La Petite France et autres choses

Yesterday (Saturday), my roommate Peter and I decided to spend a few hours walking around some parts of Strasbourg that we hadn't already visited. After the first week of classes, it was nice to get out and see some more sights. Classes aren't too bad, but obviously it's pretty hard to take in everything the professor is saying and write decent notes at the same time. Plus, my speaking is way behind my comprehension. It's feels really weird to understand what someone is saying to you, and at the same time being unable to really express yourself in turn. I just have to meet some French students, is all - goal for this week!

Anyway, we decided to go to La Petite France, a beautiful neighborhood some distance down one of Strasbourg's many rivers (L'Ille is the name, I think). It turned into one of the coolest days I've had here so far, and I'm definitely going back there sometime soon. The city is so unlike anything I've seen before that it's hard to describe how awesome it feels just walking around and taking in the sights. These photos can tell the story of the afternoon better than I can.

If you have time, it's worth clicking on each of these pictures to see them in much larger size. I know there's a lot of them, but it's definitely worth the extra time.

Starting out on our journey. This building isn't too far from our apartment, just down the tram tracks a ways. It's some kind of art institute. Pretty cool.

Close-up of the detail on one of the facades.

another close up

Ferrari. Tiny hatchbacks aren't the only cars in France.

One of our webbed-footed friends on the edge of L'Ille. "What you lookin at youngblood?"

The sole spire of the Strasbourg Cathedral

A bit further down the river, there's l'Ancienne Douaine, the old Customs House. A cool building.

I saw this and had to take the picture. This pink beauty is chained to the railing running along the length of l'Ille. Why, I wonder?

I took this picture while Peter and I were walking along a footpath directly beside the river. A nice promenade. Further down, Peter and I were accosted by some swans. They actually floated over to us and made threatening noises, as if to say "Nobody...and I mean nobody...comes into our house...and pushes us around!" We didn't press them. Swans think they're God's gift to birds, I swear.

These structures are huge, incredibly old watchtowers. The sight of them meant we were about to enter La Petite France. Apparently they date from the 14th century. So cool.

A crowd of birds going nuts for bread. Some little kid and her mom were throwing them scraps from one of several bridges connecting the watchtowers. It reminded me of "The Birds." I kept thinking I was going to get dive-bombed or something.

The first of a series of pictures taken in La Petite France. One of my best of the day, I think.

One of the first streets we came to. Peter, with his insatiable culinary curiosity, is intently studying a menu at right.

The entrance to one of many restaurants in the neighborhood. Great color, once again.

View from Pont Saint Martin, one of the many bridges criss-crossing the waterways of La Petite France.

Still on Pont Saint Martin, but turned to my right instead of my left.

This is one of the coolest streets we found in the neighborhood. It is very long and narrow, lots of great architecture on both sides, and the banners hanging down are crests of the old guilds - various professions and what not. So cool.

Bakers never looked so tough. See the pretzel and baguette in the lion's hands?

-Have fun losing with your losers in Las Vegas, laFleur.
-Nice, Dwight. Alliteration aside, I think I'll take my chances.

Another incredibly narrow street. So awesome, especially because a lot of them curve slightly. So old, so European.

Close-up of a nice little restaurant, "La Petite France."

Same restaurant, just stepped back a bit. More amazing German-French architecture.

Coming up along another street of La Petite France. The combination of the small waterways and the buildings is amazing.

The view downriver a bit. I waited on purpose for those people to cross the bridge before I took the picture. A nice effect, I think.

On the left is "La Maison des Tanneurs," apparently an old tannery/ hangout for tanners, I'm not sure.


La maison is very old, as you can see. Founded 1572! Long before the Pilgrims were even twinkles in the eyes of their crazy parents.

Another little restaurant. Too bad we can't afford to eat in any of them. A special occasion for the future, I suppose.

One final shot. What an amazing place. I'll definitely be back to La Petite France. A great Saturday afternoon.

Eh bien, c'est tout pour le moment. À Bientôt!

Sam