Stras...Bourg, Bourg!

Yesterday, I made my first foray out of the Fatherland to go to Strasbourg, France.  I was originally going to go with Dev and Andreu, whose train left at 8 a.m.  I woke up but didn't have time to get in the shower, so I just waited to go with Adam and David.

After taking the slow tram to the train station, we were pressed for time before our 9:30 train and ran to the ticket machine.  We struggled a bit trying to figure out the TGV reservations and couldn't book them before the booking window closed, so we were forced to take the slightly later and much slower regional trains.  Our one minute lateness in booking the TGV resulted in an hour and 20 minutes lateness for Strasbourg.

The train ride to Strasbourg included two transfers, the second of which wasn't known to us or on our ticket.  Luckily, a conductor came on and told everyone to switch trains, so we weren't stuck in Wissembourg, France.  As soon as we crossed the border into France, I could almost feel like we were in France, though the signs in French helped that feeling.

After two hours on the train, Adam, David, and I finally arrived in Strasbourg.  We searched around the train station for, oh, fifteen minutes before finding a city map.  We plotted our journey and began our walk through the city.

Highlights of the day included:
-The amazing architecture and layout of Strasbourg - I took over 100 pictures (check the photo album)
-Having my first truly French quiche Lorraine
-Using my high school French for the first time in three/four years (Thanks, Mrs. Murdock!)
-Visiting two cathedrals, St. Thomas and the Strasbourg Cathedral
-Seeing a Charlie Chaplin mime
-Watching tens of street performers that were awesome
-Walking the canal system
-Taking an hour-long nap in front of the Gare Centrale

The Strasbourg Cathedral was particularly moving with its candles, statues, and sheer immenseness.  As of right now, Strasbourg may be my favorite city.

Before ending this post, I'd like to wish my wonderful mother, Carla Lincoln, a happy Mother's Day.  I'm sorry that I'm not there this year, but I hope our Skype conversations and pictures will ease your missing of your favorite child...

(in Germany).

Until next time, Alles Gute.