alsace – Darden Travels

Headed back to Europe but notice something in my first few photos?

Even though I’m smiling………………I’m solo. Where is Eric? Six days earlier he flew out with Hunter and Rich to see the beaches of Normandy.

I headed to Paris after a stop in Atlanta before flying overseas.

I did see the sunrise since I had a window seat. Almost, but not quite, was worth the 8+ hour wait until they arrived at the train station – where I was waiting. There were a few hours that were dicey while I was waiting at the airport/train station.

I gave a lot of thought to acquiring a room at the hotel airport and sleeping. A lot of thought……..

Train tickets were purchased before leaving the states. We had to wait 15-20 minutes before departure to know the line it was arriving on . Then it was a mad dash to get our tickets scanned, go downstairs to the tracks, find the corresponding letter for our car and seats, before settling in on the train.

Here’s a nice view of the French country-side on our way to Strasbourg. Why Strasbourg? Eric and I had been here 2005 with friends and truthfully don’t remember much of that experience. It was my first trip to Europe and our friends planned the entire trip.

Strasbourg is one of the de facto four main capitals of the European Union (alongside Brussels, Luxembourg and Frankfort). It was first mentioned in 12 BC as a Roman camp. It had a history of German and French rule. French in 1681, German in 1871, French in 1918 (after WW1), German in 1940 and French in 1944.

We got to our AirBNB easily enough. We were met by a friend of the host and he carried up my suitcase. Going up two flights, some of which were twisty was a feat in itself.

These places are always interesting. They squeeze in bedrooms, toilets and showers separate from the original floor plan. Upon entering, the path takes you through our bedroom (top left photo) before entering the living space and kitchen. Rich and Hunter were upstairs after traversing another tight stairway, then being careful to not hit your head on a wooden beam or slanted ceiling.

The city was known for its medieval cityscape of Rhineland black and white timber-framed buildings. We went exploring once suitcases were dropped.

The weather was beautiful during our visit. When possible, we walked along the waterways. The guys were in the background of my shot below.

Three bridges along with four fortified towers were built between 1230 and 1250 on the branches of the Ill River, to defend Strasbourg against attacks.

A quick photo from atop our vantage point before heading into ‘La Petite France’.

The Petite France district is one of the most picturesque and touristic districts of Strasbourg. The canals of the Ill de Strasbourg were built and developed from the tenth century onwards and mainly used for the defense of the city as well as for its river and craft commercial activities. They were improved, extended and strengthened during the Middle Ages.

Records indicate some type of bridge dated back to 1197. It was reconstructed in 1841and is supported by a single cast-iron arch, formed of four arch ribs. It is one of the oldest cast-iron bridges still standing in France.