June 25, 2023

Strasbourg is often described as quaint, with its cobbled lanes, half-timbered homes, giant stork nests, and amazing pastry. The flip side is that it is the official seat of the European Parliament.

The city has ping-ponged in its governance over the years from Roman to German to French, back to German and today sits in the far eastern edge of France on the German border.

There were two tour options offered today. The first one in Strasbourg caught my eye.

STRASBOURG PANORAMIC TOUR WITH CATHEDRAL AND OLD TOWN WALK

Controlled over the centuries by either France or Germany, Strasbourg—cross-cultural and bilingual—offers a delightful combination of old and new, as well as French and German characteristics. You’ll see the city’s highlights on a panoramic drive before disembarking the coach for a walking tour through the towns famously idyllic streets with your local guide. ~ Uniworld

The Grande Île, (Grand Island), Strasbourg’s historic center was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988. The newer “Neustadt” was added in 2017.

…Grande Île is “an old quarter that exemplifies medieval cities”. Strasbourg was the first city to have its entire city center be listed as a World Heritage Site. ^{~ Wikipedia}

At the centre of the island lies Place Kléber, the city’s central square. Further south is Strasbourg Cathedral, the world’s fourth-tallest church and an ornate example of 15th-century Gothic architecture. At the western end of the island is the quarter of Petite France, the former home of the city’s tanners, millers and fishermen, and now one of Strasbourg’s main tourist attractions. ^{~ Wikipedia}

Cathedral of Notre Dame

Since it was Sunday and services were being held, we were not able to enter the Cathedral.

Steve and Brenda chose to climb the stairs to the top of the cathedral to check out the view!

After our walking tour we hopped on le Petit Train de Strasbourg for a short 30 minute loop through Petite France which earned its name during a syphilis outbreak. The very first hospice originated here to take care of the sick and dying patients.

Baden-Baden

Although the scheduling would not allow time for both options, Baden-Baden, might have also been interesting. Tim has relatives from several generation back from there and made it more challenging to choose. It was described by Uniworld as:

“Join a local guide for a walking tour of enchanting Baden-Baden, which will bring you past two thermal baths and the city’s famous Casino. Gain further appreciation for the Romans and their love of natural spa facilities as you pass by the Fettquelle, a public thermal fountain where it is believed that the water is health-promoting. After learning about the curative powers of Baden-Baden’s water sources, explore the Casino Baden-Baden, and let its ambiance, architecture and atmosphere enthrall you. You’ll enjoy a tour of this grandiose building, complete with a walk through the gambling halls, which offer a look at the casino’s fascinating history dating back to 1855 and Dostoevsky’s novel “The Gambler”—written in Baden-Baden and based on this casino.” ~ Uniworld

In 2021, Baden-Baden joined UNESCO World Heritage Sites included under the name “Great Spa Towns of Europe“. It became famous for both its spas and architecture.

When we returned to our cabin we found that Gus had finally recovered from his jet lag and was ready to make an appearance.

This evening was the Captains Welcome Dinner and the four of us “dressed to impress”. It was so nice seeing our guys in a suit and tie and Brenda’s dress was stunning on her.

Tonights dinner plus a few dishes from our once again delicious dinner.

After dinner we changed into casual, comfortable clothes and spent the remainder of the evening up on the top deck, watching the river, the occasional passing river boat, went through another lock, had a nightcap and reminisced about how much we had enjoyed our day.

NEXT STOP: From here, we will be working our way north to Frankfurt and then cruising east, eventually to Nuremberg.

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GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am grateful for the opportunity to get some much needed exercise. I sadly must admit that exercising and I really are not friends. HOWEVER, whenever we travel I seem to be able to walk for ages with no hesitation as long as I am seeing something new and have a camera in my hand. We are having such a nice time. It does not get much better than traveling with dear friends and seeing them relaxed and enjoying themselves.