So here we are back in France. Spent the last three days in Strasbourg. A beautiful city on the confluence of the rivers Rhine and L'ill.

Strasbourg is a city of two identities. Being in the midst of the Alsace region, it has been, historically, either German or French, with touches of Swiss. In fact, Strasbourg and the
Alsace region was a bone of contention with Hitler leading up to WWII. Consequently, it is a city with two personalities. There are both French and German names on the streets. French patisseries are the dominant bakery, yet German style beer halls coexist with them. French foods as well as German are the fare of the day in the restaurants. The Cathedral is decidedly French in its architecture and interior design.

A visit to the "Musée historique de Strasbourg" gives further insight into the rich history of the city. The first Gutenberg printing press was established in Strasbourg. It used to be an important city in the manufacture of arms for the kings of France. It is the parliamentary center for the European Union. Strasbourg Cathedral was at one time the worlds tallest building. It has been at various times Catholic, Protestant and Lutheran.

Either wandering along the banks of the river L'ill, or strolling through the UNESCO heritage listed streets, there is always something to catch the eye - whether it be the magnificent Cathedral, a patisserie displaying its sumptuous wares (no one does pastries like the French), the canals of the Petit France area of the city, or not quite straight buildings from the 13th century, Strasbourg is a worth destination of any serious traveler.

Tomorrow we are heading on down to Geneva - our final stop before flying back home.