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Published: July 17th 2014
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The Alsace- Lorraine region is one that has changed hands between Germany and France on multiple occasions over the centuries. Many of the schools in this area are bilingual, teaching German and French as the two main languages. After seeing the beauty and character of Strasbourg and it's surroundings, it is easy to see why both countries have had such an affinity for the locale.
Our day began quite early, meeting at the train station in nearby Horb am Neckar at 6:30. It was a clear blue morning with the feel of summer time heat building quickly. Our group made it on time, and so did the train. We were off on a journey that seemed would span more train switches than kilometers. Off the first train, and quickly the next arrived. As it rolled into the small station, Heidi began her speech. "This is a short trip, so no sleeping on this one..." and so on. As Heidi spoke, the train slowed, stopped, paused for a few seconds, and then the engine revved and the train departed, sans the students and teachers standing now slack jawed on the platform. The doors had not opened, we had not even had
the opportunity to board. How was this possible? As it turns out, someone, anyone, simply needed to press the button on the door to open it and alert the driver that we intended to board. So, now an hour wait, a joke for the day, and a story to tell.
An hour later, the next train arrived, and a veritable army of students waited with button pushing fingers extended and ready!
The rest of the trip to Strasbourg was event free aside from a certain teacher who spilled his coffee on the train at the station in Offenburg. Just as he was diligently cleaning up his mess, the door began to close on him. Luckily, his cat like ninja reflexes saved him from peril, and all was well again.
The view of the countryside as we glided through the Black Forest region of Germany was incredible! A potpourri of small towns reminiscent of Leavenworth, though genuine, dotted the landscape, complete with charming streams reflecting the early morning light. Cows happily grazing on the high hillsides on still dewy grass just added to the Swiss like ambiance. It was all I could do not to don lederhosen and
procure an alpenhorn to play.
Strasbourg hits you like a Seahawks free safety. You don't see it coming, and its closing speed is amazing. The rail station and its immediate environs are urban, and not particularly French, save the signage and crazy guy yelling something passionately in French to the group as we passed. One student looked at me and said, "Mr. D, I expected France to feel, well, more French." One block later after we had turned the corner and crossed the river over a bridge lined with flower boxes heading for our first cathedral through the tightly packed cobble stoned streets and that same student was now carrying a baguette, wearing a beret and singing Alouette! It's no more French on the Champs Elysees!
We spent our first couple of hours strolling the cobbled streets and soaking in the atmosphere as we connected the dots between cathedrals. Cameras remained fixed to eyes as the shutters snapped. Everyone wanted to capture and preserve the incredible magic of this place. Small outdoor cafes with menus written in chalk and walls covered in ivy, buildings with colorfully painted wooden shutters and beautifully planted flower boxes beneath the windows and
the bustle of city life happening around us. This was truly an experience to treasure!
As we happened upon an open square, eyes lit up. A carousel called for an immediate halt to our march and mandated an impromptu ride. Kids are kids after all.
Onward we progressed, still smiling and laughing, toward the jewell of Strasbourg, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg. The top of the tower is visible from all over the city, but the true magnificence of its breadth and brilliance lies hidden until one turns the corner into the cathedral square. Words cannot sufficiently describe the awe one undertakes at the sight of this structure. It is overwhelming.
Construction on the cathedral was started in the year 1015, and it was not completed until the year 1439. This was the tallest church in the world until 1874, reaching a hight of 466 feet. The Space Needles viewing deck is only 502 feet, a mere 36 feet taller for a structure that was built in 1962, over 500 years later, with much more modern technology. I've got to give the nod to the cathedral in the aesthetic brilliance category as well. Its gothic
architecture is among the finest anywhere, and the intricacy of the carvings covering every inch of its exterior is truly extraordinary. It is easy to see why this structure became the centerpiece of some of Claude Monet's most famous art.
The inside of the cathedral takes it up another notch. The incredible height of the ceilings, marble columns and carvings, gold leaf and the inconceivable amount of intricately cut stained glass luminously lit by the shining sun. The cathedral itself is an amazing work of art that causes one to linger and stroll slowly in order to take in as much of its genius as possible.
Back outside and together with the group, many of whom were now soaking wet from playing in the fountains next to the cathedral, and we were off on a walk to the park. We took the roundabout way, which led us through more streets oozing character and charm, and along the riverbank flowing with it. Everywhere you look, cathedral spires, classic French architecture, lush, green vegetation and swans lazily floating in the refreshing waters of the Ill river.
In the park, it was time for a break. We lounged on the
campus of the University of Strasbourg, home to 43,000 students. Famous graduates include renowned author and poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and Sir Arsene Wenger, current manager of British soccer giants, Arsenal FC. Many enjoyed soccer or napping on the grass in the shade or soaking tired feet in the cool waters of the fountain. This was a welcome pause to a near overwhelming day.
Sufficiently rested and back on track, we strode toward the cathedral square once more. This time though, it was for consumer purposes. Strasbourg is home to a plethora of small shops and farmers market stalls selling authentic, and to some of our students delight, quite unauthentic wares. It seems that on this day, the entire city was on sale and our kids were eager to take advantage of it!
Three hours of driving the French economy forward, and it was time to head back to sleepy Haigerloch. Luckily there were no train door button issues on the return leg.
This day allowed us to experience quintessential Europe. It's like we were shooting a Rick Steve's Alsace Lorraine special. Trains, overcoming travel difficulties, the Black Forest and beautiful Strasbourg gave us all it
had to offer, and then some!
These are memories that will shine brightly in our minds for many years to come! I could not have asked for a better group of students and teachers to share them with! What a phenomenal day!
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