Dussel-dor-aff

We have never thought much about Dusseldorf  (or Dussel-dor-aff, as our British GPS calls it) other than our locale for catching flights from here to there, but after some German friends and neighbors told us how much they liked it, we decided to go for the day. We loved it! We knew it is a business and financial hub, but it is also so much more. It is the state capital of North Rhine-Westphalia and if you ask the Germans they will tell you it is where "pretty people" live. Dusseldorf is a trend-setter in art, fashion and style. We were also struck by the French influence in the architecture and culture, which now makes sense after learning that Napoleon dubbed it "my little Paris." As we walked along the Konigsallee we felt as if we were on the Champs-Élysées. We started at the Aqua Zoo (aquarium), followed by visits to a few parks and then to the Old Town and the Rhine. Here's a few pics from the day-

First stop, the Aqua Zoo!

                                                  Jake discovered that he loves Penguins.

                                             A stop to see the sharks for Auntie Lindsay.

                                I thought Jake's expression was pretty good. Bria seems to love it.

                                                                       Nord Hofgarten

            Thought we would pop in and say hello to Lucky Day, Dusty Bottoms, and Ned Nederlander.

                                                 We loved all the great parks we visited.

                                                                          The Ko (coo).

                 As it was the start of Oktoberfest we saw and heard many bands in the Old Town.

                                                  Just a few people in the city that day!

Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures along the Rhine, but thanks Dusseldorf for an unexpected great day!