J’aime la France

FRIDAY
The kids haben Heute Blau gemacht (played hookie from school) so we could leave early for Strasbourg. It was only a two-hour drive that took us to the région d’alsace-lorraine and the picturesque village of Strasbourg. Our loft is perfect – enough beds for each child to sleep separately, a complete – albeit small – kitchen, plenty of windows and balcony, even AC! Only downside is that it is a 6 floor walk-up. With luggage. And a Wasserkasten. Twice a day. Whew!

After we got settled in, we walked into town to grab lunch (sandwichs à emporter) and get our bearings. We sweated, squinted, and even slept on a Batorama tour, scoped out a dinner restaurant (Au Petit Bois Vert), and found a market (La Nouvelle Douane) to buy ingredients for happy hour. The store was pricey but the local wines were delicious and the pâté et saucisson were délicieux!

SATURDAY
After the most expensive petit déjeuner (croissants au chocolat, œufs au plat, chocolat chaud, et café) we have ever had ;-),  we met up with Carsten, Melanie, and Yoshua this morning at the Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg. It was a wonderful day spent wandering the streets, taking in the sights, and seeing the kids play. We ate lunch at La Taverne Du Quai (next to last night’s restaurant) and dined at Au Vieux Strasbourg. A touristy locale but with great service and delicious food! Anja had a charcoal portrait drawn and then we bade them good night. But our evening continued … we joined the throngs leaving the island headed towards dancing, music, food, and drink.  And fireworks, of course.  We joined in the festivities and watched the fireworks from below.  And then ran up the steps to watch the finale from our balcony.  It was a late night – the display didn’t start til 22.30h!!

SUNDAY
We left Strasbourg this morning and headed back home.  The 2 girls attended Annalena’s birthday party and the rest of us spent the afternoon with Tante.  We were treated to RITTER Café for Kaffeestunde. YUMMY!