Metz, France

Saturday looked beautiful in the morning. The sun was shining and sky was a deep blue, so we decided to go on a family excursion. I thought of Metz, France. They have a flea market there twice a month on saturdays. Günter and I went there before we had kids and it was fun. I also went with a friend when I first moved here. So we got ready and were able to get out the door by 9:30. It is a 1.5 hour drive and it closes at noon, so we knew we wouldn't have much time.

When we went outside it was not as lovely as it looked. It was bitterly cold, so I ran back in and got hats and gloves for the kids. Then we left. The kids love going anywhere as a family! Niki is a chatterbox and tells us all kinds of nonsense that comes into his mind. It is very entertaining. We taught him some French--Bon Jour and Merci etc. He kept telling we were going to see Bon Jour (person) or would saying we would go to Bon Jour (place). Made us laugh!

I had forgot about the toll roads in Fance so that bugged me that we paid nearly 5 euros for about a 10 mile stretch. We didn't bring directions because I remembered that it was fairly easy to find and there were good signs too. But somehow we must have gotten off on the wrong exit or something, because we couldn't find it.

We did find this incredible cemetary while we were lost. I took loads of pictures because it was surreal. Most of the old tombs were from the 17-1800's. Here are a few pictures:

Aren't some of those tombs incredible? Some were so morbid--skeletons-like guards and one picture I didn't post (the lighting didn't turn out) of a tree-like cross with chains woven around it. What was that saying?! I don't know the French culture and why they have cemetaries like this. Why small cathedrals? ...it made me wonder if the family was so weathly or if they built a shrine for other reasons. And here it is, several hundred years later and no one really cares and it has fallen into ruin! Keeps it all in perspective. I have more of an eternal perspective and really don't care to accumulate wealth in this life and certainly don't want anyone to spend much on my death!

Anyhow, we looked at maps and Günter reluctantly asked people (what 2 years of HS French gave him) directions. He said he didn't really understand so we were quite tense. OUr GPS only works in Germany but it reminded us both that it can save a lot of tension and fights and we might as well invest in a European GPS if we are going to travel again.

Finally we did find the flea market but most vendors were packing up. The kids were hungry too. Günter put Jenna on his shoulders and I wisked Niki around by my hand as I walked past as many "booths" as I could. It is facinating to see antiques from past wars, paintings form the 1700's, glasswares, books, jewerly and various other things. I wish I could have had longer to browse but it wouldn't work with the kids at this age, so it was fine that we only had a short time. In the past there were so many more rooms crammed with things but it was limited to 2 big halls.

We then went to Cora and got some lunch (the bagettes sandwiches are so awesome!) then did some shopping at their big store--somewhat like a super walmart or something. They have products we can't get in Germany. Sadly we had to rush out since Jenna was having a melt down. It was past her nap time and it was all too much for her.

We loaded the kids in the car and I suggested we do a driving tour of the downtown area (and hope the kids fall asleep). In the past I only went to the flea market, so it was lovely to see the downtown. I had read about it in a tour book and it didn't disapoint. They had several Cathedrals that were quite ornate. Here is the entrance of one:

I am sorry I don't want to reformat and upload all these pictures, so I only did a few.

There were several rivers/canals with lovely building lining them too.

Then we drove past a small carnival and the kids (who had not fallen asleep) insisted on stopping. Who are we to deprive them? Actually I am glad we did stop, even though it was blowing cold and it was outrageously expensive for rides.

And in the end we got a royal tantrum when it came time to leave. Both children were hysterical (overly tired). I told Niki that we didn't have anymore money for rides and he kept telling us to turn around and go back. He said he will get more money!

When we returned to the car we were greeted with a parking ticket of 11 euros. Günter assumed since it was a weekend we didn't have to pay for parking. Great.

Jenna did fall asleep on the way home after a lot of fussing. Niki never did. We paid the tolls going back and returned home.

All in all I would say it was positive. I love traveling and being spontaneous was fun. I think the kids like going as a family and I want them to travel and explore the world too.

Posted by Krista at February 17, 2008 09:51 PM