Anyone for Crunch (Cars + Brunch)?

What better way to start off the day than with a delicious brunch at the Classic Remise Meilenwerk in Duesseldorf. This is an old restored roundhouse and maintenance station for trains, now filled with expensive cars both old and new. 

We even found a Shelby.

Sophie and Nanny looking for their favorite cars.

When does Sophie ever get to have both Nanny and Oma at one table in Germany?

Eating in style.

Sophie and I decided to take pictures of each other.

My favorite color on a car (this is a Jag)

Sophie's favorite car because it was red.

I liked the row of Porsches.

(The restaurant behind me.)

Another red favorite.

Subsequent food coma. There must have been a sleeping medication in the waffles.

But the weather was pleasant and we had places to see.

Sophie learning a pat-a-cake game from Nanny. 

Posing in front of city hall for the blog

International Children's Day Festival along the Rhine shore.

This is where we ran into our neighbors Sissi and Jessica.

Time for an altbier (the local brew) at one of the oldest breweries in town. 

Caught on picture: Andrew laughing with some Germans! Just give them a beer and their frowns are turned into smiles.

A fun bunch.

Ending the day in style with some of the best ice cream in Duesseldorf. We lined up around the corner and it was worth it.

By the way, for anyone who has been wondering how we can be buying ice cream on an almost daily basis. It's 80 cents/$1 per scoop here.

British Country Fair

A real British country fair with cream tea, curry and Paddington Bear was meant to take place in the nearby city of Krefeld. We had to check it out. The weather was perfect for it.

 Sophie making silly faces with Andrew on the train.

 This was the setting: around the castle Linn.

 A piper and Paddington with whom Sophie was flirting away.

 You can't have a proper festival without face painting.

All in all well worth the trip. It's an annual event and next year we will certainly try to make it for the Proms concert in the castle courtyard. We will also try to come for the family day when there are more activities for each family member (Highland games, Wellie throwing, teddybear's picnic...).

Happy Bastille Day

Cold, but mostly dry today. Good enough to go to the French festival in the courtyard of the city hall. 

We ran into our wine merchant from Geldern who gave us another good recommendation as we are learning about French wines. 

 Sophie enjoyed her crêpe with Nutella while listening to French chansons. 

 There was an excellent face painter. She actually matched most face paintings to the kids' outfits, but Sophie had her heart set on a pink butterfly. 

On the other side of the Rhine we were able to spot the annual Kirmes (fun fair), but we will save that for another day (i.e. tomorrow).