{For Part I of my Euro Trip, click HERE. Special thanks to my father for his knowledge and help on this write up.}

During my time abroad last July, I was fortunate to see some of the greatest works of art, both of God and man. We took a day trip from Paris to visit the lovely little town of Chartres, about 50 miles outside of Paris. After our days of running around a busy city, the train ride was a blessed relief to the aching backs and swollen feet in our group of 27. At first glimpse Chartres would seem to be a colorful, sleepy little town. Its quaint feel seemed quintessential Europe, and reminded my father more of what Paris felt like a decade ago.  It was filled with sidewalk cafes and well-dressed patrons who were not in a hurry, but were rather content to abide in the shadow of the magnificent edifice that occupied the highest and most prominent few acres in town–the cathedral.  Before we entered, our group congregated outside the grand northern facade. My father, a natural born lover of history, shared his knowledge of the cathedral with us.

Below are some facts shared by my father:

Chartres Cathedral is one of the earliest and finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. The church was considered a very important project as it was to house the tunic of Mother Mary which is considered one of the most important artifacts in the Catholic Church, and was legendarily brought there by Charlemagne. It took only 56 years to build Chartres Cathedral (from 1194-1250 AD), while every other great cathedral of Europe took hundreds of years to build. It became a pilgrimage site for the illiterate masses and the whole gospel of Christ is written on the stain glass windows and the bas-relief sculpture that are continuous both inside and outside the building. The cathedral also became a medieval university and center for the arts, philosophy, politics and trade. It was also a hospital for the sick during the bubonic plague epidemic of the 14th century.

I enjoyed the sweet town of Chartres, and would love to return for a week next time. In fact I think I’d like that apartment with the balcony below….

Leaving France and heading towards Switzerland we stopped at our next town, Strasbourg, which is an international city on the Rhine River next to the German border. It did not take very long to get there on the Eurostar train from Paris, which cruised between 160 and 180 mph. The center of the old town is actually an island in the Rhine River. The first permanent settlement on this location was erected by the Romans during the reign of Augustus. Buildings in the old city are mainly “half- timber” architecture, which is very rustic with a Germanic feel.

On the highest prominence in town stands the magnificent Strasbourg Cathedral. It is a full 466 feet and was the tallest building in the world for over 200 years. Entering late in the day we only ended up having a few minutes inside, but it was enough time to be left in awe. Walking around and admiring this work of art I couldn’t help but dwell on the people who dedicated themselves and their lives to this creation–their skill, faith, and sheer perseverance.

And in my father’s words…

“These glorious cathedrals of Europe occupy acres of land. Who leveled the ground? Who carved the stones? Who designed the 60 foot stained glass windows? Who built the wood scaffolding on both the inside and outside of the churches that possibly had to stand for hundreds of years until construction was complete? Who built the ancient pulley system which hoisted up sculpted stones that may have weighed tons for hundreds of feet? These sacred artistic and architectural masterpieces are an everlasting monument to what man can do, if his intentions are selfless and noble.”

We had a relaxing time wandering the streets of Strasbourg during that afternoon and evening. Our group split up to shop and try different restaurants, cafes, while I searched for the best looking gelato. Priorities.

Each night after dark there is a beautiful light show on the face of the cathedral. Part of our group decided to camp out for a few hours to secure front row seats for the show. Each time I would circle back to the square it made me laugh as they were all enjoying their next course. ;)

While making my way up this side street I was awestruck with the grandeur in front of me….

And then at dusk, it was magnified more (see bottom right photo). I knew my father was still guarding his seat at the base of the cathedral and had no idea of this vantage point. I rushed over and asked him to accompany me down the nearby side street, keeping his back to the cathedral. We strolled down the hill to the square of the old town, and when the view was just right I told him to turn around. He was moved beyond words….

We walked back up the hill, stopping to admire and comment on the scene a few times along the way. Quite a moment that I will not soon forget.

It’s been just a few days since I returned from my travels in Europe, and I’m doing my best to adjust to reality– aka screaming children around me and life without fresh croissants. I find myself still piecing together my thoughts, photos, and words from my experiences, but I can already tell that I am a changed person. Travels have a way of doing that to one’s soul, I suppose. Time away from the day-to-day and immersing yourself in a different culture is the best therapy…I can attest to this.

For now I am wading through the emails, meetings, calendar, school planning…but looking forward to sharing more soon.