Strasbourg - Alsace, France

It's hard to imagine a better day than this. Strasbourg is a magical city and we were the guests of four wonderful people who pretty much gave us the keys to the city.

The day started with Michele preparing breakfast for us at her home.

Now we're getting smarter and, aware of the day in front of us, we don't eat too much

We then visit a market in Wasselonne, a village near Michele's place.

She buys just enough stuff for lunch (that's a joke).

We then drive into Strasbourg and walk to an area called La Petite France.

This old part of Strasbourg is incredibly interesting because

Alsace switched from France to Germany and then back to France at the end of WWI.
Then it switched to Germany and back to France during WWII.
It's history is therefore a fascinating mix of both cultures.

Here we (Jenni, Michele and I) meet Nicolas' mother and her husband Alex.

Nicolas is currently driving around Australia in a van with Louise, his best friend.

We helped Nicolas and Louis get started when they first arrived in Australia

and their parents were keen to meet us.

After some refreshment and a chat, the five of us walked to Strassbourg's cathedral.

The cathedral was completed in 1439 and it's tower can be seen from many kms away.

The pink sandstone from which the cathedral was built came from a quarries in the Vosges, a mountain range on the French side of the River Rhine.

A small quantity also came from a quarry at Kronthal very near Michele's place.

This where the organ player sits.

When she finished work, we met Louise's mother Marcelle

They take us for a tour-boat ride on the canal system that surrounds

the older part of Strasbourg.

We went through one lock to get up a level and another lock to get back down again.

And the for the highlight of the day, Jenni and I were taken to dinner at Strasbourg's best restaurant seated at  the best table with a view of the cathedral.  We were overwhelmed.

My serving was so big that I could not eat it all.

I must comment on the French cuisine: I finally understand what the fuss about French food is all about. Australian ingredients are every bit as fresh and high quality but what the French chef or cook does with it after that is truly amazing.

Thank you Chantal and Alex, Marcelle and Michele for giving us a truly memorable experience. The whole day was magical.