329 steps - WHAT!

This is what we saw when we turned the corner. It took our breath away.
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And we made it to Strassbourg.  What a beautiful city. The original city is surrounded by canals for protection. We started with a 30 minute break for lunch. We all had something different but stayed on the same street. Sean finally had his dish. Yeah!

There were many individual street vendors around selling things quite cheap. They were a bit creepy and France is trying to get rid of them. For the first time, I saw signs in cathedrals to "watch out for Pickpockets". Strange.

There is no way that monks were fat.

On the way up
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We then made our way to the Cathedral. WOW! Jenn stayed at the bottom and made sure everyone made it down. The rest of us walked up the 329 steps. They were small and they were circular.  There is no way that monks were fat. That old stereotype has to be wrong. They had to go up the stairs and back down once an hour every day. I wouldn't even be overweight if I had to do it twice a day.

The cathedral was built in the 12th century with the final spire being completed in 1469 - VERY GOTHIC!

From the top
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At the top viewing platform, Joshua was on the phone with his sister. HEHE. There was a great view of the city and of the European parliament. The walls of the spire were engraved with names and dates. The oldest dating back to 1502 - that I found. There were some in an Asian language and music notes on another. After we made it back down the steps - we were shaking! At least I was, but that might be because I am old and out of shape. New goals for the summer.

The rose window in the cahedral is world famous - with a right to be. We missed the astronomical clock going off at noon, but were able to see it all the same. Students were able to pick up rosaries and medallians within the church to help support it's maintanance. We were able to light candles for our loved ones as well. That gives one a warm feeling inside.

We made it
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On the way back to the bus - Joshua, Katie and Arafel stopped for a bit of shopping. Arafel surprised me with a patch. The kids have been great about finding my patches for my jacket. :-)

Then back to the hotel. We made it back about 8 p.m. - just in time for a dinner of chicken, spätzel and beans.

Tonight I miss my family. After everything we saw today - the importance of family and the love we share  - was very close at hand.

Frau