Schloss #1 - Benrath

I have a feeling that we will be seeing our fair share of castles and palaces over the next couple of weeks, but we cannot leave out our local Schloss Benrath. We zipped down to the suburb of Benrath in our newly rented car only to be greeted with an impressive downpour as we stepped out of it.

The rain cloud disappeared as fast as it came and we managed to find a bit of blue sky as a complimenting backdrop to the pink Schloss.

 The flowers were going crazy in the gardens, among others bright purple dahlias.

 Walking around the gardens a bit to build up an appetite.

 Posing in the front.

 Taken by Sophie the photographer.

 We discovered swiss chard in all different colors planted among the other flowers. It looked really appetizing.

Then off for some more ice cream.

To Schloss Benrath With Two Very Special Visitors

Yesterday evening, we picked up to very special visitors from the airport: Sophie's friend Ciaran and his mother Elly arrived for a three day visit. They are thus our first guests from the U.S.. Since they had flown from the U.S. to England a few days before, their jet lag should not be quite so bad. 

Fortunately, the weather is still helping to show Düsseldorf from its best side, and Sophie and I were excited to show our new home to our friends. After a good night's rest, despite Ciaran refusing to share a room with Sophie, we jumped on the bus to go to Schloss Benrath. 

 Ciaran liked riding on public transport very much.

 Who needs a playground when you can run around on the lawn?

 Both displaying their new favorite t-shirts (thank you, Auntie Sandra!)

 But a playground can't hurt. Or can it? Although this seesaw was the cause for a number of bruises on the kids' shins, it was still a major attraction.

 Monkey swings

 Little princess and her pink palace.

 Guards

 All different kinds of chocolate ice cream! Heaven.

As it was our next door neighbor's birthday, we all had a good enough reason to open the 2012 BBQ season with a potluck and keg of cold beer. The kids have been playing all across our three lawns in the nice weather - sharing and fighting over toys. Perfect. Loving it.

Here is also Elly's blog link to the Benrath excursion:

http://babyblogging.wordpress.com/2012/03/27/schloss-benrath/