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Finally got onto the underground tram system. The trains here run in 2 directions so you have to be careful, and although the direction is shown on a map, it pays to study it beforehand. A smooth journey of about 3 stops - this is easily one of the best light rail systems I have come across. Off at Langstrom Grand Hue!



Final Phase

This part is where Google Map street view is so useful. From the station, its about 2 turns to Rue du Miroir, where the hotel is. I have ""walked down" this street last week in Singapore - such a wonderful thing technology is. Rue du Miroir is also where Mozart conducted a concert. The useful thing was also to note that the Cathedral, which was the tallest thing in this part of the town, was to the right of the hotel. So a bit of orientation and we were there in 5 minutes.

First thing was to settle lunch as we arrived before 2pm. Was recommended this cafe called Christian by the hotel proprietor, which is a quaint old place, with a salon downstairs for tea and cake! We found the place after 2 and they actually stopped their lunch menu. No choice but to route back to the hotel to check in first.



Finally at the destination after 1.5 days of traveling, and all went well :) Thank God!

The time was about about 2.30pm, so we set off for the boat ride around Grand Ille, or the centre of the town. This place has been designated a UNESCO world heritage site. We first scouted ahead for the
mid-range restaurant which serves the local Alsace specialties but its closed until 7pm to serve dinner. Ok point learned, here the food places open only at selected times, not the 24-hr food paradise we have back home! Before that, a little snack off the small shops since we skipped lunch - Tarte flambee or something like a pizza - a local specialty:




The boat ride starts in front of the Palais Rohan, about 8 euros for a 70 minute ride. Each seat is equipped with a headset to translate the commentary to English, Chinese and even Esperanto. The trip highlights the rich history of Strasbourg - the buildings, the people, and finally culminates in the modern developments, such as why its now the seat of the Euro committees.

The boat also went through locks which allow it to go or down different levels of water. Of cos its not as elaborate as the Three Gorges though, but it works well enough. Was a bit drizzly (as forecast) but it only lasted for the front part in the sheltered ship.







As it was still early, the next destination was the Wine Cellar of the Strasbourg Hospital, which was nearby. Strange that wine and hospitals mix. Not an easy find, but one of the locals was so kind to stop and give us directions. The people here are really friendly. The whole hospital was as large as the city centre, and was divided into many departments. Our stopover was near the entrance. The cellar also sells its own brand of pinot noir and riesling among others. Alsace riesling and gewurztraminer are the most famous in this region, and the cost is about 7-10 euros.





The next place was Petit France, a quaint little corner to the west of the Cathedral. Sort of retracing some of the steps taken during the boat ride. The architecture is very WWII style, like something out of Allo allo. :) Saw many tourists here from Taiwan though.



Still a bit early before 7pm, so back to the hotel for a short rest. Connected webcam from Germany to China, but the choppiness connection hanged the laptop :P Incidentally, the hotel and the square next to it are named after Gutenberg..yes. The Movable type guy.

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Finally time for dinner. The local "must-try" is garnished sauerkraut (choucrete in French). Strange right? It's sauerkraut with a selection of meats. First time on sauerkraut, and its an acquired taste. The portion is probably two bowls and I can't finish it. Thus I concentrated on the meat, and washed them down with some local beer. It's really true that the beer around these parts are cheaper than mineral water. You do not see small cans - everything's like 1/2 litre size.

walked around town to burn off some of the meal. Most shops have already closed by dinner time. The environs, as well as the cathedral, look vastly different in the night. Well it has been a VERY long day, and lots have happened, so its time to hit the sack!



Nights!