4-29-19 to 5-2-19 Strasbourg, Basel and the River Empress
Our last couple of days on this River Cruise will be documented in pictures. They should give you a good feeling for our experience.
Petite France known for cobblestone streets, canals, and well-preserved half-timbered homes like the Tanners’ House, built in 1572. A terrace atop the 17th-century Barrage Vauban, a covered bridge and dam, offers panoramic views. Truly a lovely spot.Here we are on a bridge over a canal in the Petit FranceLots of wisteria along the path to the door of The White House by the canal in Petite France. Houses clinic for mental health.Just one of a LOT of half timber structures we saw while in Strasbourg
Of course, Strasbourg does have a cathedral – Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg. It was the second most visited Notre Dame after the one in Paris. Sad to say, it will now become the most visited one due to the fire.
The Cathédrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg.The Cathédrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg.This beautiful rose window in the cathedralThe Strasbourg Astronomical Clock is really amazing with it’s moving parts which record astrological signs as well as church seasons.
The original was built in the 14th century! The current astronomical clock was built in 1843 and shares many of the features of its predecessors such as an orrery, a rotating display of the current positions of the sun and moon, a planetary calendar, and even a mechanical rooster. The calculations required to keep the accuracy of the earth and moon in rotation around the sun correctly on the clock is done by a complicated set of cogs on the right hand side of the planetary faceplate. A large celestial globe in front of the planetary clock is also connected to other mechanisms and the stars are in correct position for the day and time of year.
The Square in Strasbourg. The dark brown building is one of the oldest in the city.
But enough about Strasbourg…off to Basel Switzerland!
The Town Hall is painted with wonderfully costumed Burghers and the decorated clock keeps great time but didn’t do anything special beyond that.The church in Basel was rebuilt after a major earthquake in the 1400’s. On the left of the door is St. George the Dragon Slayer and on the right is St. Martin a roman soldierWe walked up this street – many of the buildings had been rebuilt over time – extending out the upper floors for more space without impacting the property tax based on the size of the first floor.Here we are in Basel in front of the town hall. A beautiful placeThis Rock memorial was along one wall as we walked along
The wall shows portraits of rock stars like Janis Joplin, Keith Richards, Mick Jagger, Jim Morisson and the Doors, Jimmy Hendrix, The Who, Pearl Jam, Dave Groll and the Foo Fighters, Grateful Dead, Jethro Tull, Kurt Cobain, Pink, Frank Zappa, Madonna, Pink Floyd and Bob Marley. The famous Rolling Stones tongue logo, Who Mod Target logo and Woodstock Festival logo with a dove sitting on a guitar are integrated in the design as well as the Beatle’s album cover “Abbey Road” with George Harrison, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and John Lennon walking the crosswalk.
This is the bridge from “new” Basel to “old” Basel.
The River Empress was a fantastic home for our adventure from Amsterdam to Basel. There were some highs and lows but mostly highs all along the way. Would we do another UniWorld River Cruise? Yes we would . Actually looking at doing something in 2020 in Eqypt!
The River Empress was our home for 10 days as we sailed from Amsterdam to Basel.Stoyan was the Hotel Manager and as such was responsible for virtually everything on the ship beyond the navigation systems. I invited him to come visit us in Virginia!Andrea was always a bright smile and friendly hello at the front desk.Hajni was the Purser on the ship and staffed the front desk. Always a nice smileBranislav was the Executive Chef and boy did he make some wonderful meals while we were on board.OK, life is short, eat dessert first. Always a bunch of treats to choose.A special cake listing the ports of call for our last eveningMarian is the Dining Room supervisor and greeted us by name every time. He also went above and beyond the expected l to help us with special requests.Georgy is from Bulgaria and has been working for UniWorld for 10 years. He took care of our stateroom throughout the cruise and went above and beyond ,like providing ice for Janeen;s sore leg.Sitting – David, Janeen, Jerry, Gloria, Leslie and Bob – Marco, standing, was our outstanding waiter at many of our meals.
