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Archive for March, 2009

Springtime Travels

Posted in Food, Specific Destinations, tagged , , , , on March 17, 2009 | 3 Comments »

I just found out that we will be spending a week in London and a week in Paris during the month of April.  Here are the top 10 things that I am looking forward to experiencing on our next trip.

10.)  Springtime in Europe.  Crisp air, blue sky, blooming flowers, and sunlit evenings.

9.)  Heading to Harrod’s!  A one-stop shop…toys, crafts and an amazing space to play for Charles, the latest fashions for me, and food for both of our bellies.

Tea Time

Tea Time

8.)  Indulge in some Indian food in London.  So good!

7.)  Seeing a show in the West End.  I have my eyes on ‘Spring Awakening’ this time, since I haven’t had the opportunity to see it in NYC.  Last time, I saw ‘Billy Elliot,’ a raw, heartwarming, memorable theatrical experience.

6.)  Tea time in London! Can’t wait for those warm buttery scones and clotted cream.  To die for!

5.)  Spending Easter in a place that makes some of the best chocolates in the world.  Mmmmm, chocolate eggs and bunnies melting in my mouth!

4.)  Going to the Sacre Coeur on Easter morning.  This holiday excursion has become a tradition that is very meaningful to me.

3.)  Taking Charles to Bertillon Ice Cream in Paris.  Yes, please.

2.)  Shopping in Paris.  New threads!

1.)  Eating macarons from Laduree in Paris.  Ridiculously addicting and sumptuously satisfying.

Laduree Macaroons

Laduree Macarons

I find it quite telling that 6 of my top 10 have something to do with FOOD.  Will travel for food!

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Travel Doodle

Posted in Educational Travel Activities, tagged , , , , on March 16, 2009 | 2 Comments »

Charles' Travel Doodle

Charles' Travel Doodle

I have tried various creative ways of documenting and capturing Charles’ experiences on our many travels.  He loves to draw, so the Travel Doodle is a fun, easy way for him to express his traveling discoveries and highlights.  A Travel Doodle is simply your child’s pictorial representation of your family trip.  It can be used to document a single day’s outing or a month-long family vacation.  It works best if your child adds to the picture daily, creating the collage over the course of the trip.  The final product may not make sense to someone else, but becomes a precious keepsake capturing your child’s personal experience of a family trip.  The above doodle is Charles’ most recent drawing, illustrating his trip to Milan, Amsterdam and Paris.

Create your own:

  • Your child should draw the place where she started the journey in the middle of the piece of the paper. (her house, city, hotel, etc.)
  • Illustrate things around the center picture that you’ve seen or experienced on your trip.  Draw an airplane, train, stuffed animal you bought, a place you visited, a horse you rode, something you ate, etc.

Remember, the drawing montage doesn’t have to make sense, as it is your child’s personal interpretation of his trip.  I suggest that you laminate the picture once it is completed to preserve the drawing.

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Travel Day Role-Play

Posted in Travel Advice, tagged , , , , , , on March 12, 2009 | Leave a Comment »

Travel days can be daunting and stressful for anyone of any age, but sheer torture for kids who don’t know what to expect on this often chaotic day.  Expectation is key when it comes to the day of travel.  An easy way to prepare your child is to role-play.  It is through the power of imaginative play that children explore and make discoveries about themselves and the world around them.  You can incorporate travel play in their normal playtime weeks before departure.  Play airport!  Play airplane!  Play train!  Make it fun, interactive and educational.   When travel is presented as an adventure, the process will be less tedious and more appealing for a child to experience.

Play Airport

Lines, lines and more lines.  The airport is a classic example of the ever-popular adult game, ‘Hurry Up and Wait.” The airport is not always the most interesting place to spend 2-5 hours of your traveling day with your children surrounded by hundreds of frantic, stressed out, annoyed travelers.  Although this space is not a playground, you can prepare your child for the procedures of the airport through imaginative play.  Before your travel, pretend to arrive at the airport with luggage, locate the check-in counter, show passports, receive boarding passes, check luggage, walk through security, etc.  Your child will better understand why all the lines are necessary and will excitedly know ‘what comes next.’ Tip: Creating passports and boarding tickets with your little ones can be a lot of fun and will make the scenarios more interactive.

Play Airplane
Build an airplane out of cardboard, or simply put chairs in rows to simulate the cabin of a plane.  Make believe you are a flight attendant and have your child be a passenger or visa versa, giving them the coveted control.  They will love your imaginative play, undivided attention and playing a ‘new game.’  Introduce a new in-flight procedure or occurrence each time you play, keeping the game fresh and exciting.  Be sure to include boarding with ticket, storing the luggage, listening to the flight attendants’ speech, waiting for take off, the food and drink cart, sleeping, bathroom breaks, turbulence, landing, and so on.  You can make this experience more authentic and fun by even serving an actual meal or snack during this time and allow your child to eat in her seat in your makeshift plane.

Play Train
With Thomas the Train obsessed boys, this imaginative play chugs past the rest!  Luckily, traveling by train has built-in entertainment with the freedom to walk around, visiting other compartments, and watching the moving countryside out the window, but some children might have apprehensions about this mode of transport.  Again, these simulated imaginative play scenarios are to reduce stress of the unknown, so be sure to cover typical train procedures, such as waiting on the platform, boarding, finding your seat or cabin, food and drink cart or car, sleeping, etc.

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Rainy in Paris-No Problem!

Posted in Specific Destinations, tagged , , , , , , , on March 7, 2009 | 2 Comments »

We are here in March and the rain clouds are relentless!  In a city where there are a plethora of sleek modern museums, I don’t let the rain slow us down.  Charles and I have been to most of the museums and indoor attractions Paris and we have our definite favorites.  Here are our favored rainy day excursions.

CineAqua

CineAqua

CineAqua is simply spectacular. GO!  On rainy days, this is Charles’ favorite place.  The aquarium is entirely underground and, as the name suggests, is coupled with a cinema museum, which has just received an entire overhaul.  Enter through the lovely waterfall walkway and gaze at the colorfully lit jellyfish, watch the graceful sharks, stroke the carp and sturgeons in the touch tank, listen to the live pianist, learn about how movies are made, admire various movie sets and costumes, sit down and watch an animal documentary, Japanese animation short, or silent animation film, and then dine in the Japanese restaurant, OZU.

Baby Sting Ray

Baby Sting Ray

Charles at the Touch Tank

Charles at the Touch Tan

Museums!!!! Everyone should raise a glass and say, “A votre santé!” to French President Nicolas Sarkozy. He recently announced plans to make all of the country’s museums free to everyone 25 and under. That should shave a few euros off our next Parisian adventure. Thanks President Sarkozy for the arts-friendly initiative!

Musee d'Orsay

Musee d'Orsay

The Musee d’Orsay‘s open floor plan is great for discovering art and sculptures with a tot in tow.  Although we are spoiled with the Natural History Museum in NYC, I still find the Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle worth the visit.  The Grande Galerie de l’Evolution should not be missed.  Your journey begins at the under-sea level, where you can view the immensity of a blue whale suspended from the ceiling.  The main atrium has the ever-popular parade of African animals.  Charles’ favorite section is located on the 3rd floor, which contains mammals that are endangered and extinct.  The Louvre‘s Egyptian section is always a big hit.  At the Musee de la Magie, there is a 20 minute live magic show (in French), magical antiques, interactive illusions and magical devices in the subterranean museum.

Cite des Sciences et de l'industrie

Cite des Sciences et de l'industrie

Cite des Sciences et de l’industrie is an excellent science museum. The Explora exhibitions are all interactive.  Charles’ favorite part is the flight simulator that allows him to fly an airplane of his choice. Super cool. The museum also has special temporary exhibitions, a planetarium, IMAX and 3-D films (in French and English), and spy submarine.  Also, check out the section called Cite des Enfants. This mini-museum is Paris’ best-kept secret!  Newly renovated, the Cite des Enfants provides for a thrilling 90 minutes of tactile fun.  Charles always heads right for the construction site, but never misses the ball machine, water table, and maze.  He’s always amazed to learn that time is up and begs for me to ‘come back soon.’  Tip: As this section is such a hit, call to make a reservation, as it will guarantee you a spot and you will avoid standing in line.

Be sure to check out the various marionette theatres, circus performances, or ateliers happening in the city during your stay as well.  Also, if you have time, hit up the 2 1/2-hour cooking workshop for kids (ages 6-11) at the Ritz, which can be held in French or in English.  Next time you are in Paris and the rain clouds are threatening your family fun, head indoors and experience any of our favorite rainy day adventures.

Construction Zone at Cite de Enfant

Construction Zone at Cite des Enfants

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The Conierge is your Best Friend

Posted in Travel Advice, tagged , , , , , on March 6, 2009 | Leave a Comment »

Concierge Desk

Concierge Desk

One of the most valuable resources while traveling is standing in plain view in the lobby of your hotel. The concierge is a master of answers and your guide to the good life when experiencing a new destination. Whether he is meeting mundane needs or unusual requests, this ultimate insider has spun a web of contacts that reach restaurant managers, boutique owners, airline agents, maitre d’s, other businesses and personal friends. Her expertise, personal attention and magic fingers are not just for VIP’s; they are for you and all you have to do is ask.

Do’s and Dont’s

DO

  • Call before you arrive. Inquire about particular hotel family services or special family events occurring during your stay. Consider booking a dinner reservation or theatre tickets, arrange for a babysitter or a car seat, or simply introduce yourself prior to arrival.
  • Introduce yourself and family when you check-in.
  • Note who is serving you and refer to them by name.
  • Say thank you and smile. Be polite.
  • Give feedback of your family’s experience at recommended venues. This exchange can help another guest or simply reiterate your appreciation for the suggestion.
  • Show your appreciation. Give a tip or a simple thank you note handwritten by yourself or your child.

DON’T

  • Pride yourself on being a low-maintenance hotel guest by organizing your own cultural outings, stubbornly arranging your own dinner plans, or never asking for advice or directions. You are squandering an incredible resource, whose duties and capabilities far surpass mere dinner reservations.
  • Be embarrassed or too shy to ask.
  • Throw tantrums or cop an attitude when your needs cannot be met. Concierges are notorious miracle workers, but not everything is possible.

Enhance your family’s traveling possibilities by involving an insider. It never hurts to ask. In fact, I have been known to waltz into random hotels and ask the concierge for directions, advice or a restaurant recommendation. Oftentimes, they are unaware that I am not a guest in their hotel, and are always eager to help a damsel in distress, especially with a tot in tow.

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Top 5 Paris Parks

Posted in Specific Destinations, tagged , , , , , , on March 5, 2009 | 3 Comments »

Happy Parisian Duck

Happy Parisian Duck

Back in Paris!  Cheese, pain a chocolat, wine, romantic movies AND parks!!!—there are some things the French do best. A leisurely day spent at a Paris park with Charles is always a good time. Since we spend roughly three months out of the year here, we have found some of the best the city has to offer:

Jardin du Luxemburg

Jardin du Luxemburg

1.) Jardin du Luxemburg- From sailing boats in the pond to riding the old-fashioned merry-go-round, from riding real ponies to watching marionette theatre, this park has it all.  Visit the southwest corner of the park where there is a fenced-in kid’s playground that is well worth the 2-euro entrance fee.  Arrive early, as this area gets crowded in the late afternoon.  For lunch, head to Bread and Roses at 7, rue de Fleurus, merely a street away.  A must stopover as its sinfully tasty breads, savory tarts and mouth-watering treats are coupled by the staff’s smiles and friendly greetings.  Charles gobbles up San Danielle proscuitto, toast, a muffin and a strawberry-banana smoothie.

Statue in Park

Statue in Park

2.) Bois de Bologne- Home of joggers, bicyclists, picnickers, and lovers.  Rent wooden-row boats and paddleboats at the Lac Inferieur or rent bikes to explore this 2200-acre park.  Charles and I visit the Bois de Bologne often and still discover new playgrounds to explore and grassy areas to kick a ball around.  One of our favorite places is the gorgeous Parc de Bagatelle, which has fabulous flowers, open lawns, and Charles’ favorite, peacocks. Tip: Pack a picnic or catch the ferry to dine at the restaurant on the island of Lac Inferieur.

3.) Jardin d’Acclimatation- When the sun is shining or simply the rain isn’t falling, you will often find Charles and I here.  This place is absolutely great!  From rollercoasters to a petting zoo, a narrow-gauge railway to a children’s theatre, a miniature golf course to innovative playgrounds, it is easy to spend an entire day here with your family.  The park has various snack bars and 3 restaurants to keep you and your little ones fueled up for exploring this 9-acre amusement park.

Jardin des Tuileries

Jardin des Tuileries

4.) Jardin des Tuileries- Location, location, location!  When we’re in the center of town, shopping, eating or museum hopping, this is a great park to hit up and burn off some energy.  The carrousel and in-ground trampolines are Charles’ favorites.  Fortunately for us, we are staying on the fifth floor of the Hotel Le Meurice that faces the park and beckons us daily.

5.) Parc Floral de Paris- This beautifully landscaped park brings you far away from the clamor of the city and envelops you in a flowered botanical haven.  There is miniature golf, go-carts, ping-pong, Bateaux Mouche boats, a climbing wall, and most notably, the phenomenal playgrounds for the kids.  This park contains the largest and one of its best-kept play areas in the city.  Tip: Don’t miss lunch or teatime at the park’s charming restaurants, cafes or tearooms.

Pony Ride in Jardin du Luxemburg

Pony Ride in Jardin du Luxemburg

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Milan, Italy

Posted in Specific Destinations, tagged , , , , , , , on March 3, 2009 | 3 Comments »

Milan's Woodland Creature

Milan's Woodland Creature

Between Fashion Week and Carnevale, the city was alive with revelry, fancy dress and action, keeping us very busy and entertained.  People-watching was never so much fun than here in Milan, Italy.  While mama and papa went to the fashion shows, Charles and I managed to explore many of Milan’s family hotspots as well as indulge in the masquerade celebrations of Carnevale.

Hotel
Four Seasons Hotel Milano is located smack-dab in the middle of Quadrilatero della Moda (fashion quarter) and continues to be a favorite with the fashion and film crowd.  This remodeled 15th-century convent was our home for our four-day whirlwind weekend.  The hotel is a catwalk away from both the Duomo Cathedral and Giardini Pubblici, a shaded park that features Milan’s Natural History Museum and Planetarium.

Duomo

Duomo

Duomo Cathedral
It has taken over 500 years to construct this impressive church, but it only takes a 150-step climb (or 3 minute elevator ride) to the roof to appreciate its statues, 135 spires and the view of the city.

Giardini Pubblici
We thankfully stumbled upon this refuge on our first day in our exhausted, jet-lagged state.  A trip to this park can fill an entire afternoon, as there is a wooden structure playground, mini train, the Civico Museo di Storia Naturale and the Planetario Ulrico Hoepli all in one location. Although we are spoiled with New York’s Natural History Museum, Milan’s collection of dinosaurs was a hit for Charles.  Built in 1930, the classic Planetarium’s live presentation of stars and planets impressed us both, but we snuck out since the Italian lecture ran a little long.

Castello Sforzesco
Although there are 12 museums within the castle walls, Charles was more impressed with the moat outside.  Our afternoon switched gears once we saw the carnival-like fair in the park behind the castle in honor of Carnevale.  We ditched our museum-going plans and took advantage of the roller coasters, games, crepes and got caught up in the Milano Carnevale revelry.

Locomotive at the National Museum of Science and Technology

Locomotive at the National Museum of Science and Technology

National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo Da Vinci
Charles was agape by the collection of locomotives, trams, ships, airplanes and the submarine.  I was impressed by the vast collection of da Vinci’s inventions.

Play Planet
If it is raining and your child needs to blow off some steam, head to this indoor center with tunnels, balls, slides and obstacle courses.  There is snack food and a pottery café if your little one feels inspired to create your own ceramics.

Nano Bleu
Charles found a beautiful stuffed anteater at this nice toystore located next to the Duomo.

Whether your family visits Milan during Carnevale or not, enjoy the city’s museums and take in the sites with a cone of gelato in your hands.

Park behind the Castello Sforzensco

Park behind the Castello Sforzesco

Mmmmm Gelato!

Mmmmm Gelato!

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