Go to Gendarmenmarkt

Our first proper outing in Berlin took us on a short walk from our apartment to the Gendarmenmarkt area. It's a nice shopping area built about around a large square containing two matching churches (the French and German Cathedrals) and the music hall, called the Konzerthaus.

The Konzerthaus

Most historic buildings in Berlin have a dramatic history -- as they were either bombed, disassembled or looted within the last 200 years. Most buildings have since been put back together with painstaking attention to detail. The three buildings in this square are no different.

But the real jewel of the Gendarmenmarkt is the two-story chocolate store called Fassbender & Rausch. Hello! Two words: Chocolate volcano. You can be sure we'll be bringing back samples.

There are also a bunch of shops around the area, connected underground -- including a French market! Bonjour! Leah got a new Hello Kitty dress from the H&M store. Fancy!

As we walked back to the apartment, we identified some restaurants we'll want to try while we're here. And then it was out again to the grocery story to pick up a few more essentials. Interesting fact: they don't bag their groceries at the checkout. They put their items back into their cart and walk over to a nearby counter to bag them.

Back in Berlin!

Dave had to drag me kicking and screaming into the airport-bound taxi, where I then spent the entire 30-minute ride comparing my beloved Paris to all the second-rate cities I've visited. Sadly, it wasn't a long list.

Ahh, Paris. We Miss You Already

I did give the classic Paris vs. London argument some thought, -- but eventually had to give the title to Paris, since the weather is much better. Though, bonus points to London for hanging on to its monarchy. Wouldn't France be cooler if there was a king and queen roaming about, living in one of those palaces? Maybe they're looking for one, in which case, I volunteer!

Back in Berlin, we picked up our rental car -- as we now start our long stretch in Germany. "Oh lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz." Oooohhhh jyeah, that's right! We're driving an C-class. My VW Rabbit at home is now dumpsville.

We made it back to the apartment with not a scratch added to our hot ride, and once the kiddies were settled in, I ventured out into the great beyond for some essentials. Like soap. And bread. I choose the Kaiser, the neighborhood market we didn't check out last week and was very overwhelmed by my choices -- most I couldn't quickly identify. I only got a handful of goods, but plan on returning this weekend, once my head stops spinning, to collect more basics.

Thankfully, a weekend is here so we can organize for the coming weeks. What would a stay at home moms do all day if she were in a foreign city?

Beats me!

I'm in Louvre!!!

"They said it was big, but I didn't think it was going to be ... BIG!" 

Someone could have warned me about the sheer size and awesomeness of the Louvre, because I wasn't expecting it when we crossed out of the Tuileries and entered the park. It is the most amazing site I have ever seen. Ever. Immediately, I was in love. 

Today's Realization: I must quit my job, sell my house and spend the next two years investigating every nook and cranny of that grand and glorious building.

The Girls Felt Like Dancing at the Louvre

I did a little research about the Louvre and though it's quite old -- it was first built as part of a wall to keep pesky Normandy invaders out in 1100ish -- it's had a pretty sad history of being abandon many times and for over hundreds of years -- including by the royal family who relocated to Versailles (I *must* see that place) in 1682. It eventually was used as storage for all the cool artifacts and art the French royalty accumulated and opened its doors to the public as a museum in 1793 (!).  

(By the way -- 10 points to the person who can name the movie where I got the above quote! Hint: None of the movie was filmed in Paris -- though, it was based on a French play. Discuss.)

And Now a Quick Word About French Ice Cream

Ice cream was enjoyed at several different locations, as Leah is just beginning her love affair with the ice cream cone (it was only in cups until now). Thought these pictures were enjoyable, taken at the Tuileries. Can't you just taste the ice cream?!

She's saying "cheese" but really, she's an advertisment for ice cream. Or toothpaste. 

As the little sister, Alice was given ice cream in the lid of a water bottle. Not that she was complaining.

Ice Cream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream! 

Paris Day 3 - A Special Guest on Our Last Day

On Our Way to the Tower

This morning we were joined by ... David! His conference now over, though a few phone meetings remained, he was able to see the town. His request ... the Eiffel Tower. So we headed in that direction once again. Major bonus: He pushed the World's Heaviest Stroller!

During our first trip to the Tower, we didn't actually cross the street to see it up-close. So, that's what we did. Even on this second trip, I couldn't get over how massively tall it is. I mean, it's TALL! Statue of Liberty-tall! (Which makes sense, right?) And of course, we had to hit the carousel, too ... again.

After lunch at a charming cafe, we hopped a metro to the bottom of the Champs-Elysees to make the grand walk to the Louvre. This street is tree-lined and lovely, with peek-a-boo glimpses of the Grand Palais and Petit Palais, as well as other delectable buildings.

Oh, Obelisque

This is where I'm going to gush: Oh my, how I love this city! It's so beautiful. So historic. So decadent. And so massively big, I never felt closed-in by the crowds. I'm completely smitten by this place. New York is going to seem like the poor man's Paris from now on. I never want to leave.

Okay. Enough said.

Place De La Concorde has a cool story. In the center, there used to be a statue of some king, it was toppled by the masses and replaced by the guillotine during the Revolution. Over 1,000 people were beheaded here including Marie Antoinette. The guillotine is long gone and now a simple Egyptian obelisque stands in the center -- all wreathed in a circle of massive traffic. Cars speeding in every direction!

Pond-side at Tuileries

From there, we entered the Jardin Des Tuileries, which was wonderful. Lots of kids attractions including ... a playground! And a carousel! Joy! We took our time meandering here and there. It's flat and very stroller-friendly. The pools were beautiful and Alice enjoyed shooing another type of bird -- ducks! They don't shoo so easily.

And then, there it was, the Louvre. My thoughts on the Louvre is getting its own post but I will say again that this sucker is BIG. But not in an overdone sort of way. Total eye candy. I immediately loved it. And I got some national pride knowing that I.M. Pei designed the pretty glass pyramids in front of it. Yay America!

Upon seeing those pyramids, Leah had to find a potty -- pronto. So we took in some long looks, a bunch of pictures and found the nearest street exit to prevail upon the goodness of a cafe host for the use of the lou. (And we made it, in case you're interested to know.)

How Could I Not Love This?

With a promise to return to my Louvre in the future, we headed down the steps of the Metro (Dave swearing at the World's Heaviest Stroller the entire way) and took the ride back to our neighborhood. It was a little early, so I took the kids to the nearby playground while Dave worked. When it started to rain, we headed out to dinner. Croque Monsieur! My goodness can this city do cheese and bread!

Last night in Paris. I feel like I only scratched the surface, so of course I have to come back. Who's coming with me?!

An American in Paris

One reason I have such a crush on Paris is that three movies from my Top 10 Favorite Movies of All Time list take place in Paris. One of them, I quoted earlier. And today, I happened upon this store...

Jesse and Celine Reconnect

In case you missed the film reference, Shakespeare and Company (or City Lights) is used in the movie "Before Sunset" -- the sequel to "After Sunset" with Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. I'm not one to seek out movie sets, but this one was exciting to see. I took a moment and daydreamed about the film. 

"Amelie," which usually tops my Top 10 list, is the one exception. I would love to go to Montmarte and see a few of the landmarks in the film. But that area is all hills! And did I mention my stroller is the Heaviest of All Time? Not this trip. 

A New Day, A New Video of a Playground

Day two video and another playground. The second of the day was in the Etoile neighborhood near Rue Brunel.

Alice needed to eat (surprise!), so Leah ran around and acted like she owned the place. Paris agrees with them.