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.

Colmar, France and Captain's Party

After lunch aboard the Kara we were back on our bus for the short ride to Colmar, a beautiful restored town, originally founded in the 9th century.  The town is situated along the Alsatian Wine Route and considers itself to be the "capital of Alsatian wine". My guide book mentioned that this is where Emperor Charles the Fat held a "diet" in 884.  For you Trivia Pursuit players!


Colmar's secular and religious architectural landmarks reflect eight centuries of Germanic and French architecture and the adaptation of their respective stylistic language to the local customs and building materials. Many very interesting buildings, but the water tower was most memorable. The majority of our group took a walking tour with a very knowledgeable guide named Jack.  Some of us rode the little touring train around the oldest parts of Colmar and then had lemon sorbet amid a cappuccino and a great time to discuss world matters!  

Old Town section of Colmar pictured below.

A group of our Joyful Friends traveled this afternoon to the Colmar War Memorial. The battle for Colmar was one of the most important, hard fought, and decisive battles during World War II. Out numbered, out flanked, and out equipped, American troops, valiantly lead by Audie Murphy,  fought and died and yet eventually won this battle, in which he held off enemy troops single-handedly for 1 1/2 hours, in this unforgiving winter battle of 1944.  He received every American combat award for valor available at the time of his service including the Medal of Honor,  thus becoming the most decorated American serviceman. He also received recognition from France and Belgium. Tom Blose told me that their guide who led them to Colmar was amazingly familiar with the story of Audie Murphy's heroic actions and leadership during this battle and her story was so moving, touching and personal.

Colmar War Memorial

That evening the Viking captain, program director, and crew hosted a reception and welcoming dinner. 

Black Forest, Germany

Early this morning we arrived at Breisach, a small town whose name is Celtic and means 'breakwater', halfway between Freiburg and Colmar, was an important fortress during the Middle Ages.    We leisurely enjoyed Viking's wonderful breakfast buffet, catching up with friends from earlier trips.  Caroline Darr and Pat Black brought some new friends for us to meet and we look forward to getting to know them.  

This morning's excursion is a bus trip through Germany's famous and beautiful Black Forest.  We rode past miles of vineyards growing beautifully in the volcanic soil and Mediterranean climate.  Workers are brought in from eastern Germany to help pick asparagus, cherries, and strawberries. Corn is grown for cattle feed and for oil. Also known as The Land of Fairy Tales, the Black Forest. 
It might be thought of as a menacing place of witches and wolves because we grew up with stories of Hansel & Gretel and Little Red Riding Hood. The brothers Grimm not only wrote the stories but also did illustrations for their books. Actually the Schwarzwald, as it is called in Germany, is a wonderful destination to visit. The countryside is dotted with farms, villages with half-timbered homesteads, churches, and forests of oak, beech and fir growing so thick that they appear black and impenetrable-which frightened the Roman invaders. 


We arrived at a small village where we watched a local glass blower make souvenirs, ate some of their local Black Forest cake which we shared with Jane and Joan and Cricket. (Be sure to admire her birthday present!).  Also, we heard a talk on how Cuckoo Clocks were made. Back to the Kara for lunch before this afternoon adventure.

Photos from Germany's Black Forest Region

The Locals

Black Forest Cake Demonstration

Shopping Spree!

500 Year old Farm House

Glass Blowing

 Bier Steins 

Feeding Swans from the Room

Zzzzzz from the Sundeck