Dilbert, The National Gallery, London, Engla

Isobel&Neil


Posted Mar 10, 2007, 5:01 pm
Dilbert is a dog.  A curly-haired dog.

He is very friendly and obedient.

He is also fully house-trained, which is always a help.

Please help him have a fantastic journey, and update his adventures as you go.

Isobel&Neil


Posted Mar 10, 2007, 5:04 pm
Dilbert is undergoing intense physical and mental training in preparation for his adventures in the big wild world.

We look forward to hearing of his adventures:  please keep him travelling! :)
Szandra


Posted Jul 25, 2007, 9:56 pm
Hello Isobel and Neil!
I arrived to Hungary! Szandra and her family were very happy to see me, they didn't think that I'll arrive so soon, it was a great surprise! I'm very tired now after travelling, just wanted to say hello and show you some pictures that we made today.
I already met with some pets. On the first photo I'm with Jeni. He wasn't very friendly...maybe he doesn't like dogs!?
Then I played with Ali and Barni, they are really friendly and active dogs!:) I think we'll be good friends. And finally I visited the rabbits...and well... I tasted their food, but I realized that I don't want to be a vegetarian.
Tomorrow if the weather will be nice, Szandra will show some nice places in the near.
That's all for today!
Bye, bye
Dilbert
Szandra


Posted Jul 28, 2007, 10:56 am
Hello again!
We were so busy with my host, that we haven't got enough time to uptade the blog. But I wanted to tell you about my days here in Hungary.
The day before yesterday we went for a trip by bike. I enjoyed it very much! I saw some nice places. Szandra shew me the park in Miskolc-Tapolca, this is really near to their house. And there is a nice lake and a thermal bath inside of it. Everything was so quiet there. We made some pics, but unfortunately it was started growing dark and we culdn't make good quality photos. But Szandra promised me that we'll visit back there and make some better photos.
Yesterday I set into the car, so when my host and her family went somewhere I could see the area.
On Monday we'll travel to Budapest, so I'm very excited and on the 5th of August we will travel to Italy. I can't wait to relax in the beach!!!:)
I almost forgot to tell you that here is a little flat toyvoyager, Simba. He came from Belgium and we became good friends. We played ping-pong together.:)
Now, it's time to say bye!
Hug,
Dilbert
Szandra


Posted Jul 31, 2007, 6:14 pm
Hello!
Yesterday we travelled to Budapest by train. I enjoyed the trip, I looked out from the window and saw the scenery.
And today we made a big excursion. Szandra shew me the main sights of Budapest, for example the basilica, the Castle of Vajdahunyad, the Opera-house, the Heroes-square, a nice park with a big lake... We had a beautiful day together!:)
Kisses,
Dilbert

Szandra


Posted Aug 4, 2007, 5:25 pm
Sziasztok! (This means, hi! I already learnt some Hungarian words!;)
Guess who arrived this week? An other toyvoyager, Smooch! We have great time together! We are laughing a lot!:) As you see we are again in Miskolc, travelled back from Budapest on Thursday. I loved the capital, but this city is more quiet and friendlier for me.
Yesterday we visited Szandra's father at his office and made some photos from the window.
And now we are packing into the bags. I hear that Smooch is calling me to go and help him!
Italy is waiting for us!!!:D
Bye,
Dilbert
Szandra


Posted Aug 13, 2007, 2:45 pm
Finally Smooch finished updating his blog, so I have time to do the same with mine.;)
Our trip to Italy was really great, I enjoyed it very much!!!
The long travelling time was a little boring to me, but it was interesting to travel thru Croatia and Slovenia.
When we arrived to Jesolo, I was already very tired, but I didn't mind to walk a little.
Szandra


Posted Aug 13, 2007, 2:52 pm
On Monday we played on the beach, but I don't like sun-bathing as much as Dilbert and Simba, so I relaxed in the shade and drank some cool cocktails.
Szandra


Posted Aug 13, 2007, 2:56 pm
Collecting shells was very exciting!!! See, we found a lot!
After that, we made photos on the bathing platform and saw the ships.

Szandra


Posted Aug 13, 2007, 3:08 pm
We visited Chioggia witch is like Venicie, just a little smaller and calmer. I loved the most the colourful ships.:)
Szandra


Posted Aug 19, 2007, 10:53 pm
Here I am!!! Still in Hungary!;)
Can you believe it that I'm reading a book in Hungarian? Szandra was also very surprised when she saw that I almost finished a book. It's about a dog, Marley, and I found it quite interesting!
On thursday we went to show the area to Smooch. I already see it, but I enjoyed the trip, because we made a lot of photos! And when I first saw the University of Miskolc I couldn't imagine that it's so big! Szandra told that thousands of people study there and it's more than 270 years old. If you take a look at the blog of Smooch, you can see a picture about the campus locations.

It's late at night... time to go and sleep!
But before that, here are some pics:
Szandra


Posted Aug 24, 2007, 10:57 am
Hello!
Dilbert is already on his way to Australia, but before he continued his journey, he asked me to update the travelog.
All the toyvoyagers were very sad that we had to say good-bye to Dilbert, but we spent some beautiful days together!
Finally Smooch and Kuma made a 2 in 1 party!:) Surprise birthday party to me and a good-bye party to Dilbert.
Dood luck Dilbert, hope to hear from you soon!
Prowl_Worshipper
gotham.city@bigpond.com

Posted Aug 31, 2007, 4:44 pm
Dilbert arrived in Australia dying for a drink of water! It's a long way for a little pooch, all the way from Hungary!
After his drink he was very happy to see other Toy Voyagers already here in this strange country! Phileas and (Playmo)Bill greeted him excitedly.
Dilbert is resting now, he has been invited to go shopping tomorrow along with Phileas and (Playmo)Bill!
He gave Nik the postcard Szandra had helped him write for her, and she's very happy with it! Thank you Dilbert! (and Szandra ;) )
Prowl_Worshipper
gotham.city@bigpond.com

Posted Sep 5, 2007, 3:03 am
Dilbert has a special mission! Helping Nik shop for Father's Day presents!
Here he is checking out the scenery on the Bucketts Way, the main road from Stroud to the Pacific Highway.
Dilbert was excited to see so many trees...  ;)
Prowl_Worshipper
gotham.city@bigpond.com

Posted Sep 5, 2007, 3:05 am
Dilbert crowded in with Philéas and (Playmo)Bill for this photo of the Pacific Highway, and he had lots of fun barking at the other cars!
Prowl_Worshipper
gotham.city@bigpond.com

Posted Sep 5, 2007, 3:08 am
Dilbert wanted to help Nik's mum put air in her tyres at the service station, but it didn't work...
Prowl_Worshipper
gotham.city@bigpond.com

Posted Sep 5, 2007, 3:12 am
Dilbert was thrilled to visit Bunning's Warehouse (a huge hardware store) but not because of the shop - there was a fund-raising sausage sizzle teasing his keen sense of smell!
Prowl_Worshipper
gotham.city@bigpond.com

Posted Sep 5, 2007, 3:15 am
Nik and Dilbert ignored the "No Dogs" sign and the TVs had a good time browsing Bunning's for her dad's present...
Prowl_Worshipper
gotham.city@bigpond.com

Posted Sep 5, 2007, 3:17 am
Nik had to explain to her three international Voyagers that these Kangaroo Paws were native plants, not the real thing...
Prowl_Worshipper
gotham.city@bigpond.com

Posted Sep 5, 2007, 3:20 am
After Bunning's, Nik took her little visitors to Stockland Greenhills for more shopping.

Dilbert was impressed with the friendly atmosphere...
Prowl_Worshipper
gotham.city@bigpond.com

Posted Sep 5, 2007, 3:22 am
Dilbert know's there's a T-bone steak in there somewhere...
Prowl_Worshipper
gotham.city@bigpond.com

Posted Sep 5, 2007, 3:25 am
Dilbert's glad he is not a horse! He hopes there's no canine influenza here.
Prowl_Worshipper
gotham.city@bigpond.com

Posted Sep 5, 2007, 3:29 am
Oooh! What a cool bridge! Dilbert loved going over the Hexham Bridge! He wondered if he could have a swim in the Hunter River, but Nik said No Way!
Prowl_Worshipper
gotham.city@bigpond.com

Posted Sep 5, 2007, 3:33 am
Dilbert was a very good boy, helping Nik's mum with the Father's Day barbeque...all that tantalizing meat...
Prowl_Worshipper
gotham.city@bigpond.com

Posted Sep 5, 2007, 3:34 am
Dilbert had a little taste of Aussie beer - now he hopes he can get it in England when he returns home!
Prowl_Worshipper
gotham.city@bigpond.com

Posted Sep 5, 2007, 3:37 am
So this is the great Aussie barbeque Dilbert keeps hearing about...YUM!
Prowl_Worshipper
gotham.city@bigpond.com

Posted Sep 5, 2007, 3:41 am
Dilbert liked seeing his host's country's flag.
He was surprised when Nik told him there has been some negative rumblings from ethnic groups in Australia about people flying it. Nik says it's not coming down, and Dilbert agrees; it is Australia after all!
Prowl_Worshipper
gotham.city@bigpond.com

Posted Sep 5, 2007, 3:45 am
(Playmo)Bill, Philéas and Dilbert had a birthday party for Nik's TV Rama who is in France...but (Playmo)Bill and Dilbert surprised Philéas by making it a joint birthday/farewell!
Philéas is going to Greece, and Dilbert was a little sad because he would like to get to know Philéas better
Prowl_Worshipper
gotham.city@bigpond.com

Posted Sep 17, 2007, 3:44 pm
Dilbert has been a busy boy! He met up with one of the permanent residents today, and in spite of his best efforts, just couldn't scare Lucky off his perch...
Prowl_Worshipper
gotham.city@bigpond.com

Posted Sep 17, 2007, 3:47 pm
Poor Dilbert! He tried so hard to make friends with another TV, Nik's Leonidas. Dilbert has not seen Leonidas up until now - that's how shy Leonidas is.
Dilbert made a slow approach, gently wagging his tail in offered friendship...
Prowl_Worshipper
gotham.city@bigpond.com

Posted Sep 17, 2007, 3:49 pm
...but all in vain. Dilbert's doggy pride was quite hurt at Leonidas' reaction, especially as he is not a big scary dog!
Prowl_Worshipper
gotham.city@bigpond.com

Posted Sep 29, 2007, 1:16 pm
Dilbert met Rangler today for the first time, but it didn't go as well as hoped.

Dilbert stole Rangler's bedroll and ran off with it, thinking there were bones wrapped up in it...
Prowl_Worshipper
gotham.city@bigpond.com

Posted Sep 29, 2007, 1:21 pm
...So Rangler did what any good cowboy would do.

Dilbert has not shown any further interest in getting to know Rangler. I hope they can settle their differences without any branding irons getting involved...
Prowl_Worshipper
gotham.city@bigpond.com

Posted Sep 29, 2007, 1:24 pm
Today was Nik's birthday!
Prowl_Worshipper
gotham.city@bigpond.com

Posted Sep 29, 2007, 1:27 pm
Here are Nik's other visiting TVs (Twinette Kani, Boone Racoon, and Rangler)welcoming a new friend to the family - a cute little Birthday Bear!
Prowl_Worshipper
gotham.city@bigpond.com

Posted Sep 29, 2007, 1:29 pm
Look Rama! Your pink and white daffodils have finally flowered! Dilbert, Rangler, Twinette Kani and Boone Racoon (and Beak) are the lucky TVs that were the first to see them!
Prowl_Worshipper
gotham.city@bigpond.com

Posted Sep 29, 2007, 3:43 pm
Dilbert got very excited at the sight of gift bags and birthday presents! Actually he wasn't the only one :)
Prowl_Worshipper
gotham.city@bigpond.com

Posted Sep 29, 2007, 3:46 pm
A birthday bouquet! Dilbert, Rangler, Twinette Kani and Boone&Beak all helped Nik's mum pick these out of the garden as a surprise!
Prowl_Worshipper
gotham.city@bigpond.com

Posted Sep 29, 2007, 3:50 pm
Dilbert finally met Nik's Labrador Indy properly today. He was a bit wary because she's so large, and was prepared to stand up for himself, but it was unnecessary :)
Prowl_Worshipper
gotham.city@bigpond.com

Posted Sep 29, 2007, 4:02 pm
Dilbert was saddened to his little doggy heart when he heard Indy's story. Nik's family got her through Hunter Animal Rescue almost two years ago.
It's a non-profit organisation in the Newcastle area run entirely by volunteers, with very little donations, who rescue dogs and cats who are literally on death row, and try to re-home them.
Indy had been abandoned three times (that Nik knows of), had some very cruel mistreatment, and been in the pound twice, where a volunteer literally saved her at the last minute from euthanasia.
After all that she came into HAR care, and after treatment was returned twice by people who had planned to adopt her. All that by the age of two. So while Dilbert hasn't yet helped someone choose a rescue dog, he thinks meeting Indy is almost as good.
He has discovered some of her (many) toys and treats!
Prowl_Worshipper
gotham.city@bigpond.com

Posted Sep 29, 2007, 4:06 pm
Dilbert has also met the Home Hardware mascots, Sandy and Rusty!
He was happy to meet them because HH often donates money to the Guide Dogs of Australia


Prowl_Worshipper
gotham.city@bigpond.com

Posted Oct 9, 2007, 11:58 am
Nik has been very busy lately! She's a full-time carer and things suddenly got frantic recently. And this week she has been sick!

*Excuses, excuses* Dilbert growls to himself as Nik promises to get back into the TV groove as soon as she's a little more recovered!
Prowl_Worshipper
gotham.city@bigpond.com

Posted Oct 14, 2007, 11:06 am
Dilbert got a taste of a real Aussie treat! Nik's mum made lamingtons (a rare event!)
Plain butter cake is cut in squares and dipped in a thick chocolate mixture, made from cocoa, then rolled in coconut - yum!!
Prowl_Worshipper
gotham.city@bigpond.com

Posted Oct 25, 2007, 8:30 am
Dilbert will be leaving Australia tomorrow to visit France - he's sad to be leaving so many playmates!
He has had a good time teasing Rangler but has meant no harm - and Rangler admitted he will miss the little dog!
Here is one last group photo.

Twinette Kani, Boone Racoon and Rangler are leaving also.
matindautomne


Posted Dec 5, 2007, 4:21 pm
Dilbert is now in France, near Poitiers.
Soon he will be checking out a career as a police dog!
More coming soon.....
MinutePapillon


Posted Dec 8, 2007, 8:54 am
Today Dilbert went to the cinema with Greedy but soon after the film began, instead of  enjoying watching "the golden compas" in French, the went to look for popcorns and such on the floor. Dilbert sniffed them out and Greedy ate them all.
MrsC


Posted Apr 15, 2008, 4:57 pm
Helloooooooo, hellooooooooooo! We have arrived in South Africa at last... what a journey, jostled about by the postal system. Luckily no one poked their nose in the packet (luckily for them or HitchaRideDooey or I would have given it a nip!) Fi raced into the post office to rescue us just as the guard was approaching to lock the door... with an rather unamused look on his face! Anyway, freedom at last and a quick five minute journey home. We were dying of thirst and we could both smell water...and other dogs... we sniffed around a bit and found the water bowl.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2206/2415802601_a2ebeea34c.jpg?v=0

Time to make plan B! What size dog could possibly need all that water? Hmmmm? Ummm....ummmm.... ah... eeek!

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Oh, I thought my heart might stop! I'm not even a mouthful, I'd get stuck in her teeth! Oh help she is going to sit on me... no, she is just going to ... how rude, she is just going to sit there and ignore us! Hey, hey you with the funny accent...yes you, I'm talking to you. I've come all the way around the world to meet you and you turn your very large nose up at me?

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Oh well, I guess we didn't make too much of an impression on her then. Wait, there is another one... hey you! Aaarff arrff! Can you see me? No I am not a noisy autumn leaf! Look closely and you will see me. Well, South African dogs seem pretty stuck up!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2036/2416624816_5b61c35720.jpg?v=0

Ooooohhh! We have just spotted the bed Fi and her children made for Pinky Bear... don't know about you Dooey, but I could do with a nap.... and Pinky is off on a mystery tour  :rolleyes: somewhere so she won't be needing it....
MrsC


Posted Apr 17, 2008, 7:26 am
Fi said this house has strict dog rules. That means no sleeping on beds. So Pinky’s bed was out… I thought we were doomed to the doghouse but Fi whipped up this little basket for us. So warm and comfy! Come on HitchaRideDooey  snuggle up.
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Ahhhh, this is the life. Can you tell Fi likes red? We slept so well last night. We had a lazy day to day because Fi was helping someone with a project, but tomorrow we will do something nice. She told me that on Friday I am going to sleep over at her friend Lara. Lara is going to take me with her to a Game Reserve! Not just ANY old one but the Kruger Park! I can’t wait but I must remind Fi to tell her 'no ostriches'.... I heard about Marcello ....shudder... Dooey is too small to go with. He is going to stay here and wait for Pinky to get back from Europe. They will have an equally exciting adventure next week.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2192/2419507436_c26f05d87c.jpg?v=0

Talking of Doeey, can you believe this? We were wandering through the house today having a good sniff around as dogs do. We went into little Natalie’s room and who did we find there? Non other than Hooey’s cousin Mc Doggy! They had lots of catching up to do. Apparently they come from some place called Mc Donalds, must be in Scotland somewhere… they just rolled their eyes up at me. Oh well, I am just going to curl up in my cozy bed and leave them to it. I am sure I will dream of lions and leopards...and wild dogs...and zzzzzzz....OSTRICHES.....(legs twitch in sleep)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3206/2419507868_db7fb2bf04.jpg?v=0
MrsC


Posted Apr 17, 2008, 3:00 pm
Today Fi decided to be brave and take us to experience some local bureaucracy.

Every five years you have to get your drivers licence renewed. So a month ago, off she went to the Randburg Licensing Department to apply. The queue was very similar to something she had once experienced at Eurodisney…. You stand for hours in a maze not knowing how long the rest of the queue in front of you is because it is always just out of sight. Anyway, on that occasion it took four hours till eye tests were done and finger prints were taken and large amounts of money were handed over (cash cow anyone?).

Three weeks later Fi was almost bowled over when she opened her post box and a postcard informing her that her licence was ready, tumbled out. Almost unheard of in the African time space continuum.

Fi chose her very largest handbag to hide her camera in. As patriotic as she is, she told us that Johannesburg is indeed a very dangerous place overrun with a criminal element… If her camera was spotted it was definitely going to be ‘re- purposed’!

So first stop. Drivers licence pick up. What a shocker, place was empty! It took longer to take a photo than to pick up her licence. Luckily there is nothing that African people like more than having their photo taken! See the man in the background? He was very funny. He asked if I had just taken a photo, whoops I thought Fi was in trouble… but he said ‘better check your camera still works you chose the ugliest member of staff to take a photo of!

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Next, Fi picked up her car licence disc, very conveniently it was due at the same time so only one trip was necessary. Fi kept us tucked well in her bag with the camera; she was dying to show you all what it looked like in there (trust me – like nothing you have ever seen before) but she just couldn’t take the risk.

Then we stood for ages in a very grubby passage waiting for the door to open to room 105B so we could see Abie and make enquiries about a long overdue licence for a foreign vehicle. Of course ‘the other side’ had made no record of receiving the documentation  so it had to be re sent, now that was more like the South Africa Fi knew! Abie was also happy to have his photo taken

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3146/2420109217_30915012e0.jpg?v=0

…hang on we are almost drowned in paper work… here we are close up.

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Outside Fi used her camera phone to take a picture… then quickly walked back to her car.

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This is the car guard! People are actually employed to look after your car to make sure it doesn’t get pinched! I can’t believe it. After she tipped him she asked if he would like to have his photo taken. He was very happy and asked all about ToyVoyagesr but I could see the look in his eye that said “crazy woman” - the same look they all have.  ;)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3217/2420962984_46a20a925d.jpg?v=0

On the way home we saw lots of interesting things but there was no where safe to stop. As we approached Fi’s area she found somewhere to pull over to show us Johannesburg city itself. It is about 30 km away  -18 miles for foreigners like us! We had to pull a Tom Cruise and hang upside down so we could be in the photo… right, so we see tall grass and a housing complex and. .?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3017/2421171668_7e5ebedf6d.jpg?v=0

Ahhh! There it is. Looks tiny from here.

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MrsC


Posted Apr 18, 2008, 5:27 pm
Boing.. boing...boing.... I am so excited I am bouncing all over the place! Can' wait...can't wait....can't wait... How cool do I look in my cammo safari jacket?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2223/2422688609_41f9531851.jpg?v=0

This is the lovely Lara that will be taking me to the Kruger Park.... Whee! I am going to the Kruger Park.....can't wait... can't wait....
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2018/2423492470_2cfe5123a8.jpg?v=0

Umm what are these?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3172/2423494814_6e2ac0fb57.jpg?v=0

Ostritch eggs? Somebody tell Lara I don't do ostritch, they eat little Tv's  like me!!!!

Aha! This smells so good.... what is it? Dried meat? Sounds delicious, can I have some? I am sure I have never seen Mom and Dad eat dried meat... Dooey says they call it Jerky in the States, I prefer the name here, Biltong.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/2423496022_119b0f26ed.jpg?v=0

Right then, goodbye Fi! Goodbye Dooey! Of course I will behave myself, what mischief could I possibly get into?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3255/2423501604_5cc57d1120.jpg?v=0
MrsC


Posted Apr 21, 2008, 3:56 pm
Hi,
just got an update from Lara. They were supposed to be back tonight, but they are having so much fun they are staying an extra day visiting the surrounding areas. She says she is not sure who is having the most fun, Dilbert or her husband showing Dilbert the sights! So far they have seen elephants, lions, rhinos and monkeys. Dilbert had to have a mid morning nap he was so exhausted from the safari! Well I can't wait to see the photos but if you want a liitle sneak peek of where they went look here: Tinga Pivate Game Reserve
MrsC


Posted Apr 24, 2008, 1:13 am
Oh my goodness! I may never leave South Africa after that experience! I want to be  a game ranger dog. Firstly, did you look at the link to where I went? I was in the lap of lux-U-ry. I had my own private pool off my suite ... well okay, I had to share with Lara and Dave.... but you know what I mean... give a dog a break.  Here I am on my lounger Dooey man, you missed out little buddy. Not that I am rubbing it in or anything.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3055/2436886466_67deecc355.jpg?v=0

Gotta make sure I tan evenly....oh it's a dogs life!

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I thought I would take a little stroll to the river, it was probably not allowed but I am an animal after all, I am at one with nature, I....AAAAAAARRRGGG! What the heck is that thing? Any cat would have been proud of the way I scaled that wall in one swift movement, I tell you.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2089/2436893592_5537c147b2.jpg?v=0

Yes, it is a rhino and yes it looks tiny in the photo, but NO it isn't! Bloody great big scary thing.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2275/2436071957_518fbea55a.jpg?v=0

Oh oh, it is getting closer, and NO that big wet patch on the wall was NOT me! But I am going inside for a little while.

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Right, time for a game drive! Erm, there's no windows and ah....um... the roof is canvas on this thing.

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Whee! Instead of having my nose sticking out the window, I can turn around like this... and have my tail hanging out catching the breeze, hilarious! Har har har... What? An elephant? Where?

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Dave, wouldn't it be funny if you made me look bigger than the elephant? Go on! You're the best!

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Here at the back, I spotted another one! I am such a good game spotter. Either you have it or you don't, some people drive through here for days and say they see nothing... but that is because they are not looking properly. Not me, I am a game ranger dog!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2298/2436082609_bb4f38b298.jpg?v=0

One day when I am big, I am going to get one of these fine vehicles. Oh, pretty sunset! It is such an intense colour down here in Africa.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2390/2436902234_53384c1b1a.jpg?v=0

If I sit very still she might think I am part of the chair... stop... looking... at... me... Lara? Dave? I want my mommy!

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I dreamed of lions all night! Licking their chops and staring at me. I woke up early which was just as well because we had a 6am game drive... so early even the horses still had their pyjamas on.. ha ha...just kidding, these are of course Zebra

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2389/2436097431_d573916cff.jpg?v=0

Shouldn't I have a rifle if I am sitting up here? Hmm smell that fresh air. What else is that I smell, breakfast? Yummy, lets go!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2389/2437014098_3d32ff8b05.jpg?v=0

Now you have to be careful with these guys. Creep up quietly and don't let them know you are there... they steal things you know... and when I say things I mean small furry objects such as myself. Shhh!

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If I sit quite still on my perch and observe, It won't even notice that I am here but they have very quick little eyes and even quicker little hands....

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Yawwwwn... another early morning... I'm so tired I am seeing spots... hang on it's a giraffe! I like giraffes. Fi said they have very stinky breath. I like dog breath, how bad can giraffe breath be?

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I wonder if anyone would notice if I started this up and had a little ride?

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Well, it is time to leave... so sad...but we are driving through Mpumalamnga next... you can't pronounce that? Mmmm...pooh...mah....lun...gah! There, you said it!

UPDATE 01 May 2008

All the photos you see above were obviously taken by someone else so I could be in them, I am very handsome in photos after all. Well, what you may not know is that I am a talented photographer in my own right and here are some of the photos I took on the trip...

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I also do weddings, parties and other functions...let me know if you need me...
MrsC


Posted Apr 26, 2008, 12:16 am
After we left the Kruger Park, we had a leisurely drive to our next destination. On route we stopped off at a few of the scenic spots. this is me at the Graskop lookout point where you can see down into the valley. The wind was howling and I feared for my life, it was a loooooooooooooong drop if a gust swept me off the edge. As soon as the photo was taken I was scooped back to safety... phew...

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Oh the howling wind! I had to hold on for dear life here too...
In the distance you can see a body of water, that is the Blyde River (pronounced Blade ah - it means river of joy) which runs through the Blyde River Canyon. One of the most beautiful and spectacular parts of South Africa and the third largest and deepest canyon in the world.
You have to see it in real life to appreciate it, photos just don't do it justice. Have a quick look here for a little more info: Blyde River Canyon

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A few kilometers, sorry, miles, along there is a view point called God's Window. Apparently the view through the mountains where you can see the whole of the Lowveld is quite spectacular. Fi says she can't confirm this, every time she has taken a look all she has seen is mist! The region is well known for its mist! (it is also well known for pancake houses for some reason, yummy!)

Fi is just waiting for a few more photos to update you with here.

UPDATE 1 May 2008

Here are the scenic photos that I took, every bit as good as my animal portraits I reckon...

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MrsC


Posted Apr 26, 2008, 12:30 am
We spent the night in a place called Dullstroom which is a well known fly fishing town. It is very picturesque. One of its claims to fame is being one of the coldest town in South Africa, and boy can I vouch for that! For a bit more information look here: Dullstroom make sure you click on the panorama route which tells you about all the places I have been.


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MrsC


Posted Apr 26, 2008, 1:13 am
After I got back from my travels, I met Pinky Bear a very nice little bear. I was happy to sit and spend the day telling her and HitchaRideDooey what a brave and fearless dog I was, tackling rhinos and lions and other dangerous animals without breaking a sweat. They were awestruck. As they should be.

The next day, Fi had a craft class with six children. We wisely decided to hide away. There was glue and stuff all over the place.

Yesterday (Fi is making me type this at 2 in the morning - you can tell SHE had an afternoon nap), we had a dissapointing day.

We all climbed into the car to visit a museum that Fi had heard of. First off the traffic lights were all out because of load shedding. The country does not have enough electricity, so everyone has a three hour period, twice a week, without power. They are all divided up into zones andwe chose the wrong day to drive through Roodepoort! After a bit, Fi pulled the car over and phoned the museum (she had the printout with her - not such a dumb blonde after all!) to see if they were closed due to load shedding. The lady said they had power but you could only visit by appointment! Have you ever? An appointment to go to a museum? We were all so dissapointed that Fi decided to take us to a nearby place which has miniture trains to ride on. Can you believe it! They were closed too, trains needed maintenance work. By now one child had a very long face and the other was near to tears. She decided to take us all to lunch. As we entered the shopping centre the lights went out... Fi bought some chocolate at the generator powered supermarket to cheer us all up and drove home. What a day.

That evening we went out and had fun at last.  Fi and her husband belong to a wine tasting club. Fi doesn't drink wine!
She told everyone about us and I almost went on a trip to Thailand but the couple who are going admitted they were not responsible enough to be trusted with me.... as did the couple going to Venice. Fi has some well travelled friends!

I helped take the corks out... quite a job for a small pup, and I never touched a drop!

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Anyway, I am off to bed now, busy day later.
MrsC


Posted Apr 27, 2008, 8:23 pm
Been having a lazy day today, slept late, helped Fi frame some pictures, had a very late lunch, lazed around some more, watched a dvd with the children, helped them pitch a tent.... yep, we are camping tonight...

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Jo'burg style.

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You didn't actually think we'd be OUTSIDE in this crazy town, did you? We did get to see some wild life though, The Big Five ...

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Okay, okay, they were just on the end of the skewers...

Now then, you can't go camping without toasted marshmallows, and you can't toast marshmallows without a camp fire.

Ladies and gentlemen, South Africa's answer to power failures, and the Jo'burg indoor camper's answer to a camp fire: the candle. (Yes, actaully, Fi DID go to boarding school as a matter of fact. Why do you ask?)

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Me first... oooooh, just as well I am so low down, the salivating would put out the flame! Hope it doesn't stick on my muzzle fur, I'd HATE to have a bath...

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OOOPS! HitchaRideDooey got it too low and set it alight! He got such a fright he dropped it!

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Shane took over and showed us how to do it properly. Smart kid, he can also pitch a tent in his bedroom with only the help of a four year old girl and two small dogs... what a boy!

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Right: teeth brushed, toilet, bed time story, bed! I am so excited to go camping that I don't think I will fall asleep any time soon....
MrsC


Posted Apr 29, 2008, 10:10 pm
Grab a cup of tea! And a few biscuits... go ahead, I'll wait for you. This is going to be a looooooong update.

First off, it has been three days and we are STILL camping! Fi is quite surprised that none of us has grown tired of it yet....

Yesterday HitchaRideDooey and I helped Fi whip up a cake quickly, honestly she really does leave everything till the eleventh hour. Luckily I was a great help, being quite the masterful chef... and chocolate cake just happens to be my speciality.

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Hmm hmm hmm, can't you just smell that delightful aroma? Time to get it out the oven, Dooey try not to trip over that apron again, you're going to get burned...

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Now I suppose you are wondering what the occasion is? Really, who needs an occasion for chocolate cake? Okay, okay, it just so happened that there WAS an occasion. Quick version of a long story. Remember Lara who took me on Safari to the KNP? (Sorry, forgot you weren't  a local - Kruger National Park.) Well she is a scrapbook teacher AND the editor of a local scrapbook magazine AND she organises charity scrapbook events. She ALWAYS invites her best American celebrity scrapbook buddies The Polka Dot Chicks Kelly Collins and Amy Totty, to come and teach. They are designers for Bazzill (you know, of the brilliant card stock fame?) So guess who the cake was for?

Swoon, my Best Friend Forever Amy Totty! Isn't she cute? (Secret, she was on safari with me too!)

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She gave us a scrapbook class last night, check out our page:

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Silly Fi not only never took a photo of our masterpiece, but was so busy stuffing her face with a local favourite MILKTART, that she never even TASTED my baking! I must get the recipe for that tart, it was scrumptious. I also popped into the TV (television, don't get excited!) room to say hi to Dave, Lara's husband who took such good care of me at the KNP.

We got home so late and we had to get up early for....
MrsC


Posted Apr 29, 2008, 11:16 pm
... our long awaited trip to the museum. This time we had an appointment!

We caught EVERY traffic light red on the way there! And then we couldn't find the door to get in. Luckily we got found because it was fascinating in there. And we had a very nice guide called Carolina show us around.

The area was first populated by pre-historic man, in fact, a short journey up the road gets you to the Cradle of Mankind

The first European settlers in the area were mostly Dutch farmers who had made the incredible journey from the Cape Province on the  other side of the country called the Groot Trek (1834 - 1840.) They came by ox wagen and were called Voortrekkers (Pioneers is the closest word Fi can think of). Fi says it must have been an absolutely horrific journey, she hates doing it in a car, on a tar road, with every possible modern convenience. The though of hacking your way through the unforgiving bushes and terrain and the relentless heat is too much to contemplate Not forgetting the wildlife, lions and snakes and such!)

Any way, they settled here and did their best to survive.

A while later, a major gold find boosted the area in to becoming more prosperous. The museum shows the living areas from the Voortrekkers (bare and minimal), to the Victorian age (busy, fusyy and ornate), to the Edwardian age (a little more refind and less fussy but still decorative leading up to the art deco period) Man, I am so smart for a dog! I will quip yapping on and show you what you REALLY want to see, me and Dilbert posing on EVERYTHING!

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This is Fred and Harry Strubens who discovered the gold. There is a street named after them called 'Fred And Harry" and Fi shops in Strubens Valley! Okay, I will shush now...

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You need big muscles to make bread in this... Har har har! It is a mould for making GOLD bars...

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They made soap and candles from animal fat, nothing went to waste. It looks like cheese but this is soap... the candle moulds are on the shelf above.
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Here we have  a small potjie (pot) for making meals (still used today!), a very large pot for the smelly job of turning animal fat into soap, a kettle to call the pot black, and a coffee bean roaster.

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A leather working station - like I said, nothing went to waste...

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The houses were made from mud mostly, with a reed roof, I nearly went wild when I sniffed the floor (Hey! I AM a dog you know, I sniff things...) It was CATTLE DUNG!!! Like I keep saying, NOTHING went to waste! Peach pips were used for both decorative purposes and also traction... dry cow poop is slippy stuff!

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Two things every good family had: A bible (the ONLY book in the house) and bottomless coffee...

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This one is dated 1699... around the time Fi was born, har har har.... oops, that was 1969!

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Bath time:

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An original ToyVoyager!

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A model ox wagon that a little boy would have played with...

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A.... drool.... "dolosse" (knuckle bone)...drool... ox wagon... who'd REALLY notice if one row went missing? II have the creepy feeling someone is staring at me...

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A little embroidered bonnet. They were high fashion at the time, and served to protect from the harsh African sun.

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MrsC


Posted Apr 29, 2008, 11:58 pm
Now for the Victorian part.

Some children were playing outside, they were seen but not heard! Their toys were a bit of a step up from the last lot, no?

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We dropped in a calling card and the lady of the house granted us permission to enter... snooty...

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Wow! What a lot of stuff!

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Fi says she lived in an old house once that had the same pressed tin ceilings.

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Aah! His master's voice!

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Now we move on to the Edwardian side were it was a little easier on the eyes. Fi says this is a South African classic, you ought to read it.  (Jock of the Bushveld - a wonder dog much like myself). It is not easy on the eyes - you will need a few tissues.

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A little rest, it is hard work posing all over the place you know. Fi is actually learning to crotchet and she is making the same cushion cover, in less vivid colours! I got caught up in it and she asked if I thought I was a cat.... hmm, I haven't seen a cat since that one in the KNP stared at me licking its chops...

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See this lady? She has a short hairstyle and less restrictive clothing. She has been through the First World War. Whilst the men were away fighting on the side of the English (being a colony at the time) the woman became a little more independent, much like the women in Europe and America at the time.

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Wanna see her a little closer? She is reading, she read us a few pages, then put some music on for us to listen to.

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Apparantly the Art Deco period didn't skip South Africa!

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Say hi to Shirley Temple!

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These must be friends of Bokkie!

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The museum has quite a nice ceramic collection too. These are the children who represent the days of the week. I am Saturday's child: Saturdays child works hard for his living, tell me about it! Poor Dooey is Wednesday's child, but he just LOOKS like he is full of woe, really he is a happy little guy...

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Oh, we have come to the end of our tour! This is the Mayor of Johannesburg, Amos Masondo, the crest and a map of the different regions that make up Greater Johannesburg.

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We signed the visitor's book to prove we did indeed visit!

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Fi did her usual postcard shopping (fine lines may be getting crossed, MrsC!), then we said goodbye to Carolina.

Outside we spotted these mine carts and had to investigate...

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Fi said she would show us a mine dump so we went for a little drive around the neighbourhood.



MrsC


Posted Apr 30, 2008, 12:16 am
I got so excited when I saw this outside a house! Made me a little homesick....


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Look, a mine dump! Not a very big one though. Johannesburg is dotted with massive mine dumps. (These are literaly gold hills!). The funny thing is you get used to them and accept them as other people view regular hills. Then one day you drive past and notice it has changed shape! With modern technology they are able to better extract gold from the left over crushed rock so they are reprocessing all the dumps and changing the shape of Johannesburg!

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Driving around Fi became aware of the fact that there were at least seven churches in an area about as many blocks wide.! We took photos of the last three which were all on the same street, Bizzare!

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That folks, is the end of that long travelog! More tomorrow... off to bed now, we have another early morning ahead of us.
MrsC


Posted May 1, 2008, 2:16 am
Today we went to a place called the Monte Casino. We did NOT go gambling...pity, I may have won enough to afford to travel in something a little more luxurious than a padded envelope....

The Monte Casino has a bird garden attached to it and THAT is where we went. We had to park in the Casino parking and then walk through the casino to get to the birds. It is built in the style of an old Italian village. No photos are allowed inside, so you will just have to use your imaginations. There are cobble stone paved walkways, houses, laundry hanging over the balconies, pigeons (fake) nesting all over the place, old cars and motor bikes, and the ceiling is painted to look like the sky, daylight, twilight and evening, depending on what part you are in.

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That is a huge hot air balloon to the side, but it was grounded as it was too windy today. First thing we saw as we walked in was a peacock. This one was quiet, but Fi says they are quite noisy.

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A bird show had just started so we sat down to watch.

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This pelican was the star of the show, he danced and strutted about and performed some tricks. He was also very fat because he ate ANYTHING he could find. He once got into the kitchen and ate the food of all the other birds in one go! I was rather hoping he didn't spot me and mistake me for a snack...

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This is a Cape Vulture. After several years of training, all he will do is walk out one door, across the stage and back through another door!

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Can you see whoo whoo is in the bell tower?

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This is Oliver the owl. If humans eyes were the same size as an owls, in proportion to their heads, their eyes would be the size of grapefruits! This means that owls have very little space for brains because their eyes take up all the space! Not really that wise apparently.

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There were some geese wondering about  being nosy. They were very interested in us.... a bit too interested for my liking.

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This unattractive gentleman is a maribou stork...

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Once the show was over we went into a very hot room that was full of tropical frogs. Most of them were poisonous and came from South America.... and we saw snakes, scorpions and a huge tarantula that was almost the same size as me

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We wandered over to this tank to see what was in it...

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Aha! a very curious terrapin!

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He swam straight over to meet us!

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Next we saw a flock of flamingos.

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I marvelled at the cycads, also known as living fossils, as they have been around since the dinosaur days. HitchaRideDooey said he had already seen them at the Botanical gardens whilst I was away on safari. This particular one is 2500 years old! That is not a typing mistake...

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This parrot started showing off when I went over to look at him.

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We fed nectar to the lorikeets, this fellow clearly doesn't know that dogs don't eat nectar. He kept his beady eyes on me the whole time. I kept my eyes on that sharp beak the whole time.

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Ooh, ooh! I found a HUGE tortoise!

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Oh, okay, I stand corrected... THESE are huge tortoises!

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What a weirdo! Looks like a cross between a vulture and a guinea fowl!  Funnily enough it is a Vulturine Guineafowl! It comes from North East Africa.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2137/2454739281_f93e6e7b31.jpg?v=0

I am happy to say that I am VERY, VERY glad that there is a nice thick piece of glass between us! This is a Burmese python... we could not get into the section where the indigenous snakes were thank goodness...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3051/2455569756_98dafd1cd7.jpg?v=0

This sweet tiny buck is called a Duiker, we found it under some bushes. It was so small it hardly came up to Fi's Knees! The children immediately wanted one as a pet...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3282/2455572642_6c67c25145.jpg?v=0

Obviously the animals around here don't get to see many ToyVoyagers, they were very curious and kept coming over to get a closer look like these Tamarins did...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2274/2454747551_e96b623d06.jpg?v=0

We saw so many different birds and animals. It was definitely a fun experience. We had a spot of lunch and played a bit in the children's play area. It was time to go home but the children sulked because they wanted to watch the bird show again! So did we...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2071/2454752503_189f13fdaf.jpg?v=0

Fi said No! and dragged us off to the car park.....

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3203/2455582916_33729cc7c9.jpg?v=0
MrsC


Posted May 1, 2008, 2:26 pm
WOW! Fi was just about to update with the photos I took on my trip to the Kruger National Park and she found out I was the Voyager of the week! She called me over to read...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2122/2456950064_bd7ae284ca.jpg?v=0

How cool! Thanks...
MrsC


Posted May 2, 2008, 7:16 pm
What a miserable day! No blue sky and no sunshine... it was gray and very cold and it drizzled... made me homesick. We went to visit Fi's sister and Dooey and I just curled up and slept in front of the fireplace all afternoon.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2249/2459177831_e16a8f77ab.jpg?v=0

On the way home I got dropped off at Fi's friend Marcelle. Apparently, I am in for some excitment tomorrow. Hold thumbs that it doesn't rain!
MrsC


Posted May 6, 2008, 10:43 pm
Well! What can I say? Exciting was an understatement! Fi's friend Marcelle has connections in the most interesting places...

Can you tell where I am?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2158/2470630707_8c14b64a13.jpg?v=0

Um, zoom out a little...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2160/2471453268_38cef150d3.jpg?v=0


Yes people! I am in the safety car, on a real race track, in a real race! Helloooooooooooooo adrenalin....

See the blonde in the back doing a movie star impersonation? That is the lovely Marcelle, she let me hold her hand (so I didn't slip off the chair, no other reason) as we went round, and round, and round that track. I can honestly tell you, I now know what G-force is, I felt it BIG TIME.  B)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2318/2470631155_b80cc957cc.jpg?v=0


So that was Zwartkop Raceway. Marcelle, when are we doing Kyalami? Fi says she went round there ONCE in the back of an AUDI RS4  at 190km/h and that was once too much, thank you very much. She is definitely not an adrenalin junkie like you (and I)...
MrsC


Posted May 6, 2008, 11:19 pm
Yuk, another gray, rainy day, I may as well have stayed in England. It is the last day of the school holidays and Fi was going to take us all to the Lion Park. But she said it was pointless trying to take photos of wet, miserable toy voyagers and wet, miserable lions in wet, miserable weather... and driving on wet, slippery, dirt (mud) roads is not her idea of fun.

I suppose she had a point. HitchaRideDooey and Pinky Bear were terribly disapointed. But I, um, err, wasn't, because, ahh, umm, I have actually already BEEN there...

When we got back from the Kruger Park, the visiting Americans (my BFF Amy and her husband) had not had their fill of animals, so we all went to the Lion Park.

Now, after seeing real wild lions out in the bushveld, I have to say I am quite nonchalant about lions, especially those in captivity, like this huge ferocious, um, CUB...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2336/2471075617_4c88094b6e.jpg?v=0

See, how close I let it get? And, I am NOT just that brave because Dave is millimeters away, ready to whip me away from certain death... I am just BRAVE, Africa has toughened me up.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2343/2471900228_5bc283c083.jpg?v=0

See? At one with nature...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3255/2471080409_54c44c44f6.jpg?v=0

Well, lovely meeting you Cubby, on my way now...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2398/2471901686_5390e413c3.jpg?v=0

Yes, goodbye! Don't look at me like that... makes me nervous...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2153/2471082159_9b2e8414c8.jpg?v=0

Yeah Baby! Dilbert in the Lions Den!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2052/2471906822_5c07d584d9.jpg?v=0


Okay, back in the car please, windows UP! This white one doesn't look too friendly.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3035/2471914246_2e53e03947.jpg?v=0

And she is not exactly smiling either...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2192/2471915542_ebd39e4832.jpg?v=0

Gulp!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2169/2471917210_195193507d.jpg?v=0

Now, do you remember Fi said that giraffe breath smells bad? I can honestly not tell you if that is true or not. There was so much DROOL coming out that things mouth, I was not going near it...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3085/2471912072_844e6037c4.jpg?v=0

Keep away, I don't want to drown in giraffe slobber..

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3116/2471909664_d09cd52a8c.jpg?v=0




MrsC


Posted May 6, 2008, 11:39 pm
Well the children went back to school today. It was very quiet around here..except for Fi doing the post holiday house restoration. It is hard to believe that two small people can create that much chaos. The three of us just sat around chatting, the other two eventually forgave me for going to the Lion Park without them...

Fi said we needed to get rid of some energy. We joined Shane and his football team on the  school field.... I scored a GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLL!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3063/2471374978_b917ae36c2.jpg?v=0
MrsC


Posted May 6, 2008, 11:53 pm
After all the excitement of the football match we hopped in the car and went shopping. We had to get dog food. The dogs in this house are so big they go through  a huge amount of food...

Dooey and I had so much fun in the pet store!

First we tried out all the dogs beds, none were as nice as the one Fi made us of course (she MADE me type that!)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3229/2471372082_9c11852640.jpg?v=0

Then we tried out the food bowls...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2232/2471372624_4115524ee8.jpg?v=0

AND THEN!!!! Oh. my. goodness. gracious. me. Marcellos revenge! Drool, drool, drool, OSTRITCH BONES!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2112/2471372958_ff52bb2c1f.jpg?v=0

Is this ridiculous or what? What size dog...?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3180/2471373280_6e1345074e.jpg?v=0

We tried to get a little taste of the juicy bones, but Madam Bailey was being a little possesive...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3205/2471374066_d99f7644bd.jpg?v=0

Come on, just ONE lick!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2067/2471373680_00a84d6d54.jpg?v=0

The other great big greedy mutt just walked off with her bone anytime we went near her... we had to settle for macaroni cheese!


MrsC


Posted May 7, 2008, 12:17 am
Today I ALMOST completed a life mission....

Fi took us to the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3185/2470566969_f902ea7cb6.jpg?v=0

We donated two blankets and a bag of dog food. (I tried to talk her into putting it in the envelope for us when we travel but she said the postage would be astronomical.)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3095/2470563113_976d7648b2.jpg?v=0

And duly signed our names in the register...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3230/2471389734_4a60b404fd.jpg?v=0

A very stroppy lady told us we were NOT ALLOWED to take photos in the kennel area... (Fi always wonders why some people like animals but hate humans - she has dealt with the stroppy lady before).

There was no one else around at all, so I could not help anyone choose a dog, BUT, we went to the thrift shop that they have to raise extra funds and we rescued a plush pup!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3142/2471389106_52931ea82f.jpg?v=0

And a whole bunch of other toys...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2237/2470563517_5551152b69.jpg?v=0

They were a rather motley crew, Pinky Bear rescued a very cute, very old, very well loved bear that needed lots of surgery...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3250/2470563999_fbce255233.jpg?v=0

The others just need a (eeekkkk!!!) bath, and a new bow and Fi has something special planned for them!

I am off to hide in case she sees the dirty ring my tag chain has made around my neck and tries to bath me too... bye for now!


MrsC


Posted May 7, 2008, 10:29 pm
Okay.... what exactly is all this for?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2024/2473633807_5d3e680bf4.jpg?v=0

What???? There is HARDLY any dirt on me, and if you put my chain back on you won't see ANY dirt...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3061/2473638957_7cb2285fb3.jpg?v=0

WOW, she is one persistant woman! Said there was no way I was going to my next host without being cleaned, I am a DOG for Pete's sake! I made sure I shook myself all over her camera... that'll teach her to give me a sponge bath, I am not a geriatric...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2035/2473640349_b6a4ef3692.jpg?v=0

Mwah har har! Could Dooey actually look any more pathetic?
Guess he didn't care too much for being bathed either...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2304/2474466564_d11aa7ed5e.jpg?v=0

Next was this little bear, who was actually white under all the dust and very fluffy!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2104/2474550204_a0d79102de.jpg?v=0

This little guy just won't take anything seriously, he is always monkeying around! I think he was neglected for a long time, he just likes to hug everyone...he is very needy. He was also in need of surgery as his hand was falling off, but not any more!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3082/2474459792_f47bfd3c06.jpg?v=0

This pup went mad! He shook himself all over the rest of us and then rolled around to get dry. WAY TO GO, PUP!!!....

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2383/2473650999_2edc32bba1.jpg?v=0

This bear is very quiet, he spent a long time on the floor at the thrift shop because he had fallen off the back of the shelf and was trapped under a box of junk. He was absolutely filthy and Fi didn't know if the big black patch would come off his chest. Luckily it did and look how clean he turned out!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3055/2474470412_35ee67c4ee.jpg?v=0

This lucky guy escaped the wash, he was so new he still had the store price tag on and he was inside a plastic bag...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3064/2473647499_cc44e9f8be.jpg?v=0

We had to leave the room and go sit on the window ledge in the warm sun to dry... no pegs on our ears thank goodness, though I did see them lurking by... because Fi had to do a big job on the last bear and she didn't want us to watch because she had to do something very scary....

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/2473657391_97ea2ebfc6.jpg?v=0

After a while she made us all turn around to dry on the other side... like chickens on a rotisserie... but it was lovely and warm in the sun and we were completely dry in an hour or so.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2273/2474479038_9905e9e1fe.jpg?v=0

This is the bear that needed major surgery. He was split apart everywhere and he is very old and fragile. We thought he was a girl because of the lace around his neck. Poor bear, the lace was hiding the previous surgery he had to re attach his head.... ooh I feel faint just thinking about that... and the person who did that to him put his head on backwards!!!! That is why we had to leave the room. Fi thought we might be freaked out if we saw her taking his head off... boy was she right!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2175/2474472968_a410721c5a.jpg?v=0

Here he is all fixed and cleaned up. Fi had to be extra gentle, because his fur is brittle and falling apart. Doesn't he look much happier with his head on the right way round?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3248/2473659113_3884dee1d3.jpg?v=0

Tomorrow they all get new ribbons and accessories AND we find out what is to become of them all...
MrsC


Posted May 10, 2008, 9:59 pm
Oh, what a busy few days we have been having!

It was quite exciting as the pup we rescued from the SPCA wanted to be a TV too and HitchaRideDooey hepled him become one. We had a lucky draw to give him a name as he had forgotton what his name was... read all about it on Dooey's travelog.

Here we are with Ambrosius as he is now known... didn't he clean up nicely? Actually so did I, though I still maintain I did not need a bath...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2244/2481325530_c2a4473e68.jpg?v=0

Sadly, my stay in South Africa has come to an end. I saw so many interesting things, went on exciting trips and met lots of nice people and another TV. Pinky Bear I am sure we will meet up again somewhere one day... goodbye!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3029/2480517439_ae9b2f523e.jpg?v=0

We are off to see Carlissa in Miami... what adventures await us (other than the postal servive?)

See you all in a few weeks! Bye!!!!
carlissa


Posted May 22, 2008, 6:30 pm
I have arrived in Miami, Florida!  I played a game of Hide and Seek at the Post Office, but I was eventually found and my new host took me and HitchARideDooey home with her.  We are going to see the new Indiana Jones movie this afternoon, so I will get some pictures up later.
carlissa


Posted May 23, 2008, 1:28 am
I went to see Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull this afternoon with Ossa, Jimbo Elephant, and HitchaRideDooey.  We all enjoyed the movie - lots of action Indy style,  Soviet agents, creepy skeletons, and cute ground hogs!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3083/2515107442_3bd3f5ff28.jpg


After the movie, we met this girl who was playing outside of the theater:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2069/2514283057_ab939ae7d8.jpg

carlissa


Posted Jun 1, 2008, 3:24 am
Our host went Goodwill hunting today and came home with 5 teddies. They will be going to Threadbear's Teddy Bear Clinic.  Decker, HitchaRideDooey, and I were really excited to meet these brave little bears and manatee.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3105/2538954515_ac337efe8a.jpg

They needed a bath, so we helped with cleaning them:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3111/2538954615_fbbcd25f67.jpg


They are now ready to go!
carlissa


Posted Jun 2, 2008, 3:13 am
Decker, HitchaRideDooey, JamaBanaDukLuv, and I went to Miami Metrozoo this afternoon.  We spent about 2 hours walking around looking at all the animals, and we had a great time!

Here I am with the gibbon,
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2208/2542639635_7bda016a4e.jpg

and the komono dragon.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2166/2543470466_08237518d1.jpg

I wonder if this hyena is a relative of mine?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3020/2542979887_7db9ee034f.jpg

We missed the pelican feeding; I hope they got enough to eat!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3033/2542644735_b6b54986bf.jpg

carlissa


Posted Jun 7, 2008, 3:32 pm
Today we went Miami Beach to visit our host's daughter who is in the hospital.

We had to cross the Julia Tuttle Causeway to get to Miami Beach.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3084/2557721163_aff1889a93.jpg


After visiting with our host's daughter and cheering her up we went to see the bay and go for a walk.

Here is the view of downtown Miami from Miami Beach:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3178/2557721539_72cc65dffc.jpg

Here we are sunbathing on the seawall:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3106/2557721099_c329da75f7.jpg

and the hospital:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3068/2558546002_7da502d290.jpg

After exploring around the hospital, we went for a walk to find the church that we saw from the window of the hospital room.  Before we came to the church, we passed though this little park:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3106/2558546214_9736e4a1e0.jpg

Here's the church that we saw from the window:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2258/2558546528_970a4b13a9.jpg
carlissa


Posted Jun 12, 2008, 2:47 am
Today our host had to mow the lawn and all of the visiting Toy Voyagers offered to help.  JamabanaDukLuv, Decker, HitchaRideDooey, Leo Lion, Strider, and I tried to push the lawn mover, but it wouldn't budge!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3185/2571177351_97a32d838c.jpg

Our host thanked us for trying, but said we should go play while she mowed the lawn.  So, Decker and I decided to play on the float.  I wanted to put it in the water, but Decker didn't want to go near the water!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3185/2571177221_ce75e333b0.jpg


carlissa


Posted Jun 15, 2008, 12:42 am
Today Decker, HitchaRideDooey, Strider, Leo Lion, Winnie the Pooh, and I went to see Coral Castle in Homestead, Florida.  Coral Castle was built by a Latvian immigrant named Ed Leedskalnin.  He built it to impress his bride-to-be who jilted him 2 days before their wedding!  It's really an amazing place as he built everything by himself out of coral rock and he didn't use any machinery to carve the rock!

Here are some of the things we saw there:

the entrance:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3049/2578858246_4061c56a16.jpg

a pretty fountain:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3262/2578859018_12e37f78a1.jpg

Dilbert and I on a chair.  The hole at the top of the monolith is part of the telescope that points to the north star.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/2578859202_9a64377e16.jpg

the crescent moon:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3137/2578028121_c8798dedf4.jpg

Here's the barbecue pit.  he used car parts to cook with!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3047/2578860806_d6e176dce2.jpg

another picture of the barbecue pit:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3166/2578028539_3bee89c8fd.jpg

inside living quarters of Ed Leedskalnin:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3182/2578860976_556a4995a2.jpg

the well:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3111/2578861744_a179f6a303.jpg


some interesting rock scultures:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3178/2578029487_5bc8d7d2fb.jpg

a chair and table:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3165/2578029291_bca7823bec.jpg

Here we all are on top of Ed's desk with some pretty bougainvillea:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3139/2578030943_13fc894337.jpg

carlissa


Posted Jun 16, 2008, 2:49 pm
Decker and I are heading home today!  We've had a grand time traveling around the world, but it will also be nice to see home again!  Before we leave, we got one last photo of all of our Toy Voyager friends that we have met here in Miami.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/2584167854_5c308c1ccb.jpg

In the picture are Theodore, Prince Charming, JamaBanaDukLuv, Winnie The Pooh, Strider, Leo Lion, Leo, Decker, HitchaRideDooey, and me.
Isobel&Neil


Posted Jul 23, 2008, 12:01 am
Dilbert has arrived safely home after a long journey in the mail.

He will rest up for a while before resuming his adventures shortly!
Isobel&Neil


Posted Aug 27, 2011, 2:31 pm
Dilbert travelled to London, arriving at London Euston and having a stroll down towards Russell Square and Russell Square Gardens.
Isobel&Neil


Posted Aug 27, 2011, 2:33 pm
Heading for Bloomsbury, Dilbert visited The British Museum to indulge in a spot of culture.
Isobel&Neil


Posted Aug 27, 2011, 2:36 pm
He was impressed with the quotation from Tennyson, which was inlaid on the marble floor:

"... and let thy feet
                        millenniums hence,
        be set in midst of knowledge ..."
 
Isobel&Neil


Posted Aug 27, 2011, 2:53 pm
Dilbert enjoyed seeing the beautiful gardens which are tucked away in amongst the busy bustling streets of the capital city.  This is Soho Square:
Isobel&Neil


Posted Aug 27, 2011, 2:58 pm
Lunch!  Dilbert was eyeing up Neil's calzone.

La Porchetta Pollo Bar, Soho:  best Italian in London.
Isobel&Neil


Posted Aug 27, 2011, 3:00 pm
Dilbert wanted to go to a show, but we just didn't have time.  He posed outside St. Martin's Theatre though, home of 'The Mousetrap', London's longest-running play - currently enjoying its 59th year!!
Isobel&Neil


Posted Aug 27, 2011, 3:04 pm
Trafalgar Square:  hustling and bustling in the summer sunshine.

We released some friends into the wilds here, and admired the 'Olympic Clock' counting down to the 2012 London Olympics - 370 days to go!
Isobel&Neil


Posted Aug 27, 2011, 3:07 pm
St. Martins-in-the-Field, in Trafalgar Square
Isobel&Neil


Posted Aug 27, 2011, 3:11 pm
The National Gallery.

Outside the amazing building, there is living artwork!  Thousands of plants make up a living representation of Vincent van Gogh's 1889 'A Wheatfield, with Cypresses'.

See how it was done here


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