We had another early start today. The buses were boarded at 8:15 a.m. and we set off for the city of Strasbourg, France. As the guide tells it, Strasbourg has a very unique history which causes it to be very European. With all of the wars in its past, the city has changed mother countries between Germany and France at least six times. The last time was in the 1944 when it reverted back to France and is now considered French. “Strasbourg, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Europe’s most photogenic cities.” It is the home of the European Parliament which we know as the European Union or EU for short. Because Strasbourg’s border has switched between France and Germany so many times, both languages are used especially on street signs. Students are given a free education and have June and July for the summer break. Click here for more information on Strasbourg.
The bus dropped us off at the Plaza De La Republique or the Public Square. From there, our guide took us on a 2 mile walking tour of the old city which is an island in the middle of the metropolitan area. She pointed out many good shops and places of interest during this walk. The last stop on the tour was of Cathédrale Notre-Dame. Our bags were checked as we entered the building. The guard asked me to remove my hat but didn’t ask any of the others. I never did figure out why me. Inside the most fascinating thing was the Astronomical Clock. We did stand there for a few minutes to see it in action.
The guide said her goodbyes after the tour and the six of us set off to find lunch. We found a wonderful spot where we could sit outside and enjoy the food and people watch. Most of us ordered the Alsatian Tart which resembled a large very flat pizza. Linda C. and I had one with bacon, onion, mushrooms, cream and cheese. It was delicious. I wish you could find it in the States.
We walked around a little more checking out a few shops. Everyone was ready to go back except Evie and me so we split up. I was in search of a bakery and “spice shop.” The spice shop is where all types of gingerbread are sold. I never found the gingerbread shop but I did find a bakery as we wound our way through the “Island” which the locals call the “Ile.” We have this on good authority. Evie and I were sitting on a bench in the Plaza De La Republique waiting for the bus, discussing the name. A local citizen overheard us say the Island and tried to give us direction. We said we were discussing the name and he confirmed that we were correct. I was very glad Evie could read the map otherwise we might have been lost. The print on the map was way too small for my eyes.
Back on board, I met Mom in our cabin and we went to “High Tea” in the lounge where we met up with the rest of the group. Deserts of all types were set out on a long table. At the end of the table was an ice cream station and a fruit station with skewers and slices of fruit beside a chocolate fountain. This was the best part. We made our choices and sat down. The waiter came around with hot water and a selection of teas. It was all supposed to represent a period in history when ladies and men separated after a meal to have their own discussions.
In the evening we went to the disembarkation meeting and then dinner. The evening entertainment was Tête-à-Tête, a musical duo that sang songs in English and in French representing the life of Marlene Dietrich. They were very good. With the evening over, we headed to bed.
