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Published: December 15th 2014
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Is it French, is it German, or Alsatian as some of the locals insist? The city of Strasbourg, comfortably situated at the convergence of international borders, cannot be easily typified. I had prepared myself for a true French experience but was mildly surprised by the city and the people. True, everyone speaks French, the food looks French and most people behave in the characteristic French way. After all, Strasbourg has been a part of the French republic since the end of the second world war. But spend a while in the city and you will be able to glimpse its heart. Savour the local cuisine, stare at the magnificent houses on the river, wander through its xmas markets and most importantly, talk to the locals. Even if your French is terrible. You will find it unlike any other French city, partly due to its history and partly by virtue of its location.
The city's turbulent history comes alive on a walk through the historical and archaelogical musuems. As I found in the historical musuem, the once free city of Strasbourg has oscillated between French and German rule for many centuries. This accounts for the foundation of its cosmopolitan outlook. Look
close and you will find the streets in the older part of town have French as well as Alsatian (not German) names. The food is also a delightful amalgam of French and Germanic natures. Over the centuries, a unique micro culture has developed in the city and surrounding areas. No wonder the locals are fiercely proud of their heritage and hate to be called French (or German, for that matter).
Undoubtedly, the massive gothic cathedral was and still is its beating heart. If you are lucky enough to visit on a bright summer day, I recommend climbing up the steep, spiral staircase to the top of the cathedral. The scene, obviously, is marked by a lot of buildings, but thankfully no high rises that block the view. Take away the newer buildings and you can almost imagine how it might have looked 300 years ago. The cathedral is everything you would imagine it to be from its pictures. Tall and majestic (and unfinished), its facade is filled with intricate carvings. They are so beautiful that it is well worth the effort to take digital pictures of the carvings located higher up so as to be able to zoom in
and appreciate them. The square outside the cathedral is dotted with restaurants, souvenir shops and musuems. Even if you are not a musuem person, you would certainly benefit from a visit to the historical buildings they are located in. Finally, do not forget to order icecream at one of the shops outside the cathedral. Besides being colourful and delicious, they are a great way to pass the time while waiting for your turn on the river cruise. The cruise itself is unremarkable unless it is a sunny day, then everything looks gorgeous. (warning: on a hot day, there is a good chance of dozing off in a closed boat, especially if you are listening to the commentary on the cruise). Look out for the cute little dams or locks during the cruise, when the water level is raised or lowered to move from one part of the river to another.
The cruise takes you on a whirlwind trip of the significant sightseeing spots, but there are no piers to get off at. You are essentially stuck on the boat until you circle back to the starting point. I suggest you go to all these sightseeing spots by road, despite
already having seen their exteriors from the boat. Number one would be the European parliament, one of two in Europe (the other being Brussels). The parliament area is also host to the council of Europe and the European court of human rights, both a sign of Strasbourg's political significance and climate. Their presence also contributes to the city being a veritable hub of Europe. Attracting people from all over, it is informally known as the cultural capital of Europe.
As the sun fades away, the time is ripe for a visit to the famed petite France area, a UNESCO heritage site. The river is flanked on both sides by houses converted into hotels and restaurants serving popular international fare as well as local food. It is a pleasant walk along the river bounded by beautifully preserved buildings that are colourfully lit up at night. The path takes you right to the old watch towers standing at the mouth of the canal as the covered bridge next to it closes off the waterway. The terrace on the bridge offers the second best view in the city from where you can sigh contently as you watch the sun set.
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