Metz, France

We had to choose between stopping in Nancy or stopping in Metz during our drive home. We chose Metz because our guidebook said it had a branch of the modern art museum in Paris, the Centre Pompidou. The guidebook said it would be finished and opened in 2008. We figured, well, it's 2009 so it should be open. When we saw it, we opined that it could possibly open its doors in 2011. So, back to the city center we headed. The other attraction that drew me to Metz was its cathedral with, the guidebook proclaimed, its curtains of stained glass windows. The cathedral was definetly worth the stop. Bathed in the glow of the setting sun, the cathedral's front was glowing and the stained glass inside was beautiful. There were some other kids inside that Eliot got a kick out of, so it was worth it for him, too. See what you think of the stained glass below.


As we strolled through town after visiting the cathedral, we liked what we saw. Cute shops, carousels (none of which did we stop for despite Eliot's protests - how do you teach that you can not ride on every carousel you see?), restaurants, other churches. Very nice. Our goal, unbeknownst to the rather upset Eliot, was this giant city park that we knew must have a playground to reward Eliot for his patience with the car trip. Once we got to the park, moans of dissapointment over the lost carousels turned to happy sounds and he hung out with the kids on the playground until it started to get dark (and cold). Then it was back on the road to Brussels. A great trip to France in our memories.

Since we got back, Eliot has been playing a game with his stuffed animals and toy train. He puts the animals on the train, says they are going to France, and then demands jackets for them because it is cold in France. Poor kid. When we go back to France this summer he will probably want to bring his winter jacket. He can now pick out France and Italy on the map of Europe on our wall.