Today was one of those days on our year-long journey that felt like vacation. I know that sounds strange. Kathy and I spent the day simply strolling the city of Strasbourg, France. It is a delightful, unhurried place. La Petite France section of the city is wonderful with its half-timbered buildings and lovely squares. The Il (capital i, small l) River meanders through the city and creates a pretty atmosphere where currents run over small waterfalls along the way. We walked and we sat and just soaked in the views. We found one of the best bakeries to which I have been along the way and shared a tasty blueberry tart. We found a gingerbread bakery which had huge loaves of gingerbread with different ingredients on display. The owner brought a two-handled sharp cutting instrument and allowed me to mark where I wanted her to cut me a piece on the chocolate and hazelnut gingerbread loaf. She then cut straight down. The bread was so thick that the cut piece held together. We noticed the bees all around, attracted by the sweet ingredients. I asked at a butcher shop about “potted meat” that I had tasted 37 years ago in rural France. He immediately knew what I had tasted and pointed it out to me on his shelf. I’ll go back to get some if we decide to have a picnic. Beautiful churches and bridges were part of the ambiance as we strolled. The fanciful cathedral for which the city is known is an intricate maze of cut stone that is stunning and airy. It seems to float on the air. Late in the afternoon, our friends Ken and Paula arrived at the train station. We spent a short time visiting before heading for a good night of rest. It was a pleasant, stress-free day in an unhurried place. WEG

Beautiful Strasbourg, France, on the River Il

Strasbourg, France, Cathedral Exterior

Strasbourg, France, Cathedral Door Detail

Strasbourg, France, Cathedral Interior

Strasbourg, France, Cathedral Pulpit

Strasbourg, France, Cathedral Stained Glass Windows

Strasbourg, France, Street Scene in La Petite France

Sunset on Strasbourg’s River Il