of French. This will open doors. You will find that most vendors have some knowledge of English—more than you might think. Also, if you are going to a chosen restaurant, make a reservation.
Q: What’s one thing you wish more people knew about your city? A: My village of Ribeauvillé with less than 5,000 residents feels remote and that’s a good thing if you like country living. Under the surface, though, we do have a little bit of almost everything bigger cities have to offer. It’s also easy to commute to large cities that are less than one hour away by car or train—Strasbourg, France; Freiburg, Germany; and, Basel, Switzerland.
