Budapest? Buda-best!

This weekend I had a girls’ weekend in Budapest. Going into the weekend I had no expectations. Hungary was not even in my radar. But I am really glad I went.

On the out side Budapest is gritty. It’s beauty survived communism but the scars show. It’s an attractive grittiness, like New York. 

But inside so many buildings there is an opulent beauty that is unrivaled. 

Paris is for lovers

Last weekend Peter and I had a weekend get away in Paris - sans kids. It was a chance to do things that would be challenging with the kids. 

We saw the Moulin Rouge - an interesting experience. 

And the Louvre. Being off season we got a private tour too. 

And let’s not forget fancy dinners and quiet drinks in the apartment. 

We stayed right on Île St Louis in the heart of Paris. Everything was walkable and the apartment was full of character. The weekend was a real treat! 

Czech it out!

Ok. Forgive the bad pun in the title.

After Christmas, we headed off the Prague (Czech Republic) for a few days of adventure.

Why Prague? First and foremost Emily wanted snow for Christmas. Desperately. And since there are few places in Europe where that is guaranteed we chose Prague which had a good chance. The forecast leading up the trip was not promising with temperatures forecast to be 5-10 degrees.

But our little girl must have been very good, because she got her snow. Not much but enough to produce a smile.

Snow aside, Prague was a beautiful city. A combination of historic sites like the St Vitus Cathedral at Prague castle

Delicious food, like the chimney bread that is sold everywhere

And fun, quirky museums, like the LEGO museum and the museum of chamber pots and toilets

made it a very fun and memorable trip. 

Light it up

Tonight we took the kids to the Grand Place to see the Christmas light and music show. 

The buildings of the square are lit up to music and the place becomes magical. Add a hot chocolate or a vin chaud to make it just right. 

Oh Christmas Tree!

The tree is up! The kids worked hard to “build” the tree. 

The house is beginning to look festive.

Christmas kick off

This weekend marked the beginning of the Christmas season with the opening of the Christmas market in the Grand Place. In fact most Christmas markets across Europe opened this weekend.

We took the kids and some friends down to see the tree and have a hot chocolate. 

A really big tree and so many choices for hot chocolate! 

Bring on Christmas! 

Nations united

One weekend every year, all NATO nations and partner nations pull together to put on a bazaar. Nations sell goods from their homelands and serve food (and drink!) in their national cuisine. 

Being on the board this year gave me a behind the scenes experience (and access to pre-sales) 

It’s a favourite time of year and kicks off holiday season. More than shopping, it’s the ultimate cultural experience.