Weekend #2 in Strasbourg
I met my Uncle Sam in Strasbourg, France this weekend. He lives in Vicenza, Italy and I don't get to see him very much so it worked out well that he could meet me. Plus, it helped keep me from being too lonely without Jeff.

The cathedral in Strasbourg is really impressive. Of course, the first thing I wanted to do was climb to the top. Sam agreed to climb the 330 stairs after some harassment from me. Unfortunately, the view wasn't worth the climb. However, the cathedral also has an astronomical clock to make up for its dissapointing view. It is one of the largest in Europe. We watched it chime at noon although the most impressive thing wasn't the intricate movements of the figures but the idea that the clock, built in 1352, accurately keeps track of the phases of the moon and the movements of the planets (6 of them anyway).

We spent the rest of the day wandering the city. Its rather small and we had seen most of the principal sites by about 3:00, including a small flea market and book market where I found my old postcards. We both needed a nap by then so we went back to the hotel for a few hours. In the evening, we sat outisde at one of the many bars and had drinks before dinner. Sam has been a teacher, then a principal, then a superintendant for the Department of Defense school system for 20 years and he has lived and traveled all over the world. I had alot of fun hearing about all the places he's been...and getting a few insights into my parents childhoods.

Strasbourg is right on the border between Germany and France. It definetely looked more German than French and they like beer as much as wine.

I don't think Sam likes having his picture taken very much.
The astronomical clock in the cathedral.

A covered bridge and dam once used to protect the city.