"To journey without being changed is to be a nomad.

To change without journeying is to be a chameleon.

To journey and to be transformed by the journey is to be a pilgrim." -Mark Nepo

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

How to Assemble a Christmas Tree

Strasbourg Christmas tree during the 2010 holiday season
Traditionally, Strasbourg has an enormous tree set up in Place Kleber for Christmas.  When I say enormous, I mean the tree is absolutely, positively humongous.  Normally they choose trees that are as tall as some of the surrounding buildings.  I have been wondering how they get such large trees transported into the city center.  The trees are longer than a tractor trailer.

A couple of Saturdays ago, part of the answers to my questions were revealed.  The tree is cut into pieces, with the branches removed.  Then it is reassembled in Place Kleber by some highly skilled workmen using a cherry-picker, ropes, and extraordinary climbing skills.  I was very excited to see the workers putting this year's tree together.  I hope next year I can see it being driven into the city.

The tree for 2011

The workmen are deciding which branch goes on next.

Branches waiting to be put back on the tree

The branches are supported by sections that were left on the tree.

Ropes tie the branches in place.

A fascinated onlooker

Place Kleber was littered with branches.


A man climbing the tree to help reassemble it
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1 comment:

  1. KateNovember 30, 2011 at 2:59 AM

    That is super interesting! Do they do that in other places like New York or Washington DC! I had no idea that they might have cut it up and put it back together. NOW it's been revealed! :-)

    ReplyDelete

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