Le Tour d'Alsace

When you go abroad, there is often a persistent urge to hit every possible tourist hotspot. There is something satisfying about having your picture with Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower, Wartburg Castle (what!? I’m Lutheran!) and those guards at the Vatican with the funny outfits. This satisfaction stems from knowing that you most certainly made the most of your time and your dollar. During your flight back to the homeland, you can rest easy knowing that if your plane spirals into the sea and you bob for hours in black abyss of the Atlantic ocean hugging your seat cushion (which can be used as a flotation device in the event of an emergency), at least you ate fondue in Geneva. Now don’t get me wrong: I am not bashing these whirl-wind trips. They are unforgettable and allow you to see some of the world’s most amazing treasures. However, this type of tourism is not on my radar for my stay in Strasbourg.

One of my goals for the semester is to truly understand the local culture of Strasbourg and its region, Alsace. It is a beautiful corner of the world with an eventful history, a delicious cuisine and kind people who are proud of their Alsatian heritage. By the end of December, I hope to have had many discussions with little, old ladies, picked up a few worlds in the Alsatian dialect, watched the leaves change in the Vosges mountains and drank a lot of Gewürztraminer! This means that I will visit a few less world monuments, but I am more interested in making meaningful connections to the people around me. Besides, my days of world travel are long from over!

With this goal in mind, I was thrilled when Emilie (the pastor’s daughter at church) invited me to explore a bit of Alsace by bike with her two cousins, Josué and Julie! Over three days, we biked over 90 miles (yeah!) and I got a good look at the Rhine river, endless fields framed by mountains and adorable, wood-framed villages. Even though Emilie and her cousins speak UNBELIEVABLY fast making it difficult for me to enter in to much of the conversation, it was fun to get to know them better and share some laughs. They are all very close and endlessly tease one another! When Emilie had us lost before even leaving town, Josué didn't hesitate to comment on her navigational skills. In the pictures below, you see Emile and Josué locating the correct bikepath to take us out of Strasbourg, a view of the city from the path and Emilie, Josué and Julie trying to "smile like an American."




On Saturday, our journey ended with an overnight stay at a sister church in nearby town, Woerth. We were joined by a car-full of other youth from the region for spaghetti, cards and an overnight stay. The following day, all of the regional churches gathered for a Missionfest, which included a common worship service, a fellowship meal and a presentation by a young, German pastor. Since most churches worship between 15 and 40 members on a Sunday, it is encouraging to have everyone together a few times a year. Plus, it is practically a family reunion as half of the synod is related. :) Below is a picture of us in motion and one of me towards the end of Saturday's 5+ hour ride (read: EXHAUSTED).



After the activities of the Missionfest wrapped up, Emilie, Josué and I hopped back on our bikes for the ride home. We chose a more direct path for the return trip and the 3 hour ride seemed to fly by. Since we left in the late afternoon, we were able to watch a beautiful sunset over rolling hills and vineyards. I didn't take time to stop for pictures, but it was breathtaking! When we arrived back in Strasbourg, Madame Schaeffer (Emilie's mom) had a delicous meal waiting for us: cucumber salad, sausage, quiche, drunken pears, coffee....mmm. A great meal and very slap-happy conversation was the perfect end to 3 days of exploring Alsace!

56 allée de la Robertsau

Upon arriving in Strasbourg, I had one sole objective: find a place to live! It may seem a little backward to arrive in a new country without having made any living arrangements, but you can’t say that I didn’t try! I spent the summer making contacts about apartments and e-mailing residence halls, but to no avail. Knowing that there was nothing more I could do from the States, I reserved two nights in a hotel and put it in God’s hands.

After 4 nights in the hotel, 65+ phone calls to people in the Strasbourg area, 3 visits to apartments, 1 hour of being lost in a nearby suburb and countless references to my (now very worn) map of Strasbourg, I am happy to say that I am no longer homeless! I found an ad for a studio apartment on a campus bulletin board and 4 days after my arrival I signed the contract. The landlord, an Iranian man who always wants to speak English and constantly tells me how much he likes America, made some special arrangements so that I could have it just until Christmas. I am so thankful he did because I love this little place (emphasis on “little”). It has just what I need to get by for 4 months: a convertible bed, a makeshift kitchenette, shared bathrooms and a charming window with a great view. Below, you see the place when I first arrived and the view of the neighborhood from my window. Notice the Vosges Mountains!





I’ve had some time to explore the neighborhood a bit to find nearby grocery stores, bakeries and cafés with wireless internet. After 2 days of using T-shirts as a pillow and a bath towel, I was finally able to buy a few necessary household items as well! The previous occupant left some cleaning products and canned food items that I can use. However, she was German and brought these products from home so I can’t read any of the labels! I cleaned my sink with a liquid that I found in a cleaning product container, but that smelled a lot like vinegar. I’m also still trying to figure out what Wein-Branntwein-Essig is...


Upon taking this room, one adjustment for me has been the switch back to community bathrooms! Even though I have my own room and kitchenette, I share the “WC” and “salle de bain” with 5 other tenants. Given the current, questionable state of these facilities, I’d say they have potential to become downright disgusting. We are supposed to take turns cleaning once a week, so let’s hope the others are exceptionally, hygienically conscious. Interestingly enough, it doesn’t seem like anyone is too modest. Both the bathroom and the shower have windows (no curtains) that allow our neighbors to get a nice view of all I have to offer. Somebody is getting a free show. Lucky...

In a New York Minute

Well folks, here she is. The inaugural entry of a humble blog in which I will record various thoughts and adventures of my time in Strasbourg. Given that I am likely related to the majority of my audience (and the rest have probably seen me in my underwear), I will not try to enlighten you with any great revelations lest I receive an e-mail from a sibling telling me to cut the crap. Nope, this blog is simply to help us keep in touch and let you know what I’m up to over here. Ready? C’est parti!


My first stop on the journey to Strasbourg was for a visit to some friends in New York City, Andy and Jennifer. Andy (a friend from Truman) was hired in March at the Apple Store on 5th Avenue and has since become their top salesman! Jennifer is an alumna of Julliard and beginning to make a name for herself as a cabaret artist in the city and beyond. (Don’t miss her at Savor in STL at the end of September.)


Andy and Jennifer each graciously took a turn at hosting me for two nights in their Manhattan apartments and let me taste life in the Big Apple. As it has long been a dream of mine to live in Manhattan, I was thrilled to have an insider’s view. Having previously visited the major sights of the city, the highlights of this trip included a ramble through SoHo and Chinatown, a tour of the United Nations, eavesdropping on “regulars” in a neighborhood café, the Museum of Natural History, a delicious Thai dinner, live music and street performers in Central Park, meals and dessert on Jennifer’s rooftop patio, wandering through an art show and trying on hats, riding bikes through the park, etc. etc. etc!


I am so thankful to Andy and Jennifer for opening up their lives to me and letting me step in for a few days. I certainly enjoyed visiting the city, but especially spending time with these two wonderful friends...minus all of Andy’s Seinfeld quoting. : )

My favorite part of a city is seeing life happen all around me. If you sit long enough in one place you are sure to observe all different kinds of people doing all different daily activities: working, playing, grocery shopping, commuting, disciplining their children, mailing a letter, walking their dogs. I love the constant reminder that life is not simply my daily routine; it includes everyone else's also. :) I couldn’t help but smile at these snapshots of daily life in New York.