Krystal, Calgary, Canada

smaug


Posted Jan 13, 2010, 4:22 am
Hi,

my name is Krystal and I am a little Siberian Husky. I have been at home for months seeing TV guests coming and going and I decided that I want to travel too.  I was a bit scared after seeing what happened to my friend Orpheus who got stuck at his last host :(, but smaug promised me that he will try to find only nice hosts for me :). Actually I am relaxed about the first part of my journey as I will be safely in family hands. After that, I look forward to come visiting you ;).
Today I said goodbye to all the TVs here,

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino%20tv/DSCN2664.jpg

then my great friend sammino gave me a goodbye hug, wished me good luck and checked that I was comfortably set for my first trip:).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino%20tv/DSCN2665.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino%20tv/DSCN2666.jpg

World, here I come :D!
smaug


Posted Jan 13, 2010, 4:42 am
Well, well, it seems that my travelling is getting already the first hiccup: the plane from Calgary was late and I lost my connection here in Frankfurt. That meant that I had plenty of time (more than 6 hours  :stare:) to look around the airport :).
I explored a bit the check-in area...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1530.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1532.jpg

...then I looked a bit at the planes...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1535.jpg

...but after a while it was getting boring. Luckily there was plenty of seating available, so I could rest a bit.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1538.jpg

Can’t wait to find out where I am going ;)!
smaug


Posted Jan 15, 2010, 3:59 am
Hi,

Somehow I made to my destination, I am in Italy :D! Today I met some of the local residents: there is big eagle who looks just like my friend sammino, but much bigger :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1696.jpg

Then Sigfrido introduced me to his moose friends.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1708.jpg

And there are other dogs too  :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1701.jpg

Later I looked around the house. I found this big ice star that is actually and ice-candle holder but I didn’t play much with it as I didn’t want to get wet .

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1543.jpg

I also found a poinsettia.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1545.jpg

Since it is New Year’s Eve I enjoyed some extra dessert, some ice-cream with hot berries...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1548.jpg

...and a slice of pandoro  :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1552.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1554.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1555.jpg

I am still very jet-lagged, so after eating I fell asleep and don’t remember much of the New Year celebrations  :rolleyes:.
smaug


Posted Jan 15, 2010, 4:48 am
Hi,

Today I had the chance to explore the town a bit :). Here I am heading down towards the centre.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1565.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1569.jpg

While here I was in the shopping area.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1573.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1574.jpg

A bit further on I reached the Cathedral square, with the S.Vigilio Cathedral, the Neptune’s fountain and a lot of old nice buildings :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1577.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1579.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1580.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1583.jpg

Then I visited a big square lined by the town Middle Age walls.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1587.jpg

Keeping walking I reached the bank of a small river. At the top of the hill in the background there is a big building that a long time ago used to be an hospital treating mainly people affected by tuberculosis. Now it is the Engineering Faculty. According to smaug the refurbishment and all the new architectural “features” created inside the building introduced so many hazards that coming out uninjured and in good health is now almost as unlikely as it was back in the hospital days  :stare:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1593.jpg

This is another big building, at the foot at the hill in the previous photo, that used to be abandoned and is now a high school.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1590.jpg

Before going back home I went to a place that Sigfrido told me is a mandatory stop for all his guests in town.
I had to go at the up those stairs to the church entrance to enjoy the view.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1595.jpg

On the left of the stairs there are the stations where the via crucis stops on Good Friday.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1598.jpg

I needed some rest too :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1600.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1599.jpg

Once I reached the top I stopped with Sigfrido to enjoy the view over the valley....and the sun, so nice  :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1602.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1604.jpg
smaug


Posted Jan 18, 2010, 4:28 am
Hi,

Today I had kind of a trip to Verona. On the way to the station I had a quick look at the town.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1608.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1612.jpg

Then a Trento’s railway station I found some Christmas decorations  :), they will be on until the 6th of January.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1617.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1620.jpg

Then, unfortunately I was forgotten in the bag and managed to came out only when I was on the way back at Verona station  :(.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1623.jpg

At least I managed to look at the valley going back to Trento. The rail line runs all the way between vineyards and next to the river  :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1651.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1654.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1660.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1662.jpg

The valley is littered with castles: there's lots of them. In this photo you can see one in the background: it’s called Castello di Sabbionara and apparently it is one of the most famous in the whole valley. And it’s quite old: the keep was built in the 11th century  :stare:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1688.jpg
smaug


Posted Jan 19, 2010, 4:32 am
Hi,

Today I am again on the move. I have been told that I am flying to France :D. Here I was driving to the airport.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1712.jpg

And here I found this funny decorations at the airport, not sure if it was supposed to be some sort of Christmas Tree :stare:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1715.jpg

As the flight was a bit late I decided to look at the planes.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1718.jpg

Eventually I managed to jump on the plane...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1720.jpg

...but again there were delays, so Sigfrido and I tried to find something interesting to do. We had a look at the safety instructions...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1723.jpg

...then we did a crossword.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1726.jpg

But after that we just found a nice place to chat and relax.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1722.jpg

After some time we took off, and on the way to Paris I could see the Alps, they are so beautiful :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1734.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1737.jpg

Once we arrived I had to take train, bus and train again, and on the way I managed to get my first glimpse of Paris, hopefully I’ll see more soon :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1742.jpg
smaug


Posted Jan 31, 2010, 2:52 am
Hi,

Over the last few days I spent most of the time at home. So I had a chance to meet some of the local residents.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1757.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1762.jpg

This beaver comes from Canada too :)

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1758.jpg

And there is also a big and very nice dog who told me a lot of interesting stories.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1759.jpg

But it was soon time to get again ready for travelling. Tomorrow I am flying to a mysterious destination, so I said goodbye to everybody end jumped in my travelling quarters. Can’t wait to find out where I am going ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1781.jpg
smaug


Posted Jan 31, 2010, 3:35 am
Hi,

After a long, very long, journey I eventually peeped out of my bag and found out that I travelled all the way to Brazil :D. It’s so hot here :o. The first thing I did after arriving here was exploring a bit my residence. Not very interesting, but there is a nice small terrace.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1787.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1794.jpg

Sniffing around I found this interesting canister and started chewing the plastic pipe too see what was inside it...until Sigfrido came in haste telling me that, unless I was planning to blow out the whole apartment block, maybe keeping chewing wasn’t the best idea ever  :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1797.jpg

So I stopped my explorations, for now ;), and helped him doing some work. At least we kept some icy cold water close at hand :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1798.jpg
smaug


Posted Feb 4, 2010, 3:52 am
Hi!

Today to recover from the trip I hoped to eat a big breakfast, maybe a steak or some proper dog food :D.
Well,  mmm, cereals...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1813.jpg

...and Papaya. Not exactly what I expected, but better than nothing ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1816.jpg

Later I had my first tour around: I only explored an office, but it is still a start :rolleyes:. So, I had a look out of the window, so much green around :)...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1801.jpg

...played at the computer with Sigfrido...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1804.jpg

...at the board...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1802.jpg

...since it was very hot we tried to tamper with the Air Co controls and make the office a bit cooler, but without much success.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1807.jpg

Eventually we went back to the window and spent the afternoon there...but soon I should be able to explore the city :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1806.jpg
smaug


Posted Feb 6, 2010, 5:03 am
Hi!

Today I visited the beach of Ipanema, very famous apparently :o. First I went to the Pedra do Arpoador, the easternmost point of the beach from which you can have a lovely view of the bay :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1825.jpg

On the other side of the Arpoador there is another beach called Devil’s Beach...that sounds scary :stare:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1837.jpg

Here I am looking at Ipanema again...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1851.jpg

...and in the distance you can see Leblon beach.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1852.jpg

As it was rather hot I wanted to dip in the ocean :D but I was told that the currents can be a bit dangerous...at least for a small Toyvoyager :rolleyes:, so I was only allowed to have a closer look at the waves from the beach.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1859.jpg

But later, when we made it back home, I refreshed myself with a lovely icy-cold juice, delicious ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1862.jpg
smaug


Posted Feb 9, 2010, 4:03 am
Hi,

Today I visited the botanic garden :). First Sigfrido and I planned our tour on the map.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1874.jpg

Then we found a comfortable way to “walk” around and off we went ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1876.jpg

There was sooo much green around :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1881.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1893.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1894.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1895.jpg

After a bit we headed to a little lake and I thought I saw a storm of Boeing 747 flying over it :o. They were actually mosquitoes...big and hungry ones, very hungry ones :stare:...so we got a quick photo and run for our lives :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1899.jpg

Later we got a bit lost and we spent some time trying to find our way :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1901.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1902.jpg

So we found an area were the trees were not too dense, but they were so big.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1909.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1910.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1912.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1922.jpg

Such a nice day :D!
smaug


Posted Feb 28, 2010, 5:31 pm
Hi,

Today is time for me to leave Brazil and go back to France :). First Sigfrido and I tried to sort out all the shopping we did and to find a way to get all that stuff in the suitcase :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1929.jpg

Later, once the baggage was ready we refreshed ourselves in front of the fans :D while we were waiting for our transport to the airport.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1932.jpg

Next update will be from a very cold Europe.
smaug


Posted Feb 28, 2010, 5:44 pm
Hi,

Today I walked a bit around Rouen :). First I checked the view out of the window: lovely day, just a bit chilly.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1937.jpg

Then I went to see la Seine from one of the bridges.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1941.jpg

From the river I could see the cathedral’s spire. Hopefully I will soon have a closer look.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1943.jpg

On the way home I stopped at this patisserie. As you can see Valentine day is getting close, mmm, that chocolate must be delicious ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1945.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1946.jpg
smaug


Posted Mar 2, 2010, 3:16 am
Hi,

Today I was again on the move :D, so Sigfrido and I prepared our travelling bag.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1947.jpg

I have not been told where I am going :o, the only information I have is that it is a pretty cold place right now, so I made sure to have the proper gear ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1950.jpg

After a  long and boring trip on the train I arrived at Paris Airport.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1951.jpg

Here I was ready to queue up for the check in where I was eventually supposed to find out my destination...that didn't happen because I noticed that restaurant just behind me, where Sigfrido and I stopped to grab a bite while the baggage was checked in ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1956.jpg
smaug


Posted Mar 2, 2010, 3:42 am
Hi,

I eventually found out my destination, Germany :D! After a couple of days stuck indoor,  today I had my first chance to explore a bit around. First Sigfrido and I recharged our batteries with a good breakfast :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1979.jpg

Later we discussed our plan for the day.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1983.jpg

A quick look out of t window and off we went.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1986.jpg

I walked down Luisenstrasse towards Königsplatz.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1989.jpg

And here I reached Königsplatz. There was not a single soul around :stare:, I wondered if the cold had anything to do with that :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1992.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1994.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1996.jpg

After exploring the square I had to cut the tour short and go to “work”. So I went down in the underground. I checked my intinerary...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1997.jpg

...validated the ticket...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_1999.jpg

...and waited patiently for a train to arrive.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2003.jpg

The rest of the day I was stuck inside again, but hopefully I will explore more of the city soon :).
smaug


Posted Mar 3, 2010, 3:59 am
Hi,

Today I was allowed to explore a bit more of the city :). Here I was just wandering around...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2005.jpg

...and I got a bit scared when I saw all those police cars: I didn’t know if I did something wrong and they were after me, but just in case I kept a low profile :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2008.jpg

Eventually I arrived at the Frauenkirche, one of the most important churches in München.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2013.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2015.jpg

Later I visited Marienplatz, the main central square. Here I explored as much as I could of it.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2016.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2017.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2018.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2019.jpg

I also checked out some of the shops...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2024.jpg

...a bakery...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2027.jpg

...and then the shops got much more interesting :D, it was so hard to keep my composure and not run into this one :p.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2030.jpg
smaug


Posted Mar 9, 2010, 3:55 am
Hi,

Today was our last day in München. As usual we started the day with a very good breakfast :)...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2034.jpg

...but, since it was going to be long day, Sigfrido and I also packed some emergency supplies :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2035.jpg

When we were sufficiently energised we went out for a final look at the city. First we explored the park outside of the Alte Pinakothek.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2037.jpg

After a bit of walking we reached Odeonsplatz.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2042.jpg

I wanted to get acquainted with King Ludwig I, but I am afraid he didn’t even notice me :(.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2044.jpg

So we just started going back to the hotel to pick up the baggage and on the way we passed in front of this church, the Ludwigskirche.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2046.jpg

Here we were on the train to the airport.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2052.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2055.jpg

When I reached the terminal, I looked for the place where to check in.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2063.jpg

After that, since we were a bit tired we got a little snack ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2064.jpg

The first part of the flight was very nice as the sky was clear and I could see as far as the Alps :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2085.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2091.jpg

Later it got cloudy, so I just rested quietly in corner waiting to arrive home :rolleyes:.
smaug


Posted Mar 22, 2010, 4:34 pm
Hi,

Today I visited Paris :D! After a morning long trip from Rouen I eventually popped out of the Metro at Châtelet station, mmm, the weather didn’t look very good.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2097.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2099.jpg

From here I approached La Seine and through the traffic I could see the Palais de Justice.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2100.jpg

I decided to stretch my legs a bit walking on the bridge parapet…

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2108.jpg

…and said hello to the tourists on that river tour boat, not that there were many of them, I guess the weather didn’t encourage people to cruise on the river :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2109.jpg

As it was almost lunchtime I headed for a restaurant where Sigfrido and I treated ourselves with a bowl of mussels, a lovely beer and some fries, delicious :D!

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2115.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2117.jpg

Having boosted our energy level, we were ready to explore a bit more of the City. First we walked to the Jardin du Luxembourg.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2122.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2126.jpg

Then we visited the Panthéon, so big :stare:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2130.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2132.jpg

On the way there we found a lot of interesting shops :p, all of sudden I felt hungry again ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2136.jpg

Later on we walked back towards the river and Notre Dame Cathedral…

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2144.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2151.jpg

…until I was right in front of it :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2149.jpg

Unfortunately it was getting late so I had dive underground again and head back to Rouen, hopefully I’ll visit Paris again, maybe on a sunny day :rolleyes:.
smaug


Posted Apr 26, 2010, 2:17 am
Hello, Happy Easter!

Today, to celebrate Easter Sigfrido and I decided to make some sort of cake, a salami made of chocolate and biscuits...if I understood right :rolleyes:. So first we checked the recipe.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2157.jpg

Then I sorted out the ingredients...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2158.jpg

...and crushed the biscuits.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2159.jpg

After a bit of work we eventually had our cake sliced and ready, delicious :D...of course, since we were not sure of the results of our cooking effort  until we actually tasted it , we had a couple of more traditional pieces of chocolate close at hand, just in case ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2162.jpg
smaug


Posted Apr 26, 2010, 2:38 am
Hello!

Guess what? I am back in München, just for a short visit this time. As usual I started the day with a good breakfast, I am really enjoying these German breakfasts ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2192.jpg

Later I explored around a bit and ended up again at Odeonsplatz.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2169.jpg

Since I visited a lot of things last time I was here, I decided to do something different and I climbed the Peter Kirche’s bell tower. The view over the city was wonderful :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2176.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2190.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2182.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2179.jpg
smaug


Posted Apr 26, 2010, 3:13 am
Hello!

Well, it was a short visit indeed. Today I am back at the airport ready to go back to France.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2196.jpg

On the screens I saw that there are flights going to a lot of interesting places, I wonder if I will ever visit them :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2197.jpg

See you soon Germany :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2198.jpg
smaug


Posted Apr 27, 2010, 4:29 am
Hello!

This time my stay in France has been even shorter than usual. So I am again in Paris on the bus to the airport :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2209.jpg

I am not sure of where I am going, I have just been told to expect a long flight :rolleyes:.
smaug


Posted Apr 27, 2010, 4:50 am
Hello!

Well, it looks like I came once again across the pond, in the US this time :). Today I was still a bit jet lagged, :rolleyes: but I had a first look at my office...the computer is set up...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2211.jpg

...and there is a lot of green out of the windows.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2210.jpg

I can’t wait to have a look around :).
smaug


Posted Apr 28, 2010, 5:15 am
Hello!

This morning I looked out of the window and it was a gorgeous day :) so I decided to go around exploring a bit.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2219.jpg

First Sigfrido and I had a good breakfast of cookies...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2228.jpg

...and coffee ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2230.jpg

Then we visited the main campus of the University of Virginia.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2233.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2242.jpg

Here we decided to rest a bit in the grass and see if something was going to happen in the outdoor amphitheatre behind us, but it was all very quiet.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2238.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2240.jpg

So we went on with our exploration, apparently this is the only university in the USA to be designated a World Heritage Site :o.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2251.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2248.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2249.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2245.jpg

Well, that’s it from Virginia. It seems that tomorrow I’ll be on the move again :).
smaug


Posted May 3, 2010, 2:02 am
Hello,

Today I arrived in New Jersey. I haven't seen much around yet, but hopefully I’ll start exploring soon :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2257.jpg
smaug


Posted May 3, 2010, 2:19 am
Hello,

this morning I looked out of the window and there was a friendly squirrel :). He was a bit shy, so I could only steal a photo while he was leaving...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2259.jpg

...but he told me that it was a gorgeous day, perfect for a walk in the woods :D. So, firstly, Sigfrido and I razed the kitchen and get an energetic breakfast.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2266.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2267.jpg

Eventually we were full and we went out, and I soon found out that I was supposed to be leashed, outrageous :stare:! What kind of draconian law is that :(???

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2273.jpg

Anyway, keeping a low profile and watching out for police officers I entered the woods. It was so nice :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2279.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2291.jpg

I crossed this lovely creek...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2285.jpg

...and later came to a memorial stone: apparently Washington passed here with his army....I wonder if they’ll put something on to mark my passing through these woods :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2293.jpg

This direction mark pointed us to an interpretative area,..

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2295.jpg

...where there were lot of interesting info to read.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2301.jpg

Later we decided to head home...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2296.jpg

...and as soon as we were in sight of the buildings I had to start watching out again to avoid a fine...but no one saw me ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2304.jpg
smaug


Posted May 6, 2010, 5:05 am
Hello!

Today was another nice day, so I roamed around a bit :). First I walked through the Princeton University main campus.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2312.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2314.jpg

Here I met this big tiger: she looks scary, but she was actually very nice ;). She explained me that the tiger is the symbol of this university.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2317.jpg

Later we were supposed to go back to work, but Sigfrido and I decided to stop in the coffee room, where me met this nice fellow. Apparently he is a famous mathematician, but I already forgot his name :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2321.jpg

Since there was no one around to chat with, we decided to play a chess game.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2323.jpg

After that we spent the rest of the afternoon on the roof terrace enjoying the sun, that was nice :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2325.jpg
smaug


Posted May 6, 2010, 5:21 am
Hello!,

Today I was mostly stuck at work :(, but on the way to the office I walked along Einstein Drive B).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2343.jpg

Once at work, Sigfrido told me that I had a really bad cough and needed to drink that red stuff :stare:. I protested that I was just feeling like barking a bit more than usual, but he wouldn’t listen to reason and insisted :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2331.jpg

At least he gave me this bar of chocolate to kill the horrendous taste of that concoction ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2332.jpg

Then we spent the whole day working...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2333.jpg

...with occasional interruption playing with the phone.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2335.jpg

On the way back home we stopped to take a couple of pictures, there is so much green around :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2340.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2341.jpg
smaug


Posted May 7, 2010, 4:54 am
Hello!

Today was another lovely day, so I went for a nice walk :). I took a couple of photos around the house...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2349.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2358.jpg

...where these friendly deer came out of the trees to greet me :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2350.jpg

Then I headed towards downtown.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2362.jpg

On the way I passed through Princeton University, so I explored a bit around. There are a lot of nice old buildings.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2364.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2369.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2373.jpg

Eventually I reached Nassau Hall, the oldest and more important building of the campus :o.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2374.jpg

I saw that there were two tigers sitting at the main door (tigers are everywhere around here! Is this New Jersey or the Bengali jungle? :rolleyes:) and went to meet them. This one was very friendly: she told me that she was very happy to met me and that she encountered another toyvoyager before: my friend Orpheus :D! She asked me news of him and I had to tell her that unfortunately he is kept prisoner in Scotland by a very bad host :(.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2375.jpg

Moving on I found this plaque celebrating 250 years of the University.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2377.jpg

Later I wandered a bit through the town.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2378.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2379.jpg

On the way back I decided to stop near the golf course and enjoy the sun :), but after a couple of near misses I decided that the golfers weren’t very good and being pelted with golf balls was a bad way to finish a nice day, so I just went home ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2383.jpg
smaug


Posted May 7, 2010, 5:05 am
Hello!

My time on this side of the Atlantic is almost over. Today I had a final look around the house with Sigfrido.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2385.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2386.jpg

Then I grabbed the luggage and went to the airport, hopefully there will be no volcanic ashes messing up with my flight ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2389.jpg
smaug


Posted May 9, 2010, 4:19 am
Hello!

I am back in France. When today we went to the post office to pick up the mail we found this big envelope.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2392.jpg

And guess who came out of it: HolgiHH, our new guest :D! And he just flew here from the States too :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2395.jpg

Now I am a bit jet-lagged, but tomorrow we will have so much to chat about, I can’t wait to hear of all his adventures.
smaug


Posted May 16, 2010, 3:32 pm
Hello!

Today I showed to HolgiHH “my office” here.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2418.jpg

We met all the little toys that live here...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2409.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2410.jpg

...and I played a bit with the phone.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2412.jpg

I also decided to leave my autograph on the whiteboard B).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2408.jpg

As we were starting to feel a bit hungry, we got big piece of chocolate, that was nice :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2414.jpg
smaug


Posted May 24, 2010, 4:38 am
Hello,

Today I went exploring Rouen a bit :). First I started around the house...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2419.jpg

...where I found this lovely patisserie :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2424.jpg

On my way I went past this clock tower.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2426.jpg

Then, since it was a nice sunny day I went to have a walk along La Seine. On one of the bridges they have statues of famous explorers.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2430.jpg

The day was beautiful :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2433.jpg

On this bridge they also had some lovely flowers, so I stopped for a picture.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2439.jpg

Later we went back to the town center. Here I was on the side of the Cathedral.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2448.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2451.jpg

On the way I visited some nice ceramic shops.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2454.jpg

Those buildings with timber frames are very typical of Rouen.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2460.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2463.jpg

This nice little square was a cemetery for the victims of the black plague back in the fourteenth century :stare:, kind of creepy ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2467.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2470.jpg

Here are some more typical Rouen buildings....they just seem about to fall down, but apparently they are not :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2472.jpg

This road in the past had lot of dye works and the little watercourse was used to clean up the mess. Now it is just a wonderful place for toyvoyagers to rest and enjoy the sun ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2479.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2482.jpg
smaug


Posted May 25, 2010, 2:03 am
Hello,

Today I visited the city of Caen :). The trip on the train was a bit boring, so I spent most of the time chatting with HolgiHH.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2492.jpg

As I arrived I checked out the harbour. Actually Caen is a few km away from the sea, but it’s connected to it by a navigation canal.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2498.jpg

Later I explored the Rue Froide...and despite the very warm day I actually felt a little chill walking along it :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2502.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2503.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2506.jpg

This is the rear of the Abbaye aux Hommes.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2511.jpg

Later I wandered a bit around the town centre...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2513.jpg

And had a look at the castle.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2515.jpg

What a nice day :D!
smaug


Posted May 30, 2010, 2:50 pm
Hello!

Today I went for a stroll along la Seine :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2518.jpg

I came by this nice little tower. Not sure what it is exactly :rolleyes:, but apparently it’s just been refurbished.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2522.jpg

There was a nice old sailing ship in the harbour.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2526.jpg

And this is Pont Gustave Flaubert, the newest bridge in Rouen. Apparently every few years an “armada” of historic tall mast ships comes up the river to Rouen harbour and the bridge deck can be raised to let them through :o.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2530.jpg
smaug


Posted Jun 7, 2010, 4:38 am
Hello,

Today we said goodbye to the little throng of toys here in Rouen (I always find a bit daunting to face all of them together :rolleyes:).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2532.jpg

I jumped in the bag with Sigfrido and HolgiHH and off we went. We are going to Italy :D!

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2535.jpg

After a long and uneventful trip we arrived in Roma where firstly we explore our new house. Well, it’s not too exciting, there is some strangely painted furniture...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2537.jpg

...and the view from the window is not exactly unforgettable :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2541.jpg

But I’m told that we will explore the Eternal City in the forthcoming days. I can’t wait :).
smaug


Posted Jun 7, 2010, 5:02 am
Hello,

Today I had my first chance to quickly explore a bit around :). First I went to have a look at the River Tevere. A bit blurry in the background you can see S.Peters Cathedral.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2542.jpg

Then I stopped in front of Castel Sant’Angelo.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2545.jpg

That nice bridge is called Ponte Sant’Angelo. Apparently it’s been there for almost 19 centuries :o.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2547.jpg

Later, on the way home, I witnessed a typical Roman feature: cars parked in the middle of a fairly narrow alley :rolleyes:. Sigfrido assured us that the gap left open was enough not only for other cars and vans to get through, but they also do that at a quite scary speed :stare:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2548.jpg
smaug


Posted Jun 13, 2010, 3:56 am
Hello,

This weekend I quickly visited Trento. The weather today was a bit rainy :rolleyes:, so I just had a quick look at Piazza Duomo (the main square in town) and around it :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2551.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2556.jpg

Apparently there is a big conference in town, so even the cathedral was almost hidden by the temporary installations.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2552.jpg
smaug


Posted Jun 13, 2010, 4:19 am
Hello,

Today the weather was much nicer :), so I went for a walk along a little river that crosses the town (there’s also a big river, but it’s a bit too far to walk there).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2558.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2559.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2563.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2571.jpg

On the way I met these horses :D. There was a donkey too, but he was hiding a bit (he was obviously :rolleyes: shy) so it’s difficult to see him in the photo.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2568.jpg

Here we decided to rest a bit near this lovely bushes.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2580.jpg

Coming back home we stopped at this terrace that has a lovely view over the valley.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2581.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2586.jpg

Later I introduced HolgiHH to my friends here :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2591.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2593.jpg
smaug


Posted Jun 17, 2010, 5:23 am
Hello,

I am back in the Italian Capital city and today I visited a bit more of it :D. First I went to see the Pantheon, this was the only part of it that wasn’t covered by scaffolding :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2594.jpg

After that I went to a very famous spot: the big fountain called Fontana dei Trevi, very nice :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2605.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2602.jpg

Later we decided to go visiting the President of the Republic at the Quirinale palace, but he didn’t invite us in for a tea :stare:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2611.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2614.jpg

So we moved on and went visiting another famous square, Piazza di Spagna. This is the even more famous fountain in the middle of it called La Barcaccia :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2626.jpg

Then we went up the stairs on the side of the square, from where we had a lovely view.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2631.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2637.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2639.jpg

Last but not least we reached the Colosseum.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2657.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2660.jpg

After so much walking we needed some refreshment, so we stopped in Campo dei Fiori. This nice little square is notorious as, during the Church State times, capital punishments used to be held here :o. The most notable person to take advantage of this service was the philosopher Giordano Bruno (whose ideas where not looked upon with favour by the clergy) who was burnt here in 1600. Anyway, nowadays it’s just a lovely place for a drink ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2664.jpg
smaug


Posted Jul 11, 2010, 3:05 am
Hello,

I am back in France :D! Well, I have been here for a bit but my host was very busy. I actually had to help out doing the chores :stare: over the last few weeks . Today, for instance it was a very busy working day. First I went to the laundry.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2687.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2684.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2683.jpg

Back home I put out the clean clothes to dry.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2691.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2694.jpg

After that we run the vacuum cleaner...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2697.jpg

...and once the clothes were dry it was time for ironing them.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2699.jpg

Later we had to prepare our dinner. We started cutting the veggies...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2702.jpg

...checking them cooking...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2705.jpg

...and grating the cheese.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2707.jpg

Eventually our hard earned meal was ready :): not as little as it looks like, we forgot to take a photo until the plate was almost empty :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2708.jpg
smaug


Posted Jul 11, 2010, 3:26 am
Hello,

Today I am flying to Canada :D! I took a train to the airport very early in the morning and there was a nice view on the French countryside...a bit burry maybe :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2718.jpg

Here I was already at the airport waiting to board the plane, I am so excited :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2721.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2722.jpg
smaug


Posted Jul 11, 2010, 3:35 am
Hello,

I am back in Canada :D! We stopped in Toronto for about an hour to get a connection to the prairies. We thought to explore the airport, but we all agreed that we had more pressing needs and stopped at Tim Hortons (very Canadian :rolleyes:) for a nice meal instead ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2727.jpg
smaug


Posted Jul 11, 2010, 5:12 am
Hello,

After a few more hours flying, we eventually arrived in Calgary where we found my friend sammino ready to welcome us at the airport :D. On the way home we chatted a bit and enjoyed looking at the road.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino%20tv/IMG_2731.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino%20tv/IMG_2738.jpg

This building under construction that we saw entering downtown is The Bow, that once finished will be the tallest building in Canada west of Toronto :stare:...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino%20tv/IMG_2744.jpg

...and all the red flags at the traffic lights have been put there for the Calgary Stampede that started earlier today.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino%20tv/IMG_2746.jpg

Once home I met all the current guests here: they are Dean, Spooky, Red Navel and Roderich :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino%20tv/DSCN3434.jpg

Since I was a bit jet lagged I went to bed very early. We’ll have plenty of time to chat tomorrow ;).
smaug


Posted Jul 24, 2010, 6:42 am
Hello!

Today the weather was horrible so we just went for a short walk in downtown Calgary. Luckily it’s Stampede time, so there are plenty of places where you can snatch a free pancake breakfast around town :D. We found one where we could even stop eating indoor :)

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino%20tv/IMG_2775.jpg

Calgary has the world most extensive pedestrian skywalk system, so you can explore several kilometres of downtown without ever going outdoor. Here I was on a bridge with the Calgary Tower in the background.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2785.jpg

Eventually we tried to go outside, but not for long :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2799.jpg

We found some shelter in this big shopping center until it was time to go home.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino%20tv/IMG_2780.jpg

The great thing of being a Toyvoyager is that, even when the sky started dropping golf-ball size hailstones on smaug's head, we were safely hidden in a rucksack ;).
smaug


Posted Jul 25, 2010, 3:42 pm
Hi Mum!

Today we went visiting the Stampede Park :)! First we got ready for the day with a filling breakfast. The others really appreciated the chocolate Madeleines that HolgiHH, Sigfrido and I brought from France :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino%20tv/DSCN3435.jpg

Just to be sure not to run short of energy we got also some bread and nutella ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino%20tv/IMG_2768.jpg

On the way to the stampede park we passed through this nice park.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2804.jpg

Eventually we arrived at our destination. First we checked out the Stampede Market where we found some nice “western” corners.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino%20tv/IMG_2809.jpg

There was even plenty of straw to play with...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2818.jpg

Then we played cowtoyvoyagers with  this saddle.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino%20tv/IMG_2822.jpg

We also found a chuckwagon...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2829.jpg

Later we explored a bit the park.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino%20tv/IMG_2837.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2851.jpg

On the way home we decided to get some typical food found in every cattle ranch: cowboy popcorns :rolleyes:!

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino%20tv/IMG_2853.jpg

Delicious :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino%20tv/IMG_2855.jpg
smaug


Posted Jul 29, 2010, 5:03 am
Hello,

Today the weather was gorgeous, so we went for another walk in downtown Calgary :). On the way we took a picture of some of the skyscrapers.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2860.jpg

Later we grabbed another free pancake breakfast...why isn’t  it always stampede time ;)?

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino%20tv/IMG_2871.jpg

Once we had a full belly B), we went visiting the Calgary Tower. It might not be so obvious in the photos :rolleyes:, but the view was great :)!

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino%20tv/IMG_2888.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2895.jpg
smaug


Posted Jul 31, 2010, 6:09 am
Hello!

Today we went visiting Banff :). Here we were comfortably settled in the car.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino%20tv/IMG_2906.jpg

The drive was a bit long, but eventually we arrived close to our destination...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino%20tv/IMG_2925.jpg

...and entered town.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino%20tv/IMG_2944.jpg

We spent most of the day dodging showers :rolleyes:, but we managed to walk a bit along the River Bow without getting too drenched.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/DSCN3441.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/DSCN3454.jpg

Here you can see the Bow falls :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/DSCN3444.jpg

Later we got a glimpse of the Banff Springs Hotel, one of the most luxurious resorts of the Rockies B).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/DSCN3464.jpg

Eventually it was time to go back home. On the road we got a bit scared when we saw a truck driving the wrong way on the highway towards us :stare:...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino%20tv/IMG_2989.jpg

...but it was just being towed :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino%20tv/IMG_2991.jpg
smaug


Posted Jul 31, 2010, 3:48 pm
Hello!

Today we went visiting the Dinosaur Provincial Park: we were very excited at the idea of meeting a T-Rex strolling on the road ;). The drive was long and a bit boring, so we spent most of the time chatting.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino%20tv/IMG_3016.jpg

We also stopped to take a couple of pictures at the prairies.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/DSCN3500.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/DSCN3501.jpg

Eventually we reached dour destination :D. Here the prairies are carved deeply by the Red Deer River and its tributaries, so there are plenty of these deep gorges with luscious vegetation at the bottom.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/DSCN3470.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/DSCN3476.jpg

At some points the landscape turns quite “lunar” :o.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/DSCN3484.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino%20tv/DSCN3490.jpg

Disappointingly, we didn’t meet any dinosaur walking around :rolleyes:, just a lot of information panels describing all the different skeletons (an awful lot apparently) that were dug out in this area.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino%20tv/DSCN3491.jpg
smaug


Posted Aug 5, 2010, 3:36 am
Hello,

Today Sigfrido and I said goodbye to all our Friends here as it is time for us to travel back to Europe :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino%20tv/DSCN3508.jpg

sammino gave me a big hug and wished me a safe trip :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino%20tv/DSCN3511.jpg

It was a bit difficult to say goodbye to HolgiHH after spending such a great time together, but maybe we’ll meet again :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/DSCN3509.jpg
smaug


Posted Aug 5, 2010, 3:51 am
Hello!

Today we are travelling again :). On the way to Paris I had to spend quite a few hours waiting for a connection in Montreal, so Sigfrido and I explored a bit the airport.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3066.jpg

First we looked at the planes...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3067.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3070.jpg

...we played a bit with the phones...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3069.jpg

...and with some strange toys :stare:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3068.jpg

Eventually we decided to spend the time in our favourite way B)....

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3071.jpg

...delicious :D!
smaug


Posted Aug 8, 2010, 6:04 pm
Hello,

Today Sigfrido told me that after so much travelling I’d better take a bath :stare:. Not sure how comes that he came wherever I have been but he doesn’t need to take one :rolleyes:. I was a bit concerned as that water looked a bit deep.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3072.jpg

But it was actually very nice and even better was drying up afterwards :D.


http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3073.jpg

Later we decided to practice some tatting.


http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3075.jpg

At the beginning it was a bit complicated...


http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3076.jpg

...but we quickly became very good at that B).


http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3077.jpg
smaug


Posted Aug 20, 2010, 4:31 am
Hello,

Today Sigfrido and I are on the move again :). Not sure of where we are going, but, since we had to take a flight from Paris Airport, I got my usual free sightseeing tour of Paris from the bus B).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3080.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3085.jpg

Facing the unknown with an empty stomach would be too much even for a brave TV ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3099.jpg


And here I am! Well, I don’t really know yet where here is :rolleyes:, all I can see is that the traffic signs are in a language that I don’t recognise and that the rain is coming down in buckets.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3102.jpg
smaug


Posted Aug 23, 2010, 4:17 am
Hello,

I eventually found out where I am, Sweden :D! So today I had my first chance to visit Goteborg, and walking downtown I crossed this lovely canal.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3112.jpg

Later we reached a nice square, Gustav Adolfs Torg, where I found a nice market, and I could smell food ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3116.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3117.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3118.jpg

And there was actually food indeed, but also a massive crowd that made complicated to take photos, so I moved on and found this panoramic wheel.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3119.jpg

Later we reached the harbour...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3121.jpg

...where Sigfrido and I decided to stretch ourselves and play around a bit.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3132.jpg

We also tried to play pirates and board this ship, but our host stopped us before we could run up the gangplank :stare:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3134.jpg

Later we found this strange sculpture in front of the Opera House: I think it clearly represents a metaphor of a TV travels B), but Sigfrido just rolled his eyes and suggested to move on :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3123.jpg

These ships are part of the Maritiman museum, a group of about 20 museum-ships.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3135.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3138.jpg

On the way back to the hotel I saw some more nice parts of town, again the canal...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3141.jpg

...a pretty church...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3143.jpg

...and fancy shopping streets :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3105.jpg
smaug


Posted Aug 24, 2010, 5:26 am
Hello!

Over the last couple of days we have been a bit stuck in our room, so Sigfrido and I tried to entertain ourselves as best as we could. We got acquainted with the local currency...always useful when going shopping ;)...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3157.jpg

...we assessed the supplies availability in the room, that bottle of wine looked interesting, we just couldn’t find the bottle opener :rolleyes:....

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3152.jpg

...we made sure the forced inactivity wouldn’t weaken us :)...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3153.jpg

...and, most important, we planned our future explorations of the city.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3149.jpg
smaug


Posted Aug 26, 2010, 5:16 am
Hi,

Today I explored a bit more of Goteborg. First I wandered along this nice canal :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3163.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3174.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3175.jpg

I also stopped to play with a life ring.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3169.jpg

That church behind me is not actually a church, but a fish market :stare: which is called, guess what, the Fish Church :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3165.jpg

Later I played the tourist in the city streets...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3162.jpg

...and parks.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3173.jpg

As I was a bit tired, Sigfrido invited me to a nice cafe where we got carrot cake and hot chocolate, delicious :D!

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3159.jpg
smaug


Posted Sep 5, 2010, 5:18 am
Hi,

Today Sigfrido and I decided to bake an apple cake. First we studied the recipe.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3178.jpg

Then we started working on it. Cutting the apples was really hard work :o.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3181.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3183.jpg

Once everything was ready it was time to put it in the oven...and wait :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3186.jpg

Eventually our cake was ready...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3188.jpg

..and it was worth the wait :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3189.jpg
smaug


Posted Sep 6, 2010, 5:25 pm
Hi,

Today Sigfrido and I went to work. As there are no lessons or exams going on, the University is almost empty and the cafeteria is closed, so we packed the supplies for the day. Some of the cake that we baked yesterday....

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3191.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3194.jpg

...and some chocolate, just in case ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3196.jpg

Actually we were a bit lazy in the morning and spent most of the time reading magazines...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3199.jpg

...until lunch time.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3200.jpg

In the afternoon we were a bit more efficient, mostly because we kept some chocolate nearby. Working at a computer is such a sugar-depleting activity :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3202.jpg
smaug


Posted Sep 11, 2010, 5:30 am
Hi,

Today we are travelling again :D! But since we are leaving late in the evening there was time for me a Sigfrido to get ready eating some nice pasta :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_2202.jpg

We suggested that it was wise to have a bit of ice cream too :rolleyes:, but my host said that another bite and we were going to exceed the baggage weight limit :stare:, so the ice cream went back in the refrigerator :(.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3204.jpg

Then it was time to close the bags and leave. My friend goose was a bit concerned that I was going to disappear again for many weeks, so she was happy to hear that I was coming back soon and wished us a safe journey :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3205.jpg
smaug


Posted Sep 11, 2010, 5:45 am
Hi,

Today, as I was getting a bit bored, I went with Sigfrido to have a look at the town and the valley from my favourite place just near the house :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3302.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3304.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3306.jpg

But later, since I was still tired from the trip, I just spent the afternoon chatting with Sigfrido on the window sill enjoying the warm temperature :rolleyes:. The next few days I'll have plenty of time to explore a bit around.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3287.jpg
smaug


Posted Sep 12, 2010, 6:25 am
Hi,

Today I went visiting Verona :D. Here I was at Trento station on the train waiting to leave.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3207.jpg

When I arrived I went straight to the city center. Those archways behind me are called Portoni della Bra’. They were built during the renaissance at the site of an old gate through the city walls.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3211.jpg

The archeways lead into Piazza Bra’, a big square in the center of the city.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3213.jpg

On a side of the square there’s the Arena, a 2000 year old roman amphitheatre :o. It’s now used mostly for opera concerts.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3215.jpg

Later I wandered around the shopping streets B).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3220.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3224.jpg

I found another old gate...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3221.jpg

...and eventually arrived in Piazza delle Erbe, another lovely square :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3226.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3227.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3230.jpg

In the afternoon it was time to go back home, so I went to the station where I waited for the train.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3234.jpg

On the way back home I enjoyed watching the landscape out of the window while chatting with Sigfrido, but we also kept the ticket ready in case the inspector came.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3236.jpg
smaug


Posted Sep 12, 2010, 2:26 pm
Hi,

Today I visited an exposition of Venetian glass.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3292.jpg

The exposition  was in big castle in town and here I was entering it...mmm, no honour guard welcoming me :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3246.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3248.jpg

These glass creations matched exactly the tableware in the painting above, how cool :)!

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3254.jpg

These were creations from different parts of Africa, all made using glass imported from Venice.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3266.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3270.jpg

I stopped to read some info about this area of the exposition.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3271.jpg

Moving around the exposition I saw a bit of the castle. There are nice frescoes...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3258.jpg

...and gardens. That tower down there in the background is the Eagle Tower, must be my friend sammino's favourite spot in town :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3274.jpg

This quiet esplanade is where some Italian patriots captured by the Austrians were shot during WWI.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3278.jpg

That doorway seemed interesting.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3261.jpg

It lead to another area of the exposition with some lovely glass creations :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3279.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3280.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3281.jpg

Eventually it was time to leave.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3283.jpg

What a nice day :D.
smaug


Posted Sep 19, 2010, 5:47 am
Hi,

Today I am flying back to France. Here I was enjoying the drive to the airport on the motorway :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3316.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3320.jpg

At last we got close to the airport exit.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3326.jpg

While waiting to board the plane Sigfrido and I had a look at the newspaper.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3330.jpg

That’s the bus that will take us to our plane :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3332.jpg

Eventually we took off. Luckily I had a nice window seat and could enjoy the view over the Italian lakes :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3336.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3337.jpg

Of course, I got a bit distracted when breakfast arrived :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3343.jpg

Later it got a bit cloudy outside, so I just spent the time doing crosswords with Sigfrido.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3347.jpg
smaug


Posted Oct 1, 2010, 5:18 am
Hi,

Today I went to Paris :D! On the way Sigfrido and I got ready for a long day by boosting our sugar level with some lovely macarons ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3349.jpg

Then we studied the map to decide where to go.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3351.jpg

Here I just came out of the RER in front of the Opera.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3352.jpg

Walking a bit further I reached Place Vendome.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3369.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3370.jpg

There were a lot of very expensive shops around so I wondered if I could get a new tag, maybe one made of gold and diamonds B).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3357.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3358.jpg

For some reason Sigfrido didn’t seem to enthusiastically welcome the idea :rolleyes:, so we just moved on and reached Rue de Rivoli from where we could see the Louvre.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3373.jpg

We strolled a bit in the Tuileries gardens...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3377.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3381.jpg

...and eventually reached the Louvre.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3383.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3385.jpg

We even had time to visit the underground mall and take a picture of the Inverted Pyramid :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3386.jpg
smaug


Posted Oct 18, 2010, 3:57 am
Hi,

Today Sigfrido explained me how moose are born: according to him they just come out of coffee mugs :stare:. As I couldn’t hide my scepticism to that notion, he showed me the mug that he was born from: apparently moose keep their birth-mugs safe and only occasionally go back in there when they want to quietly meditate about the meaning of life :o.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3399.jpg

Later, to recover from the shock of this discovery, I decided to cook something :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3404.jpg

As the recipe was in Italian I wasn’t really sure of what we were cooking: I just followed Sigfrido’s lead and hoped for the best :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3406.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3411.jpg

The results was delicious :D!

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3414.jpg
smaug


Posted Oct 18, 2010, 4:34 am
Hi,

I have been told that I will be soon leaving Rouen, so, when today I opened the window and saw what a gorgeous day it was, I decided to have a walk to la côte Sainte Catherine, a place with apparently a great view over the city :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3397.jpg

The road started steadily uphill.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3418.jpg

But this sign comforted me that I was on the right path :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3390.jpg

At this point the road ended and I had to take some very steep stairs.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3421.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3423.jpg

I had to stop for some rest halfway to that top...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3391.jpg

...so I had time to enjoy the trees around me :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3425.jpg

Eventually I reached the top and the view was fabulous: I could see la Seine and the cathedral with its spire :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3432.jpg

On the way back I stopped to a traditional food market and got some local honey and sweets...they were delicious ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3410.jpg
RikeH


Posted Oct 22, 2010, 8:59 pm
Hello Dad,

I arrived in Sülfeld today. Dicker Kumpel gave me a warm welcome.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_A181.jpg

Then he introduced me to the others.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_A182.jpg

It is dark outside, but tomorrow the weekend will begin - and I am sure to see more. Up to then I will talk a lot with the others.

Love
Krystal
smaug


Posted Oct 24, 2010, 4:56 am
Hi,

Today it was time for me to jump into my travelling quarters and get ready to leave France. Sigfrido told me that I’m going to visit a great host who will take me on a very special trip, I am so excited :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3400.jpg

Saying goodbye to Sigfrido was actually a bit hard: it was so great to have such a good friend always with me while I explored the world :). He gave me a big hug, wished me a safe trip and told me that I can come back visiting whenever I wish :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3402.jpg
RikeH


Posted Oct 25, 2010, 8:23 pm
Hello Dad,

Today arrived a new ToyVoyager. He is called Frankie_Blue.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_A227.jpg

He shared his Halloween-Sweets with us.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_A228.jpg

Then we went outside to make a walk. Here you see us...

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_A201.jpg

...on a big tractor.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_A202.jpg

Look - a beautiful plant and a lady beetle.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_A203.jpg

The autumn starts - the trees change their colors.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_A208.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_A211.jpg

First I saw this little river...

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_A216.jpg

...later a little lake.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_A220.jpg

We passed a dangerous place - it is the house of the shooting club.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_A224.jpg

Love
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Oct 31, 2010, 4:56 pm
Hello Dad,

It is me - Krystal. Are you surprised to see me like that? It is Halloween!!! We all  wanted to go as ghosts - but to tell the truth, RikeH is not really good in creating costumes, although she spent hours on it. Well now I look like something between a ghost and a mummy, but I am sure, we will have fun this day.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_A248.jpg

Well, we went outside and stopped at the first house we found. It seems to be winter? A funny snowman.

Can you see me in my costume?

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_A229-1.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_A230.jpg

The door opened and we sang a song - and recited a poem.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_A232.jpg

Good luck for us - we got sweets.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_A233.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_A235.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_A237.jpg

Well - it was a rainy day - so we decided to go back onto our armchair.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_A238.jpg

We put away our costumes - well - not everybody did it. Maybe a real ghost - we all were very curious.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_A249.jpg

Fortunately not - it was a new ToyVoyager here - called Hoots. We were very surprised, because we didn't know that he would come. He was invited more than 6 weeks ago...

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_A250.jpg

Dicker Kumpel gave him a warm welcome.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_A251.jpg

RikeH told us that we should eat something normal, before eating all the candys, so we had some burgers.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_A252.jpg

I shared mine with Hoots.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_A257.jpg

It was yummy. We will spend the rest of the day looking out of the window - and watching the ghosts outside.

love
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Nov 10, 2010, 7:12 pm
Happy Birthday Rike!

We celebrated this day with RikeH, of course!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_A311.jpg

I played with the balloons.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_A321.jpg

Wonderful flowers!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_A322.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_A333.jpg

I heart music with RikeH's new MP3-Player - it sounds great.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_A340.jpg

Bye
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Nov 15, 2010, 11:20 am
Hello Dad,

After a really long flight we arrived in Hanoi. We got our Visas and went to the hotel to relax.

Later in the afternoon we made a walk. Look, this is our Hotel.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0018.jpg

There are many motor scooter and motorbikes on the streets.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0019.jpg

Back in the Hotel we had a delicious cocktail.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0020.jpg

In our room we have a fruit basket. But I don't know all the fruits. Maybe you can
help me, Dad?

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0022.jpg

Before we went into the bed it was time to go into the bathroom. So many nice things
for me - I will be a very clean ToyVoyager!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0026.jpg

Bye
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Nov 17, 2010, 2:57 pm
Hello Dad,

today we arrived in Sapa.

I wanted to show you our room for this night.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0061.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0062.jpg

Do you know, what this should be?

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0063.jpg

This is the view into the garden.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0066.jpg

Dad, can you imagine, what we did in the evening?

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0074.jpg

Yes - we worked on one of my life missions and had a nice time in front of the fireplace.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0071.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0072.jpg

I am so happy about that Dad.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0073.jpg

Love
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Nov 19, 2010, 5:02 am
Hello from Sapa,

today we made a walk in the surrounding of Sapa.We visited two villages of two tribes -
the Black H'mong and the Dzay People.

We were really interested in seeing the rice terraced fields. We made the first photo
as soon as we saw the fields, because it was very misty here.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0076.jpg

Some minutes later we saw some more houses.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0077.jpg

It was exciting - can you see the buffalos in the fields - they were on they ways, too,
and they are really big. We were a little afraid of them.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0080.jpg

This was inside the village.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0081.jpg

We didn't want to make close photos of the people here - but this is a photo of
the children in the school - having a sports lesson.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0084.jpg

In the evening we jumped into the train back to Hanoi and had a delicious dinner in
the train.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0085.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0087.jpg

yours
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Nov 24, 2010, 1:56 pm
Hello from the Halong Bay,

this is Bay where are 2000 islands. Such a beautiful place, Dad!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0147.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0150.jpg

Here are the sails on our boat.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0152.jpg

We were on the way to a surprise cave. You can see the entrance behind me.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0153.jpg

We went to the island with a small boat and had a great view to our boat and a sister boat.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0156.jpg

We crossed a floating fishing village, people are living and working there.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0158.jpg

Here are some views from the cave.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0159.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0162.jpg

It was so wonderful!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0163.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0166.jpg

From the exit of the cave we saw islands and boats!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0168.jpg

We went back to our boat.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0171.jpg

We relaxed in the cabin and said goodbye to the Halong Bay.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0172.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0175.jpg

Bye
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Nov 25, 2010, 10:41 am
Hello from Hue,

I am in the Middle of Vietnam now. The town is called Hue and it is an ancient Capital city of many original historical vestiges.

First we vistited the Citadel. Here I am in front of the Main Gate.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0177.jpg

After it we passed this nice gate.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0179.jpg

RikeH and Thomas learnt a lot about the history - I prefered playing in this small tree.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0180.jpg

The next photos were taken inside the Forbidden Purple City.The royal family lived here -  and this was the theatre.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0182.jpg

Here you see me in front of the old library.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0185.jpg

We visited nice other places - and this colorful gate.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0187.jpg

Behind me is the Temple for the King who lived here.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0189.jpg

There are funny dragons like this one everywhere - they stand for the power.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0190.jpg

Love
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Nov 25, 2010, 2:08 pm
Hello from Hue,

we have a lazy day in the nice hotel today. In the morning we played in the beautiful room. First we jumped on the couch.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0192.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0193.jpg

Then we went out onto the balcony.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0195.jpg

I shared the rocking chair with Henry.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0197.jpg

Then we all took a nap.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0198.jpg

For lunch I had delicious fruits - given by this nice lady.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0248.jpg

In the afternoon we went into the garden. I climbed up a palm tree.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0226.jpg

Then I went to the pool.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0230.jpg

This was the second pool here. Nice, too.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0235.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0239.jpg

We relaxed next to the big pool - and talked a lot about our adventures here in Vietman.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0241.jpg

Bye
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Dec 2, 2010, 3:18 pm
Hello from the Cu Chi Tunnels,

we started the day driving to the Cu Chi Tunnels. The Vietnamese People built these tunnels during the Vietnam War many years ago. First we learnt a lot about the tunnels - and where they were.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0342.jpg

This is one entrance to the tunnels - very small - even for a ToyVoyager.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0343.jpg

They built strange traps. I don't like wars!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0346.jpg

These are some of the Vietnamese People, who were in the War.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0348.jpg

After this we ate something delicious. It is a root, that the People ate
at that time - I liked it.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0351.jpg

Here you can see us with the buttons, every visitor got.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0352.jpg

We continued our trip and went to church of a sect, called Cao Dai. The religion is a mix of Buddhist, Taoist, Confucianism and Chistianity.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0354.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0356.jpg

We went inside...

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0358.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0360.jpg

Later we joined the daily noontide ceremony.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0362.jpg

Back out in the nature I enjoyed the sun in this nice plant.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0364.jpg

The People here are crazy when they drive on the streets, I tried to take some
photos, but they don't show the reality.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0365.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0366.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0367.jpg

In the evening I went onto our balcony. Look Dad, we had such a nice view.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0372.jpg

We had our own garden - in the 7th floor.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0374.jpg

Love
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Dec 5, 2010, 10:25 am
Hello Dad, 

I am on the Mekong River Delta. We started early today - it was time to visit the Cai Rang floating market. It is the biggest market here. Of course we took a boat to go there.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0409.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0408.jpg

People live in houses like this here. I am really happy to live in Canada!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0412.jpg

Here we are on the market - it was so interesting!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0417.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0418.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0422.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0425.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0424.jpg

On the way back to the hotel we stopped in a factory - where they dry rice.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0427.jpg

Then we visited a family, they make rice noodles here.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0429.jpg

This was our boat!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0431.jpg

This woman came back home from the market - her boat full with fruits and vegetables.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0433.jpg

This is our new hotel in Saigon - very high.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0435.jpg

In the afternoon we made a walk to the Saigon River.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0438.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0439.jpg

This is the highest building here in Saigon. With a place for helicopters to land on.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0440.jpg

Another view of the hotel - with the opera in front of it.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0442.jpg

Love
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Dec 8, 2010, 2:32 pm
Hello from Saigon,

We had a day without a guide in Saigon today. But we are in Vietnam for 3 weeks now, so we can do
some sightseeing on our own. We started in the postoffice to buy the last stamps for postcards.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0471.jpg

The building is really wonderful inside.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0468.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0469.jpg

This is the church Notre Dame.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0473.jpg

Then we went into the botanical garden to see some nice flowers. But it was more a Zoo than
a garden, so we met some not travelling animals. I liked this hippo.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0476.jpg

This big clock is made out of plants!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0478.jpg

We met a white tiger - and were so near to him.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0480.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0481.jpg

Enough adventure for this afternoon - I relaxed in a beautiful tree.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0482.jpg

Back in the hotel we did some sightseeing out of our window. This is the opera.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0484.jpg

The building with the green on the roof is the town hall.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0485.jpg

And we saw the Saigon River in the other direction.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0486.jpg

In the evening we went outside to take some more photos. Our hotel behind the opera.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0498.jpg

They decorated the hotel for the Christmas Season. Really colorful.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0502.jpg

This was our last day in Vietnam - tomorrow we will go to Cambodia.

Bye
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Dec 10, 2010, 2:53 pm
Hello from Cambodia,

we changed the country - today there were some Temples to visit. We started with the biggest here in Angkor - it is called Angkor Wat. Maybe you already heart of it, Dad?

Well, here I am in front of it!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0529.jpg

On the walls are a lot of stories - and I learnt a lot about the old history.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0530.jpg

This was very steep...

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0533.jpg

...but it was worth the way!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0535.jpg

I visited a tired Buddha.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0537.jpg

This lady was so beautiful.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0539.jpg

And this statue has many more than one head!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0541.jpg

A view back - it was great!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0542.jpg

Just another Statue on our way to the car. She had a lot of arms.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0545.jpg

Now we were really far away - the place was nice!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0547.jpg

But there were another nice Temple for this morning. It is called Ta Prohm.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0548.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0549.jpg

It is well-known for the big trees!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0551.jpg

Really strange - they live on the old building.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0553.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0554.jpg

Here you can see the big roots!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0556.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0558.jpg

It was a great day!

Bye
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Dec 19, 2010, 8:42 pm
Hello Dad,

we are in the capital of Cambodia now. We spent our days in a nice hotel and had a great time. We had a very big TV in the room - and loved to watch sport there.       

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0622.jpg

We had a lot of fun!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0623.jpg

But then we decided that it would be better to go outside. We had our own pool.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0608.jpg

It was great to sit next to it.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0610.jpg

I had a good view from this Flower.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0616.jpg

Look - there were wonderful green trees here.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0621.jpg

We finished the day - and our holiday - sitting in the garden and talking a lot.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/IMG_V0617.jpg

I really loved this holiday. Tomorrow we will fly back to snowy Germany.

Love
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Dec 23, 2010, 6:35 pm
Hello Dad,

imagine that - it is winter in Germany - really cold. We didn't want to make a walk with RikeH, because we are used to high temperatures. But today RikeH told us that it was time to go out.

Well - look - how it looked like in Sülfeld. Very snowy.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/A_0004.jpg

We made a break...

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/A_0005.jpg

...but it was very cold - we sat in the snow.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/A_0006.jpg

The animals are safe in this place - this is nice.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/A_0013.jpg

So many snow - where is the sun?

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/A_0014.jpg

These funny guys stood in front of our house.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/A_0015.jpg

And I found this nice plant in the garden - I love the red fruit on it.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/A_0020.jpg

At home we sat in front of the candles - it was so nice - and much warmer than outside.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/A_0023.jpg

Christmas will come soon - and we will have a tree inside the house - this is strange.

I will write more soon.

Love
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Dec 25, 2010, 11:27 pm
Merry Christmas, dear Dad,

today is the great day - when children and ToyVoyager get their gifts in Germany.

So we were very excited. First I played in the Advent wreath.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/A_0028.jpg

Look, this is the Christmas Tree of RikeH's Mum.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/A_0030.jpg

And we ate this delicious muffins.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/A_0029.jpg

Later it was time to meet Santa Claus! But we learnt that he was very busy - and sent
us a really good friend. Rudi, the red-nosed reindeer.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/A_0037.jpg

We sang some nice Christmas songs for him.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/A_0038.jpg

It was a success - and we got our presents!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/A_0039.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/A_0040.jpg

I got wonderful things - and some shoes - because dogs love to play with shoes.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/A_0043.jpg

We had such a great time!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/A_0045.jpg

I hope that you had a great Christmas, too.

Bye
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Dec 31, 2010, 3:01 pm
Hi Dad,

nice news - Murph came to visit us on the 26th of December - and his guests Frankie and Hoots arrived too, they will stay here for some more days with us.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/A_0051.jpg

They brought some gifts for us - what a surprise.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/A_0052.jpg

We talked a lot - then Murph told us that he will leave us, to spend some more time with Bine and Holgi. We gave him a big hug.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/A_0058.jpg

Today we heart someone knocking at the door. It is Archer. He came all the way from Shanghai and starts his life as a ToyVoyager here in Germany.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A2010c/A_0060.jpg

We told him a lot about our adventures.

Dad - I wish you a good start in the Year 2011.

Love
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Jan 21, 2011, 10:23 pm
Hello Dad,

We went to Hamburg today. RikeH had to work, but maybe we can make a walk in her lunch break.

We took the train to Hamburg.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0024.jpg

It was dark outside.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0026.jpg

Well - we helped RikeH with her work all the day - and didn't went out on the lunch break, but we made a walk after the work was done. This is the place where we worked:

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0029.jpg

Near to it is a theatre.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0030.jpg

We went to a nice lake in the city centre. It was a great view!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0032.jpg

On the way to the Trainstation we stopped at a nice house - called Levante-Haus.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0033.jpg

Look - there are funny animals in it.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0037.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0038.jpg

The house is really beautiful.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0039.jpg

We had to look, where our train will start.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0042.jpg

A view over the trainstation.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0043.jpg

We drove back with this train.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0046.jpg

At home it was time to say good-bye to Dicker Kumpel. We had so much fun together - here and in Asia.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0047.jpg

I got a hug from Archer and Dicker Kumpel.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0048.jpg

Sigfrido, my dear friend, I am coming!

Love
Krystal
smaug


Posted Feb 8, 2011, 5:38 am
Hi,

I am back in France :)! Today I came out of my travelling envelope and found a forest of eyes looking at me :stare:. There were all my friends here in Rouen, including Sigfrido and Dean :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3713.jpg

Before starting to tell them about my travels I showed them the lovely card that my last host gave to me :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3718.jpg

As I mentioned that I was a bit tired and hungry, Sigfrido and Dean decided to prepare a full meal to celebrate my arrival :). First they started working on some Gnocchi di Semolino (or Gnocchi alla Romana) :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3719.jpg

Sigfrido said that they were going to make a number of thick discs out of that...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3720.jpg

...well, more or less :rolleyes:. But they were ready to go in the oven.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3724.jpg

Later they started preparing the second course of the evening, a parmigiana. Well, it was a personalised parmigiana as they used courgettes instead of aubergine.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3729.jpg

I guess that I was staring a bit too eagerly at the meat in the fridge :rolleyes:, since at one point Sigfrido and Dean suddenly decided to add a bit of ham...what a wonderful idea ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3739.jpg

And so this one was ready to get in the oven too.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3741.jpg

Last thing left to fix was dessert. Dean decided to prepare and apple cake :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3730.jpg

The work was hard and dangerous too! When I saw Sigfrido’s nose almost being shaved off I was about to point out that a knife in the hoofs of a moose and horse was a bit of and health and safety issue :stare:...but I decided to say nothing and just kept a safe distance from the blade :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3733.jpg

A final effort...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3731.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3734.jpg

And the cake was ready for baking.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3735.jpg

And eventually it was time to enjoy our hard earned meal :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3725.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3744.jpg

The cake needed a bit of scraping of the burnt top :rolleyes:...but it was delicious :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3743.jpg
smaug


Posted Feb 23, 2011, 3:56 am
Hi,

Today Sifrido and I decided to show Dean “our” office at Rouen’s University. The view out of the window wasn’t very  interesting :rolleyes:, so we turned our attention to the inside of the office.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3750.jpg

This box was full of colourful paper shapes that where used to explain physics and mathematics to young children visiting the university at a science fair.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3769.jpg

We also met some of the local residents :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3767.jpg

Later we decided to redecorate the place and looked for some photos to put on the wall.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3757.jpg

I liked this one.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3759.jpg

I also decided to leave my autograph on the whiteboard B).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3772.jpg

Eventually it was time to have a coffee with some delicious sweets :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3761.jpg

Later we wanted to check internet a bit, but the laptop battery was flat, so we had to replace it with a spare one.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3771.jpg

After that  we spent the afternoon relaxing and looking at the most recent TV updates :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3775.jpg
smaug


Posted Mar 21, 2011, 2:23 am
Hi,

After a few quiet weeks, today the weather was nice and I walked a bit around Rouen :). First I checked out the Cathedral and the streets around it.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3812.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3816.jpg

Of course I had a look at some of the sweet shops that we encountered ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3809.jpg

Later I met this very chatty goose :rolleyes:...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3819.jpg

...and some other small animals.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3836.jpg

These houses with exposed timber beams are very typical of Rouen. Apparently whoever designed them had some trouble in drawing straight lines :rolleyes:, but very surprisingly building collapses aren’t daily occurrences.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3858.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3846.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3843.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3828.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3825.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3805.jpg

Moving on we reached St Maclou Church...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3840.jpg

...and the Aître de Saint-Maclou, which used to be some sort of graveyard during the black plague :stare:. The walls are all decorated with bone and skull shaped carvings....this place always gives me the creeps :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3856.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3853.jpg

Later we got some hot wine ;)...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3821.jpg

...and visited some more sweet shops. As you can see it’s full carnival time and you can find chocolate carnival masks.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3861.jpg

Back home we decided to prepare an apple pie...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3795.jpg

...but, guess what, there was one already baked and just coming out of the oven, so we just “had” to enjoy it :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3800.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3801.jpg
smaug


Posted Mar 23, 2011, 2:50 am
Hi,

Today Sigfrido told us that it was a good day to make a cake :D. Of course we agreed to that and started working ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3874.jpg

First we weighted the biscuits...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3876.jpg

...and crushed them into tiny crumbles.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3878.jpg

After that we started selecting the other ingredients and mixed them all...it seems that luckily Sigfrido didn’t pick any complicated recipe :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3879.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3881.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3885.jpg

The final mix didn’t really look very attractive :rolleyes:, but hey, all that is gold does not glitter ;), so we poured everything in the foil paper and shaped it as a loaf.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3889.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3890.jpg

And here came the surprise: our hard work will need to spend a day in the fridge before it’s ready for eating :o. So to fill the time we ended up doing the chores :(...but tomorrow we’ll have our hard earned cake ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3891.jpg
smaug


Posted Mar 27, 2011, 8:46 pm
Hi,

Today Sigfrido told us that we were going for a long walk, so we had a good pasta-based lunch to avoid running out of sugars ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3871.jpg

We went for a stroll along the river, from which you have some nice views of Rouen :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3869.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3870.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3867.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3868.jpg

Eventually we reached the harbour, where we found some strange big buildings.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3906.jpg

This bridge is very new. Every 2 years, when a fleet of historic vessels sails up La Seine to Rouen, the deck is lifted to allow the tall mast ships to pass through :o.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3896.jpg

Eventually we came back home where we relaxed with a hot tea and some of the cake that we prepared a couple of days ago :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3908.jpg
smaug


Posted Mar 31, 2011, 4:51 am
Hi,

This week Sigfrido has to attend a conference in Germany :rolleyes: so, of course, we decided to go with him ;). The look from the window is nice...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3911.jpg

...but exploring around is better, so today off we went :). It seems that we chose the wrong side of the valley as the sun was only on the other side...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3918.jpg

...but the view was very nice.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3926.jpg

The road was lined by a lot of timber stacks.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3917.jpg

We stopped on one of them to play a bit :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3957.jpg

Strangely there was no one on the road.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3931.jpg

As there were plenty of trees and rocks available :rolleyes:, we decided to practice some climbing.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3934.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3940.jpg

None of us speaks German, so this sign was a bit of a mystery :o. I hope it doesn’t say “All dogs to be leashed” :rolleyes:. Just in case I kept a very low profile all the way home.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3944.jpg
smaug


Posted Apr 10, 2011, 4:42 am
Hi,

Today we decided to check out the village close to the institute where Sigfrido’s conference is held :). There were some buildings in the valley...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3976.jpg

...and eventually we saw the village in the distance.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3979.jpg

We took a picture with this sign at the entrance of the village...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3985.jpg

...and checked for directions.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3984.jpg

We stopped by the Town Hall...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3989.jpg

...and took a picture with this nice lady :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3990.jpg

As the weather wasn’t very nice we headed back to our room. We thought to spend the time reading a book, but none among us understands German :rolleyes:...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3967.jpg

...so we opted for having a snack instead ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3965.jpg
smaug


Posted Apr 18, 2011, 4:11 am
Hi,

I am just back to France and Sigfrido told us that we have to leave again :stare:. So we packed some supplies for the trip :rolleyes:...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3992.jpg

...and jumped in our travelling quarters :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3994.jpg

We said goodbye to Rouen from the train window...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_3995.jpg

...and spent most of the trip chatting and looking out of the window.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4003.jpg

Still we got a bit bored and fell asleep and, guess what, when I woke up I was in another train station, in Italy this time :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4018.jpg

I checked the time of our train and started getting ready to visit the city :) and eating some delicious food ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4020.jpg
smaug


Posted Apr 23, 2011, 4:31 am
Hi,

Today we had a first short walk around Roma. We started the day with a sweet breakfast :)...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4021.jpg

...and planned our exploration route.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4069.jpg

Well, it turned out that our route wasn’t exactly fitting with the work requirements of the day :rolleyes: so we just managed to see a few buildings...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4052.jpg

...and some typical Roman scooter parking lot (that means every roadside or pavement where there are not cars already parked ;)).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4048.jpg

Luckyly dinner went as for our plans and we got our favourite takeaway pizza from the pizzeria round the corner, delicious as always :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4028.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4029.jpg
smaug


Posted Apr 25, 2011, 4:13 am
Hi,

Today we saw a bit more of the city. After starting the day as usual with a proper breakfast ;)...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4030.jpg


...we walked toward St Peter’s Square :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4089.jpg

I took a closer look at the basilica.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4098.jpg

During some ceremonies the pope sometimes shows up from one of the windows up there, but disappointingly today he didn’t come out to greet us :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4095.jpg

All the walking made us hungry so we stopped for lunch :) and got some “caprese” salad...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4123.jpg

...and a calzone.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4124.jpg

Moving on we took a couple of photos at one of our favourite spots across the river Tevere.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4107.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4108.jpg

In the evening we went for dinner in the district of Trastevere. That church behind me is supposed to be famous...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4057.jpg

...but I was more interested in stopping for drinks and snacks rather rather than sightseeing ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4063.jpg

At last it was time to have proper dinner :D. We started with a selection of Italian salami, hams and cheese.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4065.jpg

Later we had some pasta, bucatini all’amatriciana :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4066.jpg

The great advantage of being small TVs is that we can roam around the table and help ourselves with whatever is available ;), so we moved across the table and tried another type of pasta.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4067.jpg

At that point I was already so full that I couldn’t even look at the second course or at the dessert, but just had to go home and run for a digestive :rolleyes:.
smaug


Posted Apr 28, 2011, 5:21 am
Hi,

Our exploration of Roma...and it’s restaurants ;)...continued today. We got a muffin for breakfast, not the most typical Italian early morning food, but we ain’t picky about sweets :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4070.jpg

Later we explored the gardens of Villa Borghese where we met this lion who, to be honest, didn’t even spare a glance to acknowledge our presence, how rude :stare:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4148.jpg

Moving on we reached the top of the Spanish Steps from where we could see Piazza di Spagna :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4163.jpg

Luckily it was soon time to eat and as soon as we sat at the table we took control of the menu :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4137.jpg

Sigfrido suggested to go easy with the food as he was concerned that we ate a bit too much recently :o, so we got a small starter.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4138.jpg

Too bad we noticed an interesting plate full of pasta just nearby and, of course, we felt compelled to try it ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4141.jpg

Well, you can guess how it all ended up: another indigestion :rolleyes:!
smaug


Posted May 1, 2011, 4:47 am
Hi,

I am back in France and today I visited Caen :)! On the way there the train stopped in the small town of Lisieux...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4185.jpg

...where we saw the Basilica of St. Thérèse, which apparently is a very popular pilgrimage site :o.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4182.jpg

Once we reached Caen we wondered a bit around the streets..

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4194.jpg

...and checked the back of that nice church :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4196.jpg

Unfortunately we were stuck working :rolleyes: for the rest of the day, so we couldn’t take any more photos.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4192.jpg
smaug


Posted May 3, 2011, 5:11 am
Hi,

Today we spent a few hours in a very sunny and warm Paris :D. First we went to the top of the Printemps department store to look at the city. We could see the roof of the Opéra...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4198.jpg

... La Tour Eiffel...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4199.jpg

... The Église Saint-Augustin and La Défense in the distance…

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4204.jpg

... la Madeleine...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4205.jpg

...and Montmartre :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4212.jpg

Later I went to get a closer look at the front of the Opéra.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4215.jpg

As we were a bit hungry, on the way back to Rouen we got a delicious sandwich :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4219.jpg

What a lovely day :)!
smaug


Posted May 4, 2011, 5:15 am
Hi,

Happy Easter :D! Today we were looking forward to eat our chocolate egg, but Sigfrido said that we were supposed to have lunch first. He also suggested that we shouldn’t eat too much to leave room for the chocolate ;), so we had only a "light" lunch based on foie gras :rolleyes:!

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4221.jpg

Eventually it was time to attack the egg :)...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4223.jpg

...which turned out to be wrapped in several layers of paper :stare:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4225.jpg

But eventually we managed to crack it open :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4226.jpg

Dean and I were a bit distracted by the strange metal shape that was supposed to be the surprised :o, while Sigfrido had eyes for the chocolate only :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4227.jpg

Yumm, it was delicious :D!

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4229.jpg
smaug


Posted May 9, 2011, 4:07 am
Hi,

Guess what? This week Sigfrido asked us if we wanted to go with him in Switzerland for a short trip, of course we agreed and here I am in Zürich :D! Today I walked a bit around the city. First I had a look at the river Limmat.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4233.jpg

Then I just wandered around the streets :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4235.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4239.jpg

I decided that, being in Switzerland, it was a good time to get myself a nice fancy watch B), but for some reason I couldn’t convince Sigfrido to yield the credit card :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4240.jpg

So we just kept walking until we reached a nice viewpoint :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4249.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4256.jpg

Eventually it was time to get a snack, and, of course we got some chocolate ;): fresh truffles, delicious :D!

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4263.jpg
smaug


Posted May 15, 2011, 11:11 pm
Hi,

Today we explored a bit more of Zürich. Some of the streets were very steep...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4267.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4270.jpg

...so we decided to enjoy a relaxed walk around the lake :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4273.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4275.jpg

Of course we indulged in visiting some typical shops ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4280.jpg

And then we rested a bit at this nice fountain...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4261.jpg

...until it was time grab a bus and accompany Sigfrido to work.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4285.jpg

Luckily we didn’t forget to save some food for the bus trip ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal_tv/IMG_4290.jpg
smaug


Posted Jun 4, 2011, 8:11 pm
Hi,

We are back in France, where a lot of work was waiting for us after the trip to Switzerland :o. We had to do the laundry and hung the clothes out to dry up...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4293.jpg

...and then iron the whole of them :stare:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4295.jpg

Luckily we brought back some Swiss "souvenir" to boost our sugar levels ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4291.jpg
smaug


Posted Jun 4, 2011, 8:24 pm
Hi,

We are in Canada again :)! Today on the way to Calgary we stopped at Montreal airport. We explored a bit around but it just looked like...an airport :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4301.jpg

So we decided to focus our attention on finding some food ;). For a bit we thought that we were just going to get a bagel...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4299.jpg

...but Sigfrido magically :rolleyes: made appear a cookie too :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4300.jpg

Off to the next plane now :).
smaug


Posted Jun 5, 2011, 4:13 am
Hi,

I arrived back home in Calgary :) where I found a posse of TVs :stare: welcoming us here at smaug’s place: Dottie Mouse, Pitzelpatz, Fiete, Clifford, Kirin, Frankie_Blue and my great friend sammino :D. As we were a bit jet lagged we chatted a bit and then quickly went to get some sleep :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino2%20tv/DSCN4708.jpg
smaug


Posted Jun 5, 2011, 4:48 am
Hi,

Dean, Sigfrido and myself will spend a few days in Banff for work :rolleyes:, so today all the others TVs accompanied us there  to check that we had proper accommodation ;).  Here we started heading towards the mountains :)...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino2%20tv/IMG_4340.jpg

...and got closer to Banff until we reached our exit from the highway.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino2%20tv/IMG_4343.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino2%20tv/IMG_4345.jpg

Driving through Banff was very nice :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino2%20tv/IMG_4346.jpg

At the conference centre we inspected the room: the view was nice...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino2%20tv/DSCN4710.jpg

And the furniture seemed comfortable enough :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino2%20tv/DSCN4709.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino2%20tv/DSCN4711.jpg

As the place looked OK ;) we said goodbye to our friends and got ready for our stay here.
smaug


Posted Jun 6, 2011, 4:12 am
Hi,

We have been very busy this week :rolleyes:, but today we managed to explore a bit around Banff :). First we planned our day on the map.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4452.jpg

Then, going out, we found another map: it seems we plan the route correctly.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4362.jpg

Our first destination was the Bow River.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4364.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4368.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4372.jpg

The benches were all dedicated to different people.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4370.jpg

We took a quick look at the town...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4380.jpg

...and headed towards Tunnel Mountain.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4419.jpg

The trail was steep...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4423.jpg

But the view was nice :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4416.jpg

And, of course, we took the occasional rest ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4438.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4432.jpg

Going up the view got better...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4429.jpg

...and eventually we reached the top and even received congratulations B).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4445.jpg

We rested a bit...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4440.jpg

...and then had a look on the opposite side :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4435.jpg

What a nice day :D!
smaug


Posted Jun 12, 2011, 5:50 am
Hi,

Yesterday we came back to smaug's place, and since today the weather was very nice we all went for a short walk along the Little Elbow River :). First we took a couple a photos from almost the middle of the river.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN4730.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN4729.jpg

Then we kept walking between trees, mountains and the river.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN4745.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN4747.jpg

What a nice day :D.
smaug


Posted Jun 30, 2011, 3:57 pm
Hi,

today it was party time as it is my birthday :D! The other TVs got a lovely cake for me and let me have a big, big slice all for myself :p.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino2%20tv/DSCN4754.jpg

Today it was actually also goodbye time: Dean, Sigfrido and I are all flying back to Europe tomorrow, so all the TVs gathered to say goodbye to us :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino2%20tv/DSCN4756.jpg

sammino also gave me a big hug and wished me a safe trip :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino2%20tv/DSCN4759.jpg
smaug


Posted Jul 7, 2011, 3:28 am
Hi,

Today we are flying back to Europe :). As we arrived early at Calgary airport, we explored a bit around.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4488.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4490.jpg

I thought of buying a cowdog hat B)...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4489.jpg

... but Sigfrido told me that the carry-on baggage was full enough without getting more souvenirs :rolleyes:, so we headed to a cafeteria instead ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4491.jpg
smaug


Posted Jul 7, 2011, 3:43 am
Hi,

After a boring 4 hours flight I arrived in Toronto. It was nice to stretch my legs before jumping on the flight to Europe, so I wondered a bit around the terminal...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4493.jpg

...and took a look at the planes.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4505.jpg

Later we found this strange animal who was kind enough to take a picture with us :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4508.jpg

As I was getting a bit hungry I thought of helping myself with a few chocolate donuts :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4512.jpg

But apparently you are supposed to stay light before a long flight :stare:...so we forgot the donuts and got popcorns and a bagel instead :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4513.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4514.jpg
smaug


Posted Jul 7, 2011, 4:31 am
Hi,

Today was a lovely summer day :)....steaming hot summer day actually :rolleyes:...so we spent the day out of town and went visiting the ruins of Jumieges Abbey, which apparently during the middle ages was a very famous abbey :o.
First we explored a bit around and stopped at the tourist office...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4517.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4519.jpg

...then, we entered the abbey compound.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4521.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4522.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4524.jpg

The front of the abbey is very impressive :)...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4528.jpg

...while time has taken a bit of a heavier toll on the back :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4530.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4535.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4538.jpg

Walking around we found this little nice building...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4545.jpg

...and this lovely abandoned well where we spent some time chit-chatting and enjoying the sun :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4550.jpg
smaug


Posted Jul 10, 2011, 11:45 pm
Hi,

Today we found an envelope in the post box and, guess what, a TV came out of it :D: Landroval, another one of smaug’s TV who will spend the summer with Dean, Sigfrido and myself :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4551.jpg

As soon as he came out of the envelope he said “I forgot something” and went back in...:stare:

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4553.jpg

...and then reappeared showing us the lovely postacard that his last host gave to him :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4554.jpg
smaug


Posted Jul 11, 2011, 1:01 am
Hi,

Guess what, we’re off to Roma again :D! Today we got in our travelling quarters and jumped on our flight to Italy.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4566.jpg

Once we arrived we checked out of the window: not a very impressive view :rolleyes:, we actually wondered if we were staying in a jail :stare:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4570.jpg

Anyway, as we desperately needed a snack, we checked out the kitchen...which turned out to be very interesting :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4571.jpg

The muffins looked good...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4572.jpg

...but we settled for these lovely Italian bisquits ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4574.jpg

After the snack Sigfrido left for work and came back later on with a calzone :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4578.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4579.jpg

Landroval was a bit puzzled, so Dean explained him that pizza in these parts of the world looks quite different from what he probably was used to on the other side of the pond...but it also tastes much better ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4580.jpg

It was delicious :D!

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4581.jpg

As we were ready to relax with a full stomach, Landroval pointed out that a single pizza between the four of us wasn’t exactly a pantagruelian meal :rolleyes: so we decided to look into this shopping bag for dessert.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4582.jpg

There was plenty of interesting food...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4585.jpg

...but this chocolate cream seemed definitely the best dessert choice :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4583.jpg
smaug


Posted Jul 18, 2011, 4:30 am
Hi,

Today we eventually had some time to explore around Roma..where, btw, it’s so hot and humid that you can barely breathe :rolleyes:. First we were around Piazza del Popolo, where we explored this gate...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4591.jpg

...and, of course ;), the obelisk at the center of the square.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4600.jpg

We stopped a few minutes to refresh ourselves at this fountain where that lion was pouring water out of his mouth. We were all very concerned that he might turn around, but luckily he didn’t :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4593.jpg

Later we wandered around the streets...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4603.jpg

...until we reached Piazza di Spagna...but it was too hot to walk up the famous steps.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4609.jpg

We briefly passed in front of the pantheon...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4617.jpg

...and then moved to Trastevere where we were going to have dinner :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4624.jpg

First we stopped at a bar (where Landroval caused a little commotion trying to hunt down pigeons before :stare: Sigfrido managed to rein him in) for some drinks and snacks.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4633.jpg

Eventually it was time for dinner, where we had a lovely starter...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4643.jpg

...followed by a delicious pasta :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4644.jpg
smaug


Posted Jul 21, 2011, 4:04 am
Hi,

Today we walked a bit more around the city, but not for long since it was very hot. First we passed again in front of the Pantheon :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4662.jpg

Then we walked around narrow streets trying to stay in the shade :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4680.jpg

We visited Piazza Navona with its famous fountains...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4675.jpg

...until it was, eventually, time for a brake ;). We got a lovely bruschetta and, most important, some ice cold beer :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4666.jpg
smaug


Posted Jul 24, 2011, 5:15 am
Hi,

Today is our last day in Roma so we explored around a final time :). First we visited Piazza Venezia and had a look at the monument to Vittorio Emanuele II...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4703.jpg

...and Palazzo Venezia.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4709.jpg

Later we stopped for a pizza ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4588.jpg

Then we moved to the river Tevere. This bridge was built in the second century BC :o and is the oldest stone bridge in town. It has actually been out service since 1598 when it was partly knocked down by a flood.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4716.jpg

Here we were appreciating the fact that speed limits were quite low in this old part of town when a speeding car almost turned us all into flat toys :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4719.jpg

We took a last look at the river with St Peter’s dome in the distance and headed home...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4726.jpg

...where we refreshed ourselves with a lovely papaya :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4687.jpg

Next update will be from northern Italy :).
smaug


Posted Aug 1, 2011, 6:23 am
Hi,

Today we headed to the Dolomites :D in northern Italy, where the weather seems to be "a touch" :rolleyes: cooler than the scorching heat we experienced in Roma.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4741.jpg

Sigfrido and I followed the route on the GPS trying to make sure that we didn't get lost...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4745.jpg

...or run out of petrol.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4753.jpg

On the way the valley around the motorway became very narrow...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4756.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4761.jpg

...and stayed like that until we reached our exit.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4765.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4767.jpg

We passed through a few villages...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4776.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4778.jpg

...and eventually reached our destination, Selva di Val Gardena :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4779.jpg

We immediately decided to explore the village. The local products shops seem interesting ;)...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4783.jpg

...very interesting :D!

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4788.jpg

And the mountains around are very imposing, and there’s even snow at the top.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4804.jpg

Still, the place is also a bit odd to say the least: the benches are made out of old skis :o...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4782.jpg

...strange characters lurk around the streets :rolleyes:...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4798.jpg

...and it seems that climbers are allowed to practice their skills on the village buildings :stare:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4792.jpg

Later we went back to the hotel where we decided to wait for dinner chit-chatting on the window sill while enjoying the view of the valley :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4807.jpg
smaug


Posted Aug 2, 2011, 4:47 am
Hi,

Today the weather was a bit better, so we explored a bit around :). We took a gondola up to the top of a place called Cimpinoi. From there we had a great view over this corner of the dolomites. We could see the Sassolungo just above us...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4815.jpg

...the Odle and Puez groups on the other side of the valley...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4822.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4823.jpg

...the Sciliar group in the distance...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4828.jpg

...and the Sella group in front of us :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4840.jpg

We studied a bit the area...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMGP1201.jpg

...and also found some lovely flowers :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4869.jpg

At this point Landroval took off a few minutes to explore from the air and quickly came back very excited explaining that he found an appropriate lunch :stare:. It turned out that lunch was a herd of massive cows grazing the alpine meadows :rolleyes:...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4847.jpg

...so we opted for a lunch that required a bit less work to prepare ;), delicious :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4884.jpg

On the way back we took some photo from the gondola (despite the heavily scratched windows :rolleyes:).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMGP1206.jpg

We chatted comfortably in our seats...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMGP1217.jpg

...until we saw the village getting closer and started thinking about supper ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMGP1219.jpg
smaug


Posted Aug 9, 2011, 3:30 am
Hi,

Today we took advantage again of the good weather and visited another part of the Valley reaching a peak called Seceda, from where the view was great :D. We could see the Sassoloungo...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4902.jpg

...Odle...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4907.jpg

...and Sella groups.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4908.jpg

We also decided to play a bit in the high grass :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4912.jpg

At one point, of course, we needed to refuel so we stopped to get a lovely slice of Apfelstrudel :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4932.jpg

On the way down we stopped to take another picture over this fence.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4934.jpg

Back at the hotel we tried to sunbathe on the deck B), but we had to keep moving the chair to chase down the few rays of sun :rolleyes:...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4953.jpg

...so we went back to our favourite window sill to enjoy pre-dinner chatting ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4952.jpg
smaug


Posted Aug 15, 2011, 1:39 am
Hi,

Today we left a very rainy Selva and headed back to Trento.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4980.jpg

On the side of the road we met a strange mouse :rolleyes:, but we didn’t stop to investigate.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4986.jpg

The good news is that when we were almost home it stopped raining, so we have hope for the next few days :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4991.jpg
smaug


Posted Aug 15, 2011, 2:17 am
Hi,

Today we visited the little town of Merano :). It was a bit of a drive...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5002.jpg

...but it seems we didn’t get lost :rolleyes:...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5000.jpg

...and soon we were entering the town.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5005.jpg

Being a TV celebrity has its perks ;), for instance today they put up a special sign to welcome us B).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5012.jpg

Then we explored a bit around the old town :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5006.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5023.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5027.jpg

Until it was time to eat something, when we got a lovely Kaiserschmarrn :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5031.jpg
smaug


Posted Aug 15, 2011, 3:08 am
Hi,

Today we went for a short visit to Verona :). First we had a look at Piazza Brà, with the Arena in the background.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5034.jpg

Then we explored Via Mazzini, where we hoped to do some fancy shopping B), but Sigfrido kept a tight grip on the credit card :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5039.jpg

Moving on we reached Piazza delle Erbe...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5043.jpg

...and saw the tower called Torre dei Lamberti

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5044.jpg

Our last stop was on the stairs at the entrance of what used to be the City Hall :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5048.jpg
smaug


Posted Aug 16, 2011, 2:06 am
Hi,

Today watching out of the window we saw that it was a nice day...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4735.jpg

...so we went visiting one of our favourite spots here in Trento, the terrace of the church round the corner from the house, where we enjoyed the sun and the view over the valley :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5065.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5069.jpg

And guess what, we came back just in time to see some typical canederli cooking in the pan :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4994.jpg

Of course we wanted to appear helpful in preparing dinner ;), so we offered to grate the parmigiano cheese.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4998.jpg

Having given our contribution to the meal, it was time to enjoy our well deserved dinner :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4999.jpg

And we even got a lovely icecream for dessert :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_4733.jpg
smaug


Posted Aug 16, 2011, 2:25 am
Hi,

Today it was time to leave Italy and head back to France :), so first we drove to Verona to catch our flight.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5073.jpg

The side of the road was littered with old castles and churches :o...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5074.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5082.jpg

...and just before coming out of the valley we also had to go through a very narrow gorge.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5085.jpg

Once we eventually got on the plane we were a bit disappointed with the amount :rolleyes: of free food offered to the passengers.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5088.jpg

So we just filled the time reading a magazine and dreaming of new travels :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5094.jpg
smaug


Posted Aug 18, 2011, 3:31 am
Hi,

I am back in France for a short stop :). As it was a nice day...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5106.jpg

...we went for a short walk in town.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5102.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5100.jpg

But we had to come home fairly quickly and start packing...apparently we’ll be on the move again very soon :D.
smaug


Posted Aug 19, 2011, 2:39 am
Hi,

Guess what? I’m back in Princeton! After a few days resting at home, today we were allowed to explore a bit around :). First we checked that the weather was good, and off we went.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5122.jpg

Our first stop was at the Graduate College.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5124.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5128.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5131.jpg

Later we passed by the Princeton Theological Seminary.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5137.jpg

Walking on we reached the main University Campus...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5143.jpg

...where I introduced the others to one of my tiger friends ;). Well this tiger, as usual, was too busy thinking of something else to even notice us being around :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5148.jpg

Once we reached downtown we found this thing celebrating 250 years of the University.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5149.jpg

Then we passed by Nassau Hall, the main University building, that was also, for a short time, seat of the Congress :o.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5152.jpg

I pointed out to the others the two tigers guarding the door and explained that one of them was very friendly so we went to say hallo. And she was so pleased to meet me again: she let us play on her paws and wanted to hear everything about our travelling stories :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5156.jpg

On the way back we stopped by some more buildings in the campus.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5161.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5165.jpg

Until eventually we reached home, sorted out our shopping...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5107.jpg

...and enjoyed our well deserved takeaway lunch ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5108.jpg
smaug


Posted Aug 25, 2011, 5:00 am
Hi,

Today Sigfrido invited us to join him at work :). On the way we met this friendly deer :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5242.jpg

As we approached the institute Sigfrido said that it is a very important research center, so we should behave ourselves :stare:...I wonder why would he make such a remark :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5259.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5232.jpg

Once inside he showed us his work...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5209.jpg

...and we decided to help.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5212.jpg

Apparently our help wasn’t very welcome :stare:, as he said that before allowing us to make any more of a mess he wanted to check our mathematics knowledge. Of course, 3 well travelled TVs fear no test B), but we were not really ready for such challenging questions :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5261.jpg

Luckily, we were saved by the bell that called us to the coffee room. First we checked the view from the terrace...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5203.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5207.jpg

Then we explored the room: apparently it was reserved for discussions...just perfect for us ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5198.jpg

There was a funny clock...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5196.jpg

...and we met some famous scientist :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5193.jpg

Later, instead of going back to work and embarrass ourselves any further with Sigfrido's questions :rolleyes:, we decided to play a chess tournament, a real battle of minds....and, of course, I was the best B).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5200.jpg
smaug


Posted Aug 27, 2011, 4:41 am
Hi,

Today the weather was a bit rubbish, so we kept ourselves busy doing the chores :o. First we had a lovely breakfast based on cherries and cookies :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5187.jpg

Then we went to the laundry.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5176.jpg

We prepared the drier...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5179.jpg

...and passed the time reading a nice magazine :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5180.jpg

Back home it was time to iron the clean clothes.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5183.jpg

We even had to prepare our own lunch...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5186.jpg

...which, of course ;), turned out to be delicious :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5185.jpg

After all the work we decided to have some well earned rest and spent the afternoon chatting and watching the rain....the rain, the deluge :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5273.jpg
smaug


Posted Aug 27, 2011, 4:49 am
Hi,

Today we said goodbye to our friend Dean :) who jumped in his envelope and got ready to travel home. We all said goodbye to him and wished him a safe trip :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5280.jpg
smaug


Posted Aug 29, 2011, 3:08 am
Hi,

Today, after accompanying Dean to the post office, we had a final look around our residence :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5296.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5301.jpg

We particularly liked this tree :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5294.jpg

Back at the office, we were checking out the latest updates on toyvoyagers.com....

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5304.jpg

...when something shook the building and sent us upside down :stare:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5305.jpg

We thought it was an elephant coming in from the front door :rolleyes:, but apparently it was "just" an earthquake :o. Of course, recovering from such a scare was a good excuse to have a coffee with cookies ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5302.jpg
smaug


Posted Aug 29, 2011, 3:21 am
Hi,

Time to leave again :D! Today we finished packing and headed to Newark airport :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5307.jpg

The trip was frightfully boring :rolleyes:, but at least we got a good breakfast at the airport ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5310.jpg
smaug


Posted Aug 29, 2011, 3:41 am
Hi,

Here we are at Minneapolis airport waiting for our connection to Canada :). First, we had a look at the planes...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5316.jpg

...but that wasn’t very interesting, so we explored around.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5318.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5320.jpg

We met Snoopy and Woodstock :D...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5321.jpg

...and even, unsuccessfully :rolleyes:, tried to go for a ride on this Harley.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5324.jpg

When it was time to eat we got a Chinese lunch, and Sigfrido showed us how to properly use chopsticks :stare:...although, since it seemed a bit of a complicated task, I decided to eat dog-style ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5326.jpg

Later we spent the afternoon reading until it was time to catch our next flight.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5314.jpg
smaug


Posted Sep 1, 2011, 4:53 am
Hi,

After a few more hours flying we eventually arrived home in Calgary, where we are going to spend the weekend :). As soon as we crossed the doorstep we met a host of TVs welcoming us: HelgaHH a ladybird from Germany, Sofia a hover-fly from Finland who arrived today too :o, and my friend sammino :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino2%20tv/DSCN5126.jpg

It's nice to be home ;).
smaug


Posted Sep 5, 2011, 3:46 am
Hi,

Today we went for a quick walk around Calgary downtown. We saw some of the skyscrapers :)..

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5331.jpg

...a C-Train station...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5333.jpg

...and these strange structures :stare:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5345.jpg

Of course, we stopped for food ;)...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino2%20tv/IMG_5347.jpg

...before taking a final look around and head home.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5351.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5357.jpg
smaug


Posted Sep 7, 2011, 5:02 am
Hi,

Today we went for a short visit to Banff. On the way we had privileged seats to enjoy the view of the mountains ;)...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino2%20tv/IMG_5360.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino2%20tv/IMG_5363.jpg

...and just as we were parking, we met this big group of horseriders :stare:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino2%20tv/IMG_5364.jpg

We had a look at our surroundings...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino2%20tv/DSCN5127.jpg

...and off we went in the middle of the Bow Valley.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN5136.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN5137.jpg

It was very hot, so the river was really inviting us for a skinny dive B)...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN5140.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN5141.jpg

...but smaug said that the water was too cold :rolleyes:, so we moved on and passed by this lovely wetland.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN5151.jpg

Later we stopped at Sundance Canyon, with it’s narrow gorge :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN5156.jpg

In the evening we took a ride on the Sulphur Mountain Gondola. Although the sun was setting, the view from the top was great :D. We could see the Banff down in the valley...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN5168.jpg

...the summit station of the gondola...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN5178.jpg

...and the whole Mount Rundle ridge :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN5167.jpg
smaug


Posted Sep 8, 2011, 5:13 am
Hi,

Today it was farewell time: I said goodbye to all my friends here in Calgary and started heading back to Europe with Sigfrido and Landroval :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino2%20tv/DSCN5181.jpg

Before we jumped in the luggage sammino gave me a big hug and wished me a safe journey :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino2%20tv/DSCN5183.jpg
smaug


Posted Sep 15, 2011, 3:36 am
Hi,

On our way back to Europe we stopped again in Minneapolis, so we had time to explore a bit better the airport...after grabbing a bite, of course ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5388.jpg

We wandered around...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5395.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5398.jpg

..checked out this “self service post office”,...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5391.jpg

...and found a lovely high spot to keep control of what was happening below.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5401.jpg

Later we went for a little canoe trip through the departure area B)...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5390.jpg

...and even met another Snoopy :D...who must have been late for his flight as he was running and didn’t even notice us :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5402.jpg
smaug


Posted Oct 3, 2011, 1:57 am
Hi,

The weather is a bit miserably rainy these days :(, so we decided to cheer ourselves up by baking a cake ;). We studied the recipe...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5404.jpg

...and off we went mixing the ingredients.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5405.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5406.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5407.jpg

It was actually hard work, but we managed to get it ready for the oven.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5408.jpg

We thought we might go out for a walk while waiting for it to be ready, but the weather had no intention to improve.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5412.jpg

Luckily it wasn’t a long wait :rolleyes:...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5414.jpg

...and after just a final touch, our afternoon snack was ready to be enjoyed :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5415.jpg
smaug


Posted Oct 6, 2011, 4:43 am
Hi,

As we were stuck home for some time today we decided to treat ourselves and Sigfrido got a lovely cake for us :D. First, though, we had some delicious starters...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5423.jpg

...but we quickly decided to skip directly to dessert :rolleyes:...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5419.jpg

...which didn’t last very long ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5424.jpg
smaug


Posted Oct 6, 2011, 5:12 am
Hi,

Today we shortly visited Paris :D. First we passed in front of the Opéra...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5432.jpg

...and looked down at Place de l’Opéra and Avenue de l’Opéra.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5433.jpg

Moving on we reached Place de la Madeleine...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5446.jpg

...with the Église de la Madeleine :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5440.jpg

From the steps at the front of the church we could see Place de la Concorde in the distance.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5463.jpg

As we were getting tired we stopped to get some sugars ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5429.jpg

Later we reached Place de la Concorde...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5457.jpg

...where we checked out the Luxor Obelisk :stare:...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5450.jpg

...and looked down the Champs-Élysées :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5460.jpg

Before heading home we stopped playing with one of the “Velib” bikes :), that are used in the famous Paris bikesharing system.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5443.jpg
smaug


Posted Oct 25, 2011, 4:47 am
Hi,

As we have been a bit quiet for a while, today we decided to treat ourselves trying to bake some biscuits that we ate in Roma last time we were there :). We quickly checked the recipe...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5466.jpg

...and we started working.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5467.jpg

The results didn’t look that good :rolleyes:, but ovens sometime can work miracles, so we kept our hope ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5468.jpg

Of course, while waiting for the final product to be ready, we munched a few other things, just to keep ourselves busy :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5469.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5475.jpg

Eventually everything was ready. We just needed to cut out the single biscuits...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5470.jpg

...and our lovely dessert was ready for eating :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5473.jpg
smaug


Posted Oct 27, 2011, 4:51 am
Hi,

As I will be leaving soon, we decided to spend some quality time by eating cakes ;). In this particular case we prepared something ourselves. A quick a look at the recipe...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5478.jpg

...and we were ready to start. First we grabbed some biscuits, of which we needed a full box, since half of them seemed to somehow vanish into Landroval’s beak :rolleyes:...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5479.jpg

...biscuits that we had to crush down to crumbles. As the crushing was taking too long, Landroval made a little mess trying to speed things up :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5480.jpg

But, eventually,  the crushing was taken care of, and it was time to mix together all the other ingredients...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5481.jpg

...until the results, some very strange mixture :stare:, was ready to be wrapped in foil and set to rest in the fridge.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5485.jpg

The wait was a bit long, but a few hours later we had some deliciously sweet chocolate and biscuits based slices all for us to enjoy :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5486.jpg
smaug


Posted Oct 30, 2011, 9:51 pm
Hi,

Today Sigfrido told us that he had to go to Paris for work and, since he was going to have some spare time, that we should join him :D.
Our first stop was in Rue Mouffetard, where we had a hard time trying not to stop by all those lovely meat and fish stalls :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5489.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5491.jpg

Leaving those temptations behind us :(, we reached the Pantheon, were we took photos from the back and the front.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5495.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5498.jpg

We then walked down Rue Soufflot...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5504.jpg

...until we reached the Luxembourg gardens, were we stopped to rest a bit :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5506.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5508.jpg

While recovering from the long walk we planned our next moves.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5509.jpg

We though of visiting this Cézanne exhibition, but unfortunately, cameras were severely prohibited inside.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5512.jpg

So we just moved on a checked the outside of Saint-Sulpice wih the famous fountain :o.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5520.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5525.jpg

A bit further on we got a glimpse of Notre Dame in the distance :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5527.jpg

We then walked a bit along la Seine...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5530.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5532.jpg

...until we reached the Louvre, where we took a final photo before diving underground to get the métro and head home :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5537.jpg
smaug


Posted Nov 3, 2011, 3:53 am
Hi,

Today it was time to prepare my travelling quarters and get ready to fly to Germany :D, so I said goodbye to my friends here in Rouen. Sigfrido gave me a big hug and wished me a safe trip :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5539.jpg

Then I jumped in the envelope and off I went, hopefully it will be a short trip ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_5538.jpg
olgamaus


Posted Nov 8, 2011, 1:21 pm
Hi there,
this was a rather short trip! I arrived in Germany today. In the evening my new host Katja released me from my envelope. I brought some lovely things with me :D

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6115/6325084529_68d6d5630e_o.jpg

I brought a postcard, caramel candy and a lovely fridge magnet with me. Katja loves everything :)

We put the magnet immediately next to the other souvenir magnets.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6235/6325837488_691ed0074a_o.jpg

One of Katja's own ToyVoyager, Dottie Mouse came home from her trip to California today, also loaded with souvenirs. Have a look:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6095/6325837826_b649976ff0_o.jpg

Now we are going to have a nap, let's see what we will do tomorrow!

Love
Krystal
olgamaus


Posted Nov 8, 2011, 7:36 pm
Hi,
I could not wait to take a walk in our lunch break. The weather was fine, so we went around a bit. The first photos were taken in the vicinity of my current home.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6230/6325838100_d3981900f0_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6037/6326649302_baa48263cf_o.jpg

When we walked to the city centre I saw more lovely houses.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6215/6325896267_84c441c06e_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6227/6326649578_4229919960_o.jpg

Here you can see some of Katja's current guests: Jellybean and Plato.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6032/6325918919_854dfceab3_o.jpg

A few minutes later we reached the city centre with the shopping area.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6214/6325896535_e407b482ac_o.jpg

A farmer's market is taking place here on Thursday and Friday.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6213/6326649858_d4cd180c88_o.jpg

Katja told me that the music school is situated in this pretty house.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6033/6326650062_e98fae0510_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6094/6325897007_212dfc9d9e_o.jpg

This is the central bus station and the company building of the local newspaper, RGA.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6044/6325897105_bc7b41d747_o.jpg

On the  next photo you can see the public library.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6115/6326650462_79c5d90343_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6229/6325897587_1fb6465b71_o.jpg

We had to buy a few things in the shopping mall.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6234/6326650928_c412819755_o.jpg

Bye
Krystal
olgamaus


Posted Nov 15, 2011, 1:23 pm
Hi Dad,
we took a walk in the municipal park today. It is not far from my current home, only a few minutes walking to get there. It is more a landscape park than a park with lawns and flower beds.

In the entrance area you can find the observatory.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6222/6344432127_15d95f241b_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6220/6345180132_7195fa05ba_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6216/6345180266_311394d17f_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6098/6344432747_8fa1ba621d_o.jpg

We became witness in a love story: KalliHH met his love HelgaHH. I don't have the slightest idea how she came here from Heidelberg in Southern Germany, but somehow she made it.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6220/6335144772_bace9ffea7_o.jpg

We saw beautifully coloured ilex.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6044/6345180916_e621e0aa68_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6034/6345180722_0c8b861b58_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6101/6345181152_eac54d0aa0_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6093/6345181442_3be5c60726_o.jpg

When we left the park we saw outskirts of the neighbour city Wuppertal.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6060/6345181556_3e5227ee4d_o.jpg

Bye
Krystal

olgamaus


Posted Nov 17, 2011, 11:26 am
Hi Daddy,
we took a walk in Solingen-Unterburg today, a lovely historic quarter in the neighbour city Solingen.

They have those  lovely half-timbered houses here also.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6109/6340642105_4b46c77706_o.jpg

There are also many restaurants.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6229/6341391334_5fea03a6ed_o.jpg

Those houses are really old, partly from 17th century. This house was built in 1654! The small label on the left side of the door is saying that this house is under monument protection.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6057/6341391462_9b8d60a0e3_o.jpg

Extremely narrow lanes are also typical for those old quarters.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6226/6341391680_d8fa5e69ed_o.jpg

We visited an old formerly evangelic graveyard than. It belongs to this little church from 18th century.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6231/6341391976_abf1b82497_o.jpg

The graveyard was opened in 1744 A.D. and closed in 1854 A.D.

52 graves remained. This graveyard really is a speciality because the tombstones were created in a nearly unitary style, made from an originally yellow-reddish sandstone. Presumably they were made at the same time around 1745 A.D. They were probably made with the inscriptions and sayings, later the dates of death were filled in.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6227/6341392168_3401bbb479_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6041/6340643287_d37126de05_o.jpg

Did you knew that the butterfly is a symbol for alteration, transformation and metamorphose, but also freedom?

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6059/6341392720_101779ca72_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6214/6341392874_07d30e5c18_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6031/6340644133_2444d6a5d8_o.jpg

After visiting the graveyard we took a walk in the nearby forest. From a view point we saw Muengsten Bridge in the distance.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6044/6340644279_54a673a7ec_o.jpg

Here is also a zoomed photo.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6213/6341406012_253fc97a3e_o.jpg

The forest soil is covered with pine needles.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6106/6340644465_2408a06aae_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6110/6341393724_14c821652d_o.jpg

When we left the forest Schloss Burg came into sight. Schloss Burg is a medieval castle, I would love to visit it :)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6118/6340644869_8324475a1c_o.jpg

Bye
Krystal

olgamaus


Posted Nov 26, 2011, 8:30 pm
Hi Dad,
we took a short walk in the city centre when a new guest was brought by the postman. He brought Clyde from California.

Katja's workplace in a law firm is close to the city hall.

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6043/6406851905_1599ca958b_o.jpg

The christmas market in front of the city hall will be opened tomorrow.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6406852139_a95cfba37f_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6406852345_e5c8ec6790_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6406852683_d8019f345e_o.jpg

Katja showed me the central bus station.

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6112/6406852967_68e8f5e7ce_o.jpg

We walked back to the office through the shopping street.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6406853185_62100303e8_o.jpg

Bye
Krystal
olgamaus


Posted Nov 27, 2011, 11:13 am
Hi Dad,
we had to buy some things in our lunch break, so Katja took us with her to the shopping street and shopping mall.

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6094/6382834203_83b667412d_o.jpg

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6108/6382834821_0a60532406_o.jpg

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6034/6382837017_a8691f37ef_o.jpg

Bye
Krystal
olgamaus


Posted Nov 30, 2011, 9:05 pm
Hi Dad,
today we went to Hueckeswagen, a small town in the "Oberbergischer Kreis" embedded in a rural area. First we had a look at the riding stable, where Katja's friend is spending her free time.

We went to the meadows to have a look at the horses. They were all outside.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6420217945_7f86352c31_o.jpg

This is Teddy, a young Australian shepherd.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7020/6420218237_b983aaca5e_o.jpg

Lots of animals are living here, also two calfes.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6420218473_ba7b788db3_o.jpg

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6047/6420218689_60e58fce45_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7168/6420218981_75442d4e09_o.jpg

Katja and her friend wanted to walk to the city centre of Hueckeswagen, maybe 30 minutes to walk. We walked along an upstream dam, part of the large "Wuppersperre" (Wupper dam).

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7168/6420219241_777fe4e6d0_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6420219723_e53163423e_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6420219899_c97047fb50_o.jpg

In Hueckeswagen you can find an old castle, situated on a hill, with a part of the city centre. Stairs are leading to the castle.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/6420220177_d205447786_o.jpg

They have lovely old houses here.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6420220405_c8b9deb70b_o.jpg

Of course we had to walk all the way back to the riding stable. Katja's friend had to care for two horses and than we went back home.

Bye
Krystal


olgamaus


Posted Dec 5, 2011, 7:21 pm
Hi Dad,
after a week with ugly weather there was a surprise today - it started snowing in the afternoon!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7010/6461301045_15b0f42c43_o.jpg

When we came home we need to warm up :)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6461302057_893829daa9_o.jpg

Bye
Krystal
olgamaus


Posted Dec 10, 2011, 8:39 pm
Hi Dad,
today we visited the neighbour city Wuppertal.

Wuppertal is the biggest city of the hilly region Bergisches Land. One of the city’s greatest attractions is the suspended monorail (Schwebebahn), which was established in 1901. The tracks are 8 m above the streets and 12 m above the Wupper River.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7169/6488171853_15d5f2395a_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7169/6488172069_b668a069d5_o.jpg

The whole route of the Schwebebahn is about 13 km long, following the river and crossing streets at some points, it even crosses the A46 motorway.

We went to the shopping streets than, we also had planned to visit the Christmas market.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6488172253_849e1eab0b_o.jpg

The Christmas market is situated in the main shopping streets. We saw lots of lovely things, for example those candle holders.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6488172527_3ef2f4b227_o.jpg

Katja bought vanilla honey and honey soap here.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6488172715_5f543c6c8c_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/6488172901_5dcd49e8a4_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6488173135_e184c55e15_o.jpg

We enjoyed eggnog here.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6488173357_40e2ba8067_o.jpg

We also went into one of the shopping malls, also lovely decorated.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6488173557_d0aca31476_o.jpg

Katja told us that maybe tomorrow we go to Wuppetal again, to see a place which Clyde would love. Let's see ....

Bye
Krystal

olgamaus


Posted Dec 13, 2011, 7:33 pm
Hi Daddy,
when we came home there was an envelope from Great Britain waiting for us. Katja thought it might be another guest, but it was a present from LittleBlogFrog :) She sent a lovely photo and a cute Santa.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6506669427_40b33cff3e_o.jpg

Bye
Krystal
olgamaus


Posted Dec 14, 2011, 8:50 pm
Hi Dad,
today we went to Wuppertal again. First we took a walk along the "Sambatrasse", a former now closed railway track, rebuilt to a lane for pedestrians and cyclists. It is following the original track through the forest, meeting some interesting points.

First stop was an open air pool which is heated by waste heat from the nearby incinerator. You can go swimming here the whole year. Katja told me that it would be covered when there would be extremely deep temperatures outside.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6493813969_1257373f6d_o.jpg

This is the incinerator.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6493814301_3e26c0a461_o.jpg

We walked along allotment gardens, many gardens are decorated with memorabilia from the former railway track.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6493814527_3d56ba1a02_o.jpg

The lane is running next to the A 46 motorway for a while.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6493815035_b3fcfb4cd5_o.jpg

Than the most interesting part followed: The Sambatrasse is crossing the zoo. Can you see the lawn in the background? It's the tiger enclosure! (By the way, the girl in the white coat is Katja's daughter.)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6493815357_7a0c738a53_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6493816495_409cf5fb8b_o.jpg

We saw the tigers.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7030/6493817243_69b3acd58b_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7006/6493816825_56cf5eeb96_o.jpg

We reached the end of the Sambatrasse than and went through the zoo quarter, a villa quarter with lots of interesting houses.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6493817507_2b48eef419_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7030/6493817837_f6478ea477_o.jpg

Soon we reached the Schwebebahn station. We had planned to take the Schwebebahn to get to Wuppertal-Barmen.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6493818187_a2f8fcfbd5_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6493818469_112b32e8a0_o.jpg

Here you can see me inside the station, about 8 m above street level.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6493818711_1d9c8ecd75_o.jpg

And this is the view into the opposite direction.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6493818979_8c01fd22dd_o.jpg

Our train was coming in!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6493804769_9d732fd683_o.jpg

Oh dear, the train was swaying.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/6493819247_360739b379_o.jpg

When we got out of the train we had to walk another five minutes until we reached the Wuppertaler Brauhaus (Wuppertal Brewhouse).

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7174/6493819479_66bd842e02_o.jpg

We had a look at the menu and ordered Christmas beer and something to eat. Salad and potatoe wedges for Katja, burgers with french fries for her daughter and her boyfriend.

Our beer was served in large glasses :)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6493819745_31479daf58_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6493808159_50b3dedda4_o.jpg

We all were hungry :)

Bye
Krystal
olgamaus


Posted Dec 17, 2011, 9:12 pm
Hi Dad,
we were busy in the kitchen today. The weather is really ugly, so nobody wanted to go outside. We made delicious cookies today, they are called "Hausfreunde"in German, whichs means "paramours". Who knows why they are called like this ....

We prepared the ingredients: Eggs, sugar, flour and baking soda, raisins, nuts, chocolate - that's all.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6512296815_7971bf8652_o.jpg

Nuts and chocolate had to be chopped ...

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6512297075_9ca894c3b7_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7169/6512297689_5cb97ecbfa_o.jpg

... eggs were mixed with sugar until the mass was quite stiff ...

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6512298485_03d3f41e27_o.jpg

... than nuts, raisins and chocolate had to be kneaded into the mass. We formed three bread-shaped things.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6512299279_15bd4e1a17_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6512299529_f3973d10b1_o.jpg

They were coated with egg yolk.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6512299769_e31143bc98_o.jpg

Than they had to be baked and cut into slices antil they were still hot.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6512300271_c9bb987cba_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6512301237_ea21705655_o.jpg

Yummy!

Bye
Krystal
olgamaus


Posted Dec 26, 2011, 10:58 am
Hi Dad,
the doorbell rang while we were packing presents. A friend of Katja came and brought a Christmas present for her.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/6564604297_0513a268c8_o.jpg

Isn't this a fantastic view? 13 special beers from Bavaria.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6564604695_fe7618ae94_o.jpg

Later, when we watched a movie with Katja and her daughter on TV, we tried two of the beers.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6564605073_5ac11c0325_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7030/6564605465_0a2c7ccf6d_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6564605261_24e5633f30_o.jpg

Later,in the evening, we helped to unwrap the Christmas presents.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/6568907255_ff8f46f060_o.jpg

Bye
Krystal
olgamaus


Posted Dec 26, 2011, 10:59 am
Hi Dad,
today we helped to prepare the Christmas tree.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/6574167203_59a2a5bc6a_o.jpg

Bye
Krystal
olgamaus


Posted Dec 26, 2011, 11:04 am
Hi Dad,

Merry Christmas to you!

Today we went to Katja's sister to meet the familly, Katja's parents, an aunt and her sister's family. Only the three smallest TV guests were invited to come with her, Snakey, Muggel Rainbow and I.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6574064523_3f592a3b76_o.jpg

Now there is a new plushy family member, a little fennec :)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7155/6574064673_78a18cb94d_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6574064843_80a9b4f799_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6574065013_5440fab362_o.jpg

Bye
Krystal
olgamaus


Posted Jan 17, 2012, 4:07 pm
Hi Dad,
his is the first day with fantastic weather since more than six weeks, a good reason to take a hiking trip, so we took a long walk along the river Wupper today, in Solingen, the neighbour city. We started our trip in Balkhausen, a small hamlet in this rural area. We went with one of Katja's friends and her dog Pepe. Here we saw a lot of those typical half-timbered houses.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6701435451_25ff4860a1_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7030/6701435779_fc06b45117_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7020/6701436019_7f440af967_o.jpg

Finally we reached river Wupper, it is flowing towards river Rhine.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6701436319_e533bfec45_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6701436637_dcf08238ef_o.jpg

We reached a hamlet with a funny name: It is called "Rüden" because of the tale of one of the formerly reigns of this region (eventually in middle ages) who met with a riding accident and was saved by his dog.
("Rüde" is the German word for a male dog).

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7155/6701436873_74f22d94ac_o.jpg

Even in a hamlet with a dog-related name nothing is allowed for dogs!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6701437173_c1840ef208_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7022/6701437633_60b706686f_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6701437905_86a969cfe2_o.jpg

What a lovely place, I could sit here for hours and enjoy the sunshine.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6701438283_8a43069825_o.jpg

We decided to walk back.

We found an old machine.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6701438515_44546257d3_o.jpg

Unfortunately we had no more sunshine on the other side of the valley.
We crossed the river here.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6701439051_62fa82089c_o.jpg

This is my friend Pepe.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7006/6701439345_865ce6794f_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6701439529_083e6f3730_o.jpg

Bye
Krystal
olgamaus


Posted Jan 22, 2012, 4:04 pm
Hi Dad,
when Katja came home from work we decided to take a walk - who knows how long we'd have such great weather.

We went to the municipal park first, only a few minutes to walk.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6742328829_f4f006a111_o.jpg

There is a pond in the park, ducks and turtles are living here.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6742329071_ff3872a202_o.jpg

We enjoyed the sunshine :)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/6742329385_0066b1f480_o.jpg

We walked to the district Hasten than.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7020/6742329631_16a8afbb83_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6742329827_133cd70e69_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6742330075_7bb64130ec_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6742330291_47644bee3a_o.jpg

Bye
Krystal


olgamaus


Posted Jan 22, 2012, 4:11 pm
Hi Dad,
the weather is  ugly again. Katja went out into the forest with the other TVs, but I don't want to catch a cold, I stayed at home.

Later I watched Katja's daughter prepare a torte. Her boyfriend is celebrating his birthday today, she is going to take it to the birthday party. She made a torte with cream, chocolate cream and strawberries.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6742302005_7b2d0128b4_o.jpg

She prepared the chocolate cream with egg yolk, butter and melted chocolate.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/6742302297_3feb53795d_o.jpg

First the layers of the torte were filled with strawberry jam, than there is a layer of whipped cream and finally the chocolate cream.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7004/6742302533_6470c23d0d_o.jpg

Than the torte was decorated with more cream, strawberries and chocolate hearts.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/6742302783_d930ec08b1_o.jpg

It's looking good, isn't it?

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6742302989_e2698f9c33_o.jpg

Maybe I will manage to hide in her bag, so I could also go to the birthday party and taste the torte.

Bye
Krystal

olgamaus


Posted Feb 2, 2012, 2:09 pm
Hi Dad,
it is extremely cold now in Germany. Everyone is freezing (almost) to death, so we need warm clothings (yes, even Siberian Huskies know what cold means). Katja suggested a warm hat for me.

The thermometer shows -12°C, that means 10,4°F. I think this is cold enough for wearing a hat.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6806280399_cc79727d7a_o.jpg

... some time later ...

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6806280625_edc73ef615_o.jpg

A warm hat might be useful in Finland, my next travel destination.

Bye
Krystal
olgamaus


Posted Feb 6, 2012, 9:11 am
Hi Dad,
finally the weather changed!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6776589403_4eeb24d983_o.jpg

Krystal
olgamaus


Posted Feb 6, 2012, 9:14 am
Hi Dad,
we took a walk in the suburbs of Remscheid today. We went through a large allotment garden area.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6776589541_765b89f793_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6776589935_f761d90b72_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6776590141_1fe14fb93c_o.jpg

Bye
Krystal
olgamaus


Posted Feb 6, 2012, 9:19 am
Hi Mummy,
in the morning we took a walk with Katja and two of her friends. Katja promised me that I would see Muengsten Bridge, Germany's highest railway bridge.

There is an outlook pavilion high above the valley of the river Wupper. You have a good overlook across the valley of the river Wupper with Muengsten Bridge.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6781929433_535a9b8966_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6781929639_4f269fe7fb_o.jpg

There are rocks along our path, little waterfalls running down everywhere.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6781929931_e9da5601e4_o.jpg

We went downhill than towards the river.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6781930161_0d1f9e73cf_o.jpg

We found some rocks with engraved patterns, a tabletop game this time, nine men's morris.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7020/6781930397_803a50c69d_o.jpg

In the meantime we crossed the river and walked back towards Muengsten Bridge. This side of the river bank is really steep, rocks and steep slopes.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7168/6781930619_9540de1649_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6781930863_fd0b84c2ff_o.jpg

We reached the leisure park underneath the bridge than. The bridge was built in early 20th century, finished in 1906 A.D. It is 107 m high, overspanning the valley of the river Wupper which is marking the border between Remscheid and the neighbour city Solingen. It is about 480 m long. There will be extended repar and restoration works in the coming years.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7168/6781931039_5fc5915e8a_o.jpg

When the weather is good lots of kids are playing here in the shallow river, Katja told us. After six weeks with heavy rainfall the Wupper is not a shallow river any more.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6781931247_9eaf08699e_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6781931427_ef2de25882_o.jpg

This was a very interesting trip today.

Bye
Krystal
olgamaus


Posted Feb 6, 2012, 9:25 am
Hi Dad,
today we visited a medieval castle in the neighbour City Solingen, Schloss Burg, It is situated high upon a hill above the River Wupper.

We went into the courtyard and found a lovely half-timbered part of the castle.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6797365951_2b3b2d1c64_o.jpg

Schloss Burg was built in 1133 by Count Adolf I von Berg on a hill above the river Wupper.That's why this region is called "Bergisches Land". Many people believe that it's name refers to the landscape with hills and valleys. (For those who do not speak German: The German word for mountain or hill is "Berg", so many people think that the name "Bergisches Land" means "land with many hills" )

About a hundred years later it was enlarged by Count Engelberg II von Berg. This is the guy on the horse in the courtyard.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/6797366213_42fc09be77_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6797366507_e91c1a292c_o.jpg

In Thirty Years War (17th century) large parts of the castle were destroyed. It was rebuilt then, but it was used for industrial purposes for many years. In the end of the 19th century they began to rebuild it as it appears today.

In the castle courtyard you can find souvenir shops and shops whose owners are doing an "old" handcraft, for example handmade brushes, brooms, soap, lovely yarns and wooden knitting needles, toys like swords and helmets and much more.

The round tower was the powder tower, it was restored about two years ago.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6797366809_36378abf23_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6797367375_ddf47c6011_o.jpg

You can overlook the valley between Remscheid and Solingen from this high point.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6797367045_b5c23f6c1b_o.jpg

Here you can see the castle from a distance.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6797367763_c2a50ffbdb_o.jpg

We found a "twin" of the outlook pavilion which I showed you on Sunday, it was created by the same architect.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6797368179_934c3579d6_o.jpg

And here is the fantastic overview :)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6797368503_cd2307cf08_o.jpg

We made a side-trip to the concrete wall of a nearby drinking water dam, there are repair works taking place at the moment.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6797368683_3085951630_o.jpg

We walked back to the car through a rural hamlet clalled "Höhrath", they have many livery stables here and a sawmill.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7022/6797368895_0e34a7db3d_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6797369115_6c74deb70b_o.jpg

Damn! It is really cold!

Bye
Krystal
olgamaus


Posted Feb 6, 2012, 9:35 am
Hi Mummy,
we went to Solingen today, the neighbour city. Katja's daughter had to settle something at work. In the meantime we had a look at the "Südpark" (Southern Park) which was built on a former railway track for freight trains. The buildings are the old goods depots, now you can find artist shops, galleries and bars there, also artwork.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7004/6818131105_76652d5ddb_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6818131315_8e66d71857_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6818131501_b8b157339c_o.jpg

We went to the station than to get back, not home yet, but to Muengsten Bridge to take a walk.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7168/6818131745_0998542839_o.jpg

There is an ice rink close to the station, painted with graffiti on the outside.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6818131967_b8b1f89688_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7006/6818132159_dc06d9e4ce_o.jpg

We got out of the train just before Muengsten Bridge.  We walked downhill to the valley of the river Wupper. On our way we found some playgrounds, like those rocking sheep :)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7002/6818132393_dbc69a29f1_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6818132647_56491cda62_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6818132893_8a22dff5e9_o.jpg

There are "normal" walking paths, meandering down the steep slope, but you can also take the straight way down, with the help of those ropes.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6818133191_955afdcb3e_o.jpg

Back on the Remscheid side of the valley ....

All the little creeks along the way are frozen.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6818133411_27ec86ff3b_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6818133667_e47737b937_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7022/6818133881_f6ed50cefe_o.jpg

We found an extremely large old beech in the forest, too large to take a photo of it :)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6818134107_ae7e8a9b35_o.jpg

There is a cemetary nearly in the forest, you can find a memorial for the dead of World War I here.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6818134335_e17f367f57_o.jpg

You can see the city centre of Remscheid in the background. Can you see the church tower? We are living really close to it.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7020/6818134561_546ba0a484_o.jpg

Bye
Krystal
olgamaus


Posted Feb 7, 2012, 6:58 pm
Hi Dad,
today it was time to say good-bye to Gemany and my friends here.

I am on my way to Finland now.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6836858061_f63a75d5bf_o.jpg

Bye
Krystal
Eohippus
pikkuaasi@gmail.com

Posted Feb 16, 2012, 12:00 am
Hello, daddy!  :D

I just popped here to tell I arrived today to Finland!
It is -22 degrees outside - just guess if I´m now happy or not about the warm hat Olgamaus made for me!  B)


http://i3.aijaa.com/b/00044/9577140.jpg
My envelope was moved from the warm post car into the post box, and it was soon getting cold inside!  :thinking:

After waiting about an hour I decided it better to get out from it!
I found myself on a small, snowy road framed by big spruces.  :)



http://i1.aijaa.com/b/00687/9577141.jpg
I started to search for any signs of my new host or other toyvoyagers.  :rolleyes:


http://i10.aijaa.com/b/00974/9577142.jpg
But all I could see was snow and ice!  :thinking:


http://i8.aijaa.com/b/00894/9577143.jpg
I was already starting to think I should maybe climb back into the post box.  :rolleyes:


http://i7.aijaa.com/b/00347/9577144.jpg
But just then I found some footprints!
I recognised them immediately as kiwi bird footsteps, and knew that they MUST have been made by Zoe Huhana!
Well.. how many kiwi birds there is in Finland..?  :rolleyes:



http://i8.aijaa.com/b/00205/9577355.jpg
I followed the footprints, and started to run, because the sun was getting lower and lower!


http://i3.aijaa.com/b/00025/9577356.jpg
I saw a small light shining between the trees!  :)


http://i9.aijaa.com/b/00847/9577357.jpg
I run closer and saw three little figures and a lantern.
They were singing something about a campfire in the forest.  :D



http://i6.aijaa.com/b/00782/9577358.jpg
When I got near I saw there was a kiwi bird, a giraffe and a tiger! - Zoe, Kirin and Jeremy:D


http://i11.aijaa.com/b/00717/9577359.jpg
"Hello!" They shouted. "Who are you? Come and join the gang!"


http://i3.aijaa.com/b/00311/9577365.jpg
"We are the NTT!" They said. "The awful Nuuksio Toy Terror!"  :rolleyes:
Hah, then they gave me a hug and told me I was now part of the gang! Pretty cool, don´t you think, daddy?  ;)  :stare:



http://i2.aijaa.com/b/00354/9577366.jpg


http://i6.aijaa.com/b/00248/9577367.jpg
Then we came inside, and now I´ll go straight to bed! Toy terror or not!  :p

Kisses from Krystal!  :D
See you soon again!
Eohippus
pikkuaasi@gmail.com

Posted Feb 21, 2012, 8:46 pm
Hyvää Laskiaista, dad!  :D

Laskiainen in Finland is related to the Carnevals elsewhere.
The history is the same - it was here too a celebration before starting the fasting, but people here are not fasting much anymore,
since Finland was converted into the lutheran belief some 500 years ago.

Here they don´t have masques nor samba, but lots of different traditions instead.  ;)



http://i3.aijaa.com/b/00418/9606946.jpg
The most important Laskiais tradition is to go to a sleighing hill!  :D

In old times it had a magical meaning, and everyone who just was able to move, even the old grannies, went to the hill and slided down with whatever - there wasn´t usually enough sleighs for everyone, so people slided down withs pieces of cardboard, wooden planks, trays..
So of course we headed to the sleighing hill too!  B)



http://i1.aijaa.com/b/00261/9607627.jpg


http://i10.aijaa.com/b/00198/9606947.jpg
While sliding down the hill in Laskiainen, we have to shout:
"HUROOOOO PITKIÄ PELLAVIA!!" :D And it is the better the longer down we slide. ;-)
That is a magic ritual to make the flax grow long next summer!  :thinking:

After practising a bit we were all able to shout that understandably. ;)
I´m sure the flax will grow super long - we were shouting so much!



http://i4.aijaa.com/b/00739/9607628.jpg


http://i3.aijaa.com/b/00670/9606948.jpg
"HUROOOOO PITKIÄ PELLAVIA!!!" :D


http://i11.aijaa.com/b/00581/9606949.jpg


http://i3.aijaa.com/b/00851/9617166.jpg
Then there is another tradition saying that after coming away from the hill we should shut our mouths totally, not say anything at all, not even make any kind of sounds!  :rolleyes:
The one who first forgets and says something, is going to get the most mosquito bites next summer! :D

So we were all trying to fool each other into saying something.. Pfff!  :D Zoe fooled poor Kirin to shout by dropping a lump of snow onto her neck.  :rolleyes:



http://i8.aijaa.com/b/00281/9617164.jpg
Then we started to build things out of snow. ;)


http://i5.aijaa.com/b/00074/9607625.jpg
We had some architectual disagreement about what we were building -  a snow castle or a snow lantern - and so we ended up into building both. ;-)


http://i8.aijaa.com/b/00778/9607137.jpg
The snow was still not quite optimal for building - it should be zero degrees, but it still is about -2, but we managed to build anyway. :D


http://i7.aijaa.com/b/00561/9607626.jpg


http://i4.aijaa.com/b/00777/9607138.jpg


http://i2.aijaa.com/b/00756/9607211.jpg
So this is the lantern, although it can work as a castle too. :D


http://i6.aijaa.com/b/00084/9617162.jpg
And this is the castle no enemy can invade! ;)


http://i6.aijaa.com/b/00761/9607213.jpg
Because it is occupied by the valiant toyvyager troop you see here!  ;)


http://i2.aijaa.com/b/00341/9607214.jpg
Besides, we also have a huge larder of snowballs ready if someone happens to try! ;)


http://i5.aijaa.com/b/00770/9607215.jpg


http://i6.aijaa.com/b/00326/9607290.jpg
We lit a fire in front of our castle! :)


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We were dancing round the fire!


http://i10.aijaa.com/b/00192/9607294.jpg
And singing awful, wild, secret toyvoyager songs. ;)


http://i6.aijaa.com/b/00156/9607295.jpg


http://i3.aijaa.com/b/00830/9607344.jpg
In the evening we lit a candle to the snow lantern too. :)
Isn´t it beautiful, dad?



http://i10.aijaa.com/b/00852/9607340.jpg


http://i7.aijaa.com/b/00225/9607343.jpg
The night of the Laskiainen is wild too. ;)
We headed again to the sliding hill trough the darknes! We lighted the hill with candles, and oh, mom, it felt
so magical to be sliding between them in the dark night!



http://i4.aijaa.com/b/00550/9617167.jpg
It was so easy to imagine the forest spirits standing on the edge of the dark forest,
watching us..



http://i4.aijaa.com/b/00135/9607341.jpg
So our Laskiainen was full of snow and fire. ;)


http://i7.aijaa.com/b/00173/9617253.jpg
It was a magical celebration!  :)

See you soon again, dear daddy!
Your Krystal

Eohippus
pikkuaasi@gmail.com

Posted Feb 27, 2012, 9:17 pm
Hyvää päivää, isä!  :D (Good day, father!)

I´ve used my days here by getting to know the surroundings a bit. Zoe and Kirin who know the places rather well have been showing me and Jeremy around.  :)


http://i1.aijaa.com/b/00571/9660343.jpg
Oh, by the way, I have not yet showed to you how great things I brought here with me!

This wonderful postcard made by Olgamaus is showing many toyvoyagers, and I´m there too!  :D



http://i3.aijaa.com/b/00590/9660344.jpg


http://i8.aijaa.com/b/00007/9660345.jpg
And there was toyvoager stickers glued to my envelope!  :D
Not all toyvoyagers travel in so fine way!  ;)



http://i7.aijaa.com/b/00576/9660346.jpg
I also had some chocolates for my new friends.  :)

But now I´ll show you what we have been doing.  :)



http://i8.aijaa.com/b/00048/9660737.jpg
Here we are on a bus on our way to Helsinki.  :) It is about 30 kilometers away from Nuuksio where we live here, and we have to take first a bus and then a train to get there.


http://i1.aijaa.com/b/00233/9660347.jpg
Now we are on the train, watching the snowy landscapes pass by.  :)


http://i3.aijaa.com/b/00191/9660733.jpg
The building behind the snowpiles is the Helsinki main railway station where the train took us.  :)


http://i1.aijaa.com/b/00093/9660734.jpg
We walked trough the snowy streets towards the Helsinki Lutheran Cathedral we wanted to see.  :)


http://i10.aijaa.com/b/00555/9661244.jpg
Here it is. In finnish it is called "Suurkirkko", which means "big church.  :)



http://i9.aijaa.com/b/00291/9660736.jpg
Haha, someone had been showelling snow from the stairs to make these letters.  :D


http://i10.aijaa.com/b/00572/9660901.jpg
We walked along, and even the sun was peeping a bit behind the clouds, which is rare here at this time of the year.  :rolleyes:


http://i2.aijaa.com/b/00795/9660902.jpg
There was men on some roofs pushing the snow down. Here is the snow just dropped from one roof. Lots of it!  :thinking:


http://i7.aijaa.com/b/00726/9660903.jpg
We came to the harbour. It was of course on ice.  :)


http://i4.aijaa.com/b/00945/9660904.jpg
Most of the big ships going to Tallinn and Stockholm leave from here.


http://i7.aijaa.com/b/00216/9660905.jpg


http://i8.aijaa.com/b/00872/9660968.jpg
Here we are on the Esplanade park, which is a very popular spot to spend time in summer, Zoe told me.  :)


http://i7.aijaa.com/b/00398/9660969.jpg
The benches are now not exactly tempting to sit.  :rolleyes:


http://i7.aijaa.com/b/00475/9660967.jpg
Then we took a tram and went for a visit to Hennas mothers place.  :)


http://i11.aijaa.com/b/00616/9660970.jpg
This is what we saw form her living room window.


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She is a funny woman! She put us to sit on her doll pram and then she was giggling to our puzzled faces.  :D


http://i9.aijaa.com/b/00662/9661170.jpg
We also met some very fine dolls.  :D


http://i8.aijaa.com/b/00037/9661172.jpg
And then we were served buns and coffee!  :p


http://i11.aijaa.com/b/00838/9661173.jpg
Then we came back here to Nuuksio.

I´ll tell you more soon!
Your Krystal  :stare:
Eohippus
pikkuaasi@gmail.com

Posted Mar 31, 2012, 11:43 am
Bom dia, pai!  :D
I´m writing from Portugal so I have to practise my portuguese! 
I´m sorry I´ve not been updating here for a looooong time!  We are having big technical troubles. :thinking:



http://i1.aijaa.com/b/00506/9898073.jpg
This doesn´t look much like Portugal, and it is not.  :D Here we are still in Finland, like you propably guessed.



http://i9.aijaa.com/b/00190/9785807.jpg
So we were there practising our funny wintery trips.. here we are hugging a pine tree, some people say it gives you energy. Never know.  ;)


http://i3.aijaa.com/b/00701/9898074.jpg
So we were walking in the forests an on the ice..


http://i5.aijaa.com/b/00709/9898075.jpg
We saw the first vague signs of spring (the melting ice).


http://i1.aijaa.com/b/00280/9785808.jpg
Do you know what this is, dad?  :D
It is a snow shoe! Henna was learning to walk with those and we were giggling like hell.



http://i2.aijaa.com/b/00384/9898076.jpg
Then we were suddenly dragged onto the airport!  :thinking: Henna had bought some last minute - cheap tickets and was running to get into the plane, and we were bumping against each other in her backbag, mur!  :thinking:
But when we get to the airport we found out that the plane was hours late..  :rolleyes:



http://i2.aijaa.com/b/00600/9898077.jpg


http://i3.aijaa.com/b/00204/9811228.jpg
So we had all the time in the world to watch the planes coming and leaving and being washed.  :)


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As a little toyvoyager one has to be very fast while moving amongst the hippopotamus -like turists! They certainly don´t watch where they are stepping.
On the other hand, they are also dropping lots of interesting things from their pockets when they run like headless hens.
We started looting the floor between their feet and found masses of sweets and coins with which we could buy more sweets.  ;)



http://i10.aijaa.com/b/00994/9898336.jpg
Soon our bellies were so full we could only sit down. After 10 minutes of silent sitting Henna got worried (or sarcastic) and asked should she maybe take us to see the airport doctor. Hah hah.  :rolleyes:


http://i3.aijaa.com/b/00179/9811335.jpg


http://i9.aijaa.com/b/00215/9811333.jpg
Well, after some more minutes we were ready to run again.  :DWe were driwing around with this cart, fast and faster. Do you see, dad, what the cart says? "No brakes!"  :D


http://i9.aijaa.com/b/00926/9898201.jpg
When we at last got into the plane it was quite dark and we were all rather sleepy.


http://i10.aijaa.com/b/00331/9898200.jpg
I could not even see anything trough the window. So we started to sleep and slept trough the whole flight. Or tried to sleep, there was a guy snoring like a tractor sitting in front of us! Until I sneaked under his seat and bit his toes every time he tried to start snoring.  :D


http://i5.aijaa.com/b/00075/9811387.jpg
Then we took a taxi to Laranjeiro, where we live here in Portugal, but about that I didn´t know anything, I was asleep in Hennas pocket and only woke up next morning when Zoe rolled me away from the bed.
We went to watch out from the balcony.



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We had a little breakfast. Odd shaped bread they bake here!  :D


http://i11.aijaa.com/b/00335/9898202.jpg
We went for a walk to watch around - into what kind of place we had landed.  :)
See this, dad? A tuned old Vespa! Wow! I want one like this!  :D



http://i4.aijaa.com/b/00515/9898337.jpg
We met some aboriginals..  ;)


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And admired local vegetation.


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And peeped into a farmers market.


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..were me met some choc easter bunnies. They were very sweet, ha ha.  :rolleyes:


http://i3.aijaa.com/b/00856/9898340.jpg
And came to the riverfront of river Tejo. We saw the city of Lisbon on the opposite shore.


http://i10.aijaa.com/b/00279/9898415.jpg


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We took a ferry over the river and went to see something about Lisbon too.  :) Zoe was working as our guide, she has been here already sometimes.  :D


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Here we are sitting on Praça do Comércio, where Zoe led us, although she was telling us it was "Praça dos kiwi birds" and built in honor of the wonderful and rare animal, kiwi.  :rolleyes:


http://i5.aijaa.com/b/00421/9898416.jpg
Actually this was the economical centrum of Lisbon, where the sailboats came with their exotic loads of spices and gold and whatnot they have robbed from different parts of the world.  :thinking:
I must say I liked Zoes version more than the reality.
In middle of the square there is a statue of King José I riding a horse, or maybe I should say a statue of a valiant horse carrying some bimbo in her back.



http://i11.aijaa.com/b/00331/9898417.jpg
All the buildings round the square were originally the headcontors of the shipping companies and banks and such.. haha, originally the square was a place were they were hanging unwanted people - those with different religious or political views. I detect there some nice symbolics about on what the wealth was built.
This square is also where the Republican Party members shot the last king of Portugal 1908.  ;)



http://i6.aijaa.com/b/00732/9898418.jpg
This is a triumphal arch, only I don´t know what triumph it is celebrating, because the Wikipedia doesn´t tell and Zoe says it was built to commemorate the victory of kiwi birds over the invasive ants. :rolleyes:


http://i11.aijaa.com/b/00508/9898419.jpg
This is Sé de Lisboa, kinda main cathedral.
The whole name seems to be Igreja de Santa Maria Maior, and its building satrted 1147, using the material of the mosque the moors had built there during the moorish occupation.  :rolleyes:
Then it has been rebuilt and remodelled about zillion times and suffered many earthquakes and rebuilt again.



http://i2.aijaa.com/b/00136/9898500.jpg
They have pierced these small doors trough which normal mortals go in and out. I don´t know when the big doors themselves are opened. Maybe when some cardinal is coming in the head of a prosession or something.  :rolleyes:


http://i6.aijaa.com/b/00275/9811759.jpg
Well, we tought we are at least as important visitors than some cardinal and started to bang the big doors..  B)
And then we were running and giggling because there was a church worker totally lacking the sense of humour who got really pissed off when he saw us.



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We walked on, watching the houses and the people.


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We saw some nice old tiles.


http://i9.aijaa.com/b/00042/9898501.jpg
And a beautiful view over the old city.  :)


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There were many quaint old houses and narrow alleys.  :)


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And every now and then e came onto a new "miradouro" and had a great view over the roofs. It is just a shame there is many old buildings being demolished, and new modern houses being built..


http://i6.aijaa.com/b/00208/9898588.jpg


http://i7.aijaa.com/b/00382/9898590.jpg
This square is named Rossio. All the big demonstrations march here, where they have speeches and singing.


http://i6.aijaa.com/b/00742/9898591.jpg
In Rossio there is is beautiful fountain, where some turists like to swim in summerime when it is really hot.  :rolleyes:


http://i1.aijaa.com/b/00908/9898589.jpg
We saw an aqueduct far away, bu our little legs started to be a bit heavy..


http://i8.aijaa.com/b/00274/9898592.jpg


http://i3.aijaa.com/b/00282/9898658.jpg
So we left back home, trough a pastry shop..  :p

I hope I can make an update soon again!
Kisses from Krystal!  :stare:









Eohippus
pikkuaasi@gmail.com

Posted Apr 8, 2012, 6:34 pm
Hi, dear daddy!  :D

I popped here to wish you a sunny easter!


http://i7.aijaa.com/b/00822/9959291.jpg
Here is some easter flowers for you from Sintra!  :D


http://i5.aijaa.com/b/00626/9957012.jpg
A hug for you from the whole gang!  :)

Your Krystal  :stare:
Eohippus
pikkuaasi@gmail.com

Posted Apr 11, 2012, 5:37 pm
Boa tarde, pai amado!
Como estás? How are you? :D

Uh, Henna had been rather busy these last weeks, but now it is getting easier, her research is almost done, she has only to go it trough and make some minor corrections - so she has more time for us toyvoyagers again!  :D
Although.. we have had lots of fun without her too.  :rolleyes:



http://i5.aijaa.com/b/00398/9981419.jpg
Here I am in Sintra with Zoe and Jeremy.
It is a small town about 30 kilometers from Lisbon.



http://i3.aijaa.com/b/00214/9981420.jpg
Sintra is rather famous of it´s many historical buildings, but I was more interested to see the Sintra forest area I had been hearing so much from Zoe.


http://i9.aijaa.com/b/00516/9981422.jpg
And that´s where we were heading, but first we stopped to admire the many flowers in bloom in a park called Parque de Liberdade.


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The camellias were so beautiful, but they also made very cute hats!  ;)


http://i10.aijaa.com/b/00815/9981423.jpg
I´m not quite sure what tree this is. Henna said it could be acacia, but I´m a bit doubtful. Do you know?  :D


http://i3.aijaa.com/b/00115/9981541.jpg
There is a small art center in the park, and this is one of the buildings.  :)


http://i1.aijaa.com/b/00678/9981542.jpg
There was a jungle of Monstera deliciosas.  :D We were hiding under the leaves and playing to be in a tropical rainforest.


http://i4.aijaa.com/b/00846/9981543.jpg
More and more camellias!


http://i2.aijaa.com/b/00184/9981544.jpg
We sat resting a bit and saw a big araucaria growing in the valley.  :)


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We crossed couple of small alleys and climbed upwards.


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We saw the little house were the famous fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen lived during his stay in Sintra 1866.  :)


http://i9.aijaa.com/b/00916/9981788.jpg
He wrote that Sintra is the most beautiful place in Portugal.  :)
I cannot say before I´ve seen a bit more!  :D



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We climbed over an old wall onto a private property.  ;)


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And stared to follow a path into the forest.  :D


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There is not much forest left in Portugal.  :thinking: Most of it has been turned into fields, and the rest of it was cut in the 15th and 16th century when Portugal was using oak to build ships to take them to invade countries around the globe.  :mad:


http://i11.aijaa.com/b/00162/9981909.jpg
We were climbing over more walls.  :rolleyes:


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The forest was in bloom too.  :D


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We had a small picnic..  :p


http://i9.aijaa.com/b/00761/9981910.jpg
..after which I felt like swinging and climbing things..


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..which we did too!  :D
We climbed the Monte Lua, Moon mountain, which is actually a rather steep cliff.



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Monte Lua was a holy place in the prehistorical times, and there has been found many items which have to do with the moon cult.  :)


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When we reached the top of the cliff we stopped to admire the landscape around us. So beautiful!  :)
I don´t wonder the people thought it holy.



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We visited Castelo dos Mouros - a castle the moors who occupied the Iberian peninsula built here from the 8th to 9th century.  :)


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I think we were avoiding buying tickets to the castle buy climbing the cliff!  :rolleyes:


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We could see the historical center of Sintra down there.. it has been a good spot to keep an eye on the country for any possible rebels!  :rolleyes:


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On the next hill we saw the Pena palace, which was the royal castle of Portugal in the 19´th century.


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Here we are posing for the camera for Henna to take a classical turist pic.  ;)


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Then we were sitting and giggling for the turists climbing panting up the steep stairs.  ;)
The route along the hillside is so much nicer!



http://i6.aijaa.com/b/00546/9982128.jpg


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Then we climbed down again, and admired the big sequoias in ivy clothing.  :)


http://i9.aijaa.com/b/00720/9982230.jpg
There is so much more to see in Sintra!

Henna promised we will come back after her stupid seminar is over.  :D

See you soon again, dad!
Your Krystal  :)






Eohippus
pikkuaasi@gmail.com

Posted Apr 19, 2012, 9:34 pm
Olá de novo, pai! (Hi again, dad!)  :D
How are you?

I´m having a good time in a good company!  :D
Both Zoe and Jeremy are really great friends to adventure around!

Now I will show you some pics from the Lisbon zoo.  :)



http://i9.aijaa.com/b/00722/10037803.jpg
First we went trough a petting zoo, and there we saw these little bunnies.  :) They had been behaving like bunnies too, because they had many little babies!  ;)


http://i4.aijaa.com/b/00044/10038279.jpg
Here! Awwww!  :D


http://i11.aijaa.com/b/00281/10037802.jpg
There was also very cute little goats!  I felt like petting this one, but I didn´t dare to cross the fence..  :rolleyes:


http://i11.aijaa.com/b/00828/10037805.jpg
But  the big turtle came to meet me.  :D
He said "Oi what a cute little husky!"  :stare: 
He asked me to go and see his little daughter too, because she loves dogs too. 



http://i8.aijaa.com/b/00930/10037804.jpg
So I went to see the little turtle kid too.  :D She was having a snack when I got there, but she started to hop and shout " Awwwwwww!" when she saw me, and I certainly was saying "Awwwwwwwww!" when I saw her! So we were there awwwwwing for some time, and then we started to giggle.  :D

Do you think I´m cute too?  :stare:



http://i9.aijaa.com/b/00163/10037801.jpg
I´m not quite sure what animals these are.
I was asking from them, but they were answering me that they are mice, and then they started to squeek. I don´t think they are mice, dad! If they are they must have been taking some hormones.  :thinking:



http://i1.aijaa.com/b/00654/10038280.jpg
The giraffes were much taller than I had imagined them to be!  :thinking: I guess they need to be, to reach the treetops. They love to eat the leaves.  :)


http://i6.aijaa.com/b/00586/10038281.jpg
The flamingos are so fancy color! :D
Just imagine how the crows would look if they were the same color!



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The I saw a cablecar route and decided to take a ride.  :)


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I really enjoyed the ride. The car was swinging a bit and sliding over the zoo.  :)


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At some point along the route it was possible to see a wide view over Lisbon.  :)


http://i1.aijaa.com/b/00328/10038338.jpg
It is still nice and green here in the spring.  :) later in the summer it is so hot the landscape turns browner.


http://i8.aijaa.com/b/00205/10038339.jpg
The car was sliding over a delfinario, and i could see a dolphin in the water wawing at me!  :D I wawed back, and when the cable route reached its end, I went to the delfinario.


http://i2.aijaa.com/b/00452/10038341.jpg
The dolphins came to greet me.  :D They told me they don´t often see doggies here, and certainly not so cute ones.  :rolleyes:


http://i9.aijaa.com/b/00355/10038340.jpg
There was also a seal or sea lion who was dancing with a woman.  :D


http://i5.aijaa.com/b/00894/10038466.jpg
Then went still to meet the elephants, whom I have always admired.  :) They are so wise and take so tender care about each other.


http://i1.aijaa.com/b/00677/10038467.jpg
The hippopotamus I saw on our way out from the zoo.  We went home to eat!  :p

See you soon again, daddy!  :stare:
Your cute husky.  ;)
Eohippus
pikkuaasi@gmail.com

Posted May 14, 2012, 12:02 pm
Hei, rakas isä! (Hi, dear father!)  :D
I wish you are well!

Ha ha, dad, we flew to Finland to make some pancakes over the fire.! ;)



http://i8.aijaa.com/b/00358/10150449.jpg
Here we are in Lisbon airport watching our aeroplane to get ready to take us in.  :)
We flew with TAP which is a portuguese company.




http://i1.aijaa.com/b/00069/10188760.jpg
It was pretty cloudy and we could not see much trough the window.


http://i11.aijaa.com/b/00193/10188761.jpg
But there was an ecrane where we could follow our flying route.
It tooks a bit over four and half hour to fly from Portugal to Finland, which are the northern and southern ends of Europe.  :)



http://i1.aijaa.com/b/00810/10188762.jpg
Here you can see all the countries over which we were flying.


http://i11.aijaa.com/b/00953/10150453.jpg
We were watching the safety instructions.
Then we started to talk about how it would be great to jump one day with a parachute and started planning how to steal one of Hennas bedsheets..  :rolleyes:



http://i2.aijaa.com/b/00489/10188763.jpg
The sky got clearer and we spent rest of the flight watching the earth spreading itself down there.
When we were flying over the Alps I was thinking of you, daddy.  :)
Maybe you were just climbing in similar surroundings..



http://i10.aijaa.com/b/00846/10188168.jpg
Back in Finland we went to see how the spring was getting forward.
There was still some snow, but the first flowers were already pushing trough it.  :D




http://i4.aijaa.com/b/00009/10188764.jpg
The heavy load of snow had fell some pines behind the cottage.


http://i4.aijaa.com/b/00640/10188847.jpg
Some overenthusiastic woodpecker had been digging holes into one of the pine trunks in search for worms. :thinking:


http://i11.aijaa.com/b/00158/10188848.jpg
The little brook was not so little anymore..  :D

It was pretty interesting to see how the landscapes I had only seen in the vintertime looked now in the early spring!



http://i3.aijaa.com/b/00932/10188279.jpg
So we took some necessary provisions with us and made a trip to the sea shore in Porkkala.  :)


http://i2.aijaa.com/b/00605/10188348.jpg


http://i8.aijaa.com/b/00037/10188535.jpg


http://i2.aijaa.com/b/00350/10188275.jpg
The sea was still partly covered with a thin layer of ice.



http://i5.aijaa.com/b/00290/10188849.jpg
And we saw a small sauna which had sailed there during the autumn storms from who knows where.  :)


http://i10.aijaa.com/b/00576/10188850.jpg
Of course I just HAD to try the firmnes of the ice.. :rolleyes:It was very fun until my toes got wet.
The water temperature must have been near zero degrees :mad:

So I got back to the dry land rather fast, and we started to build a fire



http://i5.aijaa.com/b/00612/10188349.jpg
Here we are collecting dry twigs and branches to start the fire. There was so much fallen branches on the ground after the winter that it was totally unnessessary to chop firewood.  :)



http://i8.aijaa.com/b/00855/10188851.jpgSoon we had the fire burning and the coffee water heating.  ;)


http://i1.aijaa.com/b/00261/10188350.jpg
The warmth of the fire felt wonderfull.  :)
Can you see the steam rising from my poor toes, dad?  :stare:




http://i1.aijaa.com/b/00870/10188941.jpgAah, black coffee never tastes better than when it is made in an open fire!  :p

Funny, by the way, that almost any food tastes better outside!



http://i6.aijaa.com/b/00873/10188453.jpg


http://i8.aijaa.com/b/00272/10188942.jpg
Then we went to investigate the surroundings a bit more and found out that on the other side of the cape the sea was already open.  :D


http://i10.aijaa.com/b/00160/10188943.jpg
"Hello, blue sea! Nice to see you again!" we said.  :)
The sea answered by glistening even more joyoysly in the sun. The summer is coming!  :D



http://i1.aijaa.com/b/00335/10188492.jpg
So we went to play with the waves.  :)


http://i6.aijaa.com/b/00670/10188493.jpg
We were hopping from stone to stone, trying to avoid the water.  :rolleyes:


http://i2.aijaa.com/b/00568/10188944.jpg
But of course that was impossible - soon we all had our toes wet, and the water still was near zero degrees - and so we had to go and build up the fire again.  :rolleyes:


http://i10.aijaa.com/b/00957/10188495.jpg
Here you can see three little voyagers with wet toes!  ;)

We were all feeling kinda peckish, and since we happened to have dragged with us eggs, milk, a big frying pan and a kilo of flour, we decided to make pancakes.  ;)



http://i10.aijaa.com/b/00004/10188945.jpg
Can you see, daddy? My first pancake is frying here!  :p


http://i2.aijaa.com/b/00673/10188518.jpg
We attacked every pancake as soon as it get ready!  :p
Mums mums!  :D 



http://i8.aijaa.com/b/00494/10188519.jpg
After five pancakes per voyager we sat down to drink some glögi and then we had still some pancakes more.  :rolleyes:


http://i3.aijaa.com/b/00076/10189000.jpg
What was left (which wasn´t very much!) we hanged to the nearby trees as a spring gift for the crows and seagulls.  :)


http://i11.aijaa.com/b/00392/10189001.jpg
I found the first blue anemones under the bruces!  :D
Aren´t they marvellous, daddy?  :stare:



http://i8.aijaa.com/b/00258/10188522.jpg
The sun showed up and we were sitting in the rocks  enjoying it.  :)


http://i8.aijaa.com/b/00218/10189002.jpg
Then it was time to go back to our home in Nuuksio.  :)

I´m sure, dad, that you would have loved our pancakes too!
I´ll fry you some in future!  ;)
Kisses from Krystal.  :stare:

Eohippus
pikkuaasi@gmail.com

Posted May 25, 2012, 3:18 pm
Olá, querido pai! (Hello, beloved dad!)  :D

Como estás? (How are you?) Estou bem! (I´m very well!) ;)
If you didn´t yet guess, we are again in Portugal!
It is really fantastic how much we have been flying this spring! 



http://i11.aijaa.com/b/00664/10252139.jpg
I know the European airports soon like my own pockets.  B)
The other travellers are dazzled by the cosmopolitan air radiating from us, seeing us moving smoothly from plane to plane.
Although it is possible that half of their dazzlement is caused by the fact that it is not an everyday possibility to see
a sibirian husky, a white tiger and a kiwi bird emptying the coffee automats.  ;)



http://i7.aijaa.com/b/00062/10252135.jpg
Anyway, we came to Portugal, and we have been mainly amusing ourselves, we toyvoyagers, while Henna
has been very busy with her seminar work.

This pic is from a walk on the Almada side of the river Tejo.  :)



http://i1.aijaa.com/b/00840/10252136.jpg
In Finland the first flowers were only starting to bloom
while we left, but here it is already full summer, and there is wonderfull flowers everywhere.  :)



http://i1.aijaa.com/b/00249/10252137.jpg
We saw again the Jeesus of Almada, Cristo Rei, but this time we were watching him from the river front.

It looked like he had been any moment ready to dive into Tejo. ;)
.. so we were soon deep in an argument about could he be wearing swimming trunks under his robes and if so,
could they be with Donald Duck pattern or not.



http://i8.aijaa.com/b/00250/10252138.jpg
We walked forward and saw this wonderful field of daisies.  :)


http://i3.aijaa.com/b/00087/10252264.jpg
We took a ferry to Lisbon. I was trying on a strawhat Henna ushered us to take with us when we left.
What do you think, dad? Does it suit me?  :stare:



http://i10.aijaa.com/b/00151/10252265.jpg
We took part into a demonstration and were given red carnations, which are symbols of the year 1974 Carnation Revolution.  :)



http://i5.aijaa.com/b/00001/10252589.jpgThen we went on walking.
The sky was turning rather cloudy, and when it started to rain our hats prooved to be very handy because tehy are a bit too big..  ;)



http://i5.aijaa.com/b/00927/10252330.jpg
We saw wonderful pelargonias.  :)


http://i10.aijaa.com/b/00539/10252331.jpg
And were hiding in a small pine forest from a pouring shower of rain until the sun came out again.  :)
The forest was wet and glistening in the sun, and there was steam rising from the pine trunks.



http://i11.aijaa.com/b/00636/10252332.jpg
We climbed into a cactus. Ouch!  :thinking: Some people are eating the fruit of this cactus.
I don´t know how they can do it, because the fruit is full of spikes too.



http://i6.aijaa.com/b/00180/10252333.jpg
I don´t know the name of these flowers in english. Do you know, dad? In portuguese they are called "capuchos".  :)


http://i8.aijaa.com/b/00313/10252399.jpg
We were feeling a bit peckish, and so we went home to have a little snack.  ;)
We started with wonderful goat cheese, olives and rustic bread.  :p



http://i5.aijaa.com/b/00327/10252398.jpg
And continued with cherries.  :p


http://i10.aijaa.com/b/00815/10252400.jpg
Then we had some strawberries and apricots.  ;)


http://i3.aijaa.com/b/00237/10252401.jpg


http://i5.aijaa.com/b/00424/10252402.jpg


http://i11.aijaa.com/b/00326/10252465.jpg
Njam NJAM njam!  :p


http://i5.aijaa.com/b/00170/10252463.jpg
There was still a bit room, and we were filling it with some choc cake.  :D :p

Then I had to be rolled out from the table.  ;)



http://i8.aijaa.com/b/00345/10252464.jpg
This bunch is for you, dad.  :stare:
It is a tradition here to collect this kind of bunch in the "Dia de Espiga" which means the day of the Thursday of the Ascension.

The flowers in it symbolize different things:
Ear of a grain plant  - bread
Poppy - love and life
Olive branch - light and peace
Wine leaves - joy
Marigold - wealth
Rosemary - health and strength

I wish all of these for you!  :)

Your Krystal








Eohippus
pikkuaasi@gmail.com

Posted Jun 13, 2012, 10:58 am
Hei, rakas isä!  :D (Hello, dear dad!)

How are you?

Your little husky here has been very busy!
The world is so full of things to do!  ;)



http://i6.aijaa.com/b/00404/10360077.jpg
For example taking care of guinea pigs is an important task to do.  :)
I was giving him hay and lettuce and cleaning a bit around his home. He was kissing me a lot.  ;)



http://i9.aijaa.com/b/00648/10360078.jpg
To help old cat ladies to take care of their personal hygiene is very important too.  :D


http://i10.aijaa.com/b/00803/10360079.jpg
We we also grinding coffee with this little mill.  :)


http://i6.aijaa.com/b/00315/10360081.jpg
And were walking around and beeing stylish.  ;)


http://i11.aijaa.com/b/00891/10360135.jpg
And eating! That is the most important task to do of all!  :p

Then, guess what..  :rolleyes:
We flew back to Finland again!  :thinking:



http://i6.aijaa.com/b/00645/10360227.jpg
Here I am having a "bica" in the airport café. That is the most common word for a cup of coffee in Portugal. It is rather strong and the cup is almost toyvoyager sized.  :D


http://i6.aijaa.com/b/00895/10360229.jpg
People were watching us, when we glided stylishly on the escalators like big cosmopolitans.  B)
Ha ha, we turned our noses towards the ceiling and started to talk nonsense, like "But you have to take in account also the statutory formatting of the portofolio, and the paragraph 7 conserning the coloring of socks."  :rolleyes:



http://i10.aijaa.com/b/00033/10360228.jpg
Good by, Portugal!  :)
It was a bit sad to leave again so soon, but on the other hand, we were all very eager to see if the summer had arrived meanwhile to Finland!  :D



http://i7.aijaa.com/b/00523/10360230.jpg
Here I´m trying to watch the air hostesses appealingly with my endearing puppy eyes so that they would bring us soon something to eat.  :rolleyes:


http://i1.aijaa.com/b/00772/10360231.jpg
It worked!  :p


http://i6.aijaa.com/b/00778/10360324.jpg
In Finland there was a new toyvoyager fellow, Brownbeard, waiting for us. :-) Here he is standing between me and Zoe.


http://i3.aijaa.com/b/00261/10360325.jpg
And the summer had certainly come!  :D
Everywhere around there was some flowers or bushes in bloom!
These are the flowers of a wild strawberry.  :)



http://i3.aijaa.com/b/00650/10360322.jpg
Buttercups!  :D


http://i11.aijaa.com/b/00082/10360326.jpg
Lilies of the valley! Their wonderful fragrance fills the air.  :)


http://i1.aijaa.com/b/00989/10360455.jpg
We went for a walk to see more of the now summery landscapes.  :)


http://i4.aijaa.com/b/00297/10360456.jpg
The forest was fresh and green and full of new life, fast growing saplings and busy little creatures, like us.  ;)


http://i9.aijaa.com/b/00495/10360460.jpg
We fell a tree to make a fire..
Ha ha, just kidding!  :D



http://i7.aijaa.com/b/00618/10360457.jpg
And then walked to see the nearest lake, Sahajärvi. Last time we were here it was still on ice.  :D


http://i5.aijaa.com/b/00167/10360459.jpg
We were sitting and watching the fish jumping after the mosquitoes and just enjoying the wonderful suns and scents of summer.  :)


http://i11.aijaa.com/b/00849/10360505.jpg


http://i1.aijaa.com/b/00602/10360507.jpg
The little stream of Salakoski was running happily to the lake.  :)


http://i6.aijaa.com/b/00402/10360506.jpg
We were hopping from stone to stone, faster and faster, and started to sing, the stream playing a background tune to us.  :rolleyes:


http://i10.aijaa.com/b/00151/10360508.jpg
And then we were playing to be ents from Tolkiens Middle Earth.  B)


http://i4.aijaa.com/b/00997/10360509.jpg
And resting a bit in the gentle northern sun.  :)


http://i7.aijaa.com/b/00482/10360558.jpg
And then we really build up the fire, with small sticks, and made some pancakes!  :D


http://i11.aijaa.com/b/00644/10360559.jpg


http://i1.aijaa.com/b/00864/10360560.jpg
They were really great! A bit burned here and a bit raw there - just like they have to be made in a forest on open fire!  B)


http://i11.aijaa.com/b/00689/10360561.jpg
The we went back home, but I took this big feather I found with me.

See you again soon!  :D
Kisses from Krystal!

Eohippus
pikkuaasi@gmail.com

Posted Jul 5, 2012, 10:11 am
Terve taas, isä! (Hello again, daddy!)  :)
How are you?

We have been staying couple of days in Hennas mothers apartment taking care of her cats while she is in a visit in the countryside.
So we have been enjoying the town-life instead of the forest-life, although we seem to have a tendency to go somewhere into the bushes even here.  :rolleyes:



http://i5.aijaa.com/b/00612/10477415.jpg
Here we are sitting on Hennas mothers sofa pretending to be wellbehaved toyvoyagers until she went to her way.  :rolleyes:


http://i3.aijaa.com/b/00216/10477484.jpg
When we heard the door to slam we started to use the ceiling light as our merry-go-round.  :)


http://i11.aijaa.com/b/00558/10477416.jpg
Then we emptied the fridge.  :D


http://i2.aijaa.com/b/00625/10477417.jpg
And thus filled with new energy left lollygagging to the town.  B)


http://i2.aijaa.com/b/00003/10477418.jpg
We headed towards the market square and passed this rather inviting icecream boot.
When I say "passed", what I really mean is that Henna dragged us pass it.  :rolleyes:



http://i10.aijaa.com/b/00914/10477419.jpg
Here we are in the market square.
We started to investigate what they were selling there.  :)



http://i4.aijaa.com/b/00920/10477517.jpg
I saw wonderful looking raspberries.  :p


http://i6.aijaa.com/b/00721/10477518.jpg
And wonderfully smelling strawberries!  :p


http://i10.aijaa.com/b/00856/10477519.jpg
And all sort of items made out of juniper. They smelled nice too.  :)


http://i7.aijaa.com/b/00748/10477520.jpg
These are traditional mugs called "kuksa". They are carved out of burl which grows on the birch trunk.  :)


http://i7.aijaa.com/b/00474/10477521.jpg
And then, best of all, I met a group of cousins!  :D
I hope they end up with nice families, or maybe even become toyvoyagers!



http://i4.aijaa.com/b/01000/10477543.jpg
We hopped into this boot to buy tickets for the Suomenlinna  ferry.


http://i3.aijaa.com/b/00520/10477544.jpg
Here is our ferry coming ashore.  :)


http://i8.aijaa.com/b/00736/10477545.jpg
On board we were admiring the views.
The trip took about fifteen minutes.



http://i4.aijaa.com/b/00633/10477546.jpg
Suomenlinna is a complex of ruins of a fortification situated on few island in front of Helsinki.
"Work on the fortress was begun in the mid-18th century. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Finland’s most popular tourist attractions" says the official homepage.  ;)



http://i6.aijaa.com/b/00169/10477547.jpg
There is small bridges connecting the islands. We started our walk.  :)


http://i4.aijaa.com/b/00229/10477574.jpg
We saw parts of the fortification here and there, but we didn´t stay much inside them - they were cold and damp and smelled of urine and were filled with turists.  :rolleyes:


http://i2.aijaa.com/b/00061/10477576.jpg
We headed to the non-so-turistic direction with less people (surprise surprise).  :)


http://i3.aijaa.com/b/00906/10477575.jpg
We were admiring the landscape.
I think it is great they have not ruined this place by trimming the vegetation too much. Everything can grow about wild.  :D



http://i10.aijaa.com/b/00759/10477578.jpg
We saw wonderful daisies filling a meadow.  :)


http://i10.aijaa.com/b/00693/10477577.jpg
And interesting, almost forgotten paths and routes.  :)


http://i11.aijaa.com/b/00405/10477631.jpg
The area is protected, fortunately, from modern building.
There is nowadays about 800 inhabitants on the islands, but they all live in old buildings built before the year 1950.



http://i11.aijaa.com/b/00199/10477635.jpg
We saw a group of canoeists.  :)


http://i9.aijaa.com/b/00377/10477633.jpg
Isn´t it a beautiful place, daddy?
I could live here too. At least in summertime.  :rolleyes:



http://i9.aijaa.com/b/00538/10477634.jpg


http://i3.aijaa.com/b/00159/10477669.jpg
We started to feel a bit peckish.. well, we had been without eating at least two hours!  :thinking:
So we started to search for a nice place to have a picnic.  ;)



http://i11.aijaa.com/b/00971/10477670.jpg
We wanted a spot with shade, nice view and not too many mosquitoes.  :rolleyes:


http://i6.aijaa.com/b/00095/10477671.jpg
We found the perfect place on the shore of a small pond. The shore was growing glorious yellow irises.  :)


http://i8.aijaa.com/b/00915/10477672.jpg
We sat down to enjoy our provisions and the buzzing of the dragonflies.  :)


http://i10.aijaa.com/b/00028/10477853.jpg
Do you know what these are, daddy?  :stare:
They are wild chives, a sort of onion.
We picked some to put over our pastries.  :)



http://i1.aijaa.com/b/00364/10477732.jpg
We walked along. The day was a very hot and sunny one (on finnish standards  :rolleyes: ) and we started to feel a bit dizzy with the sun reflecting from the waves.


http://i9.aijaa.com/b/00820/10477734.jpg
We were climbing on hills and on the roofs of the fortress. It was often hard to say if it WAS a hill or a roof of the fortress, because parts of the fortress were paved with earth and now they are so overgrown that only the too geometrical shape tells which formations in the landscape are not natural.  :D


http://i2.aijaa.com/b/00681/10477735.jpg
We walked and climbed along many paths behind plaques saying "Do not enter".  :rolleyes:


http://i2.aijaa.com/b/00626/10477736.jpg


http://i1.aijaa.com/b/00070/10477737.jpg
The hot air made the atmosphere somehow hazy, so that it was hard to tell exactly where the land ended and the water started.  :)


http://i4.aijaa.com/b/00405/10477803.jpg
Our little feet started to be a bit tired after all the landscape admiring..


http://i2.aijaa.com/b/00086/10477802.jpg
So we marched back towards the ferry to take us home.  :)


http://i8.aijaa.com/b/00211/10477805.jpg
See yo soon again, dad!
A hug from Krystal  :)
Eohippus
pikkuaasi@gmail.com

Posted Aug 23, 2012, 1:27 am
Hello, dear dad!  :)

How are you?
I have been having a wonderful summertime here in Finland.  :D



http://i11.aijaa.com/b/00708/10763919.jpg
It has been a mix of a bit everything.. but the uppermost adjective in my mind is "green".  :D
We have been climbing trees and enjoyed the feel of freedom. 



http://i8.aijaa.com/b/00941/10763920.jpg
And made trips to the seashore, to breath deep the wonderful sea air and tease the fish.  ;)


http://i1.aijaa.com/b/00371/10763921.jpg
And enjoyed the rare sunny days just laying somewhere, emptying our brains of everything unnessessary.  :)


http://i9.aijaa.com/b/00288/10764306.jpg
Having wonderful snacks!


http://i6.aijaa.com/b/00501/10763922.jpg
And having adventures in the border areas of the urban landscape.  :)


http://i1.aijaa.com/b/00214/10764305.jpg
And admiring the wonderful August full moon.  :)


http://i9.aijaa.com/b/00477/10763923.jpg
But first of all we have been spending time in the forest - picking berries and mushrooms and herbs or just wandering around, watching everything.  :)


http://i4.aijaa.com/b/00863/10764226.jpg
I have learned to love the finnish forest.  :) It is wonderful to be able to walk in the forest whole day without meeting any other people, just forest animals and other mysterious creatures who walk there. 


http://i9.aijaa.com/b/00374/10764224.jpg
Not to speak about the berries the forests are full of!  :p


http://i8.aijaa.com/b/00300/10764307.jpg
And nuts! There is lots of nut trees growing in the nearby forests here in Nuuksio.  :)


http://i11.aijaa.com/b/00755/10764227.jpg
And delicious mushrooms we pick and make for dinner in the evenings.  :)


http://i5.aijaa.com/b/00444/10764304.jpg
Here! Is your mouth already watering?  :D


http://i2.aijaa.com/b/00233/10764225.jpg


http://i2.aijaa.com/b/00608/10764258.jpg
The forests here are mainly humid spruce forests, and there is swamps and bogs and small streams everywhere.
Here we are crossing over a swamp along duckboards.  :)



http://i1.aijaa.com/b/00839/10764259.jpg
There is a wonderful smell hovering over the swamps, it is the smell of the turf itself, and the wild rosemarys growing on the swamp shores.  :)


http://i9.aijaa.com/b/00174/10764260.jpg
The small streams are full of interesting things to investigate, all sort of insects and beautiful stones and sometimes small fish.  :)


http://i7.aijaa.com/b/00773/10764261.jpg


http://i6.aijaa.com/b/00014/10764262.jpg
We have always the coffee pot with us and have joyful coffee breaks round the fire.  :)


http://i10.aijaa.com/b/00176/10764283.jpg
Every now and then we see a beautiful lake, and often we meet some frogs.  :D


http://i10.aijaa.com/b/00221/10764284.jpg


http://i4.aijaa.com/b/00254/10764287.jpg
When it starts to rain we hide under big mushrooms or treeroots.  :)


http://i2.aijaa.com/b/00012/10764285.jpg
Sometimes we are playing to be on a river full of crocodiles, or Huckleberry Finn sailing on the river Mississippi.  :)


http://i11.aijaa.com/b/00291/10764294.jpg
Some of the mushrooms are ver beautiful too, but often the most beautiful ones are also the most poisonous ones.  :rolleyes:


http://i3.aijaa.com/b/00993/10764295.jpg
Can you imagine to be a reindeer, dad? I cannot, because this is what they eat! Yaiks!  :thinking:


http://i7.aijaa.com/b/00042/10764297.jpg
Often we are climbing on the rocks, helping each other upwards.  :)


http://i11.aijaa.com/b/00347/10764296.jpg
Resting a bit when possible and then climbing again.


http://i8.aijaa.com/b/00288/10764298.jpg


http://i4.aijaa.com/b/00431/10764302.jpg
The views from top of the cliffs are often just magnificent!  B)


http://i9.aijaa.com/b/00882/10764303.jpg
One day we climbed to see the Whitträsk rock art site.  :)
There is lots of theories about what this pic symbolizes.
It could be some sort of big fishdam, I think.
It is from the neolithic stone age.



http://i6.aijaa.com/b/00552/10764309.jpg
And one day we went to the seashore to swim!  ;)


http://i5.aijaa.com/b/00263/10764310.jpg
We went into this exellent Toyvoyager Spa.  ;) First we were just sitting and making sure the water was warm enough!


http://i1.aijaa.com/b/00762/10764311.jpg
Then Tuli, who is naturally a good swimmer, was showing us some swimming styles.  :D


http://i9.aijaa.com/b/00727/10764312.jpg
And then we dared to go to the water ourselves too.
We were hopping to the water from the swimming board about hundred times, and learning to swim, and just playing in the water.  :D



http://i10.aijaa.com/b/00583/10764313.jpg
What a wonderful day!  :D


http://i11.aijaa.com/b/00260/10764314.jpg
When we got out from the water my toes were wrinkled in a funny way.  ;)


http://i8.aijaa.com/b/00032/10764315.jpg
Then we let the sun dry our furs properly.  :)


http://i11.aijaa.com/b/00115/10764318.jpg
We headed back home trough the forests.  :)


http://i1.aijaa.com/b/00383/10764317.jpg
There we put up a fire and sat round it and made food..


http://i8.aijaa.com/b/00922/10764316.jpg
Wonderfull pancakes with a load of berries!  :p


http://i4.aijaa.com/b/00094/10764319.jpg
Wouldn´t you like to taste?  ;)

A warm hug to you, dad!  :)
I´ll leave Finland soon, I´ll let you know when I´m on my way.
Your Krystal
Eohippus
pikkuaasi@gmail.com

Posted Sep 7, 2012, 8:19 pm
Hello, dad!  :D This is my last update from here, Nuuksio, I´m heading towards new adventures!  Hiihaa! :D

Me and Napoleondecided to go together part of the way, it´s nicer to travel in company.  :D
It also gave us opportunity to plan our trip.. we are making it in a very stylish way!  B)



http://i7.aijaa.com/b/00470/10858937.jpg
On our last day here our friends were pampering us a lot! (And trying to learn our secret plans for the trip!  ;) ) We were having a farewell party in the forest with coffee and berrypie.  :p


http://i10.aijaa.com/b/00437/10858938.jpg
AND having icecream in a little café.  :p


http://i9.aijaa.com/b/00498/10858939.jpg
We spent our last evening together sitting round the fire and singing secret tribe songs. ;)


http://i6.aijaa.com/b/00968/10858940.jpg
Then I went with Napoleon into a telephone booth to order our means of transportation.  ;)


http://i2.aijaa.com/b/00127/10858941.jpg
Needles to say, the others were very curious!  :D

Then we waited for our lift to come..



http://i2.aijaa.com/b/00884/10859150.jpg
We didn´t need to wait for long!  :cyclops:


http://i10.aijaa.com/b/00474/10859151.jpg
The others gasped and Zoe cursed heartily, when they saw the flying saucer.  :D


http://i2.aijaa.com/b/00150/10859152.jpg
The saucer started to land, and we backed behind a pine tree to make room for it.  :)


http://i4.aijaa.com/b/00058/10859153.jpg
"Don´t tell me that is your lift?" said Henna, whose eyes were rolling in her head.  :rolleyes:
"Of course it is!" said I. "Isn´t it cool?!"  B)



http://i7.aijaa.com/b/00221/10859154.jpg
Two creatures came out from the saucer. Henna started to squeak and mutter something about cow abductions.  :rolleyes:
"Are our hitchikers here?" asked the creatures.



http://i11.aijaa.com/b/00079/10859386.jpg
We were hugging everyone for farewell very tight. Josie gave me a lucky kiss, well, because we are both doggies..  :)


http://i10.aijaa.com/b/00888/10859387.jpg
Then we greeted the saucer driwers and entered the vehicle.  :D


http://i7.aijaa.com/b/00114/10859388.jpg
It rised slow up to the air! Jiihaa!  :D


http://i3.aijaa.com/b/00264/10859621.jpg
We were still wawing to our friends.


http://i8.aijaa.com/b/00913/10859390.jpg
Goodbye, Nuuksio! Goodbye, Nuuksio gang!
Towards new experiences!  B)

See you soon again!
Hug from Krystal  :D
smaug


Posted Oct 11, 2012, 5:18 am
“A strange light broke the clouds over northern France...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_0768.jpg

...followed by an enraged howl”  I SAID THE DOOR!!!!

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6661.jpg

Aliens! They might fly cool ships, but they can’t tell a door from a window :rolleyes:. Luckily it was a familiar window and it was open too.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6662.jpg

As no one seemed to be there to welcome me, I decided to start barking ;) until someone came around to find out who was making that racket.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6665.jpg

Immediately they recognized me and gave me a warm welcome :D and also explained me that my friend Sigfrido was away on holiday :o.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6670.jpg

Suddenly I realised that I forgot something, so I quickly went back out of the window...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6668.jpg

...where I picked up the lovely presents that my last host gave me. Thanks Eohippus :D!

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6672.jpg
smaug


Posted Oct 12, 2012, 5:46 am
Hi,

It seems I arrived in France just in time to catch a train to England :rolleyes:, so today I boldly walked out of St Pancras station ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6606.jpg

I wish my friend sammino was here as he knows this part of London like the back of his talons, but, even without local knowledge, walking across the road into King's Cross station was fairly straightforward :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6607.jpg

So, I found the right platform and jumped on the train.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6610.jpg

The view from the train was really nice :). I just wonder where I am going to get off.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6611.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6614.jpg
smaug


Posted Oct 15, 2012, 4:08 am
Hi,

I found out my destination, Cambridge :D! Disappointingly the information package in my room wasn’t very clear about where to find food :rolleyes:...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6624.jpg

...so I decided to go looking for something myself and headed for the hystoric center.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6618.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6619.jpg

This pub seemed a very viable breakfast option ;)...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6620.jpg

...but I decided to keep looking. Eventually I crossed the river Cam where a lonely canoeist was enjoying his morning exercise.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6621.jpg

On the other side of the bridge there were a lot of parked punts. Apparently on hot summer days they are so popular that they create massive traffic jams in the river :rolleyes:...but not today.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6622.jpg

Before going home I stopped to get some food :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6626.jpg

Not exactly nouvelle cuisine :rolleyes:, but good enough to keep me going for the rest of the day ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6627.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6628.jpg
smaug


Posted Oct 31, 2012, 4:43 am
Hi,

It seems my British sojourn was a short one as today I left Cambridge. Of course I started the day with a proper breakfast ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6631.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6630.jpg

And while the baggage was being prepared I took a final look out of the window.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6632.jpg

Getting the baggage ready was a bit boring, so I fell asleep and by the time I woke up I was back in London at St.Pancras station :rolleyes:. Here I walked a bit around the station...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6635.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6636.jpg

...until it was time to board the train :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6634.jpg
smaug


Posted Nov 4, 2012, 11:38 pm
Hi,

Today I went for a short visit to Paris. As I arrived I explored a bit around the newly refurbished Gare Saint-Lazare :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6641.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6642.jpg

I wanted to check the time but this “clock” wasn’t very helpful :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6643.jpg

Moving on, I reached the Opera :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6653.jpg

As I was getting hungry I went checking out the restaurant...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6646.jpg

...that seemed a bit too pricey for a little TV :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6644.jpg

So I went exploring inside...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6650.jpg

...where I found some strange furniture :o.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6647.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6648.jpg

The shop was a bit more interesting...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6651.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6652.jpg

...but I was getting bored, so I went back out.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6654.jpg

I was wondering where to go...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6656.jpg

...when I spotted a few very interesting :rolleyes: shops where I got lost for the rest of the afternoon ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6657.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6658.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6659.jpg
smaug


Posted Nov 5, 2012, 1:54 am
Hi,

As it happens, my little trip to Paris was not just for leisure :rolleyes:. On the way back to Rouen I had be on time for a very important rendez-vous on the train with my friends Orpheus and Sigfrido :D!

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6660.jpg

Of course, we decided to celebrate being all together again after such a long time ;), so we went out for dinner and spent the whole night eating foie gras :D and talking about our adventures :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6673.jpg
smaug


Posted Nov 12, 2012, 4:48 am
Hi,

Today we all went for a day trip to Paris :D. Our first stop in town was Place Vendome, with the Vendome column.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6678.jpg

Around there we found some strange shops like this one selling robots :stare:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Orfeo2%20tv/IMG_6675.jpg

Eventually we reached La Seine...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6682.jpg

...where we decided to rest a bit in the sun :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Orfeo2%20tv/IMG_6685.jpg

Later we reached Place Saint-Sulpice with the famous fountain.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Orfeo2%20tv/IMG_6693.jpg

In summer it must be a great spot to rest, but today it was a bit too cold for a dip :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6696.jpg

As we were wandering around, we stumbled on some very interesting shops :D...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/IMG_6689.jpg

...that reminded us that it was time to stop for a bite. So we promptly found an appropriate food serving establishment and spent the afternoon testing new dishes ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Orfeo2%20tv/IMG_6686.jpg
smaug


Posted Nov 16, 2012, 4:50 am
Hi,

Today I said goodbye to my friends Sigfrido and Orpheus and started travelling to my next host :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Orfeo2%20tv/IMG_6707.jpg

As always Sigfrido gave me a great hug :D and checked that I was going to travel comfortably ;). And then, I was ready to go :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Orfeo2%20tv/IMG_6712.jpg

See you soon!
BlackCat


Posted Oct 3, 2013, 7:11 pm
Today I arrived at BlackCats place. And Meggie welcomed me there.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2012/December/1511_IMG_0989_zps5053cf85.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2012/December/1511_IMG_0990_zps34e4335e.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Oct 3, 2013, 7:21 pm
Today a new friend arrived, again. It's fun that we're having so many friends around right now. Relaxo is our newest guest.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2012/December/1611_IMG_0991_zps53b18b3a.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Oct 3, 2013, 7:48 pm
Today we baked a cake because of BlackCats birthday tomorrow.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2012/December/1811_IMG_0993_zpsaec33cd1.jpg
Here you see me with the ingredients for the cake.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2012/December/1811_IMG_0998_zps8bc5ce3f.jpg
This is me and the dough.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2012/December/1811_IMG_1001_zps91ee76ed.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2012/December/1811_IMG_1003_zps35be1dc9.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2012/December/1811_IMG_1008_zps6db22234.jpg
We tried to get it out in one piece...but...it didn't work.

That was her birthday cake. It was delicious.
BlackCat


Posted Oct 3, 2013, 8:45 pm
Today we had a short visit to the Christmas market in Essen. I will show you the photos we took. It was fun to see it all.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2012/December/2111_IMG_1015_zps8cc9685f.jpg
That's the main station of Essen.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2012/December/2111_IMG_1019_zpscf9f4282.jpg
It was still closed...

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2012/December/2111_IMG_1025_zps74cd1297.jpg
Here you can buy hot spiced wine.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2012/December/2111_IMG_1029_zpsc2682b1e.jpg
Closed as well...

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2012/December/2111_IMG_1039_zps3de1fb8b.jpg
The big wheel.

It was fun to visit the Christmas market, even when it still was closed.
BlackCat


Posted Oct 3, 2013, 8:48 pm
http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2012/December/2111_IMG_1048_zps848a4eb9.jpg
Today we went to the doctor with BlackCat. She wasn't feeling well.
BlackCat


Posted Oct 3, 2013, 11:33 pm
Today we visited the castle ruin Altendorf. It's the last stop of the bus in front of BlackCats house, so it's easy to get there for her. She loves going there for walks. And today we were able to join her.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2301_3_zps684858a2.jpg

Can you see the snow? So much snow.
BlackCat


Posted Oct 3, 2013, 11:51 pm
Today we had a walk near BlackCats home in the park and such.

http://s1178.photobucket.com/user/toyvoyagersfriend/media/2013/0702_7_zps436b46bf.jpg.html
This is the park.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2013/0702_8_zps9a5da271.jpg
And this is the playground there.

BlackCat


Posted Oct 4, 2013, 12:08 am
Another castle near BlackCats home - Blankenstein. It's a cute castle but we only saw it from the parking lot.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2013/1903_3_zpse5932e89.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Oct 4, 2013, 12:27 am
Today we went into a zoo.

And as you can maybe see I saw the lions.
http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2013/0104_2_zps8f89df65.jpg

And camels.
http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2013/0104_5_zpsfc1e9d9f.jpg

We saw the tapir.
http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2013/0104_8_zps7f73e1ec.jpg

And the cute seals.
http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2013/0104_9_zpsa3cff1f3.jpg

The monkeys.
http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2013/0104_14_zps632d9816.jpg

And BlackCats favorites in this zoo - the meerkats.
http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2013/0104_15_zpsfcfcdcc9.jpg

We had a walk in the Chinese garden.
http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2013/0104_20_zps8f7fa785.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2013/0104_23_zps36eebc15.jpg

All in one it was a really nice day in the zoo.
BlackCat


Posted Oct 4, 2013, 12:47 am
I can't believe that we actually went to France for 5 days. Unluckily we were only allowed to join BlackCat on the first day, as she was busy with sitting in front of cinemas or concert locations - oh and one day in front of a book store. She was there to see two of her favorite actors and we were lucky that she took us with her on one day.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2013/1406_1_zps5261bf74.jpg
That is Notre Dame. It's a cathedral and really beautiful, or what do you think?

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2013/1406_5_zpsf5ca4d1c.jpg
The Seine.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2013/1406_7_zpsd7740e4a.jpg
The Louvre where you can see the Mona Lisa.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2013/1406_10_zps46ddaf41.jpg
And then we found the Eiffel tower.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2013/1406_14_zps5606ad14.jpg
We walked closer.

Sadly that were all photos we made in Paris. There won't be any more updates over the summer as BlackCat is really busy with her job and when she's not at home she usually can't take us with her. I am sorry for that. But I hope you liked our Paris update. We came back to Germany shortly after that and I left BlackCats home after a while to come back home.
smaug


Posted Oct 7, 2013, 11:34 pm
Hi,

I’m back home :D! Today, after a few days in what I believe was a mailbox :rolleyes:, someone dropped my travelling quarters in the middle of a little crowd.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN7671_zps3bfac646.jpg

As I come out I realized that it was a crowd of TVs, my friend sammino and his guests :). They were all very impressed with the sweets I brought with me (thanks Fabi :)!) Of course there will be lots of stories to hear and tell in the next few days;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN7672_zps33db75ad.jpg
smaug


Posted Oct 28, 2013, 1:33 am
Hi,

Yesterday smaug made one of his rare apparitions and today we went to the mountains :D. It sure looks like I arrived just ahead of winter as we could see from the parking lot that there is a lot of white around these days :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7677_zps420188e1.jpg

After walking along a frigid and shadowy trail for some time we eventually had a nice view of the top of the valley with the Rockwall glittering in the morning sun :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7684_zpsd3f1ca0e.jpg

The Rockwall is an almost completely uninterrupted 35 km long and 900 m high rock face and it is, needless to say ;),  spectacularly impressive. As we approached Floe Lake we could see a bit more of it :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7690_zps2fbd1155.jpg

Floe Lake is nested under the rock and does not see much sun at this time of the year...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7691_zpsd21b3bd9.jpg

...but the reflection in the still water was almost as nice as the mountains around it :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7703_zpsbc91c5d4.jpg

On the way back we had a chance to take a better look at Floe Creek valley...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7706_zps4d835228.jpg

...and at some of the other snow-covered peaks around it :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7707_zps73f87865.jpg
smaug


Posted Nov 3, 2013, 1:48 am
Hi,

Today we were up to the mountains again :). As usual it was some time before we enjoyed a bit of a view, but as soon as we were out of the trees we could see the mountains around the Little Elbow river...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7724_zpse4cae16b.jpg

...and Nihahi Ridge.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7725_zps19d64870.jpg

From a bit further up we could see the Elbow river valley disappearing in the mountains too :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7739_zps11aba632.jpg

As it happens, we were already high enough for our trail to be covered in snow ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7738_zpse0f21616.jpg

But, with a little extra effort, we eventually reached a lovely (and incredibly windy :rolleyes:) viewpoint from where we could see mountains in one direction,...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7755_zps4c0c76b2.jpg

...foothills in the other,...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7757_zps1e653ef9.jpg

...and even the prairies in the east :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7756_zpscab43aa7.jpg
smaug


Posted Nov 4, 2013, 4:44 am
Hi,

Today we gathered to say goodbye to Benno who is travelling to his next host tomorrow :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN7758_zpsed9133f4.jpg
smaug


Posted Nov 24, 2013, 5:37 am
Hi,

Once again we are all alone at home. Not that it makes much difference as the weather is very wintery most of the time :(.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN7770_zps46852dc4.jpg

The fact that sammino insists in leaving the window open because Landroval could be home any time does not really help :rolleyes:. We tried to no avail to convince him that Landroval sure was not going to have any problem in using the door bell, so the window is still open.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN7768_zps274d78b1.jpg

So, in a freezing house, and with food supplies running out, today we decided to decide who was going to have the last piece of the last chocolate bar with a card game.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN7772_zps569cc839.jpg

With so much at stake, emotions were running high ;) and arguments about alleged cheating were endless.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN7773_zpsf6f54520.jpg

We were so busy yelling at each other, that we almost didn’t notice that someone had entered the house and was eating out all the chocolate left :o.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN7775_zpsfc18270d.jpg

As it happens it was Landroval and he brought back lot of presents, including tons of chocolate with him :D. It seems we are not going to starve for a few more days ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN7764_zpsfba25d3e.jpg
smaug


Posted Nov 24, 2013, 5:32 pm
Hi,

Today we gathered to say goodbye and wish a safe journey to Mr. Blubber who is ready to travel back home :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN7776_zps636defc3.jpg
smaug


Posted Dec 1, 2013, 11:35 pm
Hi,

Today we had a good excuse to have some cake :D, Tatanka’s birthday! Of course, we sang happy birthday to him and then quickly moved to the more pressing matter of the cake ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN7805_zps3376c6c7.jpg
smaug


Posted Dec 1, 2013, 11:58 pm
Hi,

Today the weather wasn’t very good, but we were tired to be home and smaug was tired of working, so it was quite easy to convince him to go for a short hike near Calgary ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7787_zpsd287fb4e.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7788_zps922c5843.jpg

Despite the dark clouds it was kind of warm (Canadian warm ;), of course) and we had a nice view of the mountains :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7795_zpsad929515.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7796_zpsad6a23db.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7797_zps715b1ab4.jpg
smaug


Posted Dec 26, 2013, 3:53 pm
Hi,

Today smaug showed up with a parcel and said it was likely to be of interest to us :stare:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN7808_zps9caf54b5.jpg

Of course, we started working to open it and when we succeeded, a TV popped out, my friend Pepita coming home for the holidays :D!  And she brought some delicious sweets and a beautiful card with her. Of course we wanted to know everything about her recent trips and spent the night up chatting ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN7809_zpsad2b7879.jpg
smaug


Posted Dec 26, 2013, 4:15 pm
Hi,

We are on holiday :D! Yesterday sammino told us to jump in the luggage...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN7813_zps99927366.jpg

...and today, very late at night, after an horrendously long and boring trip, we found ourselves in Italy :D! It was a bit late for exploring around, so we got a delicious midnight snack and went straight to bed ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN7812_zps17255490.jpg
smaug


Posted Dec 26, 2013, 5:03 pm
Hi,

Today we went for our first trip on a small mountain next to the town :). Some sections of the trail were a bit craggy, but you could get glimpses of the valley below.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7818_zps225e39f5.jpg

Later we found a summit log :o.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7821_zps4bce9446.jpg

That was a bit strange as we were not even remotely close to the summit, but, of course, we signed it anyway ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN7814_zps70bccb81.jpg

A bit further up the trail offered some nice views over Trento :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7828_zpsd4018be5.jpg

Then things took quite a steep turn :stare:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7835_zps22bab229.jpg

Eventually, we reached the summit. There was no summit log here :rolleyes:, but we had stunning views over Trento and the Val d’Adige :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7841_zpsbd8d519c.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7842_zps206f8a05.jpg

The place was so nice that we decided to enjoy the sun a bit and rest on this bench :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN7839_zps93ff164d.jpg

On the way back we crossed a ridge to take a look at the valley on the opposite side of the mountain :)...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7868_zps97a11c34.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7869_zps0020cae0.jpg

...before ducking back under the trees on the way home, where, hopefully, a nice hot chocolate was waiting for us ;).
smaug


Posted Dec 27, 2013, 9:10 pm
Hi,

Today we went for a ski trip on the dolomites :). We went over 4 passes around a big mountain group. Over the first pass smaug was a bit distracted :rolleyes: so we have no photographic evidence of being there, but once we crossed Passo Pordoi we could see the Tofane Group in the distance :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7875_zps54fa84fc.jpg

Later we crossed Passo di Campolongo and entered Alta Badia.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7880_zpsac6a5f2a.jpg

The last pass we crossed is called Passo Gardena. From there we could see the Saslong...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7892_zps098f4ffd.jpg

...and more mountains in the west :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7893_zps7c0cb130.jpg

We also noticed the sky was getting cloudy and sammino recommended that we made the most of every single ray of sun still visible as, according to the weather forecast, we were not likely to see any more of it for a good week :stare:.
smaug


Posted Dec 28, 2013, 2:00 pm
Hi,

As the weather forecast predicted, it turned rainy and we are spending most of the time chit-chatting. But today sammino abandoned us :rolleyes: for a few hours and when he came back he was with my friends  Orpheus and Sigfrido :D who came home for Christmas too.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN7894_zps725b840f.jpg

I guess there will be even more chatting and storytelling in the next few days ;).
smaug


Posted Dec 28, 2013, 2:45 pm
Merry Christmas :D!

Here in Trento we celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve, so this evening there was a lot of fumbling with presents under the tree. Taking advantage of the fact that everybody was distracted, we decided to help ourselves with the Pandoro ahead of everybody else :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN7895_zpsb503900e.jpg

Getting it out was hard work.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN7896_zps2831f9b4.jpg

But eventually we managed to access it and :)...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN7897_zpseb6fa2ae.jpg

...cut a delicious slice just for us :D!

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN7898_zps26198739.jpg
smaug


Posted Jan 12, 2014, 7:35 pm
Hi,

After a few very relaxing days, mostly due to endless rain :rolleyes:, it is time for us to get ready to leave, so today we said goodbye to all the locals who kept us company over the last couple of weeks :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN7900_zps8e3543ff.jpg

We also said good bye to Sigfrido, Pepita and Orpheus who will hang around a bit longer :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN7901_zps1f2e5b8c.jpg

As this was the first time that we were all together with sammino and we don’t know when that will happen again, we gave ourselves a big hug and wished each other more great and safe adventures ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN7902_zpse1bf1889.jpg
smaug


Posted Jan 12, 2014, 8:08 pm
Hi,

This morning, a bit too early morning as far as I am concerned :rolleyes:, we went to the airport, where we explored a bit around :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/IMG_7909_zps92297d17.jpg

Since Sigfrido, Orpheus and Pepita had decided to accompany us, we had a final round of farewells before going through the security checks ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/IMG_7911_zpsc40d81fe.jpg
smaug


Posted Jan 12, 2014, 8:35 pm
Hi,

On the way back to Canada we had a bit of a long layover in Frankfurt, so we took the chance to have a look at some of the planes...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN7904_zps5ad02135.jpg

...and, most important, to find something yummy to fill our bellies ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN7905_zpse68720f2.jpg
smaug


Posted Jan 12, 2014, 8:52 pm
Hi,

We are back in Canada :D! After some disappointing delays, we eventually arrived in Calgary in wee hours of the morning. As we were a bit too tired to do anything else, we quickly munched on some of the delicious things that we collected on way and headed straight to bed ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN7954_zps37eb0590.jpg
smaug


Posted Jan 20, 2014, 1:36 am
Hi,

Happy new Year :)!

Today we were still a bit jet lagged and inevitably we were up very early in the morning :rolleyes:, so we convinced smaug to go for a morning hike. After leaving the car we quickly got to a nice view spot over the Elbow River.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7915_zps738865bf.jpg

As we gained elevation the sky got brighter and we started seeing the Rockies in the west :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7920_zps3e4bfd48.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7925_zps34968a8c.jpg

Eventually we reached the summit where the wind was freezing cold, but the view was great :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7942_zps576e214d.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7943_zpsf6ffb59f.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7944_zpsffa9a990.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7945_zps8b111a4a.jpg

We could almost even see Calgary.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7946_zps4b0e7294.jpg

Before leaving for (hopefully) some warmer location ;), we took a final customary photo with the summit cairn.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN7952_zps172060f0.jpg
smaug


Posted Jan 20, 2014, 1:55 am
Hi,

Today we decided that we wanted to go outdoor :), but, after a quick check of the weather...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN7953_zps3bfe4a66.jpg

...we decided that I nice day indoor was probably a better idea :rolleyes:. Hopefully it’s going to get warmer sometime soon :).
BlackCat


Posted Jan 29, 2014, 2:33 pm
Hey :)!

I am sorry for the late update but we just realized that we didn't update with the Prague photos.

I am sorry for that.

I hope you will still like to see them.

Love,
Krystal

It was raining on our first day in Prague, so we took a bus tour, which drove around the whole city and showed us everything important.

Later we had a walk even though it was raining and saw a lot of nice places closer.

And when it was already evening we walked around with a friend of BlackCat and saw a lot of nice places as well. The bridge on the last photo is the most used postcard motif - the Karlsbridge.
BlackCat


Posted Jan 29, 2014, 2:47 pm
Hey,

another update from Prague. This day we spend at the castle of Prague. You can see the view from up there and the last photo is a gate of the Karlsbridge. It was a nice time in Prague!

Love,
Krystal
smaug


Posted Feb 2, 2014, 6:46 pm
Hi,

Today smaug was being lazy, as usual :rolleyes:, but even if the weather wasn’t that great we convinced him to go for a hike near Calgary. Most of the way we were on a nice snow covered trail in the trees :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7962_zps88a8ce73.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7963_zps5b570a31.jpg

At one point the view opened up a bit, but the clouds didn’t allow to take in much of the landscape.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7970_zps511bfe9e.jpg

As we moved on and gained elevation, we noticed snowflakes falling around us and quickly they turned almost into a blizzard :stare:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7977_zps76e4c6c0.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7978_zps27356645.jpg

Eventually we reached the top of the trail where usually there is a wonderful view of the Rockies :). Apparently today we were not going to enjoy it as all we could see were clouds and snow :rolleyes:, so we quickly turned around and hastily made it back to the warmth of the car ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7984_zpsc8625d06.jpg
smaug


Posted Mar 3, 2014, 3:18 am
Hi,

This weekend, again, temperatures were low enough to discourage smaug from engaging in any significant outdoor activity :rolleyes:, but at least we managed to convince him to take us out for a walk along the river :). Lesser beings would have quailed at the sight of what was waiting for us, but not, of course, an husky used to pull sledges in the artic B).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN7990_zps00e789f0.jpg

So we headed out and reached a point where the river is moving too fast to freeze even with this cold :stare:. As a result, the open water is creating a bit of a fog.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7995_zpsd3e9696b.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN7996_zps214d4066.jpg

Further downstream the river slows down and it was frozen solid.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8003_zps06b480a2.jpg

Even, under the Peace Bridge there was no visible sign of open water.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8009_zpse3aae6b7.jpg

At this point we decided that, rather than visiting downtown, it was wise to head straight home and deal with the first few signs of frostbite :rolleyes:.
smaug


Posted Mar 24, 2014, 3:08 am
Hi,

Today smaug came home with a parcel for us TVs, which got us very excited :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN8011_zpseeb4fe6f.jpg

As we managed to open it a new guest popped out, Lotta, a nice sheep who travelled all the way from Australia :D. And she brought some lovely Aussie sweets with her :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN8014_zps1e69c800.jpg

Of course, a late night of travel chatting followed ;).
smaug


Posted Mar 31, 2014, 3:05 am
Hi,

We are in spring :D!
Not that we really noticed, as it has been relentlessly snowing over the last few days :rolleyes:. But today it was sunny enough to try going for a quick trip to the mountains :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8022_zpsdb955991.jpg

The trees were covered with nice fresh snow...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8023_zpse0cea921.jpg

...so we decided to stop playing into one of them :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN8015_zpsc11fa017.jpg

Sometimes a nice viewed opened up along the trail.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8031_zps25612b69.jpg

Eventually we reached the highest point of our hike. We were thinking to reach the top of that ridge,...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8048_zps975c097f.jpg

...but looking west we noticed the it was probably snowing heavy over the mountains and it looked like the storm was coming towards us :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8049_zps1e30b196.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8050_zps4ee4142c.jpg

With temperatures deep in the minus teens, not everybody was comfortable with having to deal with a blizzard too :rolleyes:, so we urged smaug to turn around and walk fast back to the car.
smaug


Posted Apr 21, 2014, 2:15 am
Hi,

Not sure if we will ever see something resembling spring here :rolleyes:. It’s getting warmer, but it’s also snowing more often. Today, for instance, it wasn’t very nice, but we went for a short hike anyway. As soon as we reached the parking lot, it was clear that lack of fresh snow was not going to be an issue ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN8055_zpsf9ff9fb2.jpg

The trail was actually very nice with the trees all covered in snow :)...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8058_zpsf1ff6c6b.jpg

...but the view left a bit to be desired as the snowfall was clouding everything around us.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8063_zps49fc2fa5.jpg

So we decided to hide in the backpack and helped ourselves with smaug’s supplies ;) until it was time to go back home.
smaug


Posted Apr 22, 2014, 4:15 am
Hi,

After more snow yesterday, this morning the weather was gorgeous :), so we went for a walk close to Banff...and we walked in the sunshine :rolleyes:. After a short time we started having lovey views over Lake Minnewanka :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8074_zps18ef3157.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8075_zps6c6d4d9a.jpg

Later we reached a nice viewpoint where we could enjoy more views of the lake...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8088_zpsd4b3e92b.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8090_zps7f25c672.jpg

...and of the mountains surrounding it.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8089_zpsf96c90d2.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8091_zpsda3c8d5e.jpg

As we started gaining elevation the trail was getting very snowbound, to the point that we worried we were going to have to turn back soon :(.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8109_zps8e1748f9.jpg

But, for once, smaug was prepared :rolleyes:, so we put on the snowshoes he carried up here and we were soon back on the move :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN8110_zps494a1fa5.jpg

Eventually the snow became too soft and deep to keep going even with snowshoes :stare:, so we took a final couple of photos of the lake before heading back to the car.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8111_zpsa69239ad.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8112_zpsafc3f703.jpg
smaug


Posted May 4, 2014, 7:34 pm
Hi,

Happy Easter :D!

Today we were hoping to get a gigantic chocolate egg each ;), but we had to settle for something more TV-size :rolleyes:. Luckily, there was enough for everybody :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN8125_zps064627e2.jpg
smaug


Posted May 4, 2014, 7:48 pm
Hi,

Today it was sammino’s birthday :)....my friend is getting really old ;).
We were planning to sing Happy Birthday for him and party all day :), but we all agreed that, at his age :rolleyes:,  the best way to party was to cut to the chase and going straight after the cake :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN8126_zps4da0d564.jpg
smaug


Posted May 19, 2014, 10:45 pm
Hi,

Look a that! This is getting funny ;)! We are in May and still are getting another fresh dump of snow :stare:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN8128_zps5b075b7f.jpg

I guess this is going to be another boring weekend :rolleyes:.
smaug


Posted May 20, 2014, 12:41 am
Hi,

Today we managed to go for a short walk near Calgary. After a bit we started having a nice view over the River Elbow :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8134_zps68502adb.jpg

We were hoping to reach the top of that ridge,...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8165_zpsd66033f0.jpg

...but going through the trees the snow was getting deeper and deeper, to the point that even smaug was sinking up to his waist :rolleyes:, so we eventually opted to follow a more exposed and less snowy path up to a nice viewpoint. We could see Moose Mountain in the north...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8166_zps30c1418c.jpg

...prairies and foothills to the east...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8167_zpsd8aa10c3.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8168_zps59edc10f.jpg

...and again the mountains around the Elbow Valley to the south and west :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8169_zpsb642e3d2.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8170_zpsd6fc7a28.jpg
smaug


Posted Jun 2, 2014, 4:37 am
Hi,

Today we went for another short trip to the mountains :D. The first part of the trip was fairly boring in the middle of the trees, but after some time we reached a nice viewpoint from where we had a lovely view over Barrier Lake :),...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8177_zpsc6866d9b.jpg

...the Prairies...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8176_zps523b551e.jpg

...and Kananaskis Valley.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8178_zpsc793f4a2.jpg

As we move further up we could see the Bow Valley heading deep into the mountains...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8199_zps316e8cf2.jpg

...and the front face of the Rockies in the north. :)

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8211_zps3b5c3994.jpg

The view of the Prairies got better too, but the sky was also getting a bit darker :stare:, so we quickly got on our way down ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8212_zps498e5f51.jpg
smaug


Posted Jan 5, 2015, 2:54 am
Hi,

Today was a beautiful day, so we went for a bike ride in the Elbow valley and took a few pictures :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8220_zpsf314b774.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8225_zpsf0f4f991.jpg
smaug


Posted Jan 6, 2015, 2:55 am
Hi,

Today smaug came home with a very interesting parcel, so we all gathered to open it :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN8229_zps3dae6de8.jpg

And guess what? A new friend came out of it, GustavHH :D!

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN8230_zps79c776be.jpg

Of course, we wanted to hear everything about his adventures, so we spent the whole night up chatting ;).
smaug


Posted Jan 11, 2015, 9:39 pm
Hi,

today we went for a nice hike within Banff National Park :). First we walked a bit along Lake Minnewanka...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8236_zpsf3a1a15a.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8246_zps7d06f1c9.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8247_zps20c663fd.jpg

...before making our way up to the site of a former fire lookout, where the view was great :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8253_zps7ce7a2f0.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8259_zpsaa4242eb.jpg

It was also cold and windy, so we chose to quickly move down and walk a bit on the lake shore.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8266_zpsa109e390.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8267_zps504cf6a0.jpg

Down there it was actually so nice that we decided to cap the day with a few hours of relax and sunbathing ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN8281_zpsb60a42d3.jpg
smaug


Posted Jan 11, 2015, 11:59 pm
Hi,

today we went for another nice hike :). It must have been fairly early since the parking lot was empty when we left the car.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8286_zps5737f2d7.jpg

After a bit of walking we started having some nice view over the Rockies in the west :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8295_zpsf64bc02b.jpg

Eventually we reached the summit, where the view was great, but the clouds looked quite bad, and the wind was blasting cold too (so much for the first day of summer :rolleyes:),  so we took some photos and headed back.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8306_zps78012cd9.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8307_zps1d9a277b.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8308_zps032d544e.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8309_zps6fe9107c.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8310_zps03c8b639.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8335_zpscf82fe76.jpg
smaug


Posted Jan 12, 2015, 12:30 am
Hi,

a new friend arrived today :). smaug brought home a little parcel...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN8339_zps4480fe6e.jpg

...and when we opened it Stoker came out :D!

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN8341_zpsa7019229.jpg

Of course, we wanted to hear all about his travels, so he didn't have a chance to rest for a while ;).
smaug


Posted Jan 19, 2015, 2:44 am
Hi,

It seems it’s time to go on holiday :D! Today, we closed our bags and got ready to drive to the airport :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN8343_zps00d736f8.jpg
smaug


Posted Jan 19, 2015, 3:13 am
Hi,

During a stopover in Frankfurt Sigfrido and Orpheus came over for a little Rendezvous :D. Of course, there was a lot of chatting involved ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN8345_zps2a18c223.jpg
smaug


Posted Jan 26, 2015, 3:13 am
Hi,

I am back in Italy :D! Today we were a bit tired and jet lagged, so we got a lovely breakfast, where we met my friend Pepita :), who is staying here for a bit...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN8400_zpsb1f2f31a.jpg

...and then went back to sleep ;).
smaug


Posted Jan 26, 2015, 3:40 am
Hi,

today we went for a bike ride just out of town :). After a long climb we reached the top of the road to Monte Bondone, one of the hardest and more prestigious mountain of race when the Giro d'Italia comes around here, so we were very proud with our effort B).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8354_zpsaulofsjx-1.jpg

As we moved on the other side of the mountain we could see the Brenta dolomites...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8379_zpsungiszn6-1.jpg

...and the Adige Valley in the distance :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8380_zpswa6g2a9o-1.jpg

Further on we could see another nice valley.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8394_zpstywagooe-1.jpg

At that point we launched ourselves downhill :D, so we decided that it was better for smaug to put away the camera and focus on the handlebar :rolleyes:.
smaug


Posted Jan 29, 2015, 4:01 am
Hi,

today we went for a nice hike in the Dolomites :). After a bit of walking in the trees we started having a nice view...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8415_zpsutze2zt8-1.jpg

...although it looked like we had still quite a way to go to reach the top of this valley :stare:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8416_zps89ff259j-1.jpg

Eventually we reached the highest point of the day, where the view was very "rocky" :rolleyes:, but unfortunately the weather seemed to be ready for turning wet.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8427_zpslde0ajia-1.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8428_zpsrxmbl1iq-1.jpg

As it happens we managed to cross all this plateau without getting drenched...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8462_zps439tc5az-1.jpg

...and later we headed into this nicely U-shaped valley that took us back to the car :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8461_zpskz4g54ms-1.jpg
smaug


Posted Feb 2, 2015, 3:35 am
Hi,

today the weather was not great, but it was warm :), so smaug took us for a little hike close to town. After a bit of walking we started having a nice view...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8490_zps24zgxqfj_1.jpg

...and we had a glimpse of our destination: apparently we were aiming first for the peak on the right, and then we were going to follow the ridge heading left :stare:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8491_zpshcs6xf9q_1.jpg

From the summit the view was great in every direction :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8531_zps4q2yerfe_1.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8532_zpszaydaemu_1.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8533_zpsgqzq8h7j_1.jpg

After following a bit of the ridge, we could even see a bit of Trento in the distance.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8566_zps2mpsrb5p_1.jpg

To give a bit of cultural tone to the trip B) and in true commemoration spirit of the centenary of the start of WWI, sammino explained to us that those abandoned barracks next to my head were actually built when this corner of Italy was still part of the Austro-Hungarian empire :o.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8567_zpsvxd0y6ku_1.jpg
smaug


Posted Feb 2, 2015, 4:07 am
Hi,

We are soon heading back to Canada, so today it was time to say goodbye to Pepita and to all the other friends here in Italy :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN8586_zpsys99hgbr_1.jpg
smaug


Posted Feb 3, 2015, 4:02 am
Hi,

On the way back to Canada we had another long stopover in Frankfurt, so Orpheus and Sigfrido came to spend some time with us at the airport :D. Luckily it was a lovely day, so we could stay outside chatting in the sun :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN8590_zpsmwdl3yhx_1.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN8595_zpsi2oxmaz9_1.jpg
smaug


Posted Feb 8, 2015, 9:45 pm
Hi,

today it was World Cup final day and with Germany in the final, and our little Deutsch colony got very excited ;). I'm not sure how, but they managed to make appear something appropriate for the occasion :stare:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN8596_zpsxgemvfbq.jpg

As the game was about to start the excitement grew even further...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN8597_zpsm90wpy30.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN8599_zpsugiqkrap.jpg

...and it burst when Germany scored...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN8601_zps0ri9g2o0.jpg

...and lifted the cup :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN8602_zpsjh5hgkjg.jpg

Of course, we decided to join in our friends' celebrations ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN8604_zpsj0ic71x5.jpg
smaug


Posted Feb 8, 2015, 10:17 pm
Hi,

today we went out for our first short hike since coming back to Canada :). After the usual walking under the cover of the trees, we come out at Baldy Pass where we had a nice view over the foothills :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8609_zpsxhdni2ql.jpg

Pressing on, we reached the summit of Midnight Peak, where the view was great in all directions :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8623_zpshluqhkny.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8624_zpsc9iz4rnf.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8625_zpshugoyhhm.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8626_zpstzjqpu3y.jpg

Interesting enough, sammino explained to us that it appears to be a tradition (a rather unpleasant one :rolleyes:) to get drenched, or nearly so, whenever smaug comes up here :stare:. Since those dark clouds seemed to herald the upcoming rain, we hastily moved down the mountain and luckily only got a bit wet ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8627_zpskfh7hr0e.jpg
smaug


Posted Feb 15, 2015, 6:22 pm
Hi,

today we went over to the Rockies for a nice hike :). After the usual time spent in the trees, we started having a nice view over the Bow Valley...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8671_zpssfesikw1.jpg

...and some of the peaks surrounding us.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8672_zpskhfehrfi.jpg

We also were able to look for the first time at our destination, which looked a bit more snowy than we expected for this time of the year :stare:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8673_zpsnztp1lwn.jpg

A bit later we reached a ridge just over this little lake...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8687_zpsm6alxoo5.jpg

...where the view opened up even more.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8688_zpspfzs8xyd.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8711_zpsnrquisag.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8712_zpsfmwe04r8.jpg

From here the peak did not seem that far away :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8713_zpskqbezndx.jpg

So, with a final effort we reached the top, where the view was great in all directions :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8742_zpsriyg2pms.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8743_zpscjnnjqhv.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8744_zpshzepaxmi.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8745_zpsmmdfn1za.jpg

It was also bitter cold :o, so we quickly moved down. On the way we noticed, with a bit of disappointment, that the sun had eventually decided to properly come out, warming the air and melting the snow on the top in the process :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8769_zpsz5fxqedu.jpg

At least we managed to take a final nice photo before heading back home :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal2%20tv/DSCN8770_zpsenakydwm.jpg
smaug


Posted Feb 23, 2015, 1:20 am
Hi,

today we went again out to the mountains :). After a bit of walking we started having a nice view of Mt Glasgow, and the weather looked great too :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN8784_zpsoxcuc53j.jpg

Later we headed up the narrow Nihahi Creek Valley...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN8785_zpstrvjlklr.jpg

...that soon became just a large gravel creek bed :stare:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN8800_zps2lsawkst.jpg

Pushing on, we climbed halfway on the ridge heading to Mt Fullerton...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN8814_zps2refvaq6.jpg

...where we noticed some very concerning clouds speeding toward us :o.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN8815_zpsdmtqxcly.jpg

So, instead of trying to reach the summit, we hastily performed an about turn and reached the safety of the valley bottom just before lightning started brightening up the afternoon :rolleyes:.
smaug


Posted Feb 23, 2015, 2:19 am
Hi,

This weekend the weather was again gorgeous, so as usual we headed to the mountains :). sammino explained us that we were going to take a different route to reach a destination where he goes at least once a year :o. The first part of the day was the usual tedious slog through the forest, but soon we started having a nice view of the Bow Valley.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN8824_zpshxemtkep.jpg

On the way we always had in sight the typical ridge used to reach Mt Allan, with the rock walls of Mt Lougheed behind it :)...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN8825_zpsd3y0eh2i.jpg

...and of the summit of Mt Allan.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN8826_zpsce3uj6ds.jpg

Still, before getting there we had to tackle the summit of Mt Collembola...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN8827_zpszo55ksok.jpg

...and the false summit too :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN8852_zpskuxwj6hb.jpg

On the way we passed just over the Nakiska ski area, that hosted the alpine skiing competitions during the 1988 winter Olympics.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN8853_zpsfpqjijnm.jpg

Eventually we reached the summit of Mt Allan :D, from where we could look back at the last bit of the trail that we just followed...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN8874_zpsgnlkarv3.jpg

...and where we took a final shot of the Bow Valley before starting to head back home.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN8875_zpsy666xgmr.jpg
smaug


Posted Mar 1, 2015, 11:49 pm
Hi,

Today the weather in town was quite nice :), although it turned out that in the mountains it was slightly different, and after walking a bit on the trail things did not look very promising.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN8888_zps6dcknon2.jpg

By the time we reached our destination visibility was kind of limited :stare:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN8914_zpswl4rloxg.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN8915_zpsofmbatgt.jpg

We decided to wait a bit hoping for the fog to clear up and helped us with some of the provisions in the backpack ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN8918_zpskzaqlmjy.jpg

As it happens things got even worse...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN8895_zpski7jyypc.jpg

...so all we could do was pack up and go home :rolleyes:.
smaug


Posted Mar 2, 2015, 1:21 am
Hi,

today we headed again to the mountains for a short walk. After a bit, we had nice views along the Elbow River valley :)...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN8924_zpswio2bvfu.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN8922_zpseck2vsii.jpg

...and of Powderface Ridge, where we were engulfed by fog a week ago :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN8923_zpssdreyjll.jpg

Later we just spent the morning walking along this lovely ridge...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN8944_zpsvxgruiph.jpg

...all the time having a great view over the Rockies :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN8953_zps0eyloxd1.jpg
smaug


Posted Mar 8, 2015, 2:30 am
Hi,

guess what, today was another gorgeous day, and of course we went over to the mountains :). After a bit we emerged from the trees and started having a nice view.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN8962_zps0wzej71x.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN8963_zpsilr2miha.jpg

It took a bit longer to eventually see our destination.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN8964_zpsndhjxqit.jpg

From the summit of Wind Ridge, which wasn't really that windy :rolleyes:, we could see Canmore in the distance...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN8987_zpsiqztlieh.jpg

...and rocky peaks all around us :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN8988_zps0g4tzgud.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN8989_zpspkare9tp.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9017_zpssajrqaql.jpg

We could also see the snow covered :stare: peak of Mt Allan, where we were just a few weeks ago.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9018_zpsnaledgxs.jpg

Before leaving the summit and heading back home we took a final look at the valley that we followed in the morning :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9019_zpsf35i2njt.jpg
smaug


Posted Mar 8, 2015, 3:04 am
Hi,

look at that! You know what it is? Snow :D! A full foot of heavy wet snow :stare:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN9034_zps33ktw8nf.jpg

How cool is that :)?! Well, smaug seemed very much unimpressed to say the least :rolleyes:, so we have to keep our enthusiasm in check when he's around ;).
smaug


Posted Mar 16, 2015, 12:03 am
Hi,

it has been only a few days since the snow storm, so today we decided to check the conditions of the trails around Calgary. Not surprisingly everything looked very white from the very start of the day :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9038_zpsgci7xhwt.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9039_zps6y3jk9w6.jpg

As we approached the summit of Cox Hill smaug decided that he had enough of plodding through waist deep snow :rolleyes: and just let us take a few photos of the mountains before turning back. It looked like full winter :stare:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9053_zpsuvadfvq2.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9054_zpsj8y8nv5i.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9055_zps3n61iua6.jpg

Even the prairies in the distance where completely white :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9082_zpsjmap9wmy.jpg
smaug


Posted Mar 16, 2015, 1:12 am
Hi,

today we went for another hike, and just one week and less that 100 km away from where we went last week, conditions where a bit different :). After a bit we passed by this gully, but sammino explained that we were not going up there.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9100_zpse06madet.jpg

Later we found this lovely sofa and decided to rest and enjoy the sun chitchatting for a while ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN9085_zpsw1adoomk.jpg

As we kept going we started seeing the southern part of the Rockwall :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9101_zpstwmkjkuh.jpg

Further on we reached the gorgeous Floe Lake with its crown of rocky walls :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9122_zpsbkdaf5tf.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9107_zpsjxzz0s6d.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9108_zps0v3uza7g.jpg

A final effort took us up to Numa Pass.  From there we could see the trail we had just followed,...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9161_zpsrmmotl45.jpg

..., Floe Lake and Floe Peak,...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9160_zpsouqajans.jpg

...and on the opposite side Numa Creek Valley...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9144_zpsdwvasmth.jpg

...and the Rockwall heading north :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9145_zpscew0dar9.jpg

What a day :D!
smaug


Posted Mar 22, 2015, 12:44 am
Hi,

although the weather wasn't exactly great, today we headed again to the mountains and spent the day passing by lakes :rolleyes:. The first one we found was Vista Lake...where, despite the encouraging name, the view was just OK :o.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9162_zpsflre5sf0.jpg

Things improved once we reached Arnica Lake...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9179_zpsg3brpsil.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9178_zps61fdmjo8.jpg

...and Upper Twin Lake, tucked under Storm Mountain :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9188_zpsdippkv0t.jpg

Finally we reached Lower Twin Lake, possibly the nicest of all the lakes with reached, although the weather did not really help in appreciating that.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9196_zps0uta1ezd.jpg

Later on, we reached our destination, Gibbon Pass. Obviously that plaque is quite old, since Canada has been a metric country for a few decades :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN9202_zpsndp5ynzv.jpg

We took a quick look around the pass before jumping back in smaug's backpack just in time before the snow started to fall :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9214_zpsdtofxqbi.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9213_zpsgypj4sfk.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9212_zpsrw4c0qva.jpg
smaug


Posted Mar 22, 2015, 2:07 am
Hi,

There's been some more snow falling on the mountains, so today we checked out how deep it is :). It was soon obvious that white was going to be the main colour of the day :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9231_zps7uhxfblq.jpg

At some point we passed by this lovely creek which is not fully frozen yet :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9241_zpsangjrgzq.jpg

Once we reached Healy Pass we had confirmation that winter is indeed here :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9253_zpsd3csqej3.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9254_zpsl8igpfhv.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9267_zpsrpqyawrt.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9268_zpsw4sfka5g.jpg

Time to get the snow shoes out ;).
smaug


Posted Mar 28, 2015, 10:27 pm
Hi,

the weather is quite strange lately: most of the snow seems to be gone :rolleyes:, so today we went to check how things are in the mountains. It looked like that around both Elbow and Little Elbow Valleys there was snow left only at the higher elevations.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9285_zpskljvqbyx.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9286_zpsqxefnv2n.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9305_zpssem5xppd.jpg

On the other side, there was no trace of white whatsoever.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9287_zpswjpq6lcj.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9312_zpsefvqlquf.jpg

Maybe winter is not ready to come after all :).
smaug


Posted Mar 28, 2015, 10:52 pm
Hi,

the snow is back :D! Lot of it. Today we decided to go downstairs and play a bit :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN9324_zpsokgurvau.jpg

On second thought, looking at the temperature, we decided that it was probably a good day to stay nice and comfortable at home :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN9322_zpsulmnaiqv.jpg
smaug


Posted Apr 5, 2015, 9:26 pm
Hi,

it' been snowing again this week, but this morning the weather seemed inclined to improve :rolleyes:, so we went for a short hike. The atmosphere was great :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9327_zpsiuiciiz7.jpg

But by the time we reached the nicest viewpoint the day had turned really dark :stare:, so we decided not to linger, took some photos and headed back.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9339_zpsye8dkzfd.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9340_zps3x55jmeg.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9341_zpsl5hkwwxp.jpg
smaug


Posted Apr 5, 2015, 9:57 pm
Hi,

guess what? We are back in Italy :D. smaug was so busy and so late in packing up that he even forgot to report our departure from Calgary yesterday :rolleyes:. But today our friends here in Trento were as always ready to welcome us :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN9479_zpspjz4nhw8.jpg
smaug


Posted Apr 5, 2015, 10:31 pm
Hi,

after a few days of rest, today we went up to a nice view point on the side of the valley. The sun was warm, the sky was blue and the view was great :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9417_zpssayfdx4x.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9418_zpsaaiefqga.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9419_zpsjql6kgrg.jpg

There was even a nice bench where we could sit and chat while enjoying the sun :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN9420_zpsqlaq9rgy.jpg
smaug


Posted Apr 6, 2015, 12:36 am
Hi,

the weather is quite spectacular, it's almost like summer :D. So today we took advantage of the sun and went for another short hike near town. The view over the valley was great :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9439_zpsnulqmtiq.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9440_zpsp5lz9aag.jpg

And so was the ridge that we followed...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9465_zpsq3o14ykt.jpg

...and the valley on the other side of the mountain :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9466_zpsdzbaikgw.jpg

There was even a big metal map showing the direction of all the peaks that you can see from up here :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN9436_zpsn0cbyvu5.jpg
smaug


Posted Apr 11, 2015, 10:16 pm
Hi,

today our friends Orpheus, Pepita and Sigfrido came home to celebrate Christmas :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN9480_zpswhqkhqxs.jpg

Of, course, with so many TVs in one room, lot of chatting followed ;).
smaug


Posted Apr 11, 2015, 10:36 pm
Merry Christmas :D!

Tonight, as usual we celebrated Christmas eve :). Of course, as soon as the big people moved away from the table to deal with presents, we took control of proceedings in the dessert area ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN9481_zps4bpdzygd.jpg
smaug


Posted Apr 11, 2015, 11:05 pm
Hi,

today we spent the day travelling around the German motorways :stare:. It's not exactly exciting to just look out of the windshield for over 10 hours, but I guess it beats sitting at home doing nothing ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Pepita%202/DSCN0035_zpsasz5dtfh.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Pepita%202/DSCN0048_zpsixdwmcyl.jpg

And tomorrow it sounds like it's going to be the same on the way back :rolleyes:.
smaug


Posted Apr 11, 2015, 11:39 pm
Hi,

it's time to go back to Canada :), so today, before heading to the airport, we said goodbye to our friends who will stay in Italy a bit longer :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN9482_zps1pj5hh6v.jpg
smaug


Posted Apr 25, 2015, 11:48 pm
Hi,

today the weather was great :). It was so warm that it felt almost like summer...almost :rolleyes:, so we decided to pay a visit to the mountains. After the usual long bit of walking under trees we started having a nice view :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9527_zpseltwruu9.jpg

Going further up, the view opened on the Prairies in the distance,...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9515_zpsnivtbmf1.jpg

...and became great over the Rockies :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9507_zpspn2sfagy.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9506_zpsam1blj6q.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9505_zpsiozwbyja.jpg

At that point the wind was picking up and it didn't really feel like summer anymore :rolleyes:, so we hastily moved back under the protection of the trees.
smaug


Posted Apr 26, 2015, 12:13 am
Hi,

today we gathered to say goodbye and wish a safe journey to Lotta who is travelling back home to Germany :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN9532_zpsab0n8rbf.jpg
smaug


Posted Apr 26, 2015, 12:30 am
Hi,

today we welcomed to Calgary my friends Orpheus and Sigfrido who will stay a few days with us :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN9535_zps81djemsq.jpg

And they brought some delicious gifts with them :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN9536_zpsmhzq5hfv.jpg
smaug


Posted Apr 26, 2015, 1:18 am
Hi,

the weather is not that good these days, so it's been a bit boring recently :(. So today we decided that we were going spice up things by checking out Calgary's nightlife ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN9541_zpspulox9uo.jpg

For whatever reason smaug was not inclined to let us go out by ourselves :rolleyes:, so we ended up organizing a little chess tournament. It was a real battle of minds...and, of course, I was the best B).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9540_zpsh9tykcwu.jpg

After the tournament, instead of giving out prizes, sammino used a box to give us a lesson about Canadian wildlife :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN9542_zpsm0mm6e2h.jpg

As it turned out, it was a box full of chocolate, so the day definitely finished on a high :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN9544_zpses9jltfc.jpg
smaug


Posted Apr 26, 2015, 1:45 am
Hi,

today we took a short walk in Calgary :). Well, we just passed through a nice glass-covered mall :rolleyes:...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Landroval%20tv/DSCN0122_zpscfioeedn.jpg

...and spent some time relaxing in these lovely indoor gardens :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Landroval%20tv/DSCN0119_zpsy3treu74.jpg

Later this evening it was time to say goodbye and wish a safe journey to Orpheus and Sigfrido who are moving on to another destination in North America :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN9548_zpszazka1dp.jpg
smaug


Posted May 7, 2015, 4:24 am
Hi,

after a few quiet days today we headed out again to the mountains :). The temperature when we reached the parking lot was far from ideal :stare:...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN9549_zpsefqqihqi.jpg

...but the weather looked great so we marched on anyway. It had snowed recently, so everything looked very white :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9552_zpsjh48soyu.jpg

Moving on we reached a nice view spot where we enjoyed the view of a fairly frozen landscape.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9566_zpshsu3alzs.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9567_zpsiac1daqe.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9568_zps0i4fa7at.jpg

As it happens, not everybody in our party is used to these type of temperatures :rolleyes:, so we encouraged smaug to hastily go back to the car ;).
smaug


Posted May 11, 2015, 3:18 am
Hi,

today it was another gorgeous day so we headed west to the mountains again :). As usual, early in the day we only had the occasional nice view.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9578_zps7oby9nxd.jpg

But, as we gained elevation, things improved :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9588_zpsx6gn0djj.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9589_zpsxezuhb1s.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9590_zpsrfk58il8.jpg

When we reached the highest point of the day the wind started really picking up, so we enjoyed the view which was spectacular in pretty much every direction :D and then quickly dived for cover :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9611_zpssjw6zuge.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9612_zpsddc3x9qz.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9613_zpsxoqbddpk.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9614_zpshkayhe5a.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9615_zpsiyupuy82.jpg
smaug


Posted May 18, 2015, 3:17 am
Hi,

today it was really foggy :stare:, be we tried our luck and went over to the mountains anyway. When we reached Barrier Lake things did not look great :(.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9646_zpsfldumslp.jpg

But, later on, the fog started to clear and we had some lovely view of the lake...

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9663_zpsfeixphkr.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9664_zpsfftyu6ls.jpg

...and Kananaskis Valley :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9665_zpsbdg3yt2t.jpg

On the other side, the prairies were still covered by a thick fog.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9672_zpsraglss0n.jpg

Moving further up we reached a fire lookout, which at this time of the year is closed.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9694_zpsftisbzrl.jpg

From there the view opened up over the Rockies to the west :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9680_zpshvmbwjpg.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/DSCN9681_zps5rk9bbnh.jpg
smaug


Posted May 18, 2015, 3:47 am
Hi,

today I said goodbye to my friends here and started travelling to Europe :). Even better, I will not travel alone, but I will go to Germany together with GustavHH :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN9718_zpslfshnwwx.jpg

Before I jumped in my travelling quarters, sammino gave me a big hug and wished me a safe journey :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino4/DSCN9720_zpswwjr0k6y.jpg
RikeH


Posted May 25, 2015, 10:15 pm
Hello Dad,

GustavHH and I arrived in Sülfeld and Dicker Kumpel welcomed us.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0001.jpg

We show our card and the nice magnet.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0002.jpg

It is great to be here again!

Love Krystal
RikeH


Posted May 26, 2015, 9:56 am
Hello Dad,

Spring is coming – and the trees look beautiful.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/April_0101.jpg

Behind me you can see the famous tree of Dicker Kumpel.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/April_0103.jpg

I found some small flowers.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/April_0104.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/April_0106.jpg

Later I had a nice view to a lake with swans.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/April_0109.jpg

Time to relax!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/April_0110.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/April_0111.jpg

There is a beautiful small river in Sülfeld, called Beste.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/April_0112.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/April_0113.jpg

Yours
Krystal
RikeH


Posted May 30, 2015, 11:31 am
Hello Dad,

We took a trip to Timmendorfer Strand. First we went to a concert and heart songs of sailsmen.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/April_0152.jpg

Look – wonderful flowers!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/April_0155.jpg

I had fun with this funny fish.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/April_0158.jpg

Then we saw the Baltic Sea.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/April_0161.jpg

This old man and his granddaughter seem to have a good time.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/April_0163.jpg

We went onto the pier, it was a nice sunny day.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/April_0167.jpg

What a wonderful place.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/April_0170.jpg

Do you know Udo Lindenberg? He is a famous German singer – and this is a monument for him.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/April_0171.jpg

What a funny bird!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/April_0176.jpg

We had a great day here.
Krystal
RikeH


Posted May 30, 2015, 11:37 am
Hello Dad,

It was time for some sport, but only for RikeH, she took her bike and we all went to this nice building in Borstel, a place near to Sülfeld.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/April_0201.jpg

Can you see the beautiful tree in front of it?

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/April_0204.jpg

We continued our trip and found this lovely lake.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/April_0210.jpg

Spring is one of the best time in the year.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/April_0211.jpg

Lucky Hü, Dicker Kumpel and I had fun on this big piece of a tree.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/April_0212.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/April_0213.jpg

Maybe I should live in a house like this, when I stop travelling…

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/April_0216.jpg

On our way back we stopped at this sign. They changed the way of a river here – back to its natural way.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/April_0220.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/April_0219.jpg

Yours
Krystal
RikeH


Posted May 31, 2015, 10:10 pm
Hello Dad,

We went to Boltenhagen, a nice place and we saw a nice concert in the first evening.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0001.jpg

It was a group that played Rockmusic from the former East Germany.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0004.jpg

It was a long concert – and it was dark outside, we had a great view from our holiday appartement.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0007.jpg

They finished the show with a great laser show – it was amazing!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0009.jpg

Love
Krystal
RikeH


Posted May 31, 2015, 10:15 pm
Hello Dad,

Today it was time to visit some butterflies. I loved this blue one.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0012.jpg

But this one on the flower was beautiful, too.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0016.jpg

I went close to this butterfly.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0020.jpg

What a great caterpillar!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0023.jpg

Wow, bananas.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0025.jpg

And this is one of the biggest butterflies in the world. Believe it or not – it was a living one, but it slept when we took this photo.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0029.jpg

On our way home we stopped at his harbour of Boltenhagen.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0031.jpg

The weather wasn’t too nice, but wait for the photos of the afternoon.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0034.jpg

Yours
Krystal
RikeH


Posted May 31, 2015, 10:30 pm
BOltenhagen 10.05.15

Hello Dad,

In the afternoon we had wonderful weather and decided to take a trip in this nice small train called Carolinchen.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0038.jpg

We drove along the sea – and will go to this high bank there.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0041.jpg

The sky was blue, I loved it.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0044.jpg

Then we reached this high bank and had a nice view.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0049.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0052.jpg

What a wonderful yellow colour!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0055.jpg

Then we drove back to Boltenhagen.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0058.jpg

It was time for another concert.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0061.jpg

We went to the beach.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0065.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0066.jpg

And went onto the pier.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0070.jpg

Love
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Jun 1, 2015, 7:33 pm
Hello Dad,

It was time to see more of Boltenhagen. This is the Kurhaus.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0073.jpg

Look, funny wooden people.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0077.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0078.jpg

We went to the small church.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0086.jpg

It was nice inside.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0083.jpg

This building was funny, too.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0089.jpg

This was the spa garden – and behind me you can see our house.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0091.jpg

I loved this building.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0095.jpg

Then it was time to relax.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0100.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0101.jpg

Adventure!!!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0105.jpg

On our way home we saw his nice fountain.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0108.jpg

We lived in the left house on the photo.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0109.jpg

Greetings
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Jun 1, 2015, 7:36 pm
Hello Dad,

I went back into the Past – into the Stone Age. Here you see a house of this time.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0120.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0116.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0112.jpg

This was a small storage house.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0121.jpg

Maybe they took their water of this little river.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0125.jpg

These houses were older.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0128.jpg

Then I met these funny pigs.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0132.jpg

This house was big!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0134.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0147.jpg

And the garden next to it.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0137.jpg

Here you can see the shoes…

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0141.jpg

… and some tools.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0142.jpg

We were impressed by this stone tomb.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0150.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0151.jpg

Bye
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Jun 6, 2015, 8:30 pm
Hello Dad,

We visited the Castle Bothmer, well not really the Castle, because it was not open.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0153.jpg

But we were allowed to go into the park.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0156.jpg

There were nice plants.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0159.jpg

This was the moat.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0161.jpg

Another nice view of the Castle – can you see the swan behind me?

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0166.jpg

What a beautiful mill!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0168.jpg

Later that day we took a ride in this wonderful train.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0172.jpg

This was the railway building.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0173.jpg

It was great!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0178.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0180.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Bolt_0184.jpg

Yours
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Jun 6, 2015, 9:24 pm
Hello Dad,

Believe it or not – I am on a Cruise Ship. It is the Mein Schiff 4. First I show you the pool.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0023.jpg

We started in Hamburg and had nice views over the new part of the Port.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0024.jpg

Look, the ship had an indoor pool.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0031.jpg

There was a smile on the chimney of the ship.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0033.jpg

No problem, if I would jump into the sea.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0037.jpg

A look into the other direction.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0042.jpg

These guys were so funny.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0045.jpg

On the way to our cabin.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0049.jpg

This was our cabin, not that big, but enough for a short cruise.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0055.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0056.jpg

We liked this place.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0057.jpg

Then we started our cruise – with music.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0062.jpg

Look, a funny boat with water fountains was in front of us.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0065.jpg

This is a very expensive building in Hamburg.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0068.jpg

The church is called Michel – it is famous in Hamburg.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0072.jpg

Two old ships…

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0078.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0079.jpg

The port of Hamburg is beautiful.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0085.jpg

Love
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Jun 8, 2015, 7:47 pm
Hello Dad,

Today it was a day on the Sea – more time to spend on the ship. First we had a cup of coffee.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0087.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0089.jpg

The machine did the work.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0092.jpg

Well – water around us – but this is typical for a Cruise.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0094.jpg

Nothing to see in front of us, too.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0100.jpg

Then it was time for artist – these men did great things with fruit and vegetables.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0105.jpg

Look, a funny bird.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0111.jpg

These guys were great.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0114.jpg

Some people relaxed next to the Pool.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0117.jpg

Should I run around the ship?

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0121.jpg

Better not…

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0126.jpg

I decided to explore the Ship. These people with the umbrellas were funny.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0131.jpg

I loved this couple.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0134.jpg

We relaxed in the sunshine.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0093.jpg

Yours
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Jun 13, 2015, 6:15 pm
Hello Dad,

We were in Copenhagen and left the Ship for some hours. It looked great!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0139.jpg

This was the little Mermaid – full of tourists… but I was the only dog here at the moment.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0142.jpg

We continued our walk and stopped next to this beautiful fountain.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0147.jpg

Not far away there was this little church.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0154.jpg

I think this is the place where the royals live.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0157.jpg

Oh – a wonderful church.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0158.jpg

I went into it.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0166.jpg

Then we went back to the big place and saw the Guards.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0168.jpg

This is one of the most famous places in Copenhagen, called Nyhavn.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0171.jpg

Look, the town hall…

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0186.jpg

… a funny fountain….

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0185.jpg

… and a big hotel.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0176.jpg

On our way back to the Ship I wanted to have this photo!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0190.jpg

This was a great size of the Ship!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0194.jpg

Time to relax in the sun!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0195.jpg

Then we left – it was a nice day in Denmark.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Mai_0198.jpg

Yours
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Jun 16, 2015, 1:27 pm
Hello Dad,

It is the start of summer – so I went into the garden and had a look at all the flowers here.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Juni_0003.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Juni_0009.jpg

Do you know which vegetable grows here?

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Juni_0015.jpg

White flowers were beautiful, too.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Juni_0016.jpg

And this curious frog told me a lot about the neighbourhood.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Juni_0025.jpg

I loved the colour of this flower.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Juni_0031.jpg

Love
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Jun 17, 2015, 9:51 pm
Hello Dad,

Today we walked through Sülfeld.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Juni_0152.jpg

There was a nice lake inside the park.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Juni_0155.jpg

Behind me you can see the old school.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Juni_0158.jpg

There were beautiful roses in front of it.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Juni_0164.jpg

This is the emblem of Sülfeld.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Juni_0159.jpg

This is the church of Sülfeld, and it was open today.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Juni_0167.jpg

We went inside.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Juni_0174.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Juni_0178.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Juni_0180.jpg

It was a very old church.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Juni_0185.jpg

Yours
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Jun 20, 2015, 8:56 pm
Hello Dad,

It was Dicker Kumpel's birthday and we sang a song for him.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Juni_0301.jpg

Then it was time for the party.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Juni_0311.jpg

I love muffins!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Juni_0316.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Juni_0317.jpg

Of course no parties without drinks.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Juni_0318.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Juni_0323.jpg

Murph sent us wonderful lights.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Juni_0324.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Juni_0325.jpg

Can you see, who this was?

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Juni_0330.jpg

Yes, it’s me!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Juni_0329.jpg

Great!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Juni_0334.jpg

The party was over!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Juni_0339.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Juni_0340.jpg

Love
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Jun 26, 2015, 11:13 pm
Hello Dad,

Believe it or not - I am on the way to Canada now. In the plane I watched a nice movie.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0004.jpg

Then I looked out of the window. It wasn’t very interesting – only some clouds.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0007.jpg

So I decided to sleep.
Love
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Jun 28, 2015, 2:21 am
Hello Dad,

Today I visited the fortress Louisbourg. It was built in1719-1745. Surely it was destroyed in the Past, but fortunately the Canadian Government decided to rebuild it in 1961.

You can see the fortress behind me.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0010.jpg

Here I was inside the fortress.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0015.jpg

This was an old storage house.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0019.jpg

It was fun, walking over the old streets.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0022.jpg

This was the biggest and the most beautiful building.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0027.jpg

I went into the kitchen…

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0032.jpg

...and into a nice bedroom.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0037.jpg

I had a great view from this point.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0042.jpg

Surely there was a church in the fortress.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0044.jpg

It was an exciting day!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0048.jpg

Yours
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Jun 29, 2015, 10:51 pm
Hello Dad,

We were close to the Atlantic Ocean and drove to the coast. The Ocean was rough there.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0053.jpg

I love the Sea!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0056.jpg

And surely lighthouses belong to the Coastline. This was a beautiful one.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0061.jpg

Later we went back to Sydney. Yes – there is a Sydney in Canada, too. Today there was a big Cruise Ship in the Port.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0064.jpg

Can you see the big fiddle?

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0069.jpg

Then we walked through Downtown Sydney with some old houses.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0073.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0077.jpg

Yours
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Jun 29, 2015, 11:10 pm
Hi Dad,

Today I met an interesting man – his name was Alexander Graham Bell. He was an eminent Scottish-born scientist, inventor, engineer and innovator who is credited with inventing the first practical telephone.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0097.jpg

Of course I couldn’t met him, because he lived some years ago, but I visited his museum.

He worked in a room like this.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0095.jpg

I met an Eagle here – first I thought it was my brother Landroval.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0090.jpg

I really loved this aircraft, called Silver Dart,

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0087.jpg

There were more amazing things in the museum – this was a ship, which is very fast. To tell the truth, I didn’t get all about these technical things…

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0082.jpg

Love Krystal
RikeH


Posted Jul 1, 2015, 12:59 am
Hello Dad,

We arrived in the Cape Breton Highlands National park. I really loved these views.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0105.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0106.jpg

Here I saw the beach with many small rocks – and big waves.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0112.jpg

We continued our trip and stopped at this look off.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0114.jpg

Then it was time for a forest.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0132.jpg

This was a replica of a Scottish crofter’s hut.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0135.jpg

We crossed this beautiful little river.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0141.jpg

I really like this region.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0118.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0121.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0126.jpg

Love
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Jul 1, 2015, 10:05 pm
Hello Dad,

Our second day in the National Park started with this view.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0143.jpg

On a high plateau we walked through a landscape that looked like moorland.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0148.jpg

The plant behind me was an insect-eating plant. I am not an insect, but tried to stay in a safe distance.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0151.jpg

This was the famous view of the Park. We saw a bear with her two children there, but RikeH only watched and didn’t take photos of it.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0154.jpg

Our last stop was at this beach. The sand wasn’t that beautiful, but I liked the rocks behind me.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0160.jpg

We slept that night in Cheticamp. It has a big church.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0163.jpg

We stayed in the blue house, unfortunately it wasn’t as great as we expected.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0171.jpg

But we had a nice small lighthouse next to it – and other colorful houses.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0170.jpg

Love
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Jul 1, 2015, 10:28 pm
Hi Dad,

Many greetings from a ferry. We are on our way to the Prince-Edward-Island. We go there by ferry. And it is funny – we will drive back to the mainland over a bridge in some days.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0190.jpg

I could see the Island there.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0185.jpg

But the view into the other direction was great, too.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0182.jpg

We saw the other ferry – it had a strange shape.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0193.jpg

Of course it was time for a lighthouse – so we visited the lighthouse of Point Prim.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0202.jpg

We saw some fish traps in front of it.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0196.jpg

Yours
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Jul 4, 2015, 1:22 am
Hello Dad,

Today we visited Charlottetown. Behind me you can see the Province House.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0207.jpg

1864 delegates from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and the Canadas met here to for the new Canada.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0212.jpg

These two guys were so funny!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0215.jpg

This was the St Dunstan’s Basilica.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0220.jpg

I went inside – it was beautiful.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0233.jpg

Here was a view from another direction – you can see, how big it is!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0238.jpg


Charottetown has a beautiful harbor.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0223.jpg

I love the colorful houses here in Canada.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0228.jpg

This street is famous for the stores and the restaurants.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0242.jpg

A friendly rat is the guard of it.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0246.jpg

Love
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Jul 4, 2015, 1:44 am
Hello Dad,

It was time to go to the beach – and we visited two National Parks in the North. Here you see me at the Brackley Beach.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0252.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0255.jpg

Because I love lighthouses, we visited another one. It’s the Covehead Lighthouse.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0259.jpg

We see these flowers anywhere.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0263.jpg

Then we went to the Prince-Edward-Island-National Park.  It is well-known for its high banks.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0268.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0272.jpg

This was the most famous point – the Oceanview Lookoff.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0276.jpg

There was a beach, too. But I preferred the one I saw in the morning.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0281.jpg

Krystal
RikeH


Posted Jul 5, 2015, 1:22 am
Hello Dad,

Today we drove over the Island to the lighthouse, where we will spend some nights.

On our way we visited this church – Mont Carmel.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0286.jpg

The interior was beautiful and big!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0290.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0293.jpg

Then we drove to a funny place. Bottle Houses – what will this be?

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0297.jpg

First we saw a beautiful little lake – behind it I saw a strange house.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0302.jpg

It was the Chapel and it is made of approximately 10000 bottles.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0305.jpg

Then I went to the next house – it is the first house that was built by Edouard Asenault. He had the idea for these funny houses.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0310.jpg

Look, I sat on one of the bottles.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0314.jpg

This is the house from the other side. It was built in 1980 (12000 bottles).

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0317.jpg

This was the Cavern- unfortunately they didn’t offer something to drink for me.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0322.jpg

We had to stop next to this big potato.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0327.jpg

Eventually we arrived at the West Point Lighthouse. We took this photo from our balcony.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0330.jpg

This was the beautiful view into the other direction.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0335.jpg

We enjoyed the sunshine!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0336.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0337.jpg

Love Krystal
RikeH


Posted Jul 7, 2015, 9:05 pm
Happy Canada Day, Dad!

We saw another lighthouse today…

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0343.jpg

There was a beautiful view of the beach with the big rocks and the red sand.

We saw fisherboats returning from the Sea at the pier and decided to walk there and have a look.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0346.jpg

Three boats were unloaded there.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0357.jpg

We saw it better in this boat – they caught lobsters.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0356.jpg

Then we went to the North Cape – the most northern part of the island – and surprise – just another lighthouse.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0361.jpg

There were a wind park – this is a Canadian research institute for this kind of energy.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0364.jpg

On our way back we stopped at this picturesque port.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0368.jpg

And now I want to show you more of our lighthouse. This was our room.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0370.jpg

We had a view to the beach.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0371.jpg

This was the other direction.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0339.jpg

I went into the lighthouse museum – and started with a nice living room.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0373.jpg

Of course I went to the top – I had another good view from here.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0377.jpg

This light bulb was so huge! I really love this lighthouse.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0383.jpg

Yours
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Jul 8, 2015, 11:32 pm
Hello Dad,

We went to the Petitcodiac River to see the Tidal Bore. At the moment the river looks normal.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0412.jpg

The wave is coming! A natural phenomenon caused by the surging Bay of Fundy tides (the highest in the world), the Tidal Bore activity occurs twice daily.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0417.jpg

The higher waters in the bay cause the water in the placid Petitcodiac River to roll back upstream in one wave.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0419.jpg

Look, the wave is so high that Surfers can use it!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0423.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-484.jpg

This was interesting!
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Jul 8, 2015, 11:43 pm
Hello again,

After seeing the Tidal Bore, we went to the Hopewell Rocks. You should see the Tidal Change there, too.  Today we will see it at high tide. Tomorrow we will come back for the low tide.

Hm, what is great here? A lot of water – they must show better things tomorrow to wow an experienced traveler like me.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0427.jpg

This looked a little better.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0431.jpg

It was very windy at this point.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0436.jpg

This was the famous point – Flower Pot Rocks.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0439.jpg

Well, let’s see it tomorrow.

Yours
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Jul 9, 2015, 12:06 am
Hello Dad,

We are here again – today it is low tide. I went to the first point – yesterday there was only water.
Amazing – today we have less water - and a big moat in the ground.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0461.jpg

Here you see the difference to yesterday.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Hopefull11.jpg

Surely I wanted to see it at the other places.

Yesterday I didn’t see that it was an arch.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0457.jpg

Look, yesterday and today.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Hopefull12.jpg

It was exciting to see the ground of the sea.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0445.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Hopefull13.jpg

Then I went to the famous point.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0450.jpg

What a difference!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Hopefull14.jpg

Today we walked down the stairs – yesterday we would not be able to stay here.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0453.jpg

Now I believe that there is a big difference between the high and the low tide here.

Love Krystal
RikeH


Posted Jul 10, 2015, 1:47 am
Hello Dad,

In the evening I walked through Truro.

There is a Truro Tree Sculpture Project. The Truro Tree Committee has endeavored to make the most of an unfortunate situation, the loss of many of the Town's stately elm trees to Dutch elm disease.
They decided to make nice sculptures from the poor dead trees.

I loved the first stature – a lumberjack.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0465.jpg

This was the town hall.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0469.jpg

Here you can see the first mayor of the town.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0474.jpg

A woman with a girl.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0476.jpg

And the last one was this funny man next to the beautiful carriage.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0480.jpg

Love Krystal
RikeH


Posted Jul 11, 2015, 10:56 pm
Hello Dad,

We visited Grand-Pré. Grand-Pré National Historic Site is a park set aside to commemorate the Grand-Pré area of Nova Scotia as a centre of Acadian settlement from 1682 to 1755, and the British deportation of the Acadians that happened during the French and Indian War.

This ist he Statue of Evangeline and the Memorial Church.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0501.jpg

They showed what happened in the Past.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0505.jpg

But I loved this beautiful window more.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0509.jpg

There were nice flowers in front of the church.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0514.jpg

Then we went to Black Smith Shop.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0517.jpg

They used this for transport in that time, now we had a nice place to sit on.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0522.jpg

This was the old well.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0526.jpg

I liked this Site.

Krystal
RikeH


Posted Jul 11, 2015, 11:12 pm
The same day we travelled back in time and went to Port-Royal.

The Habitation at Port-Royal was established by France in 1605 and was that nation's first successful settlement in North America. Port-Royal served as the capital of Acadia until its destruction by British military forces in 1613
 
http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0529.jpg

There was a well and many wooden houses.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0533.jpg

I went into the kitchen.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0536.jpg

And they ate in the Common Room.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0540.jpg

The beds didn’t look very comfortable.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0543.jpg

But I had a great view from this room.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0544.jpg

This storeroom was called Sail Loft, because ship supplies were stored here.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0550.jpg

At the end we had fun playing on the Palisade.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0553.jpg

Krystal
RikeH


Posted Jul 11, 2015, 11:42 pm
Hello Dad,

I explored Digby. They have high and low tides here, too. Now it was low tide.
 
http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0572.jpg

You can see that we are near the Sea here.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0575.jpg

There was a festival with music.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0580.jpg

I saw a strange mermaid in a park.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0584.jpg

But I liked this clock more – it showed the time of high tide.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0587.jpg

This is the town hall.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0592.jpg

Can you remember the first photo? Not it was high tide – and the ships were much higher at the pier.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0595.jpg

Then I played in the garden of our hotel. I had fun with the frogs!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0600.jpg
 
http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0604.jpg

Love Krystal
RikeH


Posted Aug 18, 2015, 1:50 pm
Hello Dad,

After so many day at the sea we drove to the Keminkujik National Park.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0608.jpg

It was really beautiful – just like a rain forest.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0612.jpg

The Mersey River was really nice.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0617.jpg

Then we reached the goal of our walk – the Mills Falls. It wasn’t high, but I liked it.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0624.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0625.jpg

Murph, look, a beautiful mushroom.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0627.jpg

This place is known for turtles and other animals.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0633.jpg

I found a frog.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0642.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0643.jpg

Then we found this great place on a tree for all of us!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0644.jpg

Love
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Aug 18, 2015, 1:58 pm
Hello Dad,

Today we went to a small town called Lunenburg.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0651.jpg

There were colourful houses in the streets.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0655.jpg

And I saw ships in the harbour.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0659.jpg

This was a nice monument for the fishermen who died.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0663.jpg

I liked this view.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0668.jpg

A big sailing ship!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0671.jpg

Here you can see how big the head of a whale is!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0676.jpg

Then we drove to small place called Blue Rocks. It was so nice and quiet here.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0680.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0689.jpg

What a funny house with a lighthouse next to it!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0685.jpg39

Love
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Aug 22, 2015, 11:14 pm
Hello Dad,

Behind me you see a famous lighthouse from Canada. Peggy’s Cove.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0691.jpg

I had a nice view here.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0696.jpg

There were many people on these rocks.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0700.jpg

The lighthouse is really beautiful.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0704.jpg

Later I saw this funny rock, created by an artist.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0708.jpg

Krystal
RikeH


Posted Aug 23, 2015, 10:33 pm
Hello Dad,

Later that day we arrived in Halifax. First we went by boat.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0712.jpg

This wall had beautiful paintings.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0717.jpg

Later we went into a nice garden.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0770.jpg

I liked the fountain – but I didn’t like the gun of the man on the top.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0775.jpg

I loved these beautiful plants.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0779.jpg

The group in the small pavilion played jazz.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0782.jpg

The girl on the fountain was much better than the man on the first fountain!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0786.jpg


In the evening I saw a big cruise ship from my hotel room.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0722.jpg

Love
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Aug 23, 2015, 11:26 pm
Hello Dad,

It was our last day in Canada – and we visited the Fortress of Halifax. On our way we passed the clock tower.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0741.jpg

There was a guard in front of the Gate.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0745.jpg

It was an interesting museum. The fort was sooo big.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0750.jpg

There was a lot of place between the walls.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0754.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0758.jpg

This will be my famous place – but what is it? Not wine, but powder…

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0762.jpg

This was the bedroom of the soldiers.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Kanada-0766.jpg

It was a great time in Canada.

Yours
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Oct 14, 2015, 3:40 pm
Hello Dad,

We went into the Zoo of Hamburg today – and look, there were elephants.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Sept%20-0005.jpg

Well, the maras were much smaller.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Sept%20-0014.jpg

There was a part in the Zoo that looked a little Asian. The dragon was funny – water came out of its nose.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Sept%20-0016.jpg

These guys had delicious food – and wonderful buildings.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Sept%20-0024.jpg

I never went so close to a big bear!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Sept%20-0028.jpg

Many years ago this was the Main Gate of the Zoo, but then the Zoo grew and now it is inside of it.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Sept%20-0036.jpg

This was the founder of the Zoo – and look, he had a lion!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Sept%20-0040.jpg

The polar bear was very tired.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Sept%20-0043.jpg

This guy loved to be in the water.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Sept%20-0051.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Sept%20-0052.jpg

Look, funny Pinguins.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Sept%20-0078.jpg

These building very nice – maybe they were from Iceland?

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Sept%20-0084.jpg

We met some relatives of Dicker Kumpel.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Sept%20-0086.jpg

The lions were lazy.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Sept%20-0093.jpg

Time for Zebras.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Sept%20-0099.jpg

Back in the quiet part of the Zoo.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Sept%20-0109.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Sept%20-0110.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Sept%20-0113.jpg

It was a nice day!
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Oct 15, 2015, 8:19 pm
Hello Dad,

The weather was nice, so I went into the city of Hamburg. Behind me you can see the Alster.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Sept%20-0120.jpg

I liked this view - the big white building is an expensive hotel.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Sept%20-0121.jpg

These are the Alsterarkaden…

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Sept%20-0134.jpg

And when I turned right I saw the town hall.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Sept%20-0135.jpg

The swans are famous for the Alster.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Sept%20-0138.jpg

I had a closer look at the town hall.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Sept%20-0142.jpg

Hamburg is a beautiful town!

Yours
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Oct 24, 2015, 10:38 pm
Hello Dad,

Time for party!!!! It was Kleine Fee’s birthday!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt%20-0003.jpg

We had yummy food.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt%20-0014.jpg

I had a Coke…

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt%20-0019.jpg

…and spaghetti – I chose the green ones.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt%20-0027.jpg

It was a nice and colourful party!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt%20-0021.jpg

Yours
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Oct 25, 2015, 10:47 am
Hello Dad.

It was time for a nice garden – or park. We went to the Jersbeker Park.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0104.jpg

This house belonged to the garden – but it was outside of it – strange.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0108.jpg

This was the rondel in front of the park.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0114.jpg

What a nice and beautiful entrance!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0115.jpg

These trees are called the 12 Apostles.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0121.jpg

It was nice to stand between the trees and look into the sky!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0130.jpg

It seems to me that autumn is coming.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0135.jpg

This alley was beautiful!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0137.jpg

And I liked this view, too.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0145.jpg

In the Past there was a big vase in the middle of the pond - but it was lost – and now there is this nice obelisk.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0151.jpg

This place was not so funny – two people have their graves here.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0152.jpg

This house is beautiful – they used it for cooling many years ago.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0161.jpg

On our way home we found something interesting.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0163.jpg

Look, what a wonderful painting!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0162.jpg

And this is the emblem of Sülfeld!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0164.jpg

Love
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Oct 28, 2015, 7:24 pm
Hello Dad,

We took a trip and visited Wolfsburg.  The famous car company Volkswagen is situated here. Behind me you can see a part of the factory.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0202.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0205.jpg

We will visit the Autostadt tomorrow.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0210.jpg

I was so brave – and played with the wolves.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0215.jpg

This big giraffe was very friendly!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0216.jpg

Yours
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Nov 9, 2015, 4:32 pm
Hello Dad,

I went into the Autostadt Wolfsburg this big ball was inside the entrance hall.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0305.jpg

Under it in the floor there were nice lampions.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0310.jpg

And funny white cars – with a good size for TVs.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0313.jpg

Then I went outside and had a look at Dicker Kumpel’s Dad, he drove on an exciting course with a 4-wheel-drive-car.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0319.jpg

Dou you remember, who it looked like yesterday – well the weather was less sunny today, to give a nice comment.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0320.jpg

Then it was time for cars – maybe we should buy a Porsche?

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0327.jpg

This was funny – so many Porsche cars!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0331.jpg

These two towers look great – what will be inside?

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0334.jpg

Cars – many cars!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0336.jpg

We took a kind of elevator – and went to the top of the tower.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0351.jpg

From there we saw the big areal of the Autostadt and the factory!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0352.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0357.jpg

This was the best place – in front of and over all the new cars!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0362.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0365.jpg

We left the tower and went to the Audi pavilion.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0371.jpg

Our last stop was a house with many different cars – old and new. These two were old.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0374.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0381.jpg

This one was a typical VW.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0384.jpg

More funny and nice cars!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0389.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0390.jpg

Love
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Nov 9, 2015, 5:02 pm
Hello Dad, 

I went into the city if Lüneburg – it has wonderful houses.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0506.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0513.jpg

We went onto the water tower and had a beautiful view.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0520.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0525.jpg

There were nice places next to the river.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0530.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0536.jpg

And a beautiful old crane.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0535.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0537.jpg

This is the town hall.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/Okt-0546.jpg

Yours
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Nov 22, 2015, 9:41 am
Hello Dad,

We sat together and talked.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/2015004/Okt-0700.jpg

Suddenly RikeH arrived and brought something for us. What should we do?

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/2015004/Okt-0701.jpg

It was Halloween – and we had to wear scary dresses.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/2015004/Okt-0702.jpg

This was me, Dad.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/2015004/Okt-0708.jpg

Really scary!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/2015004/Okt-0713.jpg

We got some chocolate!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/2015004/Okt-0716.jpg

And money – I am rich, Dad.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/2015/2015004/Okt-0719.jpg

It was a funny evening.
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Dec 4, 2015, 6:55 pm
Hello Dad,

I am on a cruise again – this is the Coast of Oman.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0053.jpg

We all relaxed on the balcony and enjoyed the sunshine.
 
http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0055.jpg
 
http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0056.jpg

In the afternoon I went onto a small traditional boat and we went to a beautiful fjord. 
 
http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0059.jpg
 
Ok, it wasn’t so small – there were many other people onboard.
 
http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0063.jpg

This was the entrance to the fjord. It is called Khor Sham and with 16 km it is the longest fjord here.
 
http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0065.jpg
 
I really liked it.
 
http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0070.jpg
 
http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0073.jpg
 
Beautiful!
 
http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0081.jpg

We sat on comfortable pillows and had delicious drinks.
 
http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0083.jpg
 
http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0082.jpg
 
Our boat looked like this one – there were some of them in the fjord.
 
http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0084.jpg
 
http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0094.jpg

We arrived at the end of the fjord, the mountain behind me was more than 750 meters high. 
 
http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0097.jpg
 
Then we went back – on our way we saw dolphins.
 
http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0102.jpg
 
It was a nice trip!
 
http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0105.jpg

Love Krystal
RikeH


Posted Dec 22, 2015, 8:09 pm
Hello Dad,

It was a day on the sea – I had a look from the balcony.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0322.jpg

To the other side I saw the chimney…

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0323.jpg

I went inside and talked with my friends – what should we do?

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0328.jpg

We knew, where the good drinks were!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0330.jpg

There! But they were high above us, what shall we do?

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0331.jpg

Good news – Stoker can fly, so he flew to the drinks…

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0332.jpg

…threw it to us and jumped back to us.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0333.jpg

We brought it back to our place and everybody chose his or her famous drink.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0334.jpg

Look, what I chose. And I took some delicious chocolate!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0336.jpg

Well – it was fun – I shouldn’t say more.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0340.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0342.jpg

Yours
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Jan 11, 2016, 2:49 pm
Hello Dad,

You see me on a bus – exploring Muscat, a nice town in Oman. There were some fortresses on the hill.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0424.jpg

We stopped at the beach and had a nice view.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0430.jpg

The clouds looked darker than they were.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0434.jpg

This was the famous and beautiful opera house.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0438.jpg

We drove back into the city and saw the clock tower.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0443.jpg

We drove through some hills and saw the sea again – this time with a small port.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0447.jpg

Our last stop was next to the palace of Muscat. I loved the way to it.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0449.jpg
Behind me you can see the Al Alam Palace.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0454.jpg

When I turned I saw small towers in the hill.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0459.jpg

Near to the Palace there were other nice buildings – can you see me in the flowers?

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0463.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0464.jpg

Look, I had my own tourist entry permit.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0470.jpg

Back to our ship we saw this funny building on the top of a hill.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-0475.jpg

Yours
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Feb 2, 2016, 6:53 pm
Hi Dad,

It’s the 24th of December – time to celebrate Christmas here in Germany.

I helped decorating the tree. I loved the nice things from RikeH, especially this golden snowman.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-1000.jpg

And these were my favourite balls for the tree.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-1001.jpg

But the normal ones were nice, too.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-1002.jpg

Look, people can create wonderful things out of wood.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-1003.jpg

Then we went to Dicker Kumpel’s Grandma.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-1025.jpg

This looked yummy!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-1026.jpg

Nice candles next to a friendly camel.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-1027.jpg

A beautiful Christmas tree.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-1028.jpg

The cake was so yummy.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-1035.jpg

Later I played in the tree, this was fun.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-1040.jpg

Bye
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Feb 11, 2016, 8:26 pm
Hi Dad,

When we came back into Dicker Kumpel’s home, Snowy and Rudolph were waiting.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-1045.jpg

I recited a poem.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-1048.jpg

And got some gifts.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-1049.jpg

It was a wonderful Christmas!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/Dubai/Dub-1055.jpg

Love
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Feb 14, 2016, 10:52 pm
Hello Dad, 

Today I visited a town called Ahrensburg. Behind me you can see the ugly town hall.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Jan-0003.jpg

Let’s go to the nicer buildings here – this was the Castle.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Jan-0008.jpg

This stone is a memorial for the end of the serfdom.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Jan-0011.jpg

This church belongs to the Castle.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Jan-0016.jpg

I went into it.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Jan-0019.jpg

I loved this angel.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Jan-0023.jpg

And the beautiful altar.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Jan-0024.jpg

What a beautiful little church.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Jan-0032.jpg

Next to it there were small houses – in the Past poor people lived in it.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Jan-0035.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Jan-0040.jpg

This was a strange monument – the people here don’t like it. I think it is funny!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Jan-0043.jpg

Yours
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Feb 16, 2016, 8:01 pm
Hello Dad, 

I went to the Baltic Sea. The weather was much better than it looked like on the photo.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Jan-0049.jpg

What a beautiful beach.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Jan-0050.jpg

This was the long pier.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Jan-0055.jpg

I liked the small dunes.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Jan-0059.jpg

It was a nice walk!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Jan-0064.jpg

And this was funny – this transformer unit looked like a Beach Chair.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Jan-0067.jpg

Bye
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Feb 24, 2016, 8:04 pm
Hello Dad, 

We visited a place called Bad Oldesloe. Normally the wheel moves with water, no idea, why it stopped today.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Jan-0101.jpg

There are some nice houses next to the river.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Jan-0106.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Jan-0109.jpg

The house behind me is an old-people-home.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Jan-0114.jpg

This is the nice church.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Jan-0117.jpg

This is a marketing thing – people should buy in the shops here – and not in the web.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Jan-0122.jpg

Wow, the river has a lot of water at the moment. Normally you can stand there, where the foam is now.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Jan-0127.jpg

Well, no problem, I found more beautiful houses.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Jan-0131.jpg
   
http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Jan-0136.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Jan-0137.jpg

This is the market-place with the town-hall and other nice buildings.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Jan-0147.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Jan-0148.jpg

Bad Oldesloe is a nice small town.
Love
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Mar 5, 2016, 10:18 pm
Hello Dad, 

I went to Hamburg – this is the town hall.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Feb-0102.jpg

What a beautiful door!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Feb-0106.jpg

And a nice old letterbox.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Feb-0109.jpg

Then I was inside the town hall.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Feb-0116.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Feb-0117.jpg

I went into a kind of patio o fit – with a big fountain. Unfortunately without water, because it was too cold.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Feb-0122.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Feb-0125.jpg

We found a great place inside of the town hall.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Feb-0128.jpg

Then I went outside and had this great view. On the left side you see the Alsterarkaden.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Feb-0132.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Feb-0140.jpg

A view back to the townhall.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Feb-0135.jpg

This is a lake inside the town called Alster.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Feb-0145.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Feb-0146.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Feb-0153.jpg

There was still ice on the water.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Feb-0159.jpg

Yours
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Mar 7, 2016, 6:10 pm
Hello Dad,

Great news – I am in Norway. Behind my you can see our holiday house.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0001.jpg

These were the views from the deck – they look better in reality - not that dark.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0019.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0020.jpg

The house from the other side.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0021.jpg

We had a lot of fun in the snow.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0022.jpg

Here you can see how much snow we have – Simao was on the top of the snow – and I was on the bottom.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0025.jpg

Yours Krystal
RikeH


Posted Mar 12, 2016, 2:07 pm
Hi Dad,

Today we explored the region and drove to Sommaroya. Our first stop was next to a frozen waterfall.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0202.jpg

Next to it there was something amazing – a rock painting – I didn’t expect to see it here in Norway.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0206.jpg

Look - a big icicle.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0208.jpg

I crossed the street and had this great view.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0213.jpg

Normally I don’t like photos of driving in the car. But the streets in Norway are different. The people here – and we of course – just drive on the ice.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0217.jpg

I love snowy mountains…

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0222.jpg

…and the colorful houses. Well you see me better than the houses…

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0228.jpg

The people there have great views out of their windows.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0229.jpg

Then we arrived in Sommaroya. The village wasn’t very exciting, but they had a nice parking lot. You see the wonderful nature from it.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0241.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0242a.jpg

Yours
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Mar 13, 2016, 1:11 pm
Hello Dad,

The weather changed – it is better now – and the view from our deck is much nicer now.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0106.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0107.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0108.jpg

There were beautiful trees here.

4 http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0113.jpg

We took a trip to Ersfjordbotn. It was beautiful.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0250.jpg

They dry fish next to the house. This was funny.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0251.jpg

Back at home Rike went to the lake with us – the snow was high and it was a hard walk. You can see the house behind me.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0259.jpg

It was nice next to the lake – and we saw some ice there.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0258.jpg

The sticker on the car was funny.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0267.jpg

In the evening we sat next to the fireplace and told us stories.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0128.jpg

Yours
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Mar 31, 2016, 7:40 pm
Hello Dad,

In the morning I saw nice colors during the sunset.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0312.jpg

Later we drove to Tromsö. I went into the town-center with beautiful wooden houses.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0321.jpg

I loved the view of the water and the mountains.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0329.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0330.jpg

There were many expeditions to the North Pole that started here in Tromsö. This was a monument for it. Look, they had wonderful adventurous dogs on the expeditions!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0331.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0332.jpg

More nice houses in the town.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0341.jpg

And the wonderful church.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0342.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0349.jpg

Look a wonderful view to the colorful houses…

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0357.jpg

…and the big bridge.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0356.jpg

Can you see this ship? It is a ship of the Hurtigruten – on Monday we will go onboard of one of it.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0363.jpg

Love
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Apr 10, 2016, 7:30 pm
Hello Dad,

My short cruise started – and I had a nice view of Tromsö.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0501.jpg

We will be under this bridge soon.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0505.jpg

They had funny lights on the ship.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0510.jpg

Then we had the Polar light over us – and no more time for photos. But I can show you one of yesterday evening.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0812.jpg

You cannot see it that good on my photo – I show you a photo of Dicker Kumpel and the Polar light.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0370.jpg

Yours
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Apr 10, 2016, 7:47 pm
Hello friends,

We were on the water – and it was stormy. But we saw the sun between the clouds.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0516.jpg

It really looked like winter.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0517.jpg

Somewhere there behind the hills should be Harvoysund.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0525.jpg

But first I had another look forwards.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0526.jpg

There was the village.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0531.jpg

With many colorful houses…

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0535.jpg

Then we continued to the North Cape! This was our famous place in the cabin.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0539.jpg

Sadly the motion of the sea and the wind was too bad – we had wind force 11 and the shipping company decided to change the route. Our next stop was Hammerfest. I liked this monument.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0543.jpg

And these arches with the Polar bears nice.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0544.jpg

It was very windy. On the sign behind me I read, that it was the northernmost city of the world.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0549.jpg

Yours
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Apr 13, 2016, 8:32 pm
Hello Dad,

Yesterday evening we reached Alta. Today we took the bus into the city – and here you see the only interesting building in the city. It is called polar light cathedral. I can imagine that it looks wonderful during nights with polar lights reflecting in the walls.   

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0559.jpg

And I liked it inside.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0562.jpg

Then we walked through Alta – there was an Igloo here, but it was not many left of it.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0566.jpg

This guy produced shingles.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0570.jpg

Maybe you can get water here during the summer time – but not at this time of the year.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0574.jpg

Yours
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Apr 20, 2016, 8:10 pm
Hello Dad,

Our ship went back to Tromsö.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0582.jpg

Look, there were icicles on the ship.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0585.jpg

On the sign we read what to do when there will be a man over board. Luckily everybody stayed on board.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0589.jpg

This is the route of the post ships. We only tried to use a small part – and didn’t do it, because of the weather.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0593.jpg

There was a big tugboat in the harbor.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0599.jpg

I built a snowman.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0603.jpg

This was the flag of the ship.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0604.jpg

Some hours later we arrived in Öksfjord. The surrounding looked beautiful.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0615.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0616.jpg

But again it was stormy and we had dark clouds. The weather changed every few minutes here.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0618.jpg

This was Öksfjord.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0902.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0908.jpg

It was a nice holiday here in Norway – unfortunately the ship wasn’t as good as we hoped.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Norw-0912.jpg

Yours
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Apr 25, 2016, 2:25 pm
Happy Easter Dad,

It was Easter – the party for Bunnies and Chicken – so I visited some.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Ost-0014.jpg

Look, a wonderful pyramid with Easter bunnies on it.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Ost-0015.jpg

Then I met some birds in front of a nice plant.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Ost-0020.jpg

It was amazing – I met the real Easter Bunny – and got a chocolate Bunny.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Ost-0024.jpg

We all had a great day!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Ost-0026.jpg

Yours
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Apr 30, 2016, 12:25 pm
Hello Dad,

Today we went to Bad Segeberg. There was a big lake.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Apr-0005.jpg

We had lunch in this small house.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Apr-0006.jpg

There were many fallen trees on our way – this one felt into the lake.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Apr-0013.jpg

And this one was cut, because it felt over the way around the lake.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Apr-0014.jpg

On our way back we saw this nice monument.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Apr-0021.jpg

And a helicopter – there is a hospital close to this place.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Apr-0022.jpg

This was the church…

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Apr-0029.jpg
… and a place with y nice fountain.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Apr-0033.jpg

Look, this tree was wonderful!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Apr-0037.jpg

Another big old building.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/Apr-0040.jpg

Love
Krystal
RikeH


Posted Jul 23, 2016, 11:19 pm
Hello Dad,

I know that I should travel to my auntie, but I had to stay with Dicker Kumpel for a longer time, because he invited me to his
birthday. We wished him a happy birthday and sang a song for him.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/DK-0316.jpg

We played soccer, because it was EM!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/DK-0320.jpg

It was fun.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/DK-0319.jpg

Then we went on the swings…

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/DK-0323.jpg

…and into the sandbox.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/DK-0325.jpg

I had a great place and fun with PinkyHH.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/DK-0333.jpg
 
http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/DK-0335.jpg

Then we sat in the sunshine and talked a lot.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/DK-0336.jpg

Oups, nobody should see this – we took some drinks with us.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/DK-0337.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/DK-0338.jpg

Cheers!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/DK-0342.jpg

Yours Krystal
RikeH


Posted Jul 30, 2016, 6:55 pm
Hello Dad,

We went to Esbjerg. There were great tall men at the Sea.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/DK-0213.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/DK-0217.jpg

Then we walked through Esbjerg with the beautiful old houses.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/DK-0218.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/DK-0222.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/DK-0250.jpg

Behind me you can see a beautiful church.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/DK-0232.jpg

I liked this interior, too.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/DK-0224.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/DK-0228.jpg

This building was the court and the Prison in the Past. The ways were short. Today it is the tourist information.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/DK-0236.jpg

I liked the big place in the middle of the town.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/DK-0237.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/DK-0242.jpg

There was a beautiful water tower.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/DK-0247.jpg

The museum had the same tiles as the Sydney Opera.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/DK-0248.jpg

Love Krystal
RikeH


Posted Jul 30, 2016, 7:25 pm
Hello Dad,

Our next stop was the westernmost point of Denmark – maybe only of the mainland I guess.

There was a lighthouse.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/DK-0253.jpg

There were still some bunker – I sat on one of it – and had a nice view of the Sea.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/DK-0257.jpg

You can see more bunkers and military buildings on this photo.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/DK-0259.jpg

We were not allowed to continue our walk here, because it is a training area for the military today.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/DK-0263.jpg

But I hope that it will be peaceful here.

Later I said goodbye to Dicker Kumpel – we had a great time together. And I am always welcome to come back!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009//2016/DK-1000.jpg

Yours
Krystal
smaug


Posted Aug 8, 2016, 3:12 am
Hi,

I arrived back home in Bonn :)! There was lot of action around my traveling quarters today…

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/IMG_3000_zpszamecdah.jpg

…and when I came out I found Sigfrido and Tatanka ready to welcome me :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/IMG_3001_zpsh82pe3vz.jpg

I showed them the beautiful card that I brought with me :)

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/IMG_3002_zpsztunzykq.jpg

…and, of course, I was very keen to make sure that they checked out my latest updates ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/IMG_3003_zpsq8sis9uh.jpg
smaug


Posted Sep 5, 2016, 1:03 am
Hi,

Today we went for a short day trip visiting the Augustusburg Palace in Brühl. The palace looks really beautiful :)

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/IMG_3005_zpst4tjfb7a.jpg

…and has a lovely garden around it.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/IMG_3026_zpsms5nthnc.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/IMG_3007_zpsloexsjzy.jpg

We wanted to walk in the middle of the flower beds :D, but apparently it is forbidden :(.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/IMG_3010_zpsf1fcspzv.jpg

So we decided to just find a nice spot where we could rest and enjoy the sunshine ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/IMG_3016_zpsrowjxq1w.jpg
smaug


Posted Nov 13, 2016, 3:43 am
Just updating Krystal's map :).
smaug


Posted Nov 13, 2016, 3:44 am
Hi,

Guess what, we are about to go on another trip :). Sigfrido said it’s going to be a long one, so we decided to get a hearty meal before jumping on the plane ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/IMG_3030_zpsiqvfhkvb.jpg
smaug


Posted Nov 13, 2016, 4:14 am
Just updating Krystal's map :).
smaug


Posted Nov 13, 2016, 4:15 am
Hi,

I’m back in Canada :). Not in Calgary this time, but a bit further east ;). After a few days recovering from the jet-lag, this morning we felt strong enough to explore a bit around. We checked if the weather was OK…

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/IMG_3043_zpsbj8rubm1.jpg

…and off we went to take a look at the streets around our hotel.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/IMG_3031_zpsoqtb48v5.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/IMG_3037_zps0arjis69.jpg

We even learnt something about Toronto highways :rolleyes:.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/IMG_3033_zpsxregbogf.jpg

Later we had to go back as Sigfrido was supposed to be working.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/IMG_3039_zps7qamglnu.jpg

But we soon got bored ;) and we decided to distract ourselves with a big jigsaw ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/IMG_3042_zpskmhhnjea.jpg
smaug


Posted Nov 13, 2016, 4:27 am
Hi,

We had to cut our trip a bit short :rolleyes:, so today we were back at the airport. Luckily there was no shortage of food outlets ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/IMG_3044_zpspztxczi2.jpg

There were also tablet available to passengers for free to surf internet and to order food :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/IMG_3045_zpslu6fppby.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/IMG_3046_zpsdiuurkkk.jpg

Eventually it was time to leave, so we checked our gate and went boarding the plane.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/IMG_3047_zps95orn6ua.jpg
smaug


Posted Nov 13, 2016, 4:37 am
Hi,

We came back to Germany and headed back to the airport in less than a day :rolleyes:. Of course all this travelling was making us hungry ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/IMG_3049_zpscvyqwlvf.jpg

As it happens our flight was very late, so we really had to go for breakfast number two :p.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/IMG_3057_zpsgtryeluc.jpg

Eventually the plane took off, and we had a lovely view when passing over the Alps :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/IMG_3052_zpsmxbhpiap.jpg
smaug


Posted Dec 5, 2016, 3:12 am
Hi,

We have been in Italy for a few days without doing too many interesting things :rolleyes:, but today we went visiting Verona :). First we stopped in Piazza Bra…

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/IMG_3062_zpscmiejpc9.jpg

…where we took a look at the Arena, the famous Roman amphitheater :o.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/IMG_3058_zpsdml0qwak.jpg

Then we moved to Piazza delle Erbe…

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/IMG_3066_zpsdeboddcs.jpg

…with the big medieval Torre dei Lamberti :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/IMG_3064_zps2uvrbynt.jpg

Our last stop was the church of Santa Anastasia.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/IMG_3069_zpsincq4ta8.jpg

Later, of course, we spent the afternoon going after food ;), but we were too busy eating to take photos :rolleyes:.
smaug


Posted Dec 5, 2016, 3:20 am
Hi,

Today we said goodbye and wished a safe journay to Tatanka who is travelling home for Christmas :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Tatanka%202/IMG_3072_zpszhfo5jfl.jpg

Hopefully it will be a fast and safe journey :).
smaug


Posted Jan 9, 2017, 1:00 am
Just updating Krystal’s map :).
smaug


Posted Jan 9, 2017, 1:01 am
Hi,

We are going on holiday :D, so today, as usual, Sigfrido and I were stocking up sugars at the airport while waiting for our flight ;).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/IMG_3078_zps1rpzbbnj.jpg
smaug


Posted Jan 9, 2017, 1:34 am
Hi,

We arrived in Italy :), and we found my friend sammino and his guests already there ready to spend Christmas with us :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino5/DSCN1996_zps7g0r0c62.jpg
smaug


Posted Jan 30, 2017, 12:52 am
Hi,

Merry Christmas :)!

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino5/DSCN1987_zpsjotws3g2.jpg

Luckily today there was no shortage of sweets to celebrate with :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino5/DSCN1988_zpsecwbomyz.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino5/DSCN1991_zpsh8oiaowb.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino5/DSCN1992_zpsr4qnz8eo.jpg
smaug


Posted Jan 30, 2017, 1:33 am
Hi,

Today we said goodbye to sammino and his guests who are ready to travel back to Canada :).

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino5/DSCN1993_zpsvhag5ttv.jpg

Before they left he gave me a big hug and wished me safe travelling :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/sammino5/DSCN1994_zpsndfj70iy.jpg
smaug


Posted Jan 30, 2017, 1:59 am
Hi,

Happy New Year :)!

This morning we watched a New Year concert on TV…

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/IMG_3082_zps2bkrsotk.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/IMG_3081_zpsmsqvr1ej.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/IMG_3083_zpsncqtyhpk.jpg

…which kept us busy ;) until it was time to celebrate with a yummy meal :D.

http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/IMG_3087_zpsmuayvhu1.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt157/smaug_tv/Krystal%203/IMG_3088_zpspkukfvjv.jpg
smaug


Posted Aug 20, 2017, 11:38 pm
Hi,

We are back in Italy for a short visit, so I went for a short walk around time to enjoy the lovely spring-like weather :).

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4351/36318073441_ca0781e51c_b.jpg
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4417/36455334055_2df56e57ee_b.jpg
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4386/36318073101_e53b4a2a5b_b.jpg

All this chocolate made me hungry ;)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4436/36455333675_f6f1a5b5fd_b.jpg

…so we stopped in a bar where we could watch people passing by while enjoying a drink and a few snacks :rolleyes:.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4375/36318073511_83da033fe0_b.jpg
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4388/36455334375_208f1658e7_b.jpg
smaug


Posted Aug 20, 2017, 11:50 pm
Hi,

It is the last day of our little holiday, so today we decided to celebrate in style with some cupcakes ;).

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4432/36318195091_2a0b5dfb4f_b.jpg
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4338/36287018072_1f2e769806_b.jpg

As it happens, someone suggested that there were too many for only two little TVs like us and we were going to feel sick if we ate all of them :stare:

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4353/36287018002_5f78d83d5e_b.jpg

…but there was a special tray ready just for us :D.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4377/36318196111_e0f09a91b0_b.jpg
smaug


Posted Aug 21, 2017, 12:00 am
Hi,

Happy Easter :D!

Today two nice Easter bunnies came visiting us :)…we didn’t even need to chase them down :rolleyes:.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4442/36409546636_f97ed7bfe2_z.jpg

And they brought us chocolate :D!

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4420/36409547286_bd0f8147f9_z.jpg

Which we jumped onto right away ;).

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4381/36409546446_b15a792121_b.jpg
smaug


Posted Aug 21, 2017, 12:10 am
Hi,

We are going for another short trip :D, so today early in the morning we jumped on the train.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4360/36287049752_b9c65d2287_b.jpg

We had a lovely view over the Rhein :).

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4389/35647543953_c7fae466cf_b.jpg
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4421/35620154284_5d32c05b3c_b.jpg

But later things got boring and I just fell asleep :rolleyes:.
smaug


Posted Aug 21, 2017, 12:16 am
Hi,

During this trip we visited Marseille :), although “visited” is a bit of an overstatement as all I saw are the trees just outside our window :rolleyes:.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4421/36318232681_df3651ec2f_b.jpg

At least today I had a chance to explore a bit around the station…

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4409/36318232531_bf187d6cb1_b.jpg
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4422/35647553213_a9979cb780_b.jpg

…before we jumped on the train to head back home.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4439/35647553073_64995ea90d_b.jpg
smaug


Posted Jan 29, 2018, 2:27 am
Hi,

We are on holiday on the mountains :D. Today we took the gondola from where we had lovely view.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4627/26083678298_e53339e3f4_b.jpghttps://farm5.staticflickr.com/4662/39956392031_88b5f63ac9_b.jpg

At the top we walked a bit around enjoying the view even further :).

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4649/28176779079_51ccfd0d71_b.jpghttps://farm5.staticflickr.com/4721/25085205887_e45b177bc5_b.jpghttps://farm5.staticflickr.com/4709/25085205777_f3a87fd97e_b.jpg

Later in town we found this lovely bicycle :)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4622/26083676388_23eb0d3065_b.jpg

…but later we found an even better one, and this gentleman was happy to do the pedalling for us :D

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4742/39956392131_a7b14af831_b.jpg
smaug


Posted Feb 5, 2018, 2:36 am
Hi,

Before going back to Germany we spent a couple of days in Trento and I had a chance to take a walk downtown. We passed by this lovely church :)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4712/39925757672_9acf160190_b.jpg

…and then roamed the streets at random :rolleyes:.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4626/39925758282_d07a63883b_b.jpghttps://farm5.staticflickr.com/4713/28177863199_d9efbceedc_b.jpg

Eventually we stopped to get some fuel ;).

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4703/39957455641_4fea94151b_b.jpg

Luckily we didn’t have to wait too long for the supplies to arrive :D.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4719/28177862799_e3a9940b65_b.jpg
smaug


Posted Feb 5, 2018, 2:41 am
Hi,

Time to go back to Bonn :). On the way to the airport we had special seats ;).

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4741/28309062929_f3d9ee7d60_b.jpg[/url]https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4745/39191288245_0183bb63a3_b.jpg

Almost at the airport :)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4706/26215706698_f8fe889c64_b.jpg
smaug


Posted Feb 12, 2018, 2:54 am
Hi,

Today Sigfrido and I were just relaxing in the living room :rolleyes: when a little bird flew inside the window :stare:, and it turned out he was my friend Orpheus :).

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4652/28435120929_a590e5fbef_b.jpg

We were a bit surprised to see him at first :rolleyes:, but we quickly recovered  ;) and found something appropriate to celebrate his arrival :D.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4741/28435120939_b8c0466f2b_b.jpg
smaug


Posted Mar 5, 2018, 12:50 am
Hi,

This week we are in Paris for a short trip and today we managed to go out for a walk :). Of course, first of all we checked on the map where to go.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4711/40214434111_8aa7b6cdd7_z.jpg

Then we got moving and passed by the Pantheon…

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4751/25343564727_720e0a53b9_z.jpg

…and later we reached Notre-Dame :).

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4723/40214433781_6c48700f3b_z.jpghttps://farm5.staticflickr.com/4611/25343564737_0e102b6a70_z.jpghttps://farm5.staticflickr.com/4623/25343564687_bd5cd41b97_z.jpg

As our time was limited, we wandered a bit longer along the river banks…

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4751/40181955222_6fcecd3295_z.jpghttps://farm5.staticflickr.com/4757/40181955012_c79211075b_z.jpg

…before heading back to the hotel.
smaug


Posted Mar 18, 2018, 3:16 am
Hi,

This week we are in the black forest for a conference :) and today we managed to get out for a short walk.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/789/39976239195_0325b19648_b.jpg

The weather was terrible and it soon started raining so we cut our walk short :rolleyes:. Hopefully it will be better tomorrow.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4777/26999840088_858d674502_z.jpg
smaug


Posted Mar 18, 2018, 3:26 am
Hi,

Well, if anything it got worse :rolleyes:, I doubt we’ll be going around anywhere today.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4774/26999873418_75ed0bf305_b.jpg
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/812/40828738312_f0ed92eac6_b.jpg

It looks like back home in Canada, they could call this the white forest ;).
smaug


Posted Apr 8, 2018, 11:53 pm
Hi,

Today we found a parcel for us in the mail :). We immediately started working to open it…

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/821/40309552834_c0b99af39d_b.jpg

…and guess what, our friend Pepita jumped out of it :D.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/809/40309552904_7d9f4c6b4e_b.jpg

And she brought some very interesting things with her, so we spent the rest of the day eating chocolate and listening stories about her last trip ;).

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/817/40309552794_bfa6799150_b.jpg
smaug


Posted Apr 9, 2018, 12:24 am
Hi,

Today we arrived in Italy where we met sammino, Landroval and their guests who will spend Christmas with us :D.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/822/40976450942_04d075cbc7_b.jpg
smaug


Posted Apr 9, 2018, 12:32 am
Merry Christmas :D!

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/807/39209506360_8cf322ff29_b.jpg
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/817/41018714641_01a757645b_b.jpg
smaug


Posted Apr 29, 2018, 2:44 am
Hi,

Today we got ready to travel back to Canada and said goodbye to Orpheus and Sigfrido who will stay in Europe :).

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/871/41726883942_e3e4137982_b.jpg
smaug


Posted Apr 29, 2018, 2:59 am
Hi,

Happy new year!
We arrived back in Calgary last night, and it’s a bit cold, almost -30C  :rolleyes:. I think we’ll just recover from the trip by staying at home ;).

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/830/27898937128_ba5044b3c0_b.jpg
smaug


Posted May 14, 2018, 2:08 am
Hi,

Happy Easter!

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/947/39960351630_24d9ef3259_b.jpg
smaug


Posted May 28, 2018, 2:51 am
Hi,

Today smaug came back with an envelope, a very interesting envelope :o.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/874/41495624645_5359529f9e_b.jpg

As we opened it, a new guest came out, Beppe, a nice beaver from Italy :D.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/877/41674429174_7ff6b8dfda_b.jpg
smaug


Posted Jul 9, 2018, 1:11 am
Hi,

Guess what? smaug has decided for once not to be lazy and took us out for a little hike ;). As we came out of the trees we had a nice view of the Little Elbow River valley :)

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1728/42348296732_bfb7efb400_b.jpg

…and once we reached the summit the view was great :D.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1752/42348296262_e833824b9d_b.jpghttps://farm1.staticflickr.com/894/41674547254_7abef91d04_b.jpghttps://farm2.staticflickr.com/1750/41674547054_3474625f56_b.jpg

Of course, such a nice day was also a bit windy, so we had no time to linger and were soon shoved back into the backpack :rolleyes:.
smaug


Posted Jul 9, 2018, 1:32 am
Hi,

We are going on holiday :D! All ready and packed :).

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1809/43287509451_32b9f6fb5d_b.jpg

Back