Strasbourg, France

Petite-France, Strasbourg
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We are moving on....so today we traveled East to the Alsace Region of France. Another quick train ride and "poof" we are in beautiful Strasbourg.

Located on the border near Germany, Strasbourg is a combination of both countries as it has belonged to Germany, then France, then Germany, then France and so on... Currently, it belongs to France. Strasbourg is over 2000 years old and was founded by the founded by the Romans in the year 12BC. The river Ill runs through the center of Strasbourg and then branches out into numerous streams and canals. Where there is water, there are islands and we are staying in the historic center, or Grand-Ile.

As soon as we arrive we immediately go explore. Entering the main plaza we are greeted by the impressive size and beauty of the Strasbourg, Cathedral. Following the cobble stone path between the buildings behind me, we reach rows of restaurants, each totally different in design, but in the same German half timbered style.

Below is the Strasbourg Cathedral.
A combination of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, it was a masterpiece of it's time
and was the world's tallest building from 1647 to 1874.
Today, it is considered the sixth tallest church in the world.

Photo credit: Michael Mort

By contrast, La Gare de Strasbourg, (the train station), is an example of continued use of modern and older architecture. Designed in 1883, the station was renovated to include a glass cocoon all around the front which measures 130 yards long. At night you can see the original structure through the glass "bubble".

From inside the bubble

Back to eating....we find this quaint little restaurant and enjoy
our lunch in great weather! Still wearing that scarf I bought in Montmarte!

Playing it safe with Chicken Cordon Bleu

Don't ask.....The start of my eating nightmares,
as the sausages begin to haunt me.

After lunch we walked down the street which ends at one of the many canals. Of course, I have to have an ice-cream. Hey! I'm on vacation and on a mission to "roll" back home!

This is a typical example of the half timbered
style homes throughout Germany

We head back to our hotel as Michael needs to do some studying

while I catch up on blogging (boy, this takes lots of time!)

Our hotel - traditional on the outside....

...very modern inside.
Here I am using Skype with mom.

Michael has to read 180 pages A DAY for one of his classes.
Poor guy.

After a short rest, we head out again.

The sun is starting to go down and it's
getting cooler again - but it feels nice.

Walking across the bridges during dusk, making our way to Petite-France for a nice stroll.

Strasbourg is very picturesque, and the area of
Petite-France with all the small bridges is absolutely gorgeous.

Our first night in the village is majestic and the moon enhances
this already romantic place. I feel like I'm walking around Disney World, except this is real.

When we arrive back to our hotel we continued
to enjoy the full moon from our window.

More tomorrow....Good night!
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