It’s Brooklyn’s birthday week! I can’t believe my baby girl turned 14 😩. Luckily, Alli was here to celebrate with us.
We had the best possible scenario, because I was unable to take any time off, but Alli was able to work remotely, so we both worked during the day, and then made the most of lunch breaks and evenings. We took walks, watched a ton of TV, did a lot of shopping, and errand running, and running around with the kids. It was THE BEST to have my wing-woman with me. It’s normally very lonely doing all the running-around alone, but totally transformed when your BFF is riding along.
On Wednesday after work, we headed into downtown Stuttgart to do some sightseeing. The weather was unseasonably warm (50 degrees) and sunny, so all of Stuttgart was out enjoying themselves. It is one of the things I love about it here. When the weather even *hints* at being nice, all of society takes advantage and gets outside.
We walked around the main sights of Schlossplatz, Konigstraße, and the Opera House and then walked up to the Milaneo neighborhood to check out the city library.
I’ve been wanting to go to the city’s main library for a long time, to take pictures of course since I probably can’t read most of the books in it. It was so cool and so modern, but what I most liked it how busy it was! Even during covid with the need for checks of covid docs, there were so many people here reading, studying, and using resources. It was very cool to see in modern times when the internet is available; books are still cool!
After the library, we walked back to Konigstraße and then to the Markhalle. I have not been here so close to closing time before and it was nice to be able to see it when it wasn’t packed. They even have a cool neon sign up now.
After the Markhalle, our last stop was the Breuninger Champage bar.
Thursday night we headed back into Stuttgart for dinner at our favorite steakhouse here, Abacco’s. It was Brooklyn’s last meal as a 13 year old and our chance to show the place off to Alli.
Friday was the big day; Brooklyn’s birthday! She had an awesome day at school with her friends. Alli made her cupcakes and then took her shopping for some new shoes right after school. Friday night, Brooklyn had some friends over and they attended a carnival at the school and then her friends’ basketball game. Then, they all came back to our house for pizza and a sleepover. Alli and I kept ourselves busy with more TV and a puzzle.
Saturday, we got up and made breakfast for the girls, then Alli and I headed out for Strasbourg, France. Strasbourg has been one of my favorite places we visited so far so I was thrilled when Alli said she wanted to go.
We got there right at noon as the cathedral bells were ringing. Anyone who knows me, knows I’m obsessed with bells and I proclaim these to be the best in Europe. They loud, pretty, and ring a long peal every day at noon.
We had lunch at a brasserie on the square by the cathedral. I decided to get outside my comfort zone and order something local, a tarte flambé. Well, they brought me out what we call a ‘flammkuchen’ in Germany, which I’ve had many times before and love. It’s a flatbread pizza with cream sauce, bacon, and onions. I could not stop laughing that one of the few times I try and be brave, they bring me something I’ve already had before.
After lunch we walked around the cathedral square and then walked down to the riverside. It was an absolutely gorgeous day. So many locals were out walking and picnicking along the river.
We walked along the river down to St. Paul’s church, which I had not been to before. It sits on a tiny island in the river, and with a bridge crossing in front of the church, looks like it’s floating.
We walked back along the river toward Petite France, the medieval village within Strasbourg. It was so pretty, the pictures take themselves.
We walked back towards the city center. In typical French fashion, there was a demonstration going on; they really love those things. This time we went inside the cathedral for a peek of its interior and its astronomical clock.
Our last stop before leaving was a crepes stand for some French crepes.
When we got back home, we headed to dinner at our favorite restaurant in town, the Seegärtle. They were having “American Week” due to the Super Bowl. The decorations were kind of comical, with American beer cases like Miller Lite and Coors Lite scattered around, and even ketchup bottles on the table.
Super early Sunday morning, we dropped Alli back off at the airport. We spent the rest of the day trying not to cry and think about how quiet and empty the house was feeling.
It was seriously just what the doctor ordered. I definitely did not torture her enough, or make enough funny videos of her, but I am so grateful for the time that we not only got to go on adventures and have fun, but also chill, watch tv, sit around and do nothing, and catch up. Come back soon, Alli!
Gilcrests Abroad 