The cathedral in Strasbourg is a focal point in my life. Because of its height it can be seen from almost anywhere within the city. I walk by it several times a week doing errands but also go for walks with only the intention of checking out its amazing architecture. There is never a time that I see the cathedral when I don't feel in awe of its beauty.
When we first found out that we were moving to Strasbourg, my husband and I looked online for places to rent. There was one in particular that I was drawn to. A photo of the apartment showed an open living room window that faced the cathedral. I thought the idea of being able to see a real European cathedral through my living room window would be the best thing ever. We didn't end up in that apartment or even living very close to the cathedral for several practical reasons. It is an extremely busy area most of the day and there is nowhere to park. But if I stand all the way over to the side and crank my neck even more to the side, I can see a little bit of the cathedral through one of the windows of where we are living now. It might not be the best view but I can still see it. To me, that is all that counts.
If we are walking through the city together, it never fails that either my husband or I will say to the other, "Hey, look, we live near a cathedral!" And the other one will pretend as if this hasn't been said a thousand times already. We will act amazed and talk about how beautiful the structure is, how we can't believe how long it took to build it, or exclaim how the light bounces off the stone differently at various times of the day. We don't have to pretend all that much because we truly are bedazzeled by the gorgeousness of it.
We have been here for two years and there has never been a time when my heart hasn't skipped a beat when I see "our" cathedral. I know that I can't actually own it. I also realize that thousands of others who have been to Strasbourg probably feel a claim as well. That doesn't take away my feelings of personal attachment. Maybe it is less that the cathedral is mine, but rather I belong to it.
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| This photo was taken by my brother-in-law. |
