The rules for this meme are: Please join this weekly meme. Grab a copy of the photo above and link back to An Accidental Blog. Share with the rest of us your passion for France. Did you read a good book set in France? See a movie? Take a photo in France? Have an adventure? Eat a fabulous meal or even just a pastry? Or if you're in France now, go ahead and lord it over the rest of us. We can take it.
Maybe we can all satisfy our yearnings for France, until we get there again.
October 2012 - Strasbourg France
A souvenir shop (one of many) selling toy storks.
Storks have been a part of the Alsatian scenery for many centuries. Once very numerous, they would return every year from Africa to announce the coming of spring in France. However it seemed they were becoming an endangered species in recent years. Luckily, efforts were made to help the storks return and establish their nests in the Alsatian trees and chimney stacks. This goal was well accomplished as they now have returned more numerous than ever. Since the inception of stork parks, some never leave, even during the winter months. They stay put all year long much to the delight of the Alsatian population, as storks are the symbol of happiness and faithfulness. As everyone knows, it is the stork that brings babies wrapped in bundles, firmly held in their beaks. Alsatian custom used to have a child who wanted a little brother or sister place a piece of sugar on the window ledge to attract the stork, in the hope it would leave the precious bundle in exchange for the treat.
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I think I may have the same photos. I knew this was Strasbourg right away. It is such a lovely city.
ReplyDeleteHow fun to have all those toy storks. I think the bottom sign is an ostrich though.
ReplyDeleteAnother place in France I have yet to go. Interesting story about the Storks , never heard that before.
ReplyDeleteI have never visited the Alsace region of France. I think I'd like to. Storks, who knew? Thanks for playing along
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