Strasbourg and Alsace

This morning the Kara is docked in Kehl, across from Strasbourg, on the German side of the Rhine River. Situated halfway between Paris and Prague, the Alsatian town of Strasbourg is known as the “Crossroads of Europe.”  Strasbourg is immersed in the Franco-German culture and although violently disputed throughout history, has always been a bridge of unity between France and Germany for centuries. Our guide explained that his father was born German, became French when France took over Strasbourg, became German when it again occupied Strasbourg, and finally became French again when the allies pushed the Germans out.  That's all very confusing, isn't it?  Strasbourg, head office of the European Parliament, and the Council of Europe which represents 47 independent countries, is the location of many international organizations including the European Court of Human Rights. 
The heart of the old city, called the Grand Ile, was declared in 1988 a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is crisscrossed with medieval canals. We rode through the elegant residential section of the city with extraordinarily lovely French style houses. He pointed out the magnificent Strasbourg University buildings, and explained to us that there were many American students from Boston who come here to study as well as students from Strasbourg who go to Boston to study because Boston and Strasbourg are sister cities. White Alsace Stork nests were pointed out in the trees along the residences. Storks are faithful creatures. They will return to the same enormous nest for their entire lives our guide explained.  My guide book also says that the male stork usually arrives first to clean the next for the female!  The stork is the official symbol of Strasbourg and is as important to them as our eagle is to us.  Our  walking  tour took us through Old Town, and as we passed ancient covered bridges decorated with magnificent baskets of seasonal flowers and their watchtowers, the picturesque Petite France district with its beautiful half-timbered houses and flower-filled window boxes, the old tanners house where the tanners dried their leather on the upper levels of these houses, and ended at the magnificent Gothic Strasbourg Cathedral where we saw their highly decorated 18th century old clock.  The discussion with Winston regarding what illnesses were brought to Strasbourg by whom was insightful.   The guide let us have free time before returning to the buses.  

Kayakers in the canal

Kara in Strasbourg

The youngest of our group at a Cafe

Rainy Day in Strasbourg

Notre Dame Cathedral, Strasbourg

Clock, hundreds of years old

"Cheers"

This afternoon some of us plan to return to Strasbourg after lunch for a more leisure stroll and perhaps a chance to stop at an outdoor cafe for sables noisettes, savarin, gateaux au framboise set la creme at one of Strasbourg's famous patisseries along with a great cup of coffee. 

A group of about 30, including the Alexander's, the Heiden's, and the Hoesel's among them, traveled to the Klipley Vineyard, a fourth generation vineyard, for a wine tasting this afternoon.  They saw 100 year old barrels of wine. The 1942 wine they tasted was still very good. The vinter explained to the group that  the vines being twisted or straight tends to influence the taste of the grapes, and influences the amount of sun hits the ripening grapes. This area has perfect weather for the grapes to ripen.  They tasted four different wines beginning with the driest to the sweetest. Joan Alexander said it was  indeed a wonderful education and it was an adventure they all enjoyed. 

Vineyard in Alsace

On a sad note, I'd like to say for the entire group how our hearts go out to Gail Perkins and her daughter Robin on the death of their loved one. Jim, a member of the Joyful Noise Sunday School Class, was a wonderful, wonderful person, and he was so loved and respected by so many. Always with a happy smile and a kind word, he was great to have as a friend and inspiration. All of those whose lives he touched are better off today for having had him as a part their lives.  He fought a very difficult fight with his health issues, and lost that fight last night.  However, he did win that ultimate prize we all are hoping for, and is now with the God and Creator to whom he was so faithful. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time, and our love goes out to them.