Discovering Strasbourg

I wanted to visit the Musee Alsacien, the Alsatian Museum, so yesterday I walked across the island and over the river. I walked quite a long way around the island, looking in shops and boulangerie (bakeries) as I went. There are a fair number of Indian shops with interesting jewelry, scarves, fabrics, and other exotic treasures, however the strong smell of incense which permeates these shops and wafts out from under the door puts me off and I seldom enter, although I do enjoy looking in the windows.

When I reached the museum, which contains artifacts and recreated rooms illustrating historic life in this Alsace region of France, I found it was closed for refurbishment. I was very disappointed, however I continued to walk along the river. Eventually I passed a fork in the waterway and wandered into unknown territory. The river was quite wide by now and there were a number of boats tethered dockside, made into cafes and restaurants. I could see a large church, graced with twin spires and a large, round, stained glass window, in the distance. I have never seen this church before on my explorations and I wanted a closer look so continued on toward the magnificent structure. I carefully crossed the tracks of "the widow maker" (the tram) and approached the church, crossing back over the river to do so. I was disappointed to see the large wooden doors, decorated with wrought iron appeared to be closed firmly.

In Italy and Germany, I notice that churches are usually open to visitors in the afternoons, doors flung wide, inviting one to enter, sit, and pray. In France however, houses of worship seem to be locked up tight as though they wish to keep the sins of men, and the sinners themselves, at bay. According to my tourist information, churches do often have open hours, but with the thick doors closed, they aren't welcoming or inviting. A sad thing. Churches in the United States are like this. One isn't really welcome to stop in to commune with the Divine unless there is a service. Throw open the doors! Let people in and God out. That's what I like about my Spirituality...I can pray anywhere I like, at any time. God is there.

I had to be satisfied with taking pictures of the lovely church. I thought I saw the familiar large, green dome of the church I discovered a couple of weeks ago so I headed in that direction. When I walked a couple of long, city blocks, and the green dome no longer visible, I decided to backtrack so as not to get lost. The city is just like a maze to me, and what's worse is that the Ill River branches and circles a couple of times with some small forks, so there are a series of islands in Strasbourg. I have to be careful never to assume that by crossing the river I am back on my island. Therefore I explore slowly and carefully allowing myself to absorb each new part of the city I encounter, much like two young lovers each learning about the other.