Gem-A visit to Idar-Oberstein -- the gem capital of Europe

摘要

Gem-A's annual visit to Idar-Oberstein took place this year during the last week of March. The visit was organized by Doug Garrod in conjunction with Susannah van Rose as leader. Despite occurring earlier in the year than previous visits this occasion was blessed with exceptional weather with rain and snow conveniently falling only during the night. Daytime was always blessed with warm sunshine, which matched the welcome from our German hosts. Although this was the ninth visit to the region, those in the party who had visited the region several times before found plenty to interest them. As usual we had our regular coach driver Bill to smooth our passage, and we stayed at the Gethmann's Hotel overlooking the Ardennes above Idar.