Strasbourg, France, Day 7

Wake up call was waaaaay too early. Only because the first night on board was so much fun for 2 of us (guess!)

We left the ship  by coach at 8:15am to go in to the French city of Strasbourg right on the border with Germany. Their history goes back to BC & they have been ruled by the Romans, the Huns, the Franks, the Germans, and anybody else interested in controlling the Rhine.

Our canal boat tour (rain & less than 50deg) was first, then we walked to the Notre-Dame Cathedral. This Gothic cathedral was built from 1015-1439 & resembles the larger one in Cologne. The tallest spire is 132 meters. Within the cathedral is the Astronomical Clock dating from the 16th century & is unique in its application of scientific theory. The days of the week, months of the year, astrological signs, phases of the moon are all in sync as well as accurate. It needs to be wound weekly with a series of pulleys.

There was about an hour for shopping & then the group left for the ship for lunch. However, Bubba & Thelma had other plans......the afternoon options were a tour of the Alsace wine region or the Black Forest. Louise opted for the wine tour (surprise), and we decided this probably was our only time in France, so we spent the remainder of the day in the Old Town. Walk & walk some more. 

We were so cold that we stopped for hot chocolate & to get out of the rain, and we ended up ordering pizza for lunch. Funny combination, I know.

We went on to a museum that I would describe as Folk History of the region. Spent a couple hours viewing/reading about the people who lived here centuries ago. Saw very modern application of heating a home, restored rooms of a house, actual pottery, plows, blacksmith's tools, etc. from the early days of the region. Of course I bought a book ;-)

We also walked to the opposite side of town to see an old church.....actually it's name is Old St Peter's because another St Peter's was built later..... restoration is badly needed, but the baroque panels & pulpit were well done & preserved. Very nice stain glass windows. 

Walked back to tourist center to catch a taxi back to our ship for a rest before dinner. Dinner was once again delicious with many options and several courses. We met a mother & daughter from Nova Scotia and had a great time talking about all the places we had been in their province last August.

Bubba's already out cold & we have another big day tomorrow so I'd better sign off. Tomorrow brings us to Speyer in the morning and Heidelburg in the afternoon. Can hardly wait even though the weather isn't going cooperate again!

Lunch time

Carousel on Guttenburg Platz. Yup, printing press invented here.