Mont St Michel - France

I've always wanted to see the Mont de St Michel in Normandy. Even though I've viewed it in many books, like the rock of Gibralter, nothing really prepares you for the moment you happen upon it. It really is a spectacular sight - one large cone of rock jutting out of the sea topped by a great Gothic church. Most of the present building dates from the Gothic period being built between the 13th and 16th centuries. As this was a time of great conflict, much of the site is fortified. It was well worth the long detour to see.

As we didn't have much time to spare, we walked up through The Grande Rue which is the main thoroughfare and took a look at the little shops and buildings on the way up the hill. We didn't visit the great church and abbey at the top as it wasn't buggy-wheelchair-big pregnant lady friendly, but did see the parish church which dates back to the 11th century before letting the kids fly a kite and let off steam on the beach. The sand was grey and of mudlike consistency and EJ had a great time in the water covering himself in the stuff. It was a total strip job before we took off again and headed toward Paris ...

Read more here or view our album

Vive la France

In January of last year when we found out that we'd be meeting relatives in France that September, we set about learning as much as we could with great gusto! We went looking for some French recipes and AJ and I flew round Tesco with a list. The objective was to create a three course authentic French meal which we found at Cecile's place. While the boys were out swinging from the trees and banging caps, B and I slaved over a hot stove. B made the starter by herself, prepared the potatoes for the main and helped make the batter for the crepes.

The Menu

Tomatoe Mozzarella - entree which is very popular in France but Italian in origin.
Volaille et Roquefort - Chicken cooked in a Roquefort/sour cream sauce (very easy and extremely yummy) with sauteed potatoes.
Crepes

Voila!

This was such good fun and educational too! We plan to work our way around the world in the kitchen. Recently I was in Lidl's (cheap European grocery store) with CJ and they had some Greek food in. He bought some tinned Octopus! Watch this space lol.

We also did some fun crafts before and after the visit.

Cork and toothpick Eiffel Tower and cardboard Notre Dame courtesy of the Opitec company.

Now we just need to plod on with the language!

Thoughts

When we set of to Germany, we had no idea what to expect having never been before. I don't believe in stereotypes and like to experience places and people for myself. What a wonderful experience! The countryside is beautiful and like the buildings, full of contrasts. From the flat, flat fields of Saarland to the lush, rolling Swabian forests - and the wonderful old timber buildings, to the modern police station as seen below - there is always something to interest and surprise.

The people we met here were warm, welcoming, genuinely interested and great with the kids. This is AJ and CJ with some grapes from an elderly neighbour in R'berg. We also had another lady present us with plums and two children came one evening with a courgette from their garden. They were leaving the following day to holiday in Austria and wanted us to have it which was lovely. One day God willing, we will go back. I urge anyone looking for a great holiday to travel to Baden-Württemberg. It has been our best vacation to date!

Another thing that impressed me was that here a 'family ticket' means just that. None of the 2 adults 2 kids and extra cash for any additional children thing going on here. If they are all your own children, they are included. Also, they don't over charge. We paid 9 Euros all up for admission to the Beuren Open Air Museum and didn't have to pass through a shop on the way out. Prices are far more affordable than here in the UK.

I have omitted to write about a lot of the family stuff, just highlighting some places we visited that may be of interest. Likewise with photographs. If anyone would like access to family albums, please email. Now, on to France!

Ludwigsburg Castle/Stuttgart

Prior to leaving the area of Baden-Württemburg, we paid a visit to Ludwigsburg Castle. Often referred to as the Versailles of Southern Germany, the baroque palaces and extensive grounds were stunning. As time and funds were limited, we paid to go through the gardens which date back to 1704 when Duke Eberhard Ludwig of Württemburg commissioned their construction.

Werner also took Al and the kids to a vineyard overlooking Stuttgart and to the Mercedes Benz classical museum.

More photos here

Tripsdrill

If you are in Germany and can only visit one theme park, make it Tripsdrill! Inspired by laundry (yes honest!) the park is set in the countryside among beautiful vineyards ~ the photo left was taken from within the park itself

The kids all had a great time and unlike other places we've been to, there were lots of rides for TG who had a whale of a time! The buildings all resembled old German houses from this area and there was a vineyard section with equipment dating back to 1870.

The Clampets are in town

The kids enjoyed coming down the water shutes in laundry baskets!

As part of the entry ticket, we were able to gain access to Wild Paradise - a wildlife park which was a short walk from the theme park. This turned out to be yet another mountain top experience. (Previous walks had been uphill!) Hubby and TG had to abandon half way up but this pregnant woman soldiered on. The bears were non existant and the wolves looked like they'd been drugged but we saw hundreds of deer and mountain goats which were roaming freely through the forest so it was well worth the effort.

Bambi is alive and well.

Photo Album

Sausages!

This is AJ learning how to make some German sausages! The local butcher (like the baker and the chemist) was a friend of the family whose house we were staying. He and his wife were fantastic with the kids and invited them to come by one morning to see sausages being made out the back of their shop. They also invited us one evening for a BBQ at their home. Our kids enjoyed playing with their boys although there was more English spoken than German. Put us to shame. Such a lovely family.

The variety of meats was amazing. Much different to home.

More photos of around Rudersberg here

Swabian Woods

Today I received a comment over at my other blog (thanks Pam) which has inspired me to do a bit more here.

So, back to Germany! The area in which we were staying was a national park and we enjoyed exploring the surrounding forests. I realise that my photobox albums keep timing out so will endeavour to rehouse my photos on flickr or photobucket in the near future. For now click here to see our nature rambles. I will try to keep myself logged in.

Meuschenmühle

We found this fantastic old wooden mill when tramping the Müllenwanderweg trail (after following local signposts and vandering round in circles which was getting to be a bit of a habit) The first known mill here dates back to 1271.

Things we learned!

German slugs are BIG and bright orange in colour. Große but interesting!

CJ still hasn't lost his touch as top butterfly catcher. He is an human magnet for anything that flies, hops or has fur.