Three days in Paris with the girls.....

On our way back from India, we took a 3 day detour in Paris and it turned out to be quite a trip.

Day 1: Arrival in Paris

 Arrived in Paris around 9:00am, waiting by the train station at the airport after putting the rest of our luggage in the cloak room.

 Stopped by the lovely cafe by our Hotel

 Took the train to the Pont des Arts bridge with the love padlocks, its quite a scene!

Kids enjoying their ice cream by the bridge!

Another view of the Pont des Arts bridge

 Reached the Louvre and the kids loved the glass pyramid and the surrounding area

 We didn't go inside the Louvre this time, we just hung outside with the kids

 Enjoying the waters by the Pyramids

 On the Ferris Wheel ride, looking at the great Paris skyline

 There were various rides and the kids just loved it

Day 2: 8:30am

Started our walk to the basilica at Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre since we were right in the area. Right here was a a lovely carousal ride the kids would not get out off! :)

 Right on the steps of basilica at Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre

 There are still these public telephone booths all over Paris and everytime we would see one, Romy and Roxy would make a few pretend calls. They absolutely loved this.

 Walking towards the Eiffle Tower by early afternoon.

 Right before the Eiffle tower there was another Carousal ride the kids did and then there were these eccentric bikes we all got in.

 Afternoon we reached Jardin du luxembourg

 Had our lunch here in the open besides these fountains at the really nice Italian place

 Nice view of the Jardin du luxembourg

 Another view of Jardin du luxembourg in the evening and headed back to our hotel.

 Day 3: 

Reached the Eiffle tower by 8:30am and waited in line for 3 hours before making our way to the top. Note that if you buy your tickets a day in advance you don't have to wait on such long lines. Anurag was insistent on getting the girls to the top and this really paid off because now they recognize the Eiffle tower very well.

 Views from the top of Eiffle tower were amazing.

In the afternoon we headed to the Center Pompidou so the girls can ride the escalators. Right in front of Center Pompidou enjoying a glass of wine with some snacks.

 Again in front of the Center Pompidou was a really cool art shop, would have spend much more time there but the girls were driving me nuts :)

 Ahh... finally on to the escalator rides, there are about 6 escalator rides before you reach the top and the views from there are breathtaking.

After the escalators ride, enjoyed really delicious gelato ice cream at Amorino. Incidentally this shop is also there in NYC.

 Outside the Center Pompidou there was a man who was making these lovely ballonaimals and things for kids for free!!! Can you believe it. Anurag tipped him and he refused to take the tip. The girls really enjoyed their ballons.

 Made our way to take a trip on the Seine river in the evening.

 On our river cruise Bateaux cruise, it was an awesome boat, very long and sleek with great views wherever you are seated.

2 hour Bateaux cruise coming to an end after seeing some major landmarks like the Notredame.



Au revoir Paris!! A bientot!!

Travel list with kids!

I have always made elaborate lists before traveling anywhere just so I don't forget anything especially when traveling with the kids.
Well, not that it mattered too much since most places I traveled with the girls were kid friendly and I could easily procure what I forgot to get, but nonetheless it somehow was important to NOT forget. And the most important reason I have come to realize for this is the time it saves!

So finally after 5+ years I have decided to keep my list on a spreadsheet that is easily attainable without having to look into folders, emails, paper copies etc.

Feel free to refer to it and create your own. I will of course be updating it after every trip to keep it current (like we never had Ipads before, but now its an essential :))

Click --> Travel with Kids List

Sitting in Kona airport (Hawaii, Big Island) peering through my emails on where we were staying! Hahaha