The Bennett's (Donna and Kent, aka, Nana and Grandpa) came to Germany for a 10 day excursion to see the grand-babies and to bring us our wonderful doggie, Cali. As a Weimaraner, she is back in her homeland. As their travels fell over our US Holiday of Thanksgiving, Hubby and I were determined to have a getaway with our family and the Overfelts (our fabulous family friends).
So, first Turkey Day away from the States....destination, Paris.
We decided to drive the 5.5 hours (make that at least 6 with kids and the fact that I consumed way too many cokes) so that we could see Alsace and the other regions of France. Very beautiful, but between the additional car we had to rent to transport everyone, the tolls and the gas, I would recommend flying. Way cheaper and more time efficient. However, the trip did go smoothly. What wonderful kiddos!
We stayed in the Latin Quarter, right next to the Luxembourg Gardens. Our goal was to get the basic, hard core tourist sites viewed for the Grandparents. The plan consisted of the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees, Tour Eiffel, Notre Dame and the Louvre - with only two full days to "get'er done." Let me be honest with you, Paris is at least a 10 day visit. No one, and I mean no one, can get the real feel for the City with anything less. But, we had a time crunch and we were not going to leave empty handed.
As I woke up on the morning of Day 1, I was adamant about scoring my two most favorite things in Paris. First, Pain au Chocolat and the second, Crepe. Off we charged to a local bakery. Coffee and Pain au Chocolat for me and a Chocolate Crepe for Kattalin (in order for me to steal bites and not look like a total Pig). That my friends is my official welcome to the City!
After the power breakfast, we were off to the Metro to head to the Arc de Triomphe. Many, many, many thanks to Luke for getting us there! The map we had was not entirely user friendly and then the Metro had several stops closed due to construction. Alas, all his wonderful training became very helpful to us. Yay!
As we circled the Are de Triomphe, around the Place Charles de Galle, I searched out Avenue Foch. This highly affluent street was the home of my mother for 15 years. Her neighbors consisted of the rich, famous and royals. If you're going to live in Paris with an endless bank account, this street should be on your list. Next street, the Champs-Elysees, for viewing only. Sad, but a must as Christmas is around the corner!
After a stop into the Disney store to score some much deserved presents for our little ones, we marched on to the Tour Eiffel (I just can not call it the Eiffel Tower, sorry). We walked down Avenue Montaigne. This street is for the serious shoppers. You name the designer, he's waiting for you, with open arms. I have to say, my heart loves Paris for the food first, wine second, but the fashion is definitely third. I'm sure reverse order is probably more effective. After I realized that with two kids and two mortgages I had no business with my crass wishes and we headed over the river and toward our destination.
Like so much in Paris, you can rely on the consistent amazement of the beauty of Tour Eiffel. So simple, but such a visual reward. Kattalin has been utterly desiring to see this. My guess is that she is genetically configured to love this City. We let the kids play around the base and decided against the 1+ plus line to ride to the second level of the Tower. I've been there done that....and really what you want to do is go all the way to the top. However, you have to get an additional ticket and there is only 1 elevator that takes you. So, you might as well add another hour to the wait.
Once everyone was rounded up we headed back to the hotel. Hehe....walking....hehe...the whole way...hehe. Tour Eiffel to Latin Quarter is an hour walk and we had been walking all day. Only one way to reward one's self after such a day. Dinner, yummy, dinner with wine, yummy, wine. Such a treat and with no children! Many thanks to Grandpa and Nana.
The Bennett's dispersed on Day 2. The Grandparents and Hubby traveled to Notre Dame and the Louvre. The children and I spent the day with our very close family friends the Colas. We scored a really delicious lunch, which of course included wine. The best part of the day was our double date with Luke and Stephanie. We had one of the best meals I have ever had....rabbit. Well, after a bottle of wine at lunch, by dinner I was game to try anything. And yes, dinner had wine too! The dessert though deserves its own attention. I have nothing to compare it to. It was the most amazing, delicious, decedent creme brulee ever in the history of the world. So much so, that Stephanie made her hubby switch desserts. This was solid proof that there is a god, well, at least a god of food. I'm sure he is sweet and golden and this dessert was created in his honor/image.
So, final thoughts....if I can score a way to live in Paris, I'm never coming home. And why should I? How wonderful would it be to have a friend who lives in Paris!!!
Liebe Zu Allen!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
Hey, Hey Bodensee
This weekend, we decided we are settled enough to start adventuring out. We have a lot of catch up to do on our traveling. The chosen destination? Lake Constance or Bodensee as the Germans call it. It is one of the largest lakes in Europe and is surrounded by three countries: Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
On Saturday morning we were off to spend the afternoon and night on an island named Lindau. This small German island is well know for their lighthouse and Guardian Lion that face each other, allowing a small entry into the port. If you have seen the Never Ending Story, you've seen the prestigious Southern Oracles. It is kind of like that, only they don't shoot lasers from their eyes if you are not pure of heart.
We arrived to find out that we would have to get off the island by 10 am the following day or else stay on the island until after noon. Seems Bodensee has an annual marathon and the starting point was right outside our hotel. When I commented to the ladies at the front desk that it must be nice to be able to see the start of the race, they replied "yeah, guess we have to watch." Apparently, they have done it all before and the enthusiasm that thrived in the town that evening did not thrive in them. Though really, how exciting is watching a marathon. I wouldn't be excited to run one, let a lone watch one.
We spent Saturday taking photos of the island and enjoying the view of the lake with the Alps behind. That's the nice part of being on the German side. You get to see the entire picturesque surrounding of Lake Constance.
That evening, we turned on the tube and watched German TV helplessly as nothing else was available. Then Kattalin livened up the joint by proclaiming "I Lost My Tooth!" And so, Jeff and I were left to figure how to make sure the Grand Ole Tooth Fairy would know to come all the way to Bodensee to claim Katti's tooth. All worked and Princess awoke to find plenty of Euro in exchanged for her very first tooth barter.
We just nearly escaped becoming prisoners of Lindau on Sunday morning. We decided to drive around the South East side of the Lake and travel around through Austria and Switzerland. We would come back up the West side and stop in Konstance, Germany (the Lake's namesake town). So it was three countries in one day! We had breakfast in Germany, played in sand in Austria, stretched our legs on the shores of Switzerland and stopped for lunch back in Germany!
Once refueled and saying a prayer for our lost, white Hot Wheels car, which Kattalin plunged in the Rhine River, we took a ferry over to Meersburg. Kattalin was very entertained by the fact that our car was on a boat. However, the Toyota is more familiar with boating than any of us, as she rode 3000+ miles on a boat to get to Germany.
Meersburg is home of the oldest intact castle in Germany. It dates back to the 7th century. We took the tour in order to assist in Princess's efforts to command all fortresses she encounters. We were left to explore it on our own! Master Jeffrey and Mademoiselle Kattalin combed the grounds with delight! However, we were not allowed to pass one very interesting door. Seems that my three weeks of German has not taught me the difference between the standard tour and the "special" tour. As the ego in me was set in rage, I decided we would return and take the special tour another time, as it was an hour long.
The town itself is by far one of the most beautiful I have seen. Good food, wine, shopping and history. Medieval, romantic, entertaining, poetic and I can't think of anyone who would not fall in love. We will definitely return so that I can find out what is behind that door (oh, how it haunts me!!!) and sit an enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Lake while sipping a fine beverage on the shores of Meersbug.
Liebe Zu Allen!
On Saturday morning we were off to spend the afternoon and night on an island named Lindau. This small German island is well know for their lighthouse and Guardian Lion that face each other, allowing a small entry into the port. If you have seen the Never Ending Story, you've seen the prestigious Southern Oracles. It is kind of like that, only they don't shoot lasers from their eyes if you are not pure of heart.
We arrived to find out that we would have to get off the island by 10 am the following day or else stay on the island until after noon. Seems Bodensee has an annual marathon and the starting point was right outside our hotel. When I commented to the ladies at the front desk that it must be nice to be able to see the start of the race, they replied "yeah, guess we have to watch." Apparently, they have done it all before and the enthusiasm that thrived in the town that evening did not thrive in them. Though really, how exciting is watching a marathon. I wouldn't be excited to run one, let a lone watch one.
We spent Saturday taking photos of the island and enjoying the view of the lake with the Alps behind. That's the nice part of being on the German side. You get to see the entire picturesque surrounding of Lake Constance.
That evening, we turned on the tube and watched German TV helplessly as nothing else was available. Then Kattalin livened up the joint by proclaiming "I Lost My Tooth!" And so, Jeff and I were left to figure how to make sure the Grand Ole Tooth Fairy would know to come all the way to Bodensee to claim Katti's tooth. All worked and Princess awoke to find plenty of Euro in exchanged for her very first tooth barter.
We just nearly escaped becoming prisoners of Lindau on Sunday morning. We decided to drive around the South East side of the Lake and travel around through Austria and Switzerland. We would come back up the West side and stop in Konstance, Germany (the Lake's namesake town). So it was three countries in one day! We had breakfast in Germany, played in sand in Austria, stretched our legs on the shores of Switzerland and stopped for lunch back in Germany!
Once refueled and saying a prayer for our lost, white Hot Wheels car, which Kattalin plunged in the Rhine River, we took a ferry over to Meersburg. Kattalin was very entertained by the fact that our car was on a boat. However, the Toyota is more familiar with boating than any of us, as she rode 3000+ miles on a boat to get to Germany.
Meersburg is home of the oldest intact castle in Germany. It dates back to the 7th century. We took the tour in order to assist in Princess's efforts to command all fortresses she encounters. We were left to explore it on our own! Master Jeffrey and Mademoiselle Kattalin combed the grounds with delight! However, we were not allowed to pass one very interesting door. Seems that my three weeks of German has not taught me the difference between the standard tour and the "special" tour. As the ego in me was set in rage, I decided we would return and take the special tour another time, as it was an hour long.
The town itself is by far one of the most beautiful I have seen. Good food, wine, shopping and history. Medieval, romantic, entertaining, poetic and I can't think of anyone who would not fall in love. We will definitely return so that I can find out what is behind that door (oh, how it haunts me!!!) and sit an enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Lake while sipping a fine beverage on the shores of Meersbug.
Liebe Zu Allen!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Mad King Ludwig Can Build a Castle
Schloss Neuschwanstein! I wonder if the Ludwig's are getting a kick back from Disney for this one! The infamous Sleeping Beauty Castle is exactly what fairy tales are made from!
The drive through Bavaria was stunning! The endless rolling, green hills; the perfectly manicured fields; the hovering Alps; the yodeling German in Lederhosen....ok, not really, but I'm sure he was about, along with this voluptuous maiden in a Dirndl....It was the ideal setup for the awaiting Princess Castle.
We arrived shortly after 12 PM in a tiny town outside of Fussen. Long and behold there are two, not just one, castles begging for Kattalin's attention. We only were prepared for Neuschwanstien, so Hohenschwangau will have to wait.
We cruised through the tiny shops and restaurants to find tickets and determine the best way to master the impeding incline. It was decided that the bus would be our preferred chariot and we would walk our way down. The views only became better by each winding upward turn. Lakes, towns and estates all in view.
As we marched our way over to the Castle from the bus stop we breathed the fresh air deeply. Incredible how fresh and cool it is. We made it into the entry and waited for our tour to begin. Amongst us was an international pool of people, all whom had the pleasure of meeting Jeffy. He handed out hugs and stepped on toes. Always willing to entertain. Kattalin was more than simply excited to be here. She was home....as far as she was concerned....ready to take her rightful place as Princess.
The tour was short, but allowed you to see some of the true interior beauty of the Castle. King Ludwig's bedroom has some of the most impressive woodwork I have ever seen. It took years to complete. This Castle is by no means demure or vanilla. He pulled out the most decadent decor he could with the help of his dear Theatrical buddy. Sadly, the Old Mad King was not alive long enough for them to ever put a throne in the throne room. His death, well that's a whole other story. One with lots of good conspiracy involving said Theatrical buddy.
We then ventured off Marienbrucke (Mary's Bridge). Not for the faint of heart, but worth the views of the waterfall and pictures of the Castle.
Nice walk down the mountain, roughly 30 minutes. We than perused the shops and had some of the better German food Jeff and I have had to pleasure to consume!! King Ludwig's Dunkle is worth the try!
Josh and Leslie have headed back the States today. It is just the kids and I getting the apartment back in order. I foresee a 24 hour laundry marathon in my future. With a load not holding more than a sheet and it taking 3 hours to complete, I'm happy that I have a long line of books needing my attention.
Liebe zu allen!
The drive through Bavaria was stunning! The endless rolling, green hills; the perfectly manicured fields; the hovering Alps; the yodeling German in Lederhosen....ok, not really, but I'm sure he was about, along with this voluptuous maiden in a Dirndl....It was the ideal setup for the awaiting Princess Castle.
We arrived shortly after 12 PM in a tiny town outside of Fussen. Long and behold there are two, not just one, castles begging for Kattalin's attention. We only were prepared for Neuschwanstien, so Hohenschwangau will have to wait.
We cruised through the tiny shops and restaurants to find tickets and determine the best way to master the impeding incline. It was decided that the bus would be our preferred chariot and we would walk our way down. The views only became better by each winding upward turn. Lakes, towns and estates all in view.
As we marched our way over to the Castle from the bus stop we breathed the fresh air deeply. Incredible how fresh and cool it is. We made it into the entry and waited for our tour to begin. Amongst us was an international pool of people, all whom had the pleasure of meeting Jeffy. He handed out hugs and stepped on toes. Always willing to entertain. Kattalin was more than simply excited to be here. She was home....as far as she was concerned....ready to take her rightful place as Princess.
The tour was short, but allowed you to see some of the true interior beauty of the Castle. King Ludwig's bedroom has some of the most impressive woodwork I have ever seen. It took years to complete. This Castle is by no means demure or vanilla. He pulled out the most decadent decor he could with the help of his dear Theatrical buddy. Sadly, the Old Mad King was not alive long enough for them to ever put a throne in the throne room. His death, well that's a whole other story. One with lots of good conspiracy involving said Theatrical buddy.
We then ventured off Marienbrucke (Mary's Bridge). Not for the faint of heart, but worth the views of the waterfall and pictures of the Castle.
Nice walk down the mountain, roughly 30 minutes. We than perused the shops and had some of the better German food Jeff and I have had to pleasure to consume!! King Ludwig's Dunkle is worth the try!
Josh and Leslie have headed back the States today. It is just the kids and I getting the apartment back in order. I foresee a 24 hour laundry marathon in my future. With a load not holding more than a sheet and it taking 3 hours to complete, I'm happy that I have a long line of books needing my attention.
Liebe zu allen!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Gonna be starting something...
It amazes me that we continue to fight to be a part of the 21st century. Email, check. Skype, check. Facebook, check. Blog.....
So, we will now document our family adventures for all our loved ones as regularly as possible. Remembering that a 4 year old and 1 year old inhibits me from being proficient at anything.
Right now Jeff, Kattalin, Baby Jeff and I are all living in Stuttgart, Germany for the next 2.5 years. Maybe longer depending if you Americans can get things in order before we return;) Kattalin is taking ballet and will be starting German Kindergarten on October 13th. We are hoping she will master German with little effort, so that we may use her lavish language skills to help us. Baby Jeff is already starting his German. He has given up on thank you and now says danke. I too have started a German language class, but know that the kiddios will surpass me with little effort.
Our precious puppy Cali will be arriving back to her homeland shortly. She has been double micro-chipped (US and German version) and has been given a clean bill of health. However, the plan ride may cause extensive anxiety. Poor girl. I'll be very happy to have her helping clean up after Baby Jeff again.
Kattalin's 4th birthday was on Saturday. We had a big brunch in her honor. All of our wonderful new friend came and she scored big! It was so special to be able to give her a great party when she is so far from family and friends back home.
After her birthdayfest, which included bloody marys and mimosas, it was off to Volkfest. This is the Stuttgart Oktoberfest. Ridiculous! It is huge! The party is right on point. I'm more than amazed that so many highly intoxicated people could be jammed together in a tent (really a building, yet strangely and modestly refereed to as a tent) and get along. Happy, drunk, singing Germans. This is life.
Our friends Josh Shaffer and Leslie Church are currently visiting. Josh has fallen right into place and has been a huge help to me. Not sure if I will allow him to go home. There was heavy recruitment at the Volkfest. Maybe he'll give it some serious thought. Leslie decided to change her social status from single to engaged....yeah, Mazi proposed to her on top of the TV Tower in Stuttgart. It is the first TV Tower in the world and you can overlook the City, Black Forest and Swiss Alps. She had no idea he was even in Germany.
Hoping to go see the Sleeping Beauty Castle this week. It was based off of the Neuschwanstein Castle here in Germany. Popi has requested a photo of his Princess in front of this beloved fortress. Only wish he was talking about his daughter....alas, Kattalin outranks me.
Liebe zu allen!
So, we will now document our family adventures for all our loved ones as regularly as possible. Remembering that a 4 year old and 1 year old inhibits me from being proficient at anything.
Right now Jeff, Kattalin, Baby Jeff and I are all living in Stuttgart, Germany for the next 2.5 years. Maybe longer depending if you Americans can get things in order before we return;) Kattalin is taking ballet and will be starting German Kindergarten on October 13th. We are hoping she will master German with little effort, so that we may use her lavish language skills to help us. Baby Jeff is already starting his German. He has given up on thank you and now says danke. I too have started a German language class, but know that the kiddios will surpass me with little effort.
Our precious puppy Cali will be arriving back to her homeland shortly. She has been double micro-chipped (US and German version) and has been given a clean bill of health. However, the plan ride may cause extensive anxiety. Poor girl. I'll be very happy to have her helping clean up after Baby Jeff again.
Kattalin's 4th birthday was on Saturday. We had a big brunch in her honor. All of our wonderful new friend came and she scored big! It was so special to be able to give her a great party when she is so far from family and friends back home.
After her birthdayfest, which included bloody marys and mimosas, it was off to Volkfest. This is the Stuttgart Oktoberfest. Ridiculous! It is huge! The party is right on point. I'm more than amazed that so many highly intoxicated people could be jammed together in a tent (really a building, yet strangely and modestly refereed to as a tent) and get along. Happy, drunk, singing Germans. This is life.
Our friends Josh Shaffer and Leslie Church are currently visiting. Josh has fallen right into place and has been a huge help to me. Not sure if I will allow him to go home. There was heavy recruitment at the Volkfest. Maybe he'll give it some serious thought. Leslie decided to change her social status from single to engaged....yeah, Mazi proposed to her on top of the TV Tower in Stuttgart. It is the first TV Tower in the world and you can overlook the City, Black Forest and Swiss Alps. She had no idea he was even in Germany.
Hoping to go see the Sleeping Beauty Castle this week. It was based off of the Neuschwanstein Castle here in Germany. Popi has requested a photo of his Princess in front of this beloved fortress. Only wish he was talking about his daughter....alas, Kattalin outranks me.
Liebe zu allen!
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