All aboard the trip recap boat! Now that we're up and running with internet at our house, I have all kinds of catching up to do on our adventures of late. I figured I'd start with the most recent and work my way backwards over the next couple of weeks. We've been having an awesome time exploring the area with daytrips and long weekends away.
Last weekend, we took a little jaunt a couple hours south to Strasbourg, the principal city of the Alsace region in France and seat of the European Parliament. We spent our time in the historic center of town and it was lovely--perfect for a few hours of wandering. Many of the border towns of France are historically Germanic culturally and linguistically, and we noticed that Strasbourg felt much more German than French in its architecture and cuisine.
It was after noon when we arrived in town, so we started our time in Strasbourg with lunch in the quaint La Petite France--a collection of homes, businesses and cobblestone roads built largely in the medieval years. It straddles a canal that flows through town, and we enjoyed our salads and duck pate as boats floated by and musicians played in the alleys. It was so charming, it was almost painful.
After lunch, we strolled around La Petite France a bit more, and came across some of the old town defensive fortifications. We then wandered up and down some of the back streets and through a flea market in one of the plazas before making our way to the cathedral. We stopped in at a bakery for some cookies and at an outdoor vendor for a traditional kugelhopf to take home, then at Amorino Gelato--which we first tried in Paris last year--to help keep us going in the mid 80 temperatures. I know that's nothing compared to the triple digits seen in the States lately, but what can I say, we've acclimated!
The cathedral was very pretty, but I can definitely say I'm starting to get a little immune to the majesty of cathedrals. It did have a beautiful, open-work steeple that I found quite impressive, as well as a massive gilded organ, so I wouldn't say I'm entirely jaded yet, it's just, all cathedrals can only really be SO different, you know?
The cathedral was our last stop before we hit the road to visit yet another Ikea for the MIA linen closet shelves. We patted ourselves on the back for being so efficient with our travel day so we wouldn't have to waste an entire day driving out to Ikea, then headed home for some furniture building. Where we discovered that the cabinet we bought and the cabinet we thought we were buying were two different sizes. And all of the shelves, wire baskets, and the door were sized for the wrong cabinet. And just like that, Ikea won round two.
So, who's up for Swedish meatballs this weekend? Sigh.
So pretty! I love all of the day trips you are able to make!
And hopefully the third try at IKEA is s charm!
Posted by: erin - heart in ireland | July 05, 2012 at 03:26 PM
I love the pics! Charming is definitely the right word :)
Enjoy the gelato! Remember your body is about 10 degrees warmer while pregnant so stay cool because it most certainly IS hot! It's only in the high 70s here and I feel like I'm boiling.
Ikea is crazy. I hope you all win round 3!!!
Posted by: Solange | July 05, 2012 at 05:52 PM
I just watched an episode of House Hunters International that (or was it something on the Food Network?) anyway ..it took place in Strausbourg! Your pictures are lovely. What an amazing adventure you're having, Angela! Ikea and all!! xo
Posted by: Gayle | July 05, 2012 at 07:11 PM
SO BEAUTIFUL. Thank you for posting the pictures, because I am living vicariously through your experiences!
And DARN ikea! I love it there, but they can be so confusing!
Posted by: erin | July 05, 2012 at 08:47 PM
Ha ha! I feel that way about churches as well as town squares and piazzas. Once you've seen one or two, they all start to look the same. I'm sure that makes me sound like a really jaded OCONUS wife.
Posted by: Melissa | July 05, 2012 at 09:54 PM
SO GORGEOUS! I went to Strasbourg a very long time time ago and would love to visit again. Seeing your photos brings back so many memories!
Posted by: Jessica | July 06, 2012 at 02:58 AM
The cathedrals are all nice, but my favorites are the blink-and-miss-em churches - they tend to have just as much history in a itty-bitty package. Rome is full of 'em.
Posted by: _karenbee_ | July 06, 2012 at 10:14 PM
Damn, girl. I am SO behind on my blogs. I checked out for a while there, JUST before your big announcement. Huge congrats to you, two babies! And in Europe, nonetheless. You're in for a wild, wonderful ride. I promise to check in more often, I am kicking myself for being so late to the party. Enjoy enjoy enjoy! Love to you and your growing family.
Posted by: Cat | July 09, 2012 at 07:17 AM