Strasbourg--The French Connection

From Basel at the junction of Switzerland, Germany and France we sailed to Strasbourg in the Alsace region of eastern France. What a uniquely charming city! It’s center is an island formed by theRead more
From Basel at the junction of Switzerland, Germany and France we sailed to Strasbourg in the Alsace region of eastern France. What a uniquely charming city! It’s center is an island formed by the Ill River on one side and the Faux-Rempart, a canalized part of the Ill on the other. We sailed around the island heart with about 65 % of city’s population in a glass-covered boat, giving us an up-close look at charming 4-6 story homes, businesses and key institutions of the European Union based in Strasbourg. The latter include the seat of the (purely advisory) Council of Europe, the legislative part of the European, and the Court of Justice.
The city, which has changed hands four times between France and Germany or Prussia in wars over the last 200 years is now a prosperous city symbolizing the countries’ intent to work together on peace.Read more
The journey took off yesterday and today. Left Philly on crowded, cramped British Airways 747. 6 1/2 hours across the pond to London seemed much longer. But we made it and short hop to Basel, a city part in Switzerland, part in France and part in Germany. We went directly to the long, lovely River Voyager, our home for the next 8 days.
Our comfort level soared as we checked into the lovely cabin, met some of 150 others on board and captain and crew. Views from Basel pier interesting but not inspiring. That was to change shortly after we set sail about 7 PM following scrumptious welcome dinner! Sunset scenery a painter’s dream.
Tomorrow Strasbourg.Read more
Rainy and cool but the scenery can’t be better, as we watch the sun go down along the Rhine.