Our Long-Awaited Journey Part 4: Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg, France is the largest port on the Upper Rhine, and the cultural center of France's Alsace region. Located on the border of France and Germany, it boasts a warm mix of cultural influences. The Old Town is well preserved and enclosed on all sides by the little Ill River, and the "island" is easy to explore by foot. With its half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, adorned canals, and flower-filled squares, Petite France is part of Strasbourg's Grand Ille UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Strasbourg Cathedral, officially called the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, was built between 1015 and 1439, and is known as one of the world's most beautiful examples of high or late Gothic architecture. With a spire 466 feet high, it is the world's sixth tallest church and can be seen across the plains of Alsace as far away as the Black Forest and Vosges Mountains. The pink sandstone exterior has beautiful intricate detail, and the beauty of the interior sculptures, paintings and stained glass is breathtaking. There is so much to take in walking through the cathedral such as the astronomical clock with sculptures of the 12 apostles and angles. It is accurate and shows solar time, equinoxes, the date and day of the week, Zodiac signs, the phase of the moon and astronomical data. One could spend several hours taking in all of its history and beauty.

Walking along the canals is very peaceful and the rich history of the half-timbered houses can take you to another place and time. The reflection of these houses in the canal are breathtaking, and on a beautiful summer's day, it would be very easy to get lost in the serenity of it all. 

The Alsatian cuisine is based on locally grown crops, farm-raised animals and wild game, and mixes hearty German fare with elegant French flair. The region is known for its white asparagus, and it is one of the few regions where the variety grows. One of Alsace's signature dishes is choucroute garni, a mix of sauerkraut, onions and herbs braised in Riesling and garnished with several cuts of pork, such as bacon and smoked sausage. Alsace is the main beer producing region of France thanks to Strasbourg breweries, and the wines are mostly white with a strong German influence. They produce some of the world's best dry Rieslings.

Although we were not able to enjoy a meal while touring Strasbourg, our ship's chef and his staff provided some wonderful regional fare choices for our evening meal. From appetizer to dessert, it was a meal to remember.
















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