23 June 2015: We are taking a
break to visit Strasbourg.
Originally, this visit was
coordinated with plans for Mary to return again to Saint-Germain-en-Laye in
order to supervise the long-delayed kitchen renovation work. The delivery
of the furnishings and appliances had been re-scheduled for the end of this
week. However, the delivery has been delayed again, so Mary will not
return home this week.
We are frustrated (but no longer
surprised) by these delays, but we are pleased that Mary will not miss the
Vosges. The coming days will include some great hikes.
Meanwhile, we are enjoying this
interlude in Strasbourg. We took a train from Barr to Strasbourg this
morning. We had booked a room through airbnb in the picturesque Petite
France area of the city. It turned out to be a fantastic place, a
one-bedroom apartment in an old building. The owner, an Italian man whose
family has owned the place for three generations, was away, so his brother
Jean-Marie welcomed us here. He was warm, friendly and helpful.
Our first destination after settling
into the apartment was the outdoor clothing and equipment store, Au Vieux
Campeur. Besides picking up some miscellaneous gear that we needed, we
took a long look at boots, as both of us have had some problems with our boots.
I, in particular, have been disappointed to find a crack in the leather
of one of my boots. It lets in water and is likely to get worse as I hike
in the mountains. I found a pair of boots at Vieux Campeur that I like,
but I hesitate to buy them. Boots are a hiker's most important item of
clothing. My current boots do need to be replaced, but normally one
wishes to break in new boots before setting off on a big expedition.
Since we have scheduled a two-day visit in Strasbourg, I have time to
reflect further upon this potential purchase...
After Vieux Campeur and a good lunch in the Petite France
area (which has many restaurants catering to the tourists who flock to this
area), we visited the Musée Historique. The museum focuses upon the
history of Strasbourg. It's excellent!
* * *
The building housing our apartment:
Jean-Marie showed us around the building and described its history.
In the past, the building housed tanners. This wall has an insignia attesting to the tanners' right to work here. The date is carved in the lintel over the door: 1589.
We walked around the Petite France area, looking for a good restaurant for lunch.
The Musée Historique:
The museum has some objects on display that can be handled by visitors. We had fun with these old helmets!
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