Stuttgart, Germany, 3rd July - 12th July (By Ella)

The drive to Paris to Stuttgart took around 7 hours including an overnight stop in Freyming. The SatNav (Siri) took us a strange route, although it was a nice drive and we passed through many small villages and passed many impressive buildings such as this gothic church below.

We were very excited about going to Germany. When we lived in Australia, we used to have someone who would live with us and look after us before and after school whilst Mum and Dad were at work. We called them Aupairs, and three of them came from Stuttgart, Germany - Janina, Luzie and Nele. We were going to meet them all again!

Day out with Janina

Janina was our first German Aupair and we had to show Amy and Anna photographs of Janina as they could not remember her as they were so young. Janina and her boyfriend had a great day planned for us which started at the Ritter chocolate museum where we also had a picnic.

Roley poley game after picnic

Meeting at the museum

We then drove to a Barefoot park where we walked for 2.5 km through forests and meadows, various obstacles and trudged through water and mud!

Afterwards, we swam in a nearby lake and then went for pizza!

Day out with Luzie

The next day, we all drove to Geislingen to see Luzie. We met Luzie and her friend who were busy studying for exams. Still, Luzie came out with us for the day and after lunch we went to an outdoor swimming pool, and then visited a castle nearby.

Lunch with Luzie

Overlooking Geislingen

At Helfenstein castle (built 1100)

Spending time with Nele

Nele's Mum found us an apartment in Schwaikheim. We were only going to stay for 4 days and ended up staying for 10 days. Nele lived nearby in Waiblingen which meant we spent a lot of time with Nele and Nele's Mum:

At a beer garden in Waiblingen:



























Sleepover at Nele's Mums and making cupcakes:

Swimming in the local lake:

Trip to the Mercedes Museum in Stuttgart with Nele and Hannah:

Shopping trip in Stuttgart:

Day out in Stuttgart:

Afternoon Tea with Hannah (who is staying with us next year in Australia!) and her Mum:

We had a great time in Stuttgart and were well looked after by Nele, Janina and Luzie. It was also great to meet Hannah and her Mum. Hannah is planning to come to Australia next year and hopefully stay with us for some time!