To wrap up our tour of the Continent (well, a handful of countries there, at any rate), we dipped into the Netherlands and took the kids to easily one of the world's best theme parks — Efteling. Built in 1952 (and updated and added onto ever since), the park predates Disneyland by three years, and is twice the size. Full of classic fairy tale characters and themes, plus the usual host of modern rollercoasters, Efteling is every bit as beautiful and well designed as a Disney park, but without so many of the commercial trappings.
They also have a marvelous hotel, with several themed rooms. Since this was our big and final surprise for the kids before heading back to Paris and on to home, we splurged and booked the Gilded Suite, complete with games, interactive furniture, hidden treats, and a secret bank vault door.
Naturally, we all had a blast, and the kids agreed Efteling was the highlight of the whole trip. When it was over, we made our way by train back to Paris, pulling into the very same station (Gare du Nord) where we began our adventure. After a night in a centuries-old apartment-turned private home (available through Airbnb), we left Paris in the predawn hours, backpacking down eerily silent streets to a Metro station. Another layover in Iceland's Keflavik Airport, and we were grudgingly on our way home.
It's hard to say exactly when our next overseas trip will be, but we're determined to make it (and many more besides). Whether east Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Central America, back to Europe, northern Africa, or any one of a number of other destinations, we'll get there sooner or later.
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Interior of Efteling's famous pancake restaurant, with musical, moving decorations      In keeping with the fantasy theme, we watched a live show, with incredible special effects and horsemanship     Efteling's Gilded Room (with kids' room in background)   |
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A Star Wars-themed crêperie in Paris  The loft from our final night in Paris |
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