Strasbourg

Dec 2, we was supposed to meet Dr. F at the downstair of our hotel by
10am. First of all, we totally overslept. Since we arrived late last
night (the reception was gone by the time we got back to the hotel), we
could not arrange for wake up call. Also, I was woke up by phone call
from office 3am in the morning, we could not wake up. On top of it, I
did not realize that Germany and London is one hour ahead. By the time
we get downstair, Dr. F and his wife went to the restaurant. We thought
that they went to breakfast. So, we walked around, and took some
pictures around this very cute, charming hotels. Houses here are very,
very cute. Dr. F. soon came back, and insisted that we should have
breakfast in the hotel. So, we did. By the time we left for the
Strasbourg Cathedral, it was about 11am. So, by the time we got to the
Cathedral, it was past noon. We did not make it to see how the
astronomical clock move. Well, I am sure we will come back again. The
Strasbourg market is really cute, very charming. It is like we are in
the dream, in a movie. The town is so pictorial. Lo and I later talked
about this town. Strange that he had the same feeling, felt unreal,
like in a dream. I never thought that I really have the chance to come
to such a romantic, pictorial town. We finally made it to the
cathedral. The cathedral is just gorgeous. Since my camera charger got
destroyed last night, I did not take too many pictures. Also, I know I
will come back, with a better camera to shoot in the dimmer setting.
The stain glasses are so beautiful, and the carving, all the
craftsmanship. Since it is Christmas season, the tapestry pictures were
also displayed. I bought a couple of books, and a wooden cross chain.
We then went to a very old, charming restaurant (first house in the area
according to Dr. F), Maison Kammerzell. Lo ordered Salmon, I ordered
variety of 8 meats & sausage. It was very good. But since we had
breakfast late, we really could not finish. By the time we finished
lunch, it was 3:30pm already. Dr. F. found out that they still have
the boat running, so we took a boat tour. Very charming river boat
tour. I did not remember most of the places mentioned, other than a few
Palaces, church, a very good University, and the EU Parliament and
administrative building. Dr. F. originally wants to bring up to this
very modern EU Parliament in the afternoon, so, the boat trip although
not totally satisfy a formal Parliament, it is good substitution.
After the boat tour, there is a little rain, we went by the Strasbourg
music conversatory, skipped the Museum of Notre Damn (which we have to
visit next time), walked around the very expensive shop area in the
market, and head back to the car.

Dr. F. took us back to their very beautiful house, we had great wine and
whisky. Lo was fasinated by Dr. F's hunts. Dr. F started to show us
his guns, stories about his super rich brother-in-law and his uncle, who
no longer maintain a relation with him after Dr. F stopped renting the
2000 acres hunting ground. It was really sad to hear how he lost even
his relative when he can no longer maintain his luxury style of living
at his old age. He also talked about hunting rules, his hunting tales
in Finland, great stories. Dr. F's wife sort of hinted that they are
poor. Rich and poor are all a matter of relativity. They felt that
they are poor now, but they are so rich still, compared to our living
standards, and of course many others. They are good friends. Dr. F. is
an admirable accomplished lawyer with integrity and rich experience. He
worked in Swizerland, Turkey, (he actually helped the government
developed their tourist industry strategy), and travel widely. Lo and
him certainly get along very well. I wish him and his wife great
health, and many more happy returns.