Our epic roadtrip! Part two: Strasbourg

We headed out for the next portion of our roadtrip.  We went south, out of the small country of Luxembourg to skirt the German border.  We passed through some pretty dense fog, making navigating even more interesting.

We even passed through a tunnel of ice - a deep roadcut that had icicles about 10 feet long on both sides.

The next stop on our roadtrip is Strasbourg, the self-proclaimed capital of Noel.  It was quite fun to visit during the Christmas season, for everything was decorated.  I also think that Strasbourg had more Christmas markets (Marche de Noel) than any other place I've ever and since seen.

 Here's the first Christmas market we found, where we got some nice spiced wine and later, hot orange juice to warm up.

 

One of the squares in Strasbourg.  

But one of the highlights of this trip, and indeed even of all of  my world travels, was seeing Strasbourg's Notre Dame.  It was an incredible example of Gothic architecture, and literally took my breath away.  

Beautiful.  The only way it could have been better was if it was less foggy, cold and icy.  Even the gargoyles were feeling the cold in the air.

Beautifully carved door.

Walking towards the front entrance.   Notre Dame is also the tallest medieval building in all of Europe.

Check out that carving.  Amazing.

Inside, one of the stained glass windows.

Inside is a huge astronomical clock.  Bram kept telling me we couldn't take it home. 

Across the street is the Kammerzell House, built in the 15th century - another nice example of Gothic architecture.

I tried looking for Aragorn...

Walking up to the Palais des Rohan, which now houses a museum.

 

Inside, another cool astronomical clock...

 

As well as a very interesting "cookie jar" resembling a very lifelike severed boar's head, complete with spinal column.

 

Heads seem to be a common theme, for the outside of this building is decorated with stuffed animal heads.  I particularly like the polar bear.

We explore the half-timbered houses.  

Bram stops during one of the Christmas fairs to try on some of the local garb.

Some of the Christmas decorations are these neat "chandeliers in a box".

In "Petite France" there are canals, bordered by the half timbered houses.

Bram and I stop for a picture near some of the square towers, that were used for protection of the city.

Many Christmas fairs, more wonderful (German-French) food, and then on to our next stop!