We have been to Strasbourg three times. And, every time I come to Strasbourg I am amazed at its beauty. I remember reading in French language books about the city and its Gothic cathedral and thinking that it was just another old French city with a big church. Then I came.
We went with René and Elsy to Strasbourg yesterday. It was the third time. It was in the middle of a light rain storm, with blustery winds making the 35 degrees feel like the teens. But, we were bundled up and warm!
Strasbourg, the old city and adjacent areas, is about ten city blocks square with cobblestone streets, pavé carré (square rocks) primarily reserved for pedestrians. There is an occasional delivery truck allowed in, but it is rare. The area around the Gothic cathedral is an open area about 5 football fields square with food and souvenir vendors. I found a black hat that I like there . . a rarity for me to find a hat that looks good on this strange promontory. I have the look of a Corleone in the hat . . .
We stopped at a restaurant and ate a traditional kind of food (Becheshof . . spelling to be corrected), a hearty beef stew in a Cruset. We had a second one with ham and sauerkraut. The original German sauerkraut is not sour. It is a mild tasting mixture with interesting flavors which set off the heartier meats and vegetables. It was very satisfying.
Eating took about three hours, thanks mainly to the waiter forgetting about us. Fortunately, it was fun just chatting and enjoying the ambiance in the warm restaurant . . and eating the three courses. As we were finishing up, free drinks arrived from the manager to compensate for the oversight by the waiter.
Strasbourg is an incredibly beautiful, old city. It sits in the region between Germany and France and has historically been a region that moves from German to French control after periods of war, so the city is a delightful mix of both influences in food and architecture. They have a language that they use which is a mixture of German and French called Platte. You can speak French, German, English, and Platte here and be easily understood. There are French named streets which also have Alsacian names or German names. And, it is one of the three capitals of the European Union.
The city is crisscrossed with rivers and canals, and there are locks which allow boats to move throughout the region and into the Rhine River.
The last time we were here we came to the Christmas markets. It was an extravaganza. The entire city was lit with a 5 story high Christmas tree and millions of Christmas lights suspended between its ancient buildings. There were street vendors, musicians, shops with finery including the products from the surrounding areas . . glass ornaments, wine glasses, Villeroy and Boch, etc. Millions of people come annually.
What a beautiful city and what a wonderful time in Strasbourg!