Mes parents à Strasbourg

Today was a class free Friday pour moi! Woohoo! I didn't ditch for just any old reason though...my parents came to see me!! It was like a breathe of fresh air to see some familiar faces in a foreign country and hang out with people outside of those I attend class with.

We started the day around 9AM with a quick tour of my apartment. I was super antsy for them to get here so I woke up around 7:30 and passed the time with un peu de morning yoga. I did not follow any formal practice, but instead just put on some happy tunes and stretched out.

Once the parentals and I were reunited, we headed out to take a walking tour of the city and catch up. We walked past the European Parliament, Le Parc de L'Orangarie, the SU center, and all the way into the center of town before it was time to stop for a light lunch.We ended up at a bakery/sandwich shop that I know well. They offer a variety of foods from sandwiches and quiche to pretzels and chocolate croissants. My host mom introduced me to them by purchasing some of their healthy breads to keep around the apartment.

I ordered a tomato, mozzarella, and pesto sandwich while my mom noshed on some chocolate concoction. (She is in vacation mode!) The sandwich was beyond fresh and left me completely satisfied.

After a lot of walking (my parents are some serious power walkers!) and taking in the sights of Strasbourg, we opted to check out a cookie store I have walked passed a million times but never entered. It was probably best I never stepped foot in here until now. I shall let the picture explain why.Yes, those are mountains of fresh cookies. I actually ended up purchasing a chocolate one for myself and it was light, flaky, and divine. Not overly sweet or moist either, which is always a plus in my book.

Needless to say, my mom was in heaven. She has quite the sweet tooth and was waiting for this vacation to sample all of the treats that this region of the world has to offer.

She picked up a bag of goodies for herself and then graciously bought a couple of cookies as a thank you present for my host mom!

After more walking and mandatory tourist photoswe headed for the boat tour! The boat goes around the entire River Ile so it serves as a great way to learn fun facts and interesting history about all of the buildings around Strasbourg.(resting my aching feet on the boat!)
It covered about 3/4 of the places I had already shown my parents on foot, only this time they were able to learn the history behind everything. We were hot and tired by the time the tour ended, so we opted to head back to my apartment and unwind for a little while.

Unfortunately, my host mom was called away this weekend at the last minute. Yet she still made sure to make my parents feel welcome by purchasing a bottle of champagne and snacks for their arrival. Last night she showed me (so cute) how to lay everything out for them, so today I did my best presentation in her absence.(Bredzels, dried apples, and Olive cheese chips)
I know they would have both really enjoyed meeting one another and I really wish it had been able to happen, but alas, it was just meant to be.We did a little toast in her honor and sincerely enjoyed the refreshments.

Before I knew it, my parents had to head back to their boat to continue on down the Rhine. It was a really great day and I am so glad that they were able to visit me here. This was a really special day for me (and I am sure for them as well). Saying goodbye was sad, but not overly so because I will be home in just 8 days! Goodness that is hard to believe!

I am heading to bed early tonight, as tomorrow I am off early to go see a real concentration camp. I am filled with nervous anticipation for the day.

Until tomorrow,
~Jenn