Obviously we are not very with it when it comes to train travel. First we almost missed our first stop where we were supposed to get off and switch trains. We pulled up to the platform and suddenly we realized that we are not packed. Anna and Boris run off while I was waiting for […]
This is the “parking lot” at Evelina’s school. The school is grades 1 through 4 and there are VERY few kids that are dropped off and picked up by parents. Evelina rides her scooter every day and parks it here too. Without locks. She told me she wouldn’t enjoy going to school in Germany if […]
We spent three and a half hours at IKEA today – buying everything for the apartment. From beds and mattresses, to chairs, tables and desks, a dining room, wardrobes and dressers and shelves, and coffee and end tables. It is interesting how much you can really buy at IKEA for a price of one Restoration […]
It seems no matter where we go – there is always something fun to do… This was a quick trip the store interrupted by some bubbles.
About 400 m from our front step is the city boundary between Nuremberg and Erlangen. We went to explore the typical German country side: forrest, fields, beautiful sun and the dirt roads.
Boris took us on a little tour of the school grounds. Johannes Scharrer – Gymnasium is a school located in 3 old buildings connected by a modern atrium and a courtyard where everyone hangs out during the breaks. The school starts at 7:55 am and finishes at 2:00pm except Wednesday when it is done at […]
We are going to file this under culinary adventures. We could not decide where to go out and celebrate Kasia’s and Volker’s new purchase. Today they acquired a beautiful Audi S5 Cabrio. We went to celebrate at one of their favourite local restaurants. Furthering my quest to find a suitable alternative to eating two main […]
Boris is signed up for school that is more age appropriate. This is the courtyard of the Johannes Scharrer – Gymnasium where people go to hang out during the breaks. This school is focused mainly on Languages and Humanities. Typically the kids will take German and English and select either Latin, French or Spanish as their optional language. Boris […]
On the outskirts of Nuremberg there is a huge forest with an old canal that was built in the 18th century. Since it wasn’t blistering hot outside we went out for an afternoon stroll in the park.
There are a lot of great things to do in Nuremberg and vicinity for a family for under $15.00. Today we went to check out the Toy Museum. There is something for everyone here. Mostly though there are some phenomenal vintage toys from the late 18 and ealy 1900s. Toy kitchens with working stoves, wind-up […]
Today we were treated to a fine 3 course meal prepared by Boris and Evelina. They planned the menu, they prepared the entire meal and served it. We were absolutely astonished not only at their zeal and dedication but also the actual planning and execution. They chopped and sliced, mixed, fried, boiled, strained and served […]
Once the kids got home from school, we had a quick lunch and went out to the pool. Its an outdoor pool which has been recently renovated. It seems that the designers have gone mad with stainless steel. The pools are stainless steel, the bottom the sides the edges all stainless steel, as are the […]
Today marked another milestone: first day of school in Germany! You may or may not be surprised to hear that both children were EXTREMELY excited for this new adventure. They spent the weekend organizing supplies. Boris even went as far as to claim he was “sick and tired of relaxing”. After school, the two of […]
Bamberg’s historic city center is a listed UNESCO world heritage site. Sometimes, the locals refer to it as the German Venice. This truly is a beautiful little town with charming streets and shops, and two magnificent churches, set on two opposite hills. We only spent a few hours here to get a quick look at […]
Altenburg Castle is perched on top of Bamberg’s highest hill and is one of Bamberg’s major landmarks. The castle was first mentioned in 1109 and was used at this time as a refuge. In the 14th and 15th centuries it served as a richly furnished residence for Bamberg’s bishops, but was almost completely destroyed in 1553 […]
Built in the first century AD Arena di Verona was the third largest amphitheatre in the empire. It used to hold 30,000 people when it was completed. Today Arena di Verona is a great venue for many concerts and performances from the likes of Muse, Radiohead, The Pink Floyd and many others. There are also […]
William Shakespeare made Verona famous with its tragedies. Verona is a gorgeous city with its quiet streets, many churches, the magnificent Arena and of course Juliet’s balcony. We did a lot of walking around, a bit of shopping and a whole lot of eating as we usually do. I think we will be coming back […]
Navigating the Italian gastronomical universe is not an easy task. In the galaxy of choices that are presented on an average menu, in an average restaurant one can easily get confused and lost and ultimately regret not ordering just the right meal. The easiest way to deal with this issue is to follow my simple […]
Today we are doing an activity chosen by the children. It turns out that our Legoland Annual Pass also gives us a free one time access to Gardaland which is about 8 min drive from where we are staying. The entrance fee to Gardaland is €138 for a one day family pass. The place was […]
After a long drive around the lake, we went back to the old town in Lazise for a dinner and a quick stroll on the promenade in search of a new gelato place to try On the dinner menu was sturgeon, I had to try it, as I have never seen it on the menu […]
First, dress the part. The basic theory is to get something louder than Eddie Jordan would wear and try not too look like a clown, although that part is optional. Second, when it doubt order two main courses just to try them both – live to regret it later. I have a new plan. Today […]
After a lazy morning we went back to Garda to hang out by the lake. Feeding swans is now off of the bucket list. These swans do like the German and Italian bread, although the grey swan was kind of dumb and kept getting all of his food stolen by its sibling. Then is started […]
Evelina made a new friend today. Walking from the pool to the main house she heard a little bird chirp. Being a good soul that she is, she helped it get off the road and back into the shade in the grass where it could be cool and safe.
Lazise is a small port town with a great castle dating back to late 800s. Like most old European towns this one too has a small beautiful square a nice old church, Saint Nicolò, dating back to 1200s and beautiful painted houses. Of course the lake is the dominant feature of this little municipality so we try […]
A quick dinner and out for ice cream. Nightlife in the old town.
After dinner its ice cream time, and what better place to have it than the old town.
There is a little place outside Nuremberg where a set of home builders built a small village of homes they showcase. You have to pay to get in and see these homes €5 per family for two visits – but no one makes you take off your shoes as you go through and explore them. […]
In goes Grizzly Adams out comes Boris GQ – after a long overdue haircut.
Evelina got a new scooter. It almost rusted sitting in a box for a week with all this rain we have been having. Finally today the clouds broke and a bit of sunshine dried up the pavement so promptly she took it out for a spin. I think she is loving it.
After some fun in the moat at the beer festival we went for a walk around the castle gardens and then the old town. It actually did not rain – unbelievable.
Germans love their beer – that much is true. We don’t, but we try an occasional sip or two. Kids on the other hand can just run on beer fumes.
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