Day 11 Strasbourg, France - Strolling Around the City on our Day Off

Joan's View

It's our first day off during the ride so we got to sleep in! Tony wanted to get the rear tire/rim to the bicycle shop which opened at 9am to get it trued. We dropped off the tire/rim and found the first bakery enroute on our way back to the Airbnb. This time we did take away of 2 slices of tarts, 1 eclair and a cappuccino. Eating at our place gave us a chance to plan out some sights to visit today.

First stop was Cathedral Notre de Strasbourg so that we could make sure mass was at 6pm like we read online. Lots of tourists around the cathedral. It is massive with some very unique features. There is a giant astronomical clock that has moving parts every 15 minutes. The clock also tells the alignment of the planets as well as a calendar. It even tells the date of the next holy day (we got to overhear some of an English tour 😁). 

Cathedral Notre de Strasbourg

Our next destination was Petite France, an old section of Strasbourg along the canals that has remains of old tanneries. We crossed a small walking bridge after waiting for it to turn. Instead of a raised bridge, it turns to allow the boats through. 

Covered in flowers.

Tony on the turning bridge

Next, we explored Barrage Vauban, a covered bridge with old sculptures inside. Then we climbed atop Barrage Vauban for some beautiful views of the old canals and buildings. 

Which canal goes where?

                                                                                        Tony trying to pull chains on the Barrage Vauban

Looking out from the bridge we could see the spire of St. Pierre. We walked in that direction following the sounds of the church bells. We had to circle the building to find the entrance, and once inside spent a little time appreciating that holy space. 

As we were walking back to our place, we saw in the distance an outdoor convention of some sort. Turns out it was a sports vendor exhibit. that we just had to check out.  I scored on Tony a few times testing an outdoor ping pong table with outdoor ping pong balls. The balls are wind resistant. Who knew? We got to watch a medieval duel which appears to be a competitive sport in Europe. It started to sprinkle so we came back to the Airbnb for some snacks and rest.

Limbs were still attached after this match.

Joan's point

Tony got a text that the alignment was done on the tire. He left to get it while I napped a bit. After he got back and after reattaching the tire, he decided to take the whole bike to that shop to have them look at the disc brakes. The young guy working there spoke English so that made it easier for Tony to communicate what he wanted them to do.

Tony found some cool tools.

We went to our favorite grocery store for some food for the road and for dinner. I found some sushi and Tony bought a pizza to cook. The only pizza cutter he found was this authentic heavy-duty cutter so you can see he is easily enjoying slicing his pizza.

Flowers from this beautiful 70th anniversary woman. 

Mass at the chapel in the cathedral was in French, and during mass there was a special blessing for this elderly anniversary couple. After mass, each woman leaving received a small bouquet of flowers in celebration. I told the lovely anniversary lady congratulations in English even though she only spoke French. She smiled, hugged and explained through finger signs that it was their 70th anniversary. Wow! So beautiful and so special! 

Tony's Extras

It was nice to get a day off and rest the legs. Even my butt needed a rest. I was amazed how much Strasbourg is full of tourist and shops. Staying in the middle of the Old Town, we got to see so much activity. When I was at the bicycle shop, soon after the wheel was trued and while they were fine tuning the disc brakes, I got a phone call from Chuck Huggins, letting me know that our friend, Clay, died earlier in the day. Joan and I have been saying many rosaries for him and Mary for the last few days. Clay has impacted so many lives and I know God will take care of him. May his soul rest in peace. I love you, Clay. May the perpetual light shine upon you.