GPSmyCity Travel Article App review & giveaway

On my family’s trip to England this year, I tried a travel article app for the first time after winning one in a giveaway. It was free, so why not? After downloading GPSmyCity and getting a few clicks in, I was already won over. I would gladly pay for travel assistance like this in the palm of my hand. What exactly is GPSmyCity? It’s an app you can download onto your iOS device that delivers travel articles, city specific tours and GPS-guided navigation all in one place. (Android version will be launched in 2017.)

Ever since I discovered travel blogs, they have factored heavily into my trip planning. After reading them, I usually use a combination of different apps to pin info about where I wanted to visit, to map where they were all located relative to each other and to figure out directions to get from one place to the next. Once I started using GPSmyCity, I realized that I could finally do it all on one app without having to switch back and forth.

Jump Street Penang: Active, Affordable Fun for All Ages!

Always on the lookout for fun things to do around the island, I was excited when I heard that Jump Street Trampoline Park was opening a branch in Penang! My kids were anxious to jump around and get their energy out, but I couldn't let them have all the fun. It was exciting to test out my own skills too, and Jump Street welcomes jumpers of all ages (3 years and above)!

Since its opening in May 2014, I have already visited three times, selecting it as the venue for my daughter's birthday party, and again recently for my son's goodbye party. Each time I used the online booking feature to ensure space availability and handle payment. After two hours of jumping fun, everyone left feeling happy and tired!

Have you tried Fresh Nutmeg?

I used to think of nutmeg as just an aromatic, brown, powdered spice that I added to my Christmas cookies and desserts. The smell of it brings to mind the image of festive holiday decorations, presents under the tree, and sipping eggnog by a roaring fire. Tasting it is like jumping headfirst into a Currier and Ives print.

Then, I moved to Malaysia and discovered fresh nutmeg. It tastes fruity and light — nothing like the spice. I love nutmeg juice which is a refreshing antidote to heat and humidity. It's a treat you should make sure you try if you visit Penang island. While it's not native to Malaysia, nutmeg trees were cultivated in Penang in the late 18th century by the British East India company as a way to expand their lucrative spice trade.

Nutmeg fruit

Today's guest post is written by 13-year-old Sean K. and photographed by 11-year-old Isaac K., two of the wonderful Malaysian kids I met while living in Penang. Their family and some friends toured the small, family-run Ghee Hup Nutmeg Farm and factory, and I asked them to share their visit with you.

A Free Trip to Europe

Where in Europe would you love to go?

Where would you go if you won a free, all-expenses-paid trip to anywhere in Europe? Yes, anywhere. Ten days — flights, trains, hotels and meals all paid for. You even get a little spending money. Wouldn't you be beyond excited at this opportunity to travel without spending a dime out of your own pocket?

The contest rules were:

• Enter by suggesting a destination
• Present a  proposal of five sites to visit or things to do while on the trip.
• Destinations will be ranked by all the contestants plus the people funding and organizing the trip.
• Winner will be the top ranking destination.
• Contestants must be under 18 years old. 

Best of all, contestants are guaranteed a spot on the winning trip even if theirs is not picked.

Kids Cooking School in Penang

Makers Shakers Bakers is a cooking school for kids and adults that recently opened for business in Tanjung Bungah Hillside. Cooking is an important skill to learn right up there with reading, writing, and 'rithmetic. Teach your kids how to cook when they are young, and they'll be capable of feeding themselves something more elaborate than sandwiches or instant noodle soup when they finally become independent and move out. If you're really lucky, they'll be such fast learners that you can start delegating the family meals to them while they're still in the house. One of my boys has practically memorized the Ben & Jerry's Vanilla Ice Cream recipe and can make it without any help. The day when I realized that I could sit back and order my offspring to make me homemade ice cream was a rather awesome day.

School Field Trips Malaysia-style

Do you remember your school field trips from your childhood? Those stand out moments of the academic year when your class explored what your town had to offer. It was like a mini-vacation for a day. If you normally walked to school, this was your chance to ride the big, yellow school bus. Make sure your parents sign the permission slip. No homework the night before. Bring a sack lunch. And always stay with your buddy!

Middle School students go white water rafting in Malaysia with Nomad Adventure
Photo credit: Nomad Adventure

My kids have been on some rather incredible field trips since we've moved to Penang. Time after time, I keep thinking, "This would never happen in Texas."

Learning by Playing in Penang at Kidland

Putting out the fire

The moment I heard about KidLand opening in Penang, I immediately knew my daughter would love it. Various activity centers let kids play at adult careers such as being a firefighter or scientist. Staff members guide children through each of the activities to ensure that they get the maximum educational experience instead of just running around randomly. All the while, the kids are having fun, fun, fun. It's the same concept as the popular KidZania in Kuala Lumpur except without all the corporate sponsorship and advertising.

Family Trip Tips: Angkor Wat and Siem Reap, Cambodia with Kids

The kids explore Ta Prohm - The Tomb Raider temple

Siem Reap, Cambodia is #9 on TripAdvisor's 2014 Travelers' Choice Destinations in the World. Planning our trip was easy since so many expat families in Penang visit there that I could pick up a ton of suggestions while hanging out at the school playground. Knowing that many friends had successful family trips to Angkor Wat and surrounding attractions appeased any worries I had about taking the kids to such an exotic location in a developing country. In case if you don't have a cadre of travelers to Cambodia available to you, here are their ideas.

Up on Penang Hill

Sweat is pouring off me. I raise my feet, climbing step after step, upwards on Penang Hill. At least the jungle all around me provides a natural shade canopy, shielding me from the tropical sun. Why am I doing this? Because it's there. Because my fit friends do it and seem to enjoy the trek. Because my son does it, and I feel the need to literally go over the hill to prove that I'm not metaphorically over-the-hill. Because it's a way to experience the island while getting away from the hustle, bustle, and traffic that is George Town.

Gratuitous monkey photo

Jungle Trek

My friend and I are taking the stairs leading upwards from the Moon Gate along Waterfall Road near the Botanical Garden. Other people ranging from athletes going on a trail run to senior citizens with trekking poles are out this morning as it's a popular hike for those looking to exercise outside. Steps are cut into the trail, keeping us from slipping on the muddy parts. Breaks in the trees give us little glimpses of the city below, showing us how far we've climbed. Monkeys look down from the branches, hoping that we'll get distracted so they can steal our water bottles. One time, a tree root suddenly starts slithering away a split moment before I realize that it's actually a long snake crossing the trail. At Station 5, a group has apparently hiked up to play mahjong or use the exercise equipment. Tea and water are available from volunteers who have carried up the supplies.

Mahjong players at Station 5 rest area on Penang Hill jungle trek

Hiking up the Jeep Trail

When my son and husband go with the Boy Scouts, they take the paved 5 km Jeep Trail starting at the Botanical Garden parking lot. It's not a public road, so it's ideal for hiking. Two stations along the way provide refreshments and toilet facilities. Keep in mind your personal fitness level. My boy can make it to the top in about 90 minutes. Some other friends of mine took 4 hours to complete the same hike and couldn't walk for 2 weeks afterwards because their muscles were so sore. Other hiking trails start at Air Itam Dam, the Youth Park, and Hye Keat Estate.

Fun Time Riding the Funicular Train

By far, the most popular way to ascend Penang Hill is to take the funicular up from Air Itam. This way only takes 10 minutes and leaves you far less out-of-breath. On the other hand, it isn't free. (Tip: No matter how hard you try to speak Malay and pass yourself off as a local, they will still ask for your MyKAD card to get the discounted rate. Some expats have had success saving money by showing their visas.)

The train carries 100 people and departs every 15-30 minutes, depending on the crowd. Try to get a window with a good view of the tracks for the most excitement. There's one scary point mid-way when you swear you are about to crash into the oncoming train until they both suddenly shift to the side to avoid each other.

Newly refurbished funicular carriage

When you reach the top, you'll be at the most developed, touristy peak called Flagstaff Hill (Bukit Bendera) which was named after the flag that was raised there whenever the British post had arrived. At 823 meters (2,750 feet) above sea level, it has scenic vistas of George Town, the Straits of Malacca, and the mainland on a clear day. In the late 1700's when Penang was a British colony, the cooler climate up at the top encouraged the British to turn it into a hill station resort and clear land to grow strawberries. Best of all, it was free of the malaria sickness infesting the lowlands at the time.

Welcome to the Top

The main plaza near the top showcases a variety of entertainment. I've seen everything from symphonic quartet concerts to paying to have your picture taken with a giant, yellow and white, Burmese python wrapped around your shoulders. Take time to explore the rickety, wooden, funicular carriages of yesteryear that are on display. There's an Owl Museum, but frankly, everyone I know who has visited has rated it as boring, so we've never bothered to go in.

Main plaza at top of Penang Hill's Bukit Bendera

Follow the road around to the right, and you'll come across stairs leading up to an area with a playground, Hindu temple, and mosque.

Banana tree and the only Hindu temple on Penang Hill

The Bellevue Hotel is a bit further along the road with an onsite Aviary Ginger Garden that you can pay to explore. It advertises itself as the "World's First Detergent-Free Hotel." What does that mean? I don't know. Walk through the hotel to the back where the cafe has a panoramic view of the northern side of the island. Oddly, there's also a geodesic dome in honor of Buckminster Fuller who once stayed here while helping to design what is now KOMTAR.

Looking over the northern edge of the island towards Straits Quay from The Bellevue Hotel

You Take the High Road

My favorite section at the top of Penang Hill is taking a stroll along the Summit Road extending around to the left from the main plaza. Century-old heritage bungalows originally built for high ranking officers of the British East India Company line the road, and some of them will make you think you've stumbled upon a little cottage in jolly ole England.

Brownhead Bungalow where the well-to-do can escape to cooler air

It's a long but easy walk. Most people hitch a ride on a buggy which are for hire at the base of the playground stairs near the main plaza for RM30-60.

Hire a buggy if you don't want to walk.

A viewing platform by the side of the road has one of the best views from the hill. Keep an eye out for the red post box with the VR (Victoria Regina/Queen Victoria) insignia on it. It's supposedly one of the oldest in Penang and certainly on the Hill.

The oldest postbox on Penang Hill

Carnivorous Plants

Near the end of the Summit Road, about a 30-40 minute walk, you'll find the Monkey Cup Garden. These carnivorous pitcher plants are said to be nature's answer to how monkeys quench their thirst. I think they only resort to this when their efforts to steal tourist water bottles fail.

Monkey Cups
See the spider inside the one on the bottom left?

There's not much razzle dazzle to the garden, but my girl and I were satisfied by looking at the over 100 varieties growing here along the mossy ground trying to figure out which ones were having success at trapping insects. And silently in my head, I kept singing the songs from Little Shop of Horrors the whole time.

A leaf frog, traditional instruments, Venus flytraps, and enjoying the swing

Spend the Night on the Hill

One of the Boy Scouts' favorite places to camp on the island is at the Nature Lodge of the Methodist Centre located off Upper Tunnel Road West. Although the price is a bit too dear for single family camping, it's a great location for a group event. A sheltered area beneath the building provides protection from Penang's frequent rainstorms. There's an ample lawn for pitching tents. Best of all, a few thatched huts on stilts constructed by the orang asli (natives) occupy the property, too. Hubby says that these stay surprisingly dry in a rainstorm, too. If you plan on camping here, you can hire a jeep from the Bellevue Hotel to carry your equipment up.

Feed Me

All that walking around makes my family a bit hungry. At the very least, the promise of ice cream has kept the kids going when they'd rather lay down on the road and refuse to move. The cheapest eats are at the Cliff Cafe at the 3-story building at the Main Plaza. Numerous hawkers offer Assam Laksa, Char Koay Teow, Ais Kacang, and other local delights.

Cold Ais Kacang (Bean Ice) is refreshing on a hot day.

The cafe at the back of the Bellevue Hotel is a scenic spot to enjoy a cocktail. Watch out for pit vipers in the trees, by the way.

The fanciest restaurant is on the hillock near the upper funicular station and is called David Brown's Restaurant and Tea Terrace. I imagine that many Penang brides must dream of having their wedding reception at such a romantic spot. While the setting was idyllic, I found the Western food to be pricey, and I didn't think that the taste measured up to the upscale meal they were aspiring to offer. Next time, I think I'll just plan on having appetizers or dessert here instead of a full meal.

Romantic David Brown's Restaurant

Back Down Again

Your options for getting back down to the base are about the same as the ones to get up Penang Hill. Some people mix it up by running up and then taking the train down. (Penang Momma, I'm talking about you). My boy is most in awe of a friend who longboarded down the Jeep Trail. Please make sure you have good insurance before you try this X-Games-style stunt. If you hike back down to the Moon Gate, reward yourself with a tall, cool glass of freshly squeezed juice or coconut water (nature's Gatorade) at the Juice Stand across the street.

If You Go:

• Find more information on jungle trekking trails at Forest Explorers or Penang Trails. Trails are not marked, so for the first few times, you may want to go with someone who is experienced hiking these routes. Otherwise, you can end up at the base far from where you parked the car, as my son's friends discovered. 
• RapidPenang bus line 204 takes you to the bottom funicular station.
• If you are driving to the funicular station, follow the signs to "Bukit Bendera."
• Current funicular train schedules and fares can be found at the Penang Hill webpage.
• The menu  and contact information for reservations at David Brown's Restaurant and Tea Terraces can be found on the webpage. Open 9AM-9PM.
• Aviary Ginger Garden at The Bellevue admission is Adults RM8 and Children RM5. Open 9AM-6PM.
• Reservations for The Methodist Centre Nature Lodge can be made at the Bellevue Hotel.

This post is part of Travel Photo Thursday on Budget Travelers Sandbox, "Oh the Places I've Been" on The Tablescaper, Sunday Traveler on Ice Cream and Permafrost, and Travel Photo Mondays on Travel Photo Discovery. Check them out for more around-the-world travel inspiration.

Chocolate Workshop at Chocolate Passion

Some people are carnivores, and some fancy-pants types call themselves omnivores. Some hipsters are locovores. I consider myself a chocovore — someone who eats chocolate. Preferably all the time. All. The. Time. I have a fantasy that I fill a Camelbak Hydration Pack with liquid chocolate ganache and have it at the ready whenever I need a hit. So, when Chocolate Passion announced a chocolate making workshop at their Straits Quay location, I immediately signed up. And then in a fit of lunacy propelled by a brain high on cocoa, I asked my two youngest kiddos if they'd like to join me. I bet you can guess their answer. "Yes, mama!"

Let's just think of this as career exploration.

The workshop started off with a 30-minute lecture on the history and production of chocolate. My son probably would have paid better attention had he remembered to wear his eyeglasses to see the presentation. Then, it was time to wash our hands and get started on the hands-on part. The staff distributed about 250 grams each of white, dark, and milk chocolate. I will attest that this is some of the best quality chocolate I have come across in Penang. Believe me, I have surveyed the other options extensively. After zapping it in the microwave, one 30 second burst at a time, we eventually ended up with 3 bowls of melted goodness.

Mixing up the white and milk chocolates.
If only she had another hand, then she could stir the dark chocolate, too.

Finally, it was time to start creating on our chocolate masterpieces. We filled piping bags with the melted chocolate and snipped off the bottom.

Chocolate Passion's Master Artisan Callin Tan demonstrates how to fill a piping bag.

My kids have fortunately had some experience helping me decorate cakes, so they were familiar with how to properly hold and handle piping bags. They experimented with putting more than one type of chocolate into a mold in layers or to add design accents. Coloring the white chocolate was another way to add a little oomph to the candy's appearance. When each tray was full, we carefully placed them into the refrigerator to harden.

Piping melted chocolate into the molds.

Concentrating on getting it just right

Having gained some confidence in making molded chocolates, we then moved on to freehand designs. This was also a good opportunity to add in some little extras like sprinkles, corn flakes, sugared nuts, or slivered almonds.

Freehand chocolate designs, except for the lolly.

The hardest part was keeping the chocolate at just the right temperature. We had to go back to the microwave a few times to melt the chocolate which had begun to harden in the bowl. My daughter took advantage of the pliable, dough-like stage of the chocolate to use her fingers to form a little animal head. That turned out to be an extremely messy activity.

Surprisingly, my kids followed my strict instructions not to lick their fingers
as we'd be sharing these chocolates as gifts.

Creating all this chocolaty yumminess took a couple hours. When the chocolates in the molds finally hardened, we turned the trays over and popped them out. At the end of the class, everyone put their best pieces on display as we did a little show-and-tell for the other students and received a Certificate for attending. They gave us plastic bags with twist ties and a fine looking chocolate box to package up our goodies for gift-giving. I couldn't believe how much we had made. Bonus! We got to bring our aprons home to remind us of our fun as a Chocolatier-for-a-day.

Just a few of our best looking chocolate candies

Do you know what is the best part of this workshop?

Eating the chocolates, of course!

Nom nom, so delicious!

We signed up for this workshop that was announced on their Facebook page, but you can also schedule a private workshop for a party activity or team building.

Their core business is selling handcrafted chocolates, chocolate desserts and drinks. Need a gift for your wedding guests, party guests or for corporate giving? They can do a large, custom order for you, too.

Where can you find Chocolate Passion?

• Straits Quay - Ground Floor Al Fresco area
• Gurney Paragon - Level 6
• Auto City in Butterworth
• Tel: 04-890 6121
• Website: www.chocartisan.com

If you're ever wondering what to get me for a gift, anything from Chocolate Passion will do. (Hint, hint Hubby. Valentine's Day is this Friday.)

This post is part of Foodie Tuesday on Inside Journeys. Check it out for more delicious inspiration.

A Crash Course in Batik Painting

There's a certain pleasure to be had from creating something with your own hands. Batik is a popular souvenir from Malaysia. Designs are created on cloth by first applying wax and then fabric dyes. It's pretty, versatile, easy to pack in your suitcase, and relatively cheap. If you're in Penang for an extended stay of a few weeks or more, take a break from all that touring of temples, noshing on street food and lying out on the beach to try crafting your own piece of batik art. It's also a fun group activity whether you're having a party or entertaining kids.

Learning the process at Rozana's Batik

My first experience with batik was a class set up by Spiral Synergy at Rozana's Refreshing Batik Fine Heart Gallery. Yes, that's "fine heart," not "fine art." Rozana can rightfully be declared an artist whose medium of choice is batik. She has a passion for passing on her knowledge to others, so she makes quite a delightful teacher.

Rozana demonstrates using a tjanting to apply wax over the design.

When my friend and I arrived, we were faced with a totally blank square of thin, white cotton cloth.  It took me a while to dither around looking at books to try to come up with a design. Meanwhile, my friend lightly sketched a butterfly onto the cloth. Rozana demonstrated how to dip the tjanting into the bowl of hot wax, filling the small reservoir, and then running it along the hand drawn lines so that the wax flowed out the small, hollow tube at the tip. She made it look so effortless, but it was harder than it appears. A slow, uneven pace delivers thick, blobby lines. If you go too quick, the wax has gaps where colors would bleed together in the wrong place. These wax lines block the fabric dyes from reaching the cloth so that once the wax is removed, the area beneath it is the original color (in this case, white).

Painting on the dyes and blending the colors.

Next, Rozana showed us how to paint the vibrant dyes onto the fabric. By applying one color such as dark red on one side and blue on the other, she coaxed the colors towards the middle to create a purplish blend of the two. The picture above show various stages of the process.

Then, she let us unleash our creative energies onto our own pieces. After a couple hours, I had my own personal batik masterpiece. Rozana slipped it into a clear plastic bag and gave us instructions on how to iron off the wax and set the dye.

Top Right: Original sketch on paper and then traced onto the cotton.
Top left: Trying my best to make it not look like the work of a small child.
Bottom: My finished floral piece with a geometric border.

A few of my friends have also taken their children to 2-hour classes at Rozana's. The kids are welcome to draw their own picture whether it be of a robot, airplane or other beloved subject which the teacher will then wax for them to paint. Otherwise, they can choose one of the pre-drawn and waxed designs. See Rozana's Facebook photos for some of her kid and adult customers' creations.

Rozana is a wonderful teacher, designer and artist.

Group party at Craft Batik

When it was time for another friend's baby shower, we decided that painting batik baby blankets would be the perfect way to commemorate her "Made in Malaysia" baby. I made arrangements beforehand at Craft Batik which has a good setup for large groups. We could each make our own 14x14 inch square or up to six people could work together on a large 1.5 meter rectangular piece. I decided upon the large pieces and then chose three seascape designs for Craft Batik to draw and wax before we arrived. Other themes available are butterflies or floral designs.

On the party day, the guests gathered and were first shown around the small factory. This is a popular stop on package tours around the island of Penang. Unlike other factory tours that I've been on, this is an actual, working factory, not one that's just in action when the tourists are around. Craft Batik does both hand drawn wax as well as block printing. When blocks are used, the design is an up to 9 inch square pattern that is repeated over and over across the fabric.

Blocks are dipped into the hot was and then stamped onto the fabric.

Painting the fabric dyes onto the block print design which is destined for elementary school uniforms.

Finally, it was our turn to start working. Outside on a covered veranda, three large pieces were stretched across wooden frames waiting for us to start painting. (Note: White linen pants are a poor choice of attire when working with fabric dyes.) As a personal touch, we each signed our names in pencil, and the employee helping us applied the wax for us. I will admit, that I enjoy painting far more than doing the wax, so I didn't mind letting her do this step.

Making batik blankets for a Texan "Made in Malaysia" baby.

Batik turned out to be a great party activity. We divided up with five ladies per piece and chatted away as we painted, oohing and aahing at each other's work. We were scheduled for just an hour but ended up taking more like 90 minutes to complete the project. Perhaps it was all that talking instead of focusing on painting?

Many hands make light work.

When we were finished, we left the fabric to dry and browsed around the showroom before heading over to Ferringhi Coffee Garden which is the perfect place for a ladies luncheon. The next week, I returned to Craft Batik to pick up the blankets. They had already removed the wax and set the dye for us so that no extra work was needed. Out of the three designs, the mama-to-be selected one which we sent to a seamstress to be made into a quilt.

The finished batik baby blanket

Craft Batik can also work with children. I think it's a fabulous kids birthday party idea or a good school group outing. Another friend enjoyed this shower so much that she brought a couple visitors here to paint individual squares when they were in Penang for a few weeks.

Have you ever tried making your own batik? If you don't have time or the inclination while you're in Penang to try it for yourself, I encourage you to drop by either place as they have a showroom and lovely handicrafts for purchase. Sam's Batik on Penang Road is another popular shop, too.

IF YOU GO:
Painting is not a drop-in activity. Make sure you make prior arrangements.
Stop by and shop anytime without appointment.

Rozana's Batik

• Contact Rozana (rozanasbatik@yahoo.com; telephone 6-014-247-5347) or Spiral Synergy (spiralsynergyinfo@yahoo.com; mobile 6-016-457-0221)
• If you want to draw your own design, have some ideas before you show up so that you can get right to work
• Rozana can also do tie-dye with you or your children
• Allot 2-3 hours for session
• At the end of your session, you'll be able to take home your piece
• Cost is RM50 for one large square
• Gallery at 81B, 81C Lebuh Acheh, Georgetown open Monday-Saturday 10:30AM - 6PM.

Craft Batik

• Website: http://www.penangbatik.com.my
• Contact Miss Fazilah at telephone 6-04-885-1284 or pgbatik@streamyx.com
• Plan on one visit to select design and make arrangements, one visit for painting, and a return visit to pick up finished products
• Cost is RM30 for one 14 x 14 inch square or RM150 for a 1.5 meter rectangular piece
• Showroom next to Factory open daily 9AM - 5:30PM at 669, Mk. 2, Teluk Bahang 11050  Penang)
• Another showroom (no factory) near the Botanical Garden open daily 9AM - 5:30PM

Sam's Batik House

• 183,185 Penang Road, 10000 Penang
• Email: samsbatikhouse@msn.com

This post is part of "Travel Photo Thursday" on Budget Travelers Sandbox, Pret-a-vivre,  and "Oh, the Places I've been!" on The Tablescaper. Check them out for more around-the-world travel inspiration.

Parc de la Villette: A Kids' Paradise in Paris

Whenever I used to imagine living overseas, I always pictured myself somewhere in France or maybe Italy, not tropical Malaysia which is where I ended up. Well, if I actually did live in Paris, Parc de la Villette would probably become a favorite spot for our family to return to again and again. At 61 acres, it's home to an excellent children's museum, Europe's largest science museum, concert venues, and an IMAX theater. This modern, quirky, urban park located outside of the tourist zone is also a wonderful outdoor space teeming with activities for the young and old. (Hey, who's calling me old?)

The Biggest Science Museum in Europe

Turbulence Clock at the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie demonstrates Chaos Theory

By the time we hit our 8th day in Paris, the kids were ready for something bordering on the normal instead of the iconic. While they had surpassed my expectations with their enjoyment of the Louvre, science and technology is more their style. That's why I planned an outing to Parc de la Villette's Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie which was on Frommer's list of 500 Places to Take Your Kids Before They Grow Up. A handy map and guide by the ticket booth was very helpful in figuring out the age appropriateness for each section. It was spot on with suggesting that kids as young as 6 years would enjoy the Sounds section while the concepts in Mathématiques were better suited for those age 10 years and older. Most explanations were in French, English, and Spanish. All in all, I'd say it's a good outing for school age kids all the way up to adults, especially if the weather outside is cold or rainy.

Fun Children's Museum



Cité des Enfants -- Finally, a museum for kids
Archimedes screw, balancing balls on water jets, leaf cutter ants, and measuring running speed

Cité des Enfants, a children's museum, is located within the same building as Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie but requires a separate admission fee. After a whole week of muttered warnings not to touch that Monet/Matisse/Da Vinci, I could finally relax and let my kids run free to poke and prod whatever they liked. Water exploration, the garden, and the factory were the highlights for my kids.

Note that you have to buy tickets for a specific 90-minute session and definitely have to clear out when your session is over. Tip: Reserve your session on-line ahead of time if you are going during a busy period. While we wished we could stay longer, I really appreciated that this method keeps the exhibits from becoming overcrowded.

The area for 5-12 year olds focuses on science and technology while the area for 2-7 year olds features entertaining early learning activities. You cannot switch between these two sections during a session.

IMAX theatre

La Géode IMAX theatre

An IMAX theatre is housed inside La Géode adjacent to the museums. This is the Mirror Ball building I told you about in my last post.

Carnival Rides

Taking a spin at Parc de la Villette

After the museums closed for the day, we walked back through the park and found it to be quite a lively place on a summer evening with tons of kids on scooters and one large group doing a dance on the grass. My kids noticed the carnival rides, so we stopped to literally take a spin. The double decker carousel featured a Jules Verne theme, and the younger children were lined up for riding cars on a turntable. My own made a beeline for the flying chair swings.

Pedaling a horse and carriage

Themed Gardens where Kids can Romp

Burning off energy at the Garden of Dunes and Wind

Ten themed gardens create interesting playgrounds for the kids and places for families to explore. We decided to skip the Garden of Childhood Fears and headed directly to the Garden of Dunes and Wind which had caught our eye earlier when we strolled through the park.

Some kids sped down the zipline while others ran in the hexagonal framed hamster wheels. Games of tag ensued up and down the hilly dunes that hid the tunnels below. Each windmill was connected to  pedals so that kids could work to make them spin. Children jumped along rows of air cushions like a giant, outdoor bounce house.

A different section was set aside for toddlers and young children so that they wouldn't be mowed over by boisterous older kids. This garden also had the most comfortable semi-reclined chairs for parents that I've ever experienced in a playground. Best of all, the entire garden is fenced in so that you don't have to worry about youngsters wandering off.

... And so much more!

Watching the horses exercise before their performance at La Grande Halle,
a former abattoir (slaughterhouse) turned performance venue.

Okay, I didn't actually get around to doing everything in Parc de la Villette because it's so huge. Other things to do include:

• Taking a 2.5 hour cruise through the locks and under bridges of St. Martin canal on either Canauxrama or Paris Canal to/from central Paris
• Explore Cité de la Musique  which houses a museum, concert hall, studios, conservatory and what appeared to be a happening restaurant
• Crawl around on the Argonaute, a 1950s era submarine
• Watch an open-air movie at the Prairie du Triangle on a summer night, although I'm not sure if English subtitles are offered
• Attend a concert or performance at La Grande Halle, the Conservatoire, or Zenith Concert Hall
• Dine at one of the food stands throughout the park. There's something for everyone -- cotton candy, churros, ice cream, wine, sandwiches, more wine...

IF YOU GO:
As I said, this park is enormous. Fortunately, they have a really great online map of where everything is located along with directions for numerous ways to get to the park (metro, bus, streetcar, bicycle, car, boat canal, etc.). Click here for handy website.


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This post is part of "Travel Photo Thursday" on Budget Travelers Sandbox, "Photo Friday" on Delicious Baby, "Oh the Places I've Been" on The Tablescaper and "Friday Daydreamin" at R We There Yet Mom? Check them out for more around-the-world travel inspiration.

Swim Parties at the ParkRoyal Resort

My son attended a fun birthday party at The Parkroyal Penang Resort Hotel in Batu Ferringhi a few months ago. The kids were entertained the whole time, the food at Cool Bananas was plentiful, and best of all, the host didn't have to open her house to hordes of crazy children. If you have a hankering to visit, you don't need to wait for a party since day passes are available.

All the kids had fun splashing in the pool. The big waterslides drew a lot of their attention, but games of water volleyball and cannonball splash contests also kept them occupied. A lifeguard on duty prevented the action from getting too wild. A ping-pong table by the restaurant was another activity the children could enjoy.

Super fun, slippery slides

I especially liked having the swimming pool right by the Cool Bananas restaurant with its shady porch. That way, the parents could relax out of the hot sun while keeping the kids close by. We couldn't see the entire pool area, but it's one of the better layouts in Penang.

All the food was already laid out on the buffet table when the party started in case if the children were hungry right away. I thought the party hats, balloons, and colorful tablecloths and napkins gave the space a very festive atmosphere.

Dining al fresco on the shady veranda of Cool Bananas

 

 

If the pool isn't enough to keep the kids busy, a stretch of Batu Ferringhi beach borders the hotel grounds.

 

Want to have fun on the beach?

 

The party got rave reviews from my son. All the kids seemed to be exhausted but happy and full of food by the time 2 hours was up. So, if you're looking for a place to hold your own child's party, consider The Parkroyal Penang.

 

For party reservations and enquiries, call 04-886-2288, extension 8207.

 

 

 

 

Cool Bananas Day Pass Membership

Weekdays

Adult - RM40.60 (entitle to F&B credit worth RM23.00)

Child - RM29.00 (entitle to F&B credit worth RM11.50)

Weekends & Public Holidays

Adult - RM52.20 (entitle to F&B credit worth RM34.50)

Child - RM40.60 (entitle to F&B credit worth RM23.00)

 

To enjoy this offer, speak to an associate at the Cool Bananas Poolside Café.

 

 

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