Charles de Gaulle at the Hôtel de Ville in Paris

The other day I was in Paris, venturing to the Musée de Louvre's late night opening. Walking from the artsy Marais district to the Louvre I passed the Hôtel de Ville. The regal Hôtel de Ville usually has people gathered around in front enjoying the weather and this time I spotted a picture of Charles de Gaulle done in a collage of small portraits to make the one big portrait of de Gaulle.

Showing Patriotism on the 4th of July with French Wine and Cheese (and a US Capitol Building Post)

When everybody at home is gorging themselves on BBQ hamburgers and hotdogs while waiting for fireworks, I'll be celebrating the United States Independence Day from Paris with wine and cheese (because hotdogs are hard to find).

Thinking of home during the Fourth of July prompted me to recall my visit last February to Washington DC and the Capitol Building with my aunt and cousin. My history buff cousin organized getting us a tour of the Capitol Building (my first time there) and later that day we museum hopped at the largest museum complex in the world, the Smithsonian.

My visit the US Capitol Building...

Hiking the Trail to the Castle Neuschwanstein :Bavaria, Germany

One of the most beautiful places in the world, that I have ever been, was an easy day trip from Munich, Germany. Through the Bavarian Alps, the Castle Neuschwanstein towers on a mountain above the quintessential Alps towns of Hohenschwangau and nearby Füssen. It was an easy journey from Munich.

My hike to the Castle, Neuschwanstein…

The Neues Museum in Berlin

I know what you are thinking…how could she be exploring the Neues Museum when the Currywurst Museum is right down the road! As intriguing as the invention of hotdogs slathered in spicy sauce is, I skipped the Currywurst Museum and went to Museum Island, stranded in the middle of the River Spree in Berlin, to visit one of their four great museums, the Neues Museum, famous for its Ancient Egyptian artifacts and the Nefertiti Bust.

Visit the Neues Museum in Berlin with me…

The Deutsche Guggenheim Berlin Smells

Were you expecting an outrageous building? I was. This could probably be mistaken for a Deutsche Bank if you don’t look closely for the banners marking it the Deutsche Guggenheim.

I didn’t get an outrageous building to show you but I did get a fantastic exhibit from NYC based artist, Wangechi Mutu, Deutsche Guggenheim’s newly crowned Artist of the Year 2010. Her solo exhibit, My Dirty Little Heaven re-creates a ghetto, similar to one in Mutu’s native Kenya.

Check out my visit the Deutsche Guggenheim to see Mutu exhibit on my recent trip to Germany.

A Fancy Fat Feline in NYC (A Hidden Modern Sculpture)

While I was in NYC I was too busy to stop at the usual suspects (ie- the Met, Guggenheim and MoMA) to catch the latest exhibits. But something I really wanted to show you- it's a little-known sculpture on the the upper east side by a very famous modern artist...

Hidden between these trees at 900 Park Avenue and 79th Street, gleaming in the sun, is...

Top 10 Things to do in Nyack, New York (the best day trip from NYC)

There are so many other fun things to do in beautiful and historic Nyack, New York that you should know about. I should know...I lived here for a few years. So I compiled my top 10 list of fun things to do (because I know you love Top 10s! lists)


My Top 10 Fun Things to do in Nyack New York

An Edward Hopper Fan’s Pilgrimage to Nyack, New York

To cure any homesickness that might have occurred, I have managed to return to the US twice already this year. In between all the social events I made it to my old stomping grounds of Nyack, New York.

If you haven’t heard about Nyack, then you are missing a very quaint and historic town that is a short trip from New York City, about 25 miles north of Manhattan. You can explore this town’s great restaurants, bustling streets, scenic views and trails along the Hudson River, an abundance of parks for lazy picnics and my one of my favorite small art galleries and historic homes, The Edward Hopper House Art Center.

Visit my blog post about the Edward Hopper House Art Center in Nyack

Musée Rodin at Night in Paris

The Musée Rodin is housed in the former Hôtel Biron, built in 1730 by architect Jean Aubert, and displays works of sculptor, Auguste Rodin. Personally, I'd rather spend my time roaming around the garden than the actual museum. The vast garden is a calm oasis in the center of Paris and displays Rodin's bronze works. Since the garden is not usually open at night, temporary fixtures illuminated his famous pieces creating a magical presence in the otherwise dark garden.

During the Night of Museums Event in Paris I visited the Musée Rodin to view Auguste Rodin famous bronze works.

5 Tips for Visiting Museums with Kids

I think most museums are appropriate and stimulating for children (depending on the child’s interests and attention span) regardless of whether it is labeled a “children’s museum”. Some museums I’ve visited are especially kid friendly (I use my husband as a tester).

Since getting children to museums in order to enhance their art and culture education is so important, I have put together 5 tips to help make it a little easier for you to get your children involved with museums…