Ok! Now I feel all better. We have now heard from our girls at home and know all are well. Everyone is out of pocket though; we are all in different countries outside the US at this time as a matter of fact!

I'm still having a sleep issue but making the best of it. After not going to sleep until 2 or 3 am for the last few nights, I managed to fall asleep around midnight last nite only to wake at 4 am wide awake. I got up, answered email and downloaded some new aps (German tutor, Italian tutor). When Stan woke up we waited for light rain to subside. Stan prepared a fab breakfast of poached eggs, ham, pear and wonderful French bread with butter. After that, we visited a cyber cafe to print train tix from here to Stuttgart which we will need Wednesday morning. Apparently I missed doing that before we left ATL because these particular ones are not in our big binder of tix and confirmations. Thank goodness for technology though. That all done, we rented headsets and did a 3 hour walking tour around town so we could finally figure out what we were viewing and learn a bit of history of the city!

Strasbourg is a city of ancient wealth, history and is utterly beautiful with its amazing architecture, water and abundant flowers. Strasbourg played an important role in WWII when it was evacuated for several years to protect the people and the city. German forces occupied the city for a time and drafted Alsatians to serve in their army against their will. After the war, Strasbourg became a symbol of the resumption of peaceful relations between Germany and France. It now is one of three capital cities of the European Union. All votes of the European Parliament must take place in Strasbourg. Strange.

Today is Monday so many shops are closed, but the outdoor restaurants are open and street musicians are active and very prolific. Fun things are taking place on every corner. Tomorrow we plan to hop a tram and cross the border into Germany to have lunch in Kiel, then return to the French side of the Rhine and visit the Parliament of Europe.

Dinner was at Haus de Fantassin - - salade with fromage and sausages, boeuf, herricot verts, Quiche Lorrainne and pommes frites!! (I may sleep tonight!!!)