Strasbourg Cathedral

On the way from Bacharach to Colmar I'd like to stop and see the cathedral at Strasbourg, or perhaps we'll take a day trip from Colmar. The cathedral was the world's tallest building between 1625 and 1874...a little before our time.

Craftsmen and artisans spent decades and lifetimes creating the cathedrals. In the age of microwaves and instant communication I find that fascinating. If you want to learn more about the Cathedral, check this out. During WWII the glass from the stained windows was removed and stored in a salt mine.

And, if I really do all my leg exercises, perhaps we'll climb up to the observation level of the north tower.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strasbourg_Cathedral

Highbridge Park and Washington Heights

Today my best friend Leena (not to be confused with her namesake, our daughter Laina) and I continued our exploration of Manhattan neighborhoods. I drove into Manhattan, picked up Leena and her recycling. Our first stop was Union Square fto drop off the recycling. Several times a year, the sanitation department sponsors recycling events, both for electronics and clothing. By chance I also was driving around with a bag of stuff for the clothes-drop, so Manhattan got a bit of New Jersey's old stuff as well.
Then we drove north to the top of the island and explored part of the largely Hispanic neighborhood of Washington Heights. As well as so many New York City neighborhoods, it is on the upswing. Highbridge Park runs along the East River just north and south of the Alexander Hamilton Bridge. The green of the park is a real contrast to all the urban buildings, concrete and highways below.
Here are some Wikipedia Links so you can learn all about the area and its history (love that Wikipedia!):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Heights
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highbridge_Park

Food of Alsace-Lorraine

When I told Mitch we'd have lots of sausage and sauerkraut, he said everywhere he goes they have sausage and sauerkraut (ah, the woes of European ski travel). But there is supposed to be lots of trout, and pastries, and quiche lorraine (which I love) - so how can one complain. Anyway, here is an interesting site about the regional cuisine.

http://www.hillmanwonders.com/cuisines/alsace_lorraine_cuisine.htm

And I'm sure we won't starve.

Now, as far as wine...we will be in wonderful wine country which, unfortunately, is wasted on us. But rest assured, I'll make an effort

The first thing we will do is to explore the Rhine. Hopefully we'll take a boat ride and see lots of castles. Here is a good map.

Our hotel is right by the train, so we are advised to bring ear plugs.

Penny & Mitch in Germany & France – May 10-22, 2007

Thurs, 10 May, Continental Flight 110, EWR 6:45 p.m., arrives Cologne CGN 8:10 a.m. Friday, 11 May

Tues, 22 May, Continental Flight 111, Cologne 10:35 a.m., arrives EWR 1:20 p.m.


Friday, May 11 – pick up rental car Auto Europe at Cologne Airport, drive to Bacharach 130 mi.

Friday, May 11 & Saturday, May 12 – Hotel in Bacharach, Germany
Hotel Kranenturm www.kranenturm.com

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, May 13, 14, 15
Colmar, France
Hotel Turenne, www.turenne.com (+33) (0)3.89.21.58.58


Wednesday, Thursday, Friday May 16, 17,
Luxembourg City Luxembourg to Cochem 85 mi

Saturday, Sunday, Monday, May 19, 20, 21 Cologne
Hotel Coellner Hof, Hansaring 100, Cologne 50670, Germany - Confirmed
http://www.coellnerhof.de/navigat_e.htm

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