La Petite France

This morning we wake up in Kehl Germany. Across the Rhine is France.

We take a bus into Strasbourg, which is in France. This city has passed between the Germans and France multiple times over the past several hundred years.

It is in a strategic location. It was vital to hold this area in order to protect the countries beyond. Control the Rhine and you control the country.

The Celts first inhabited the island on which Strasbourg sits over 3000 years ago. Then came the Romans. They were eventually pushed out by Atilla the Hun. After that, the Germanic tribes took over.

There is a distinct dialect spoken here in the Alsace region. The inhabitants here consider themselves first and foremost Alsatians, rather than French or German.

Because of its history of moving between France and Germany, Strasbourg has some laws that the rest of France doesn't. For example, Good Friday and Boxing Day are holidays in Strasbourg, but not the rest of France. Also, the building and upkeep of all religious buildings, as well as the salaries of all priests pastors rabbis etc. Are paid by the city.

Here, the European convention of human rights court was established after WW2. It was to be a place of peace and discussion.

In 1870, the Germans bombed Strasbourg and claimed the area. Evidence of that bombing still exists. Because so many apartment buidings were destroyed, Germany rapidly built apartments to house the people. These apartments were the first ever built with running water, electricity, and indoor plumbing.

During WW2, the Gestapo controlled the city. They forced 100,000 young French men into the army. They were sent to the Rusian front. Many surrendered to the Russians. After the war, France paid a hostage price to Russia for these men. The last one was released in 1953.

The oldest building we saw was built in 1482. There are examples of Baroque and germanic styles of buildings throughout the city.

This city has always had a history of innovation and discoveries. Gutenberg developed the printing press here. An interesting fact is that before the first Bible was printed in a language other than Latin, people didn't know how to read. Once they had a Bible in their own language, reading came easily to them.

There is a wine harvest festival o this weekend, and we stroll through a small market. We listen to an Omm Pah Pah band, and see raclette being served on fresh bread. Looks yummy!

We return to the ship for lunch and then because there is beautiful sunshine, we jump on a couple of bikes and cycle down the German side of the Rhine on a lovely path through a riverside park.

Strasbourg is beautiful, and another city I'd like to return to for a few days.Read more