Today was about enjoying Strasbourg and the sites it has to offer.
It is so very easy to be a photographer here as every which way you turn, is a photo just wanting to be taken.
We started with a very leisurely breakfast after struggling to make a decision as to which café to eat at as there is a plethora of choice.
Once having sated the hunger pains it was off to join our tour guide for a wander around for two hours and to learn more about the history of Strasbourg.
On our wanderings we came across a festival celebrating the culture of the region. Alsace is a historical region in northeastern France on the Rhine River plain.
Bordering Germany and Switzerland, it has alternated between German and French control over the centuries and reflects a mix of those cultures.
Its capital, Strasbourg, is centered on the Ill River’s Grand Île island, bordered by canals and home to the Gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, with its animated astronomical clock.
On completion of our very informative tour of the central area of the city, the girls decided to head off back to the hotel for a rest whilst the boys caught a tram out to the European Parliament.
The city of Strasbourg is the official seat of the European Parliament.
The institution is legally bound by the decision of Edinburgh European Council of 11 and 12 December 1992 and Article 341 of the TFEU to meet there twelve times a year for a session, each of which usually takes about four days. The majority of work, however, takes place in Brussels, and some other work is undertaken in Luxembourg City. Not sure why this is but it does seem like duplication which means unnecessary added expense and we know that this does cause angst. The Brits certainly complained about this when they were part of the EU.
At about 7.00pm we rendezvoused with the remainder of our group in the main square where the cathedral is. Gabby, Linda, Neal and Randa all made it to Strasbourg later in the afternoon and after settling into their hotel it was time to do the meet and greet.
The common denominator between the four couples is Di and Fras so this was the first gathering of the “clan” who will now be semi-adhered to at the hip for the next seven days whilst we bike down the Upper Rhine. Hopefully we will find someone tomorrow who will take a photo where we will all get included. Lots of joviality and then a scattering to reconnoiter tomorrow.
Today a mere 21,000 steps and a blister on a toe.
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