I returned to my hometown after winning the koi lottery.

In the Alsace region in northeastern France, there is a dreamlike little town - Colmar.

Xiao Tao's yearning for it came from the photos shared by her friends. The colorful wooden houses and winding canals seemed to be calling her with mysterious magic.

Finally, on a sunny summer day, I set foot on this land and started an unforgettable adventure.

When I first arrived in Colmar, I was lost in its fairytale streets.

Each path is like a passage leading to a mysterious castle, and the stone pavement under your feet tells the story of time.

The wooden frames of the timber-framed houses on the street are exposed, outlining regular and quaint geometric patterns. The walls are painted in bright colors such as red, yellow, blue and green, making it feel like walking into the animated world created by Hayao Miyazaki.

In the flowerpots in front of the house, flowers are blooming wildly, and the rich fragrance fills the air, intertwined with the wheat aroma wafting from the bakery not far away, which is intoxicating.

This small town in the Alsace region of France seems to have come out of a fairy tale.

The staggered timber-framed houses, with walls painted in bright or elegant colors, sparkle with the warmth of life in the sunlight. In an instant, the fatigue of a long journey is dispelled by the scene before your eyes.

Sister Xiao Tao and Li Fugui settled in a cozy homestay by the canal. When they opened the window, they could see the gurgling water and the small bridge across it. On the other side of the bridge, there were houses surrounded by flowers.

On the first day, the two of them strolled leisurely along the canal. The rippling water reflected the medieval-style buildings on the shore. Between reality and illusion, the years were peaceful.

The river water is so clear that you can see the bottom, reflecting the buildings on the shore and the sky, making it difficult to distinguish between reality and illusion.

Small boats gently passed by, and the boatmen at the bows were leisurely and contented, occasionally humming local songs.

There are many small bridges with unique characteristics across the river. Some are made of brick and stone and covered with moss; some are wooden arch bridges with elegant lines.

Occasionally, a sightseeing train full of tourists would clang by, and the laughter and joy on the train would spread all the way, attracting the attention of passers-by.

There are many small shops on the street, and the windows are filled with exquisite handicrafts. The wooden carved animals are lifelike, and the painted ceramic tableware has delicate patterns. Sister Xiao Tao couldn't help but stop for a long time, immersed in the charm of this handmade art.

The two of them visited a traditional Alsatian restaurant and ordered the local specialty, sauerkraut stew and flambéed pancakes. The tartness of the sauerkraut, the richness of the pork, and the crispiness of the pancakes created a wonderful sparkle on the taste buds. Paired with a glass of local white wine, the flavor left Xiao Tao with an unforgettable aftertaste.

In the restaurant, the locals were laughing and talking happily, and were warm and friendly. Although they couldn't speak the same language, their smiles were like the sunshine of this small town, warming people's hearts.

The Colmar market is a fireworks extravaganza not to be missed.

On Tuesday morning, two people were walking between the stalls. Fresh fruits and vegetables were neatly arranged, with red tomatoes and green lettuces still covered with morning dew. The stall owner was shouting loudly about his good products, and his enthusiasm was irresistible.

There are also freshly baked bread and fragrant cheese. Two people bought a baguette, put freshly cut ham and cheese in it, and stood in the corner to feast on it. Their taste buds were instantly conquered by the authentic flavor.

On the side, folk artists played the guitar and sang cheerful folk songs, and the crowd sitting around listening to the songs burst into applause from time to time. Sister Xiao Tao also hummed along, and was so immersed in the singing that she didn't know the way home.

Sister Xiao Tao stopped in front of a painting stall. The stall owner was a white-haired old man. He enthusiastically introduced the stories behind the paintings to the two of them. It turned out that they all depicted the beautiful scenery of Colmar in four seasons. Sister Xiao Tao couldn't help but buy one, wanting to take the beauty of Colmar home.

Over the past few days, Xiao Taojie Li Fugui explored many churches in Colmar.

St. Martin's Church is solemn and dignified, with its Gothic spires reaching into the sky. When you step inside, the sunlight shines through the gorgeous stained glass windows, casting dreamy light and shadows, and covering the ancient benches and devout believers with a sacred cloak.

The organ played an ethereal music, and the notes echoed under the towering dome. The hearts of the two people also calmed down, silently feeling the shocking power of the interweaving of religion and art.

Another small church is hidden in a quiet alley. It does not have a grand appearance, but it has a unique warmth. The walls are covered with murals that record the town’s past years. A few simple strokes outline the daily life of the city, which is simple and moving.

Colmar is even more vibrant on weekends, with open-air concerts held in the squares, from classical symphonies to popular hits, the melodies weaving in the air.

People came from all directions, spread out a picnic blanket, set out wine and food, and sat or lay, immersed in the music. Li Fugui and Xiao Tao joined in, sharing their Chinese snacks with the elderly French woman next to them. She gave them both a homemade macaron in return. Different cultures collided and merged in this exchange of smiles and delicious food.

During this week in Colmar, the two people were like travelers who had strayed into a paradise.

During the day, you can learn about its tortuous history in various museums and learn winemaking techniques in the vineyards; at night, accompanied by the moonlight and dim street lights, stroll back to the B&B, and on the way, raise a toast with the locals at the door of the street pub.

When the time of departure came, Sister Xiao Tao set off for the next stop with a lot of memories, a box of souvenirs, and her attachment to this small town.

Colmar is no longer just a coordinate on the map, it is the eternal paradise in the hearts of two people. Those colors, fragrances and melodies have all turned into the most beautiful fragments in their hearts, to be slowly savored in the future.