The morning air in Colmar was crisp, carrying the scent of freshly baked bread from a nearby boulangerie. The sun cast a golden glow over the half-timbered houses, making them look straight out of a storybook.
Haru stretched as they stepped out of their inn. "Alright.. time for a proper French breakfast."
Elise crossed her arms. "You mean time for you to eat everything in sight?"
Haru gasped dramatically. "How dare you reduce my cultural appreciation to mere gluttony?"
She sighed. "Let's just go."
Their first stop was a charming patisserie, where rows of buttery croissants, pain au chocolat. and éclairs lined the glass display.
Elise ordered a simple croissant and coffee, but Haru went all in two croissants, a chausson aux pommes. and a tarte au citron.
"..Are you trying to eat the entire bakery?" Elise asked. raising an eyebrow.
Haru took a big bite of his croissant. "You just don't understand the art of French cuisine."
They found a quiet bench by the canal, where the gentle lapping of water against stone created a soothing rhythm. Elise sipped her coffee as Haru devoured his pastries.
"This place really is peaceful.." she mused.
Haru nodded, mouth full. "Mmhmm. Aesthetically pleasing and delicious."
Elise smirked. "You do realize Colmar isn't a café, right?"
After breakfast, they wandered into the heart of Old Town, where every cobblestone street held centuries of history. They visited the Unterlinden Museum, home to medieval art and the famous Isenheim Altarpiece.
Elise stood in front of it, taking in the intricate details. "This was made in the 16th century… can you imagine the skill it took?"
Haru snapped a photo. "I can imagine it took forever."
They continued exploring, learning about how Colmar had shifted between French and German rule throughout history. Elise found it fascinating, while Haru summarized it as:
"So basically, France and Germany played tug-of-war with this place?"
Elise sighed. "That's… an oversimplification, but sure."
They also visited the Maison des Têtes, a historic mansion adorned with 106 sculpted heads.
Haru stared at the façade. "Someone really said 'You know what this house needs? A hundred more faces.'"
Elise chuckled. "It's actually a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture."
"Still creepy."
As the afternoon sun started setting, Haru took out his camera.
"This town is too beautiful not to capture properly!" he said.
Elise watched as he carefully adjusted his angles, framing the old buildings against the golden sky. The calm canal waters reflected the pastel houses, making the scene look like a painting.
For once.. Haru was completely silent fully immersed in his photography.
Elise smiled. "You really love this don't you?"
He lowered his camera, grinning. "Yeah. Photos are like memories you can hold, Memories that can't be replaced.."
She nodded. "Then make sure to capture the best ones."
Click.
Haru took one last picture before they headed back to their inn.
That evening. they stood in front of the earth globe once again.
Haru dramatically cracked his knuckles. "Alright!! part two! Of… spinning zaaa globe!"
Elise rolled her eyes as he spun it wildly. The globe whirred before slowly coming to a stop under her finger.
She leaned in and read their next destination.
A small smile played on her lips. "Well this is going to be interesting."
Haru grinned. "Where to! Where to!"
Elise looked up. "We're going to—"
---
End Of Chapter Seven.