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, 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. World, here I come ! |
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 ) to look around the airport .
I explored a bit the check-in area... ...then I looked a bit at the planes... ...but after a while it was getting boring. Luckily there was plenty of seating available, so I could rest a bit. 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 ! Today I met some of the local residents: there is big eagle who looks just like my friend sammino, but much bigger . Then Sigfrido introduced me to his moose friends. And there are other dogs too . 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 . I also found a poinsettia. Since it is New Year’s Eve I enjoyed some extra dessert, some ice-cream with hot berries... ...and a slice of pandoro . I am still very jet-lagged, so after eating I fell asleep and don’t remember much of the New Year celebrations . |
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. While here I was in the shopping area. 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 . Then I visited a big square lined by the town Middle Age walls. 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 . 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. 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. On the left of the stairs there are the stations where the via crucis stops on Good Friday. I needed some rest too . Once I reached the top I stopped with Sigfrido to enjoy the view over the valley....and the sun, so nice . |
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. Then a Trento’s railway station I found some Christmas decorations , they will be on until the 6th of January. Then, unfortunately I was forgotten in the bag and managed to came out only when I was on the way back at Verona station . 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 . 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 . |
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 . Here I was driving to the airport. And here I found this funny decorations at the airport, not sure if it was supposed to be some sort of Christmas Tree . As the flight was a bit late I decided to look at the planes. Eventually I managed to jump on the plane... ...but again there were delays, so Sigfrido and I tried to find something interesting to do. We had a look at the safety instructions... ...then we did a crossword. But after that we just found a nice place to chat and relax. After some time we took off, and on the way to Paris I could see the Alps, they are so beautiful . 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 . |
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. This beaver comes from Canada too And there is also a big and very nice dog who told me a lot of interesting stories. 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 . |
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 . It’s so hot here . The first thing I did after arriving here was exploring a bit my residence. Not very interesting, but there is a nice small terrace. 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 . So I stopped my explorations, for now , and helped him doing some work. At least we kept some icy cold water close at hand . |
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 . Well, mmm, cereals... ...and Papaya. Not exactly what I expected, but better than nothing . Later I had my first tour around: I only explored an office, but it is still a start . So, I had a look out of the window, so much green around ... ...played at the computer with Sigfrido... ...at the board... ...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. Eventually we went back to the window and spent the afternoon there...but soon I should be able to explore the city . |
smaug Posted Feb 6, 2010, 5:03 am |
Hi!
Today I visited the beach of Ipanema, very famous apparently . 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 . On the other side of the Arpoador there is another beach called Devil’s Beach...that sounds scary . Here I am looking at Ipanema again... ...and in the distance you can see Leblon beach. As it was rather hot I wanted to dip in the ocean but I was told that the currents can be a bit dangerous...at least for a small Toyvoyager , so I was only allowed to have a closer look at the waves from the beach. But later, when we made it back home, I refreshed myself with a lovely icy-cold juice, delicious . |
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. Then we found a comfortable way to “walk” around and off we went . There was sooo much green around . After a bit we headed to a little lake and I thought I saw a storm of Boeing 747 flying over it . They were actually mosquitoes...big and hungry ones, very hungry ones ...so we got a quick photo and run for our lives . Later we got a bit lost and we spent some time trying to find our way . So we found an area were the trees were not too dense, but they were so big. Such a nice day ! |
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 . Later, once the baggage was ready we refreshed ourselves in front of the fans while we were waiting for our transport to the airport. 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. Then I went to see la Seine from one of the bridges. From the river I could see the cathedral’s spire. Hopefully I will soon have a closer look. On the way home I stopped at this patisserie. As you can see Valentine day is getting close, mmm, that chocolate must be delicious . |
smaug Posted Mar 2, 2010, 3:16 am |
Hi,
Today I was again on the move , so Sigfrido and I prepared our travelling bag. I have not been told where I am going , the only information I have is that it is a pretty cold place right now, so I made sure to have the proper gear . After a long and boring trip on the train I arrived at Paris Airport. 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 . |
smaug Posted Mar 2, 2010, 3:42 am |
Hi,
I eventually found out my destination, Germany ! 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 . Later we discussed our plan for the day. A quick look out of t window and off we went. I walked down Luisenstrasse towards Königsplatz. And here I reached Königsplatz. There was not a single soul around , I wondered if the cold had anything to do with that . 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... ...validated the ticket... ...and waited patiently for a train to arrive. 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... ...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 . Eventually I arrived at the Frauenkirche, one of the most important churches in München. Later I visited Marienplatz, the main central square. Here I explored as much as I could of it. I also checked out some of the shops... ...a bakery... ...and then the shops got much more interesting , it was so hard to keep my composure and not run into this one . |
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 ... ...but, since it was going to be long day, Sigfrido and I also packed some emergency supplies . 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. After a bit of walking we reached Odeonsplatz. I wanted to get acquainted with King Ludwig I, but I am afraid he didn’t even notice me . 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. Here we were on the train to the airport. When I reached the terminal, I looked for the place where to check in. After that, since we were a bit tired we got a little snack . The first part of the flight was very nice as the sky was clear and I could see as far as the Alps . Later it got cloudy, so I just rested quietly in corner waiting to arrive home . |
smaug Posted Mar 22, 2010, 4:34 pm |
Hi,
Today I visited Paris ! 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. From here I approached La Seine and through the traffic I could see the Palais de Justice. I decided to stretch my legs a bit walking on the bridge parapet… …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 . 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 ! Having boosted our energy level, we were ready to explore a bit more of the City. First we walked to the Jardin du Luxembourg. Then we visited the Panthéon, so big . On the way there we found a lot of interesting shops , all of sudden I felt hungry again . Later on we walked back towards the river and Notre Dame Cathedral… …until I was right in front of it . 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 . |
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 . So first we checked the recipe. Then I sorted out the ingredients... ...and crushed the biscuits. After a bit of work we eventually had our cake sliced and ready, delicious ...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 . |
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 . Later I explored around a bit and ended up again at Odeonsplatz. 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 . |
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. On the screens I saw that there are flights going to a lot of interesting places, I wonder if I will ever visit them . See you soon Germany . |
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 . I am not sure of where I am going, I have just been told to expect a long flight . |
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, but I had a first look at my office...the computer is set up... ...and there is a lot of green out of the windows. 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. First Sigfrido and I had a good breakfast of cookies... ...and coffee . Then we visited the main campus of the University of Virginia. 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. So we went on with our exploration, apparently this is the only university in the USA to be designated a World Heritage Site . 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 . |
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... ...but he told me that it was a gorgeous day, perfect for a walk in the woods . So, firstly, Sigfrido and I razed the kitchen and get an energetic breakfast. Eventually we were full and we went out, and I soon found out that I was supposed to be leashed, outrageous ! What kind of draconian law is that ??? Anyway, keeping a low profile and watching out for police officers I entered the woods. It was so nice . I crossed this lovely creek... ...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 . This direction mark pointed us to an interpretative area,.. ...where there were lot of interesting info to read. Later we decided to head home... ...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 . |
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. 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. 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 . Since there was no one around to chat with, we decided to play a chess game. After that we spent the rest of the afternoon on the roof terrace enjoying the sun, that was nice . |
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 . Once at work, Sigfrido told me that I had a really bad cough and needed to drink that red stuff . I protested that I was just feeling like barking a bit more than usual, but he wouldn’t listen to reason and insisted . At least he gave me this bar of chocolate to kill the horrendous taste of that concoction . Then we spent the whole day working... ...with occasional interruption playing with the phone. On the way back home we stopped to take a couple of pictures, there is so much green around . |
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... ...where these friendly deer came out of the trees to greet me . Then I headed towards downtown. On the way I passed through Princeton University, so I explored a bit around. There are a lot of nice old buildings. Eventually I reached Nassau Hall, the oldest and more important building of the campus . 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? ) 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 ! 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 . Moving on I found this plaque celebrating 250 years of the University. Later I wandered a bit through the town. 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 . |
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. Then I grabbed the luggage and went to the airport, hopefully there will be no volcanic ashes messing up with my flight . |
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. And guess who came out of it: HolgiHH, our new guest ! And he just flew here from the States too . 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. We met all the little toys that live here... ...and I played a bit with the phone. I also decided to leave my autograph on the whiteboard . As we were starting to feel a bit hungry, we got big piece of chocolate, that was nice . |
smaug Posted May 24, 2010, 4:38 am |
Hello,
Today I went exploring Rouen a bit . First I started around the house... ...where I found this lovely patisserie . On my way I went past this clock tower. 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. The day was beautiful . On this bridge they also had some lovely flowers, so I stopped for a picture. Later we went back to the town center. Here I was on the side of the Cathedral. On the way I visited some nice ceramic shops. Those buildings with timber frames are very typical of Rouen. This nice little square was a cemetery for the victims of the black plague back in the fourteenth century , kind of creepy . Here are some more typical Rouen buildings....they just seem about to fall down, but apparently they are not . 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 . |
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. 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. Later I explored the Rue Froide...and despite the very warm day I actually felt a little chill walking along it . This is the rear of the Abbaye aux Hommes. Later I wandered a bit around the town centre... And had a look at the castle. What a nice day ! |
smaug Posted May 30, 2010, 2:50 pm |
Hello!
Today I went for a stroll along la Seine . I came by this nice little tower. Not sure what it is exactly , but apparently it’s just been refurbished. There was a nice old sailing ship in the harbour. 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 . |
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 ). I jumped in the bag with Sigfrido and HolgiHH and off we went. We are going to Italy ! 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... ...and the view from the window is not exactly unforgettable . 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. Then I stopped in front of Castel Sant’Angelo. That nice bridge is called Ponte Sant’Angelo. Apparently it’s been there for almost 19 centuries . Later, on the way home, I witnessed a typical Roman feature: cars parked in the middle of a fairly narrow alley . 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 . |
smaug Posted Jun 13, 2010, 3:56 am |
Hello,
This weekend I quickly visited Trento. The weather today was a bit rainy , so I just had a quick look at Piazza Duomo (the main square in town) and around it . Apparently there is a big conference in town, so even the cathedral was almost hidden by the temporary installations. |
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). On the way I met these horses . There was a donkey too, but he was hiding a bit (he was obviously shy) so it’s difficult to see him in the photo. Here we decided to rest a bit near this lovely bushes. Coming back home we stopped at this terrace that has a lovely view over the valley. Later I introduced HolgiHH to my friends here . |
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 . First I went to see the Pantheon, this was the only part of it that wasn’t covered by scaffolding . After that I went to a very famous spot: the big fountain called Fontana dei Trevi, very nice . 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 . 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 . Then we went up the stairs on the side of the square, from where we had a lovely view. Last but not least we reached the Colosseum. 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 . 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 . |
smaug Posted Jul 11, 2010, 3:05 am |
Hello,
I am back in France ! Well, I have been here for a bit but my host was very busy. I actually had to help out doing the chores over the last few weeks . Today, for instance it was a very busy working day. First I went to the laundry. Back home I put out the clean clothes to dry. After that we run the vacuum cleaner... ...and once the clothes were dry it was time for ironing them. Later we had to prepare our dinner. We started cutting the veggies... ...checking them cooking... ...and grating the cheese. 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 . |
smaug Posted Jul 11, 2010, 3:26 am |
Hello,
Today I am flying to Canada ! 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 . Here I was already at the airport waiting to board the plane, I am so excited . |
smaug Posted Jul 11, 2010, 3:35 am |
Hello,
I am back in Canada ! 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 ) for a nice meal instead . |
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 . On the way home we chatted a bit and enjoyed looking at the road. 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 ... ...and all the red flags at the traffic lights have been put there for the Calgary Stampede that started earlier today. Once home I met all the current guests here: they are Dean, Spooky, Red Navel and Roderich . 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 . We found one where we could even stop eating indoor 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. Eventually we tried to go outside, but not for long . We found some shelter in this big shopping center until it was time to go home. 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 . Just to be sure not to run short of energy we got also some bread and nutella . On the way to the stampede park we passed through this nice park. Eventually we arrived at our destination. First we checked out the Stampede Market where we found some nice “western” corners. There was even plenty of straw to play with... Then we played cowtoyvoyagers with this saddle. We also found a chuckwagon... Later we explored a bit the park. On the way home we decided to get some typical food found in every cattle ranch: cowboy popcorns ! Delicious . |
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. Later we grabbed another free pancake breakfast...why isn’t it always stampede time ? Once we had a full belly , we went visiting the Calgary Tower. It might not be so obvious in the photos , but the view was great ! |
smaug Posted Jul 31, 2010, 6:09 am |
Hello!
Today we went visiting Banff . Here we were comfortably settled in the car. The drive was a bit long, but eventually we arrived close to our destination... ...and entered town. We spent most of the day dodging showers , but we managed to walk a bit along the River Bow without getting too drenched. Here you can see the Bow falls . Later we got a glimpse of the Banff Springs Hotel, one of the most luxurious resorts of the Rockies . 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 ... ...but it was just being towed . |
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. We also stopped to take a couple of pictures at the prairies. Eventually we reached dour destination . 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. At some points the landscape turns quite “lunar” . Disappointingly, we didn’t meet any dinosaur walking around , just a lot of information panels describing all the different skeletons (an awful lot apparently) that were dug out in this area. |
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 . sammino gave me a big hug and wished me a safe trip . It was a bit difficult to say goodbye to HolgiHH after spending such a great time together, but maybe we’ll meet again . |
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. First we looked at the planes... ...we played a bit with the phones... ...and with some strange toys . Eventually we decided to spend the time in our favourite way .... ...delicious ! |
smaug Posted Aug 8, 2010, 6:04 pm |
Hello,
Today Sigfrido told me that after so much travelling I’d better take a bath . Not sure how comes that he came wherever I have been but he doesn’t need to take one . I was a bit concerned as that water looked a bit deep. But it was actually very nice and even better was drying up afterwards . Later we decided to practice some tatting. At the beginning it was a bit complicated... ...but we quickly became very good at that . |
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 . Facing the unknown with an empty stomach would be too much even for a brave TV . And here I am! Well, I don’t really know yet where here is , 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. |
smaug Posted Aug 23, 2010, 4:17 am |
Hello,
I eventually found out where I am, Sweden ! So today I had my first chance to visit Goteborg, and walking downtown I crossed this lovely canal. Later we reached a nice square, Gustav Adolfs Torg, where I found a nice market, and I could smell food . 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. Later we reached the harbour... ...where Sigfrido and I decided to stretch ourselves and play around a bit. We also tried to play pirates and board this ship, but our host stopped us before we could run up the gangplank . Later we found this strange sculpture in front of the Opera House: I think it clearly represents a metaphor of a TV travels , but Sigfrido just rolled his eyes and suggested to move on . These ships are part of the Maritiman museum, a group of about 20 museum-ships. On the way back to the hotel I saw some more nice parts of town, again the canal... ...a pretty church... ...and fancy shopping streets . |
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 ... ...we assessed the supplies availability in the room, that bottle of wine looked interesting, we just couldn’t find the bottle opener .... ...we made sure the forced inactivity wouldn’t weaken us ... ...and, most important, we planned our future explorations of the city. |
smaug Posted Aug 26, 2010, 5:16 am |
Hi,
Today I explored a bit more of Goteborg. First I wandered along this nice canal . I also stopped to play with a life ring. That church behind me is not actually a church, but a fish market which is called, guess what, the Fish Church . Later I played the tourist in the city streets... ...and parks. As I was a bit tired, Sigfrido invited me to a nice cafe where we got carrot cake and hot chocolate, delicious ! |
smaug Posted Sep 5, 2010, 5:18 am |
Hi,
Today Sigfrido and I decided to bake an apple cake. First we studied the recipe. Then we started working on it. Cutting the apples was really hard work . Once everything was ready it was time to put it in the oven...and wait . Eventually our cake was ready... ..and it was worth the wait . |
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.... ...and some chocolate, just in case . Actually we were a bit lazy in the morning and spent most of the time reading magazines... ...until lunch time. 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 . |
smaug Posted Sep 11, 2010, 5:30 am |
Hi,
Today we are travelling again ! But since we are leaving late in the evening there was time for me a Sigfrido to get ready eating some nice pasta . We suggested that it was wise to have a bit of ice cream too , but my host said that another bite and we were going to exceed the baggage weight limit , so the ice cream went back in the refrigerator . 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 . |
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 . 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 . The next few days I'll have plenty of time to explore a bit around. |
smaug Posted Sep 12, 2010, 6:25 am |
Hi,
Today I went visiting Verona . Here I was at Trento station on the train waiting to leave. 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. The archeways lead into Piazza Bra’, a big square in the center of the city. On a side of the square there’s the Arena, a 2000 year old roman amphitheatre . It’s now used mostly for opera concerts. Later I wandered around the shopping streets . I found another old gate... ...and eventually arrived in Piazza delle Erbe, another lovely square . In the afternoon it was time to go back home, so I went to the station where I waited for the train. 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. |
smaug Posted Sep 12, 2010, 2:26 pm |
Hi,
Today I visited an exposition of Venetian glass. The exposition was in big castle in town and here I was entering it...mmm, no honour guard welcoming me . These glass creations matched exactly the tableware in the painting above, how cool ! These were creations from different parts of Africa, all made using glass imported from Venice. I stopped to read some info about this area of the exposition. Moving around the exposition I saw a bit of the castle. There are nice frescoes... ...and gardens. That tower down there in the background is the Eagle Tower, must be my friend sammino's favourite spot in town . This quiet esplanade is where some Italian patriots captured by the Austrians were shot during WWI. That doorway seemed interesting. It lead to another area of the exposition with some lovely glass creations . Eventually it was time to leave. What a nice day . |
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 . At last we got close to the airport exit. While waiting to board the plane Sigfrido and I had a look at the newspaper. That’s the bus that will take us to our plane . Eventually we took off. Luckily I had a nice window seat and could enjoy the view over the Italian lakes . Of course, I got a bit distracted when breakfast arrived . Later it got a bit cloudy outside, so I just spent the time doing crosswords with Sigfrido. |
smaug Posted Oct 1, 2010, 5:18 am |
Hi,
Today I went to Paris ! On the way Sigfrido and I got ready for a long day by boosting our sugar level with some lovely macarons . Then we studied the map to decide where to go. Here I just came out of the RER in front of the Opera. Walking a bit further I reached Place Vendome. 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 . For some reason Sigfrido didn’t seem to enthusiastically welcome the idea , so we just moved on and reached Rue de Rivoli from where we could see the Louvre. We strolled a bit in the Tuileries gardens... ...and eventually reached the Louvre. We even had time to visit the underground mall and take a picture of the Inverted Pyramid . |
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 . 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 . Later, to recover from the shock of this discovery, I decided to cook something . 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 . The results was delicious ! |
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 . The road started steadily uphill. But this sign comforted me that I was on the right path . At this point the road ended and I had to take some very steep stairs. I had to stop for some rest halfway to that top... ...so I had time to enjoy the trees around me . Eventually I reached the top and the view was fabulous: I could see la Seine and the cathedral with its spire . On the way back I stopped to a traditional food market and got some local honey and sweets...they were delicious . |
RikeH Posted Oct 22, 2010, 8:59 pm |
Hello Dad,
I arrived in Sülfeld today. Dicker Kumpel gave me a warm welcome. Then he introduced me to the others. 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 . 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 . |
RikeH Posted Oct 25, 2010, 8:23 pm |
Hello Dad,
Today arrived a new ToyVoyager. He is called Frankie_Blue. He shared his Halloween-Sweets with us. Then we went outside to make a walk. Here you see us... ...on a big tractor. Look - a beautiful plant and a lady beetle. The autumn starts - the trees change their colors. First I saw this little river... ...later a little lake. We passed a dangerous place - it is the house of the shooting club. 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. 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? The door opened and we sang a song - and recited a poem. Good luck for us - we got sweets. Well - it was a rainy day - so we decided to go back onto our armchair. We put away our costumes - well - not everybody did it. Maybe a real ghost - we all were very curious. 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... Dicker Kumpel gave him a warm welcome. RikeH told us that we should eat something normal, before eating all the candys, so we had some burgers. I shared mine with Hoots. 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! I played with the balloons. Wonderful flowers! I heart music with RikeH's new MP3-Player - it sounds great. 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. There are many motor scooter and motorbikes on the streets. Back in the Hotel we had a delicious cocktail. In our room we have a fruit basket. But I don't know all the fruits. Maybe you can help me, Dad? 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! 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. Do you know, what this should be? This is the view into the garden. Dad, can you imagine, what we did in the evening? Yes - we worked on one of my life missions and had a nice time in front of the fireplace. I am so happy about that Dad. 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. Some minutes later we saw some more houses. 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. This was inside the village. 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. In the evening we jumped into the train back to Hanoi and had a delicious dinner in the train. 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! Here are the sails on our boat. We were on the way to a surprise cave. You can see the entrance behind me. We went to the island with a small boat and had a great view to our boat and a sister boat. We crossed a floating fishing village, people are living and working there. Here are some views from the cave. It was so wonderful! From the exit of the cave we saw islands and boats! We went back to our boat. We relaxed in the cabin and said goodbye to the Halong Bay. 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. After it we passed this nice gate. RikeH and Thomas learnt a lot about the history - I prefered playing in this small tree. The next photos were taken inside the Forbidden Purple City.The royal family lived here - and this was the theatre. Here you see me in front of the old library. We visited nice other places - and this colorful gate. Behind me is the Temple for the King who lived here. There are funny dragons like this one everywhere - they stand for the power. 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. Then we went out onto the balcony. I shared the rocking chair with Henry. Then we all took a nap. For lunch I had delicious fruits - given by this nice lady. In the afternoon we went into the garden. I climbed up a palm tree. Then I went to the pool. This was the second pool here. Nice, too. We relaxed next to the big pool - and talked a lot about our adventures here in Vietman. 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. This is one entrance to the tunnels - very small - even for a ToyVoyager. They built strange traps. I don't like wars! These are some of the Vietnamese People, who were in the War. After this we ate something delicious. It is a root, that the People ate at that time - I liked it. Here you can see us with the buttons, every visitor got. 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. We went inside... Later we joined the daily noontide ceremony. Back out in the nature I enjoyed the sun in this nice plant. The People here are crazy when they drive on the streets, I tried to take some photos, but they don't show the reality. In the evening I went onto our balcony. Look Dad, we had such a nice view. We had our own garden - in the 7th floor. 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. People live in houses like this here. I am really happy to live in Canada! Here we are on the market - it was so interesting! On the way back to the hotel we stopped in a factory - where they dry rice. Then we visited a family, they make rice noodles here. This was our boat! This woman came back home from the market - her boat full with fruits and vegetables. This is our new hotel in Saigon - very high. In the afternoon we made a walk to the Saigon River. This is the highest building here in Saigon. With a place for helicopters to land on. Another view of the hotel - with the opera in front of it. 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. The building is really wonderful inside. This is the church Notre Dame. 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. This big clock is made out of plants! We met a white tiger - and were so near to him. Enough adventure for this afternoon - I relaxed in a beautiful tree. Back in the hotel we did some sightseeing out of our window. This is the opera. The building with the green on the roof is the town hall. And we saw the Saigon River in the other direction. In the evening we went outside to take some more photos. Our hotel behind the opera. They decorated the hotel for the Christmas Season. Really colorful. 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! On the walls are a lot of stories - and I learnt a lot about the old history. This was very steep... ...but it was worth the way! I visited a tired Buddha. This lady was so beautiful. And this statue has many more than one head! A view back - it was great! Just another Statue on our way to the car. She had a lot of arms. Now we were really far away - the place was nice! But there were another nice Temple for this morning. It is called Ta Prohm. It is well-known for the big trees! Really strange - they live on the old building. Here you can see the big roots! 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. We had a lot of fun! But then we decided that it would be better to go outside. We had our own pool. It was great to sit next to it. I had a good view from this Flower. Look - there were wonderful green trees here. We finished the day - and our holiday - sitting in the garden and talking a lot. 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. We made a break... ...but it was very cold - we sat in the snow. The animals are safe in this place - this is nice. So many snow - where is the sun? These funny guys stood in front of our house. And I found this nice plant in the garden - I love the red fruit on it. At home we sat in front of the candles - it was so nice - and much warmer than outside. 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. Look, this is the Christmas Tree of RikeH's Mum. And we ate this delicious muffins. 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. We sang some nice Christmas songs for him. It was a success - and we got our presents! I got wonderful things - and some shoes - because dogs love to play with shoes. We had such a great time! 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. They brought some gifts for us - what a surprise. 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. 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. 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. It was dark outside. 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: Near to it is a theatre. We went to a nice lake in the city centre. It was a great view! On the way to the Trainstation we stopped at a nice house - called Levante-Haus. Look - there are funny animals in it. The house is really beautiful. We had to look, where our train will start. A view over the trainstation. We drove back with this train. At home it was time to say good-bye to Dicker Kumpel. We had so much fun together - here and in Asia. I got a hug from Archer and Dicker Kumpel. 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 . There were all my friends here in Rouen, including Sigfrido and Dean . Before starting to tell them about my travels I showed them the lovely card that my last host gave to me . 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) . Sigfrido said that they were going to make a number of thick discs out of that... ...well, more or less . But they were ready to go in the oven. 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. I guess that I was staring a bit too eagerly at the meat in the fridge , since at one point Sigfrido and Dean suddenly decided to add a bit of ham...what a wonderful idea . And so this one was ready to get in the oven too. Last thing left to fix was dessert. Dean decided to prepare and apple cake . 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 ...but I decided to say nothing and just kept a safe distance from the blade . A final effort... And the cake was ready for baking. And eventually it was time to enjoy our hard earned meal . The cake needed a bit of scraping of the burnt top ...but it was delicious . |
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 , so we turned our attention to the inside of the office. 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. We also met some of the local residents . Later we decided to redecorate the place and looked for some photos to put on the wall. I liked this one. I also decided to leave my autograph on the whiteboard . Eventually it was time to have a coffee with some delicious sweets . Later we wanted to check internet a bit, but the laptop battery was flat, so we had to replace it with a spare one. After that we spent the afternoon relaxing and looking at the most recent TV updates . |
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. Of course I had a look at some of the sweet shops that we encountered . Later I met this very chatty goose ... ...and some other small animals. These houses with exposed timber beams are very typical of Rouen. Apparently whoever designed them had some trouble in drawing straight lines , but very surprisingly building collapses aren’t daily occurrences. Moving on we reached St Maclou Church... ...and the Aître de Saint-Maclou, which used to be some sort of graveyard during the black plague . The walls are all decorated with bone and skull shaped carvings....this place always gives me the creeps . Later we got some hot wine ... ...and visited some more sweet shops. As you can see it’s full carnival time and you can find chocolate carnival masks. Back home we decided to prepare an apple pie... ...but, guess what, there was one already baked and just coming out of the oven, so we just “had” to enjoy it . |
smaug Posted Mar 23, 2011, 2:50 am |
Hi,
Today Sigfrido told us that it was a good day to make a cake . Of course we agreed to that and started working . First we weighted the biscuits... ...and crushed them into tiny crumbles. After that we started selecting the other ingredients and mixed them all...it seems that luckily Sigfrido didn’t pick any complicated recipe . The final mix didn’t really look very attractive , but hey, all that is gold does not glitter , so we poured everything in the foil paper and shaped it as a loaf. And here came the surprise: our hard work will need to spend a day in the fridge before it’s ready for eating . So to fill the time we ended up doing the chores ...but tomorrow we’ll have our hard earned cake . |
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 . We went for a stroll along the river, from which you have some nice views of Rouen . Eventually we reached the harbour, where we found some strange big buildings. 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 . 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 . |
smaug Posted Mar 31, 2011, 4:51 am |
Hi,
This week Sigfrido has to attend a conference in Germany so, of course, we decided to go with him . The look from the window is nice... ...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... ...but the view was very nice. The road was lined by a lot of timber stacks. We stopped on one of them to play a bit . Strangely there was no one on the road. As there were plenty of trees and rocks available , we decided to practice some climbing. None of us speaks German, so this sign was a bit of a mystery . I hope it doesn’t say “All dogs to be leashed” . Just in case I kept a very low profile all the way home. |
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... ...and eventually we saw the village in the distance. We took a picture with this sign at the entrance of the village... ...and checked for directions. We stopped by the Town Hall... ...and took a picture with this nice lady . 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 ... ...so we opted for having a snack instead . |
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 . So we packed some supplies for the trip ... ...and jumped in our travelling quarters . We said goodbye to Rouen from the train window... ...and spent most of the trip chatting and looking out of the window. 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 . I checked the time of our train and started getting ready to visit the city and eating some delicious food . |
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 ... ...and planned our exploration route. Well, it turned out that our route wasn’t exactly fitting with the work requirements of the day so we just managed to see a few buildings... ...and some typical Roman scooter parking lot (that means every roadside or pavement where there are not cars already parked ). Luckyly dinner went as for our plans and we got our favourite takeaway pizza from the pizzeria round the corner, delicious as always . |
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 ... ...we walked toward St Peter’s Square . I took a closer look at the basilica. 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 . All the walking made us hungry so we stopped for lunch and got some “caprese” salad... ...and a calzone. Moving on we took a couple of photos at one of our favourite spots across the river Tevere. In the evening we went for dinner in the district of Trastevere. That church behind me is supposed to be famous... ...but I was more interested in stopping for drinks and snacks rather rather than sightseeing . At last it was time to have proper dinner . We started with a selection of Italian salami, hams and cheese. Later we had some pasta, bucatini all’amatriciana . 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. 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 . |
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 . 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 . Moving on we reached the top of the Spanish Steps from where we could see Piazza di Spagna . Luckily it was soon time to eat and as soon as we sat at the table we took control of the menu . Sigfrido suggested to go easy with the food as he was concerned that we ate a bit too much recently , so we got a small starter. Too bad we noticed an interesting plate full of pasta just nearby and, of course, we felt compelled to try it . Well, you can guess how it all ended up: another indigestion ! |
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... ...where we saw the Basilica of St. Thérèse, which apparently is a very popular pilgrimage site . Once we reached Caen we wondered a bit around the streets.. ...and checked the back of that nice church . Unfortunately we were stuck working for the rest of the day, so we couldn’t take any more photos. |
smaug Posted May 3, 2011, 5:11 am |
Hi,
Today we spent a few hours in a very sunny and warm Paris . First we went to the top of the Printemps department store to look at the city. We could see the roof of the Opéra... ... La Tour Eiffel... ... The Église Saint-Augustin and La Défense in the distance… ... la Madeleine... ...and Montmartre . Later I went to get a closer look at the front of the Opéra. As we were a bit hungry, on the way back to Rouen we got a delicious sandwich . What a lovely day ! |
smaug Posted May 4, 2011, 5:15 am |
Hi,
Happy Easter ! 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 ! Eventually it was time to attack the egg ... ...which turned out to be wrapped in several layers of paper . But eventually we managed to crack it open . Dean and I were a bit distracted by the strange metal shape that was supposed to be the surprised , while Sigfrido had eyes for the chocolate only . Yumm, it was delicious ! |
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 ! Today I walked a bit around the city. First I had a look at the river Limmat. Then I just wandered around the streets . I decided that, being in Switzerland, it was a good time to get myself a nice fancy watch , but for some reason I couldn’t convince Sigfrido to yield the credit card . So we just kept walking until we reached a nice viewpoint . Eventually it was time to get a snack, and, of course we got some chocolate : fresh truffles, delicious ! |
smaug Posted May 15, 2011, 11:11 pm |
Hi,
Today we explored a bit more of Zürich. Some of the streets were very steep... ...so we decided to enjoy a relaxed walk around the lake . Of course we indulged in visiting some typical shops . And then we rested a bit at this nice fountain... ...until it was time grab a bus and accompany Sigfrido to work. Luckily we didn’t forget to save some food for the bus trip . |
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 . We had to do the laundry and hung the clothes out to dry up... ...and then iron the whole of them . Luckily we brought back some Swiss "souvenir" to boost our sugar levels . |
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 . 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... ...but Sigfrido magically made appear a cookie too . 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 welcoming us here at smaug’s place: Dottie Mouse, Pitzelpatz, Fiete, Clifford, Kirin, Frankie_Blue and my great friend sammino . As we were a bit jet lagged we chatted a bit and then quickly went to get some sleep . |
smaug Posted Jun 5, 2011, 4:48 am |
Hi,
Dean, Sigfrido and myself will spend a few days in Banff for work , so today all the others TVs accompanied us there to check that we had proper accommodation . Here we started heading towards the mountains ... ...and got closer to Banff until we reached our exit from the highway. Driving through Banff was very nice . At the conference centre we inspected the room: the view was nice... And the furniture seemed comfortable enough . 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 , but today we managed to explore a bit around Banff . First we planned our day on the map. Then, going out, we found another map: it seems we plan the route correctly. Our first destination was the Bow River. The benches were all dedicated to different people. We took a quick look at the town... ...and headed towards Tunnel Mountain. The trail was steep... But the view was nice . And, of course, we took the occasional rest . Going up the view got better... ...and eventually we reached the top and even received congratulations . We rested a bit... ...and then had a look on the opposite side . What a nice day ! |
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. Then we kept walking between trees, mountains and the river. What a nice day . |
smaug Posted Jun 30, 2011, 3:57 pm |
Hi,
today it was party time as it is my birthday ! The other TVs got a lovely cake for me and let me have a big, big slice all for myself . 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 . sammino also gave me a big hug and wished me a safe trip . |
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. I thought of buying a cowdog hat ... ... but Sigfrido told me that the carry-on baggage was full enough without getting more souvenirs , so we headed to a cafeteria instead . |
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... ...and took a look at the planes. Later we found this strange animal who was kind enough to take a picture with us . As I was getting a bit hungry I thought of helping myself with a few chocolate donuts . But apparently you are supposed to stay light before a long flight ...so we forgot the donuts and got popcorns and a bagel instead . |
smaug Posted Jul 7, 2011, 4:31 am |
Hi,
Today was a lovely summer day ....steaming hot summer day actually ...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 . First we explored a bit around and stopped at the tourist office... ...then, we entered the abbey compound. The front of the abbey is very impressive ... ...while time has taken a bit of a heavier toll on the back . Walking around we found this little nice building... ...and this lovely abandoned well where we spent some time chit-chatting and enjoying the sun . |
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 : Landroval, another one of smaug’s TV who will spend the summer with Dean, Sigfrido and myself . As soon as he came out of the envelope he said “I forgot something” and went back in... ...and then reappeared showing us the lovely postacard that his last host gave to him . |
smaug Posted Jul 11, 2011, 1:01 am |
Hi,
Guess what, we’re off to Roma again ! Today we got in our travelling quarters and jumped on our flight to Italy. Once we arrived we checked out of the window: not a very impressive view , we actually wondered if we were staying in a jail . Anyway, as we desperately needed a snack, we checked out the kitchen...which turned out to be very interesting . The muffins looked good... ...but we settled for these lovely Italian bisquits . After the snack Sigfrido left for work and came back later on with a calzone . 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 . It was delicious ! 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 so we decided to look into this shopping bag for dessert. There was plenty of interesting food... ...but this chocolate cream seemed definitely the best dessert choice . |
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 . First we were around Piazza del Popolo, where we explored this gate... ...and, of course , the obelisk at the center of the square. 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 . Later we wandered around the streets... ...until we reached Piazza di Spagna...but it was too hot to walk up the famous steps. We briefly passed in front of the pantheon... ...and then moved to Trastevere where we were going to have dinner . First we stopped at a bar (where Landroval caused a little commotion trying to hunt down pigeons before Sigfrido managed to rein him in) for some drinks and snacks. Eventually it was time for dinner, where we had a lovely starter... ...followed by a delicious pasta . |
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 . Then we walked around narrow streets trying to stay in the shade . We visited Piazza Navona with its famous fountains... ...until it was, eventually, time for a brake . We got a lovely bruschetta and, most important, some ice cold beer . |
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... ...and Palazzo Venezia. Later we stopped for a pizza . Then we moved to the river Tevere. This bridge was built in the second century BC 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. 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 . We took a last look at the river with St Peter’s dome in the distance and headed home... ...where we refreshed ourselves with a lovely papaya . Next update will be from northern Italy . |
smaug Posted Aug 1, 2011, 6:23 am |
Hi,
Today we headed to the Dolomites in northern Italy, where the weather seems to be "a touch" cooler than the scorching heat we experienced in Roma. Sigfrido and I followed the route on the GPS trying to make sure that we didn't get lost... ...or run out of petrol. On the way the valley around the motorway became very narrow... ...and stayed like that until we reached our exit. We passed through a few villages... ...and eventually reached our destination, Selva di Val Gardena . We immediately decided to explore the village. The local products shops seem interesting ... ...very interesting ! And the mountains around are very imposing, and there’s even snow at the top. Still, the place is also a bit odd to say the least: the benches are made out of old skis ... ...strange characters lurk around the streets ... ...and it seems that climbers are allowed to practice their skills on the village buildings . 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 . |
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... ...the Odle and Puez groups on the other side of the valley... ...the Sciliar group in the distance... ...and the Sella group in front of us . We studied a bit the area... ...and also found some lovely flowers . 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 . It turned out that lunch was a herd of massive cows grazing the alpine meadows ... ...so we opted for a lunch that required a bit less work to prepare , delicious . On the way back we took some photo from the gondola (despite the heavily scratched windows ). We chatted comfortably in our seats... ...until we saw the village getting closer and started thinking about supper . |
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 . We could see the Sassoloungo... ...Odle... ...and Sella groups. We also decided to play a bit in the high grass . At one point, of course, we needed to refuel so we stopped to get a lovely slice of Apfelstrudel . On the way down we stopped to take another picture over this fence. Back at the hotel we tried to sunbathe on the deck , but we had to keep moving the chair to chase down the few rays of sun ... ...so we went back to our favourite window sill to enjoy pre-dinner chatting . |
smaug Posted Aug 15, 2011, 1:39 am |
Hi,
Today we left a very rainy Selva and headed back to Trento. On the side of the road we met a strange mouse , but we didn’t stop to investigate. The good news is that when we were almost home it stopped raining, so we have hope for the next few days . |
smaug Posted Aug 15, 2011, 2:17 am |
Hi,
Today we visited the little town of Merano . It was a bit of a drive... ...but it seems we didn’t get lost ... ...and soon we were entering the town. Being a TV celebrity has its perks , for instance today they put up a special sign to welcome us . Then we explored a bit around the old town . Until it was time to eat something, when we got a lovely Kaiserschmarrn . |
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. Then we explored Via Mazzini, where we hoped to do some fancy shopping , but Sigfrido kept a tight grip on the credit card . Moving on we reached Piazza delle Erbe... ...and saw the tower called Torre dei Lamberti Our last stop was on the stairs at the entrance of what used to be the City Hall . |
smaug Posted Aug 16, 2011, 2:06 am |
Hi,
Today watching out of the window we saw that it was a nice day... ...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 . And guess what, we came back just in time to see some typical canederli cooking in the pan . Of course we wanted to appear helpful in preparing dinner , so we offered to grate the parmigiano cheese. Having given our contribution to the meal, it was time to enjoy our well deserved dinner . And we even got a lovely icecream for dessert . |
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. The side of the road was littered with old castles and churches ... ...and just before coming out of the valley we also had to go through a very narrow gorge. Once we eventually got on the plane we were a bit disappointed with the amount of free food offered to the passengers. So we just filled the time reading a magazine and dreaming of new travels . |
smaug Posted Aug 18, 2011, 3:31 am |
Hi,
I am back in France for a short stop . As it was a nice day... ...we went for a short walk in town. But we had to come home fairly quickly and start packing...apparently we’ll be on the move again very soon . |
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. Our first stop was at the Graduate College. Later we passed by the Princeton Theological Seminary. Walking on we reached the main University Campus... ...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 . Once we reached downtown we found this thing celebrating 250 years of the University. Then we passed by Nassau Hall, the main University building, that was also, for a short time, seat of the Congress . 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 . On the way back we stopped by some more buildings in the campus. Until eventually we reached home, sorted out our shopping... ...and enjoyed our well deserved takeaway lunch . |
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 . As we approached the institute Sigfrido said that it is a very important research center, so we should behave ourselves ...I wonder why would he make such a remark . Once inside he showed us his work... ...and we decided to help. Apparently our help wasn’t very welcome , 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 , but we were not really ready for such challenging questions . Luckily, we were saved by the bell that called us to the coffee room. First we checked the view from the terrace... Then we explored the room: apparently it was reserved for discussions...just perfect for us . There was a funny clock... ...and we met some famous scientist . Later, instead of going back to work and embarrass ourselves any further with Sigfrido's questions , we decided to play a chess tournament, a real battle of minds....and, of course, I was the best . |
smaug Posted Aug 27, 2011, 4:41 am |
Hi,
Today the weather was a bit rubbish, so we kept ourselves busy doing the chores . First we had a lovely breakfast based on cherries and cookies . Then we went to the laundry. We prepared the drier... ...and passed the time reading a nice magazine . Back home it was time to iron the clean clothes. We even had to prepare our own lunch... ...which, of course , turned out to be delicious . 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 . |
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 . |
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 . We particularly liked this tree . Back at the office, we were checking out the latest updates on toyvoyagers.com.... ...when something shook the building and sent us upside down . We thought it was an elephant coming in from the front door , but apparently it was "just" an earthquake . Of course, recovering from such a scare was a good excuse to have a coffee with cookies . |
smaug Posted Aug 29, 2011, 3:21 am |
Hi,
Time to leave again ! Today we finished packing and headed to Newark airport . The trip was frightfully boring , but at least we got a good breakfast at the airport . |
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... ...but that wasn’t very interesting, so we explored around. We met Snoopy and Woodstock ... ...and even, unsuccessfully , tried to go for a ride on this Harley. When it was time to eat we got a Chinese lunch, and Sigfrido showed us how to properly use chopsticks ...although, since it seemed a bit of a complicated task, I decided to eat dog-style . Later we spent the afternoon reading until it was time to catch our next flight. |
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 , and my friend sammino . 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 .. ...a C-Train station... ...and these strange structures . Of course, we stopped for food ... ...before taking a final look around and head home. |
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 ... ...and just as we were parking, we met this big group of horseriders . We had a look at our surroundings... ...and off we went in the middle of the Bow Valley. It was very hot, so the river was really inviting us for a skinny dive ... ...but smaug said that the water was too cold , so we moved on and passed by this lovely wetland. Later we stopped at Sundance Canyon, with it’s narrow gorge . In the evening we took a ride on the Sulphur Mountain Gondola. Although the sun was setting, the view from the top was great . We could see the Banff down in the valley... ...the summit station of the gondola... ...and the whole Mount Rundle ridge . |
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 . Before we jumped in the luggage sammino gave me a big hug and wished me a safe journey . |
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 . We wandered around... ..checked out this “self service post office”,... ...and found a lovely high spot to keep control of what was happening below. Later we went for a little canoe trip through the departure area ... ...and even met another Snoopy ...who must have been late for his flight as he was running and didn’t even notice us . |
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... ...and off we went mixing the ingredients. It was actually hard work, but we managed to get it ready for the oven. We thought we might go out for a walk while waiting for it to be ready, but the weather had no intention to improve. Luckily it wasn’t a long wait ... ...and after just a final touch, our afternoon snack was ready to be enjoyed . |
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 . First, though, we had some delicious starters... ...but we quickly decided to skip directly to dessert ... ...which didn’t last very long . |
smaug Posted Oct 6, 2011, 5:12 am |
Hi,
Today we shortly visited Paris . First we passed in front of the Opéra... ...and looked down at Place de l’Opéra and Avenue de l’Opéra. Moving on we reached Place de la Madeleine... ...with the Église de la Madeleine . From the steps at the front of the church we could see Place de la Concorde in the distance. As we were getting tired we stopped to get some sugars . Later we reached Place de la Concorde... ...where we checked out the Luxor Obelisk ... ...and looked down the Champs-Élysées . Before heading home we stopped playing with one of the “Velib” bikes , that are used in the famous Paris bikesharing system. |
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... ...and we started working. The results didn’t look that good , but ovens sometime can work miracles, so we kept our hope . Of course, while waiting for the final product to be ready, we munched a few other things, just to keep ourselves busy . Eventually everything was ready. We just needed to cut out the single biscuits... ...and our lovely dessert was ready for eating . |
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... ...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 ... ...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 . But, eventually, the crushing was taken care of, and it was time to mix together all the other ingredients... ...until the results, some very strange mixture , was ready to be wrapped in foil and set to rest in the fridge. 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 . |
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 . 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 . Leaving those temptations behind us , we reached the Pantheon, were we took photos from the back and the front. We then walked down Rue Soufflot... ...until we reached the Luxembourg gardens, were we stopped to rest a bit . While recovering from the long walk we planned our next moves. We though of visiting this Cézanne exhibition, but unfortunately, cameras were severely prohibited inside. So we just moved on a checked the outside of Saint-Sulpice wih the famous fountain . A bit further on we got a glimpse of Notre Dame in the distance . We then walked a bit along la Seine... ...until we reached the Louvre, where we took a final photo before diving underground to get the métro and head home . |
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 , so I said goodbye to my friends here in Rouen. Sigfrido gave me a big hug and wished me a safe trip . Then I jumped in the envelope and off I went, hopefully it will be a short trip . |
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 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. One of Katja's own ToyVoyager, Dottie Mouse came home from her trip to California today, also loaded with souvenirs. Have a look: 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. When we walked to the city centre I saw more lovely houses. Here you can see some of Katja's current guests: Jellybean and Plato. A few minutes later we reached the city centre with the shopping area. A farmer's market is taking place here on Thursday and Friday. Katja told me that the music school is situated in this pretty house. This is the central bus station and the company building of the local newspaper, RGA. On the next photo you can see the public library. We had to buy a few things in the shopping mall. 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. 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. We saw beautifully coloured ilex. When we left the park we saw outskirts of the neighbour city Wuppertal. 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. There are also many restaurants. 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. Extremely narrow lanes are also typical for those old quarters. We visited an old formerly evangelic graveyard than. It belongs to this little church from 18th century. 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. Did you knew that the butterfly is a symbol for alteration, transformation and metamorphose, but also freedom? After visiting the graveyard we took a walk in the nearby forest. From a view point we saw Muengsten Bridge in the distance. Here is also a zoomed photo. The forest soil is covered with pine needles. When we left the forest Schloss Burg came into sight. Schloss Burg is a medieval castle, I would love to visit it 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. The christmas market in front of the city hall will be opened tomorrow. Katja showed me the central bus station. We walked back to the office through the shopping street. 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. 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. This is Teddy, a young Australian shepherd. Lots of animals are living here, also two calfes. 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). 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. They have lovely old houses here. 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! When we came home we need to warm up 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. 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. The Christmas market is situated in the main shopping streets. We saw lots of lovely things, for example those candle holders. Katja bought vanilla honey and honey soap here. We enjoyed eggnog here. We also went into one of the shopping malls, also lovely decorated. 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. 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. This is the incinerator. We walked along allotment gardens, many gardens are decorated with memorabilia from the former railway track. The lane is running next to the A 46 motorway for a while. 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.) We saw the tigers. We reached the end of the Sambatrasse than and went through the zoo quarter, a villa quarter with lots of interesting houses. Soon we reached the Schwebebahn station. We had planned to take the Schwebebahn to get to Wuppertal-Barmen. Here you can see me inside the station, about 8 m above street level. And this is the view into the opposite direction. Our train was coming in! Oh dear, the train was swaying. When we got out of the train we had to walk another five minutes until we reached the Wuppertaler Brauhaus (Wuppertal Brewhouse). 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 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. Nuts and chocolate had to be chopped ... ... eggs were mixed with sugar until the mass was quite stiff ... ... than nuts, raisins and chocolate had to be kneaded into the mass. We formed three bread-shaped things. They were coated with egg yolk. Than they had to be baked and cut into slices antil they were still hot. 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. Isn't this a fantastic view? 13 special beers from Bavaria. Later, when we watched a movie with Katja and her daughter on TV, we tried two of the beers. Later,in the evening, we helped to unwrap the Christmas presents. Bye Krystal |
olgamaus Posted Dec 26, 2011, 10:59 am |
Hi Dad,
today we helped to prepare the Christmas tree. 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. Now there is a new plushy family member, a little fennec 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. Finally we reached river Wupper, it is flowing towards river Rhine. 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). Even in a hamlet with a dog-related name nothing is allowed for dogs! What a lovely place, I could sit here for hours and enjoy the sunshine. We decided to walk back. We found an old machine. Unfortunately we had no more sunshine on the other side of the valley. We crossed the river here. This is my friend Pepe. 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. There is a pond in the park, ducks and turtles are living here. We enjoyed the sunshine We walked to the district Hasten than. 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. She prepared the chocolate cream with egg yolk, butter and melted chocolate. First the layers of the torte were filled with strawberry jam, than there is a layer of whipped cream and finally the chocolate cream. Than the torte was decorated with more cream, strawberries and chocolate hearts. It's looking good, isn't it? 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. ... some time later ... 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! 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. 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. There are rocks along our path, little waterfalls running down everywhere. We went downhill than towards the river. We found some rocks with engraved patterns, a tabletop game this time, nine men's morris. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. You can overlook the valley between Remscheid and Solingen from this high point. Here you can see the castle from a distance. We found a "twin" of the outlook pavilion which I showed you on Sunday, it was created by the same architect. And here is the fantastic overview We made a side-trip to the concrete wall of a nearby drinking water dam, there are repair works taking place at the moment. We walked back to the car through a rural hamlet clalled "Höhrath", they have many livery stables here and a sawmill. 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. We went to the station than to get back, not home yet, but to Muengsten Bridge to take a walk. There is an ice rink close to the station, painted with graffiti on the outside. 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 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. Back on the Remscheid side of the valley .... All the little creeks along the way are frozen. We found an extremely large old beech in the forest, too large to take a photo of it There is a cemetary nearly in the forest, you can find a memorial for the dead of World War I here. You can see the city centre of Remscheid in the background. Can you see the church tower? We are living really close to it. 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. Bye Krystal |
Eohippus pikkuaasi@gmail.com Posted Feb 16, 2012, 12:00 am |
Hello, daddy!
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! My envelope was moved from the warm post car into the post box, and it was soon getting cold inside! 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. I started to search for any signs of my new host or other toyvoyagers. But all I could see was snow and ice! I was already starting to think I should maybe climb back into the post box. 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..? I followed the footprints, and started to run, because the sun was getting lower and lower! I saw a small light shining between the trees! I run closer and saw three little figures and a lantern. They were singing something about a campfire in the forest. When I got near I saw there was a kiwi bird, a giraffe and a tiger! - Zoe, Kirin and Jeremy! "Hello!" They shouted. "Who are you? Come and join the gang!" "We are the NTT!" They said. "The awful Nuuksio Toy Terror!" Hah, then they gave me a hug and told me I was now part of the gang! Pretty cool, don´t you think, daddy? Then we came inside, and now I´ll go straight to bed! Toy terror or not! Kisses from Krystal! See you soon again! |
Eohippus pikkuaasi@gmail.com Posted Feb 21, 2012, 8:46 pm |
Hyvää Laskiaista, dad!
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. The most important Laskiais tradition is to go to a sleighing hill! 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! While sliding down the hill in Laskiainen, we have to shout: "HUROOOOO PITKIÄ PELLAVIA!!" And it is the better the longer down we slide. ;-) That is a magic ritual to make the flax grow long next summer! 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! "HUROOOOO PITKIÄ PELLAVIA!!!" 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! The one who first forgets and says something, is going to get the most mosquito bites next summer! So we were all trying to fool each other into saying something.. Pfff! Zoe fooled poor Kirin to shout by dropping a lump of snow onto her neck. Then we started to build things out of snow. 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. ;-) 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. So this is the lantern, although it can work as a castle too. And this is the castle no enemy can invade! Because it is occupied by the valiant toyvyager troop you see here! Besides, we also have a huge larder of snowballs ready if someone happens to try! We lit a fire in front of our castle! We were dancing round the fire! And singing awful, wild, secret toyvoyager songs. In the evening we lit a candle to the snow lantern too. Isn´t it beautiful, dad? 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! It was so easy to imagine the forest spirits standing on the edge of the dark forest, watching us.. So our Laskiainen was full of snow and fire. 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! (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. 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! And there was toyvoager stickers glued to my envelope! Not all toyvoyagers travel in so fine way! I also had some chocolates for my new friends. But now I´ll show you what we have been doing. 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. Now we are on the train, watching the snowy landscapes pass by. The building behind the snowpiles is the Helsinki main railway station where the train took us. We walked trough the snowy streets towards the Helsinki Lutheran Cathedral we wanted to see. Here it is. In finnish it is called "Suurkirkko", which means "big church. Haha, someone had been showelling snow from the stairs to make these letters. We walked along, and even the sun was peeping a bit behind the clouds, which is rare here at this time of the year. There was men on some roofs pushing the snow down. Here is the snow just dropped from one roof. Lots of it! We came to the harbour. It was of course on ice. Most of the big ships going to Tallinn and Stockholm leave from here. Here we are on the Esplanade park, which is a very popular spot to spend time in summer, Zoe told me. The benches are now not exactly tempting to sit. Then we took a tram and went for a visit to Hennas mothers place. This is what we saw form her living room window. She is a funny woman! She put us to sit on her doll pram and then she was giggling to our puzzled faces. We also met some very fine dolls. And then we were served buns and coffee! Then we came back here to Nuuksio. I´ll tell you more soon! Your Krystal |
Eohippus pikkuaasi@gmail.com Posted Mar 31, 2012, 11:43 am |
Bom dia, pai!
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. This doesn´t look much like Portugal, and it is not. Here we are still in Finland, like you propably guessed. 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. So we were walking in the forests an on the ice.. We saw the first vague signs of spring (the melting ice). Do you know what this is, dad? It is a snow shoe! Henna was learning to walk with those and we were giggling like hell. Then we were suddenly dragged onto the airport! 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! But when we get to the airport we found out that the plane was hours late.. So we had all the time in the world to watch the planes coming and leaving and being washed. 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. 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. Well, after some more minutes we were ready to run again. We were driwing around with this cart, fast and faster. Do you see, dad, what the cart says? "No brakes!" When we at last got into the plane it was quite dark and we were all rather sleepy. 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. 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. We had a little breakfast. Odd shaped bread they bake here! 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! We met some aboriginals.. And admired local vegetation. And peeped into a farmers market. ..were me met some choc easter bunnies. They were very sweet, ha ha. And came to the riverfront of river Tejo. We saw the city of Lisbon on the opposite shore. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Then it has been rebuilt and remodelled about zillion times and suffered many earthquakes and rebuilt again. 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. Well, we tought we are at least as important visitors than some cardinal and started to bang the big doors.. 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. We walked on, watching the houses and the people. We saw some nice old tiles. And a beautiful view over the old city. There were many quaint old houses and narrow alleys. 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.. This square is named Rossio. All the big demonstrations march here, where they have speeches and singing. In Rossio there is is beautiful fountain, where some turists like to swim in summerime when it is really hot. We saw an aqueduct far away, bu our little legs started to be a bit heavy.. So we left back home, trough a pastry shop.. I hope I can make an update soon again! Kisses from Krystal! |
Eohippus pikkuaasi@gmail.com Posted Apr 8, 2012, 6:34 pm |
Hi, dear daddy!
I popped here to wish you a sunny easter! Here is some easter flowers for you from Sintra! A hug for you from the whole gang! Your Krystal |
Eohippus pikkuaasi@gmail.com Posted Apr 11, 2012, 5:37 pm |
Boa tarde, pai amado!
Como estás? How are you? 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! Although.. we have had lots of fun without her too. Here I am in Sintra with Zoe and Jeremy. It is a small town about 30 kilometers from Lisbon. 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. 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. The camellias were so beautiful, but they also made very cute hats! I´m not quite sure what tree this is. Henna said it could be acacia, but I´m a bit doubtful. Do you know? There is a small art center in the park, and this is one of the buildings. There was a jungle of Monstera deliciosas. We were hiding under the leaves and playing to be in a tropical rainforest. More and more camellias! We sat resting a bit and saw a big araucaria growing in the valley. We crossed couple of small alleys and climbed upwards. We saw the little house were the famous fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen lived during his stay in Sintra 1866. He wrote that Sintra is the most beautiful place in Portugal. I cannot say before I´ve seen a bit more! We climbed over an old wall onto a private property. And stared to follow a path into the forest. There is not much forest left in Portugal. 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. We were climbing over more walls. The forest was in bloom too. We had a small picnic.. ..after which I felt like swinging and climbing things.. ..which we did too! We climbed the Monte Lua, Moon mountain, which is actually a rather steep cliff. 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. 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. We visited Castelo dos Mouros - a castle the moors who occupied the Iberian peninsula built here from the 8th to 9th century. I think we were avoiding buying tickets to the castle buy climbing the cliff! 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! On the next hill we saw the Pena palace, which was the royal castle of Portugal in the 19´th century. Here we are posing for the camera for Henna to take a classical turist pic. Then we were sitting and giggling for the turists climbing panting up the steep stairs. The route along the hillside is so much nicer! Then we climbed down again, and admired the big sequoias in ivy clothing. There is so much more to see in Sintra! Henna promised we will come back after her stupid seminar is over. 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!)
How are you? I´m having a good time in a good company! Both Zoe and Jeremy are really great friends to adventure around! Now I will show you some pics from the Lisbon zoo. 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! Here! Awwww! There was also very cute little goats! I felt like petting this one, but I didn´t dare to cross the fence.. But the big turtle came to meet me. He said "Oi what a cute little husky!" He asked me to go and see his little daughter too, because she loves dogs too. So I went to see the little turtle kid too. 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. Do you think I´m cute too? 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. The giraffes were much taller than I had imagined them to be! I guess they need to be, to reach the treetops. They love to eat the leaves. The flamingos are so fancy color! Just imagine how the crows would look if they were the same color! The I saw a cablecar route and decided to take a ride. I really enjoyed the ride. The car was swinging a bit and sliding over the zoo. At some point along the route it was possible to see a wide view over Lisbon. It is still nice and green here in the spring. later in the summer it is so hot the landscape turns browner. The car was sliding over a delfinario, and i could see a dolphin in the water wawing at me! I wawed back, and when the cable route reached its end, I went to the delfinario. The dolphins came to greet me. They told me they don´t often see doggies here, and certainly not so cute ones. There was also a seal or sea lion who was dancing with a woman. Then went still to meet the elephants, whom I have always admired. They are so wise and take so tender care about each other. The hippopotamus I saw on our way out from the zoo. We went home to eat! See you soon again, daddy! Your cute husky. |
Eohippus pikkuaasi@gmail.com Posted May 14, 2012, 12:02 pm |
Hei, rakas isä! (Hi, dear father!)
I wish you are well! Ha ha, dad, we flew to Finland to make some pancakes over the fire.! 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. It was pretty cloudy and we could not see much trough the window. 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. Here you can see all the countries over which we were flying. 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.. 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.. 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. The heavy load of snow had fell some pines behind the cottage. Some overenthusiastic woodpecker had been digging holes into one of the pine trunks in search for worms. The little brook was not so little anymore.. It was pretty interesting to see how the landscapes I had only seen in the vintertime looked now in the early spring! So we took some necessary provisions with us and made a trip to the sea shore in Porkkala. The sea was still partly covered with a thin layer of ice. And we saw a small sauna which had sailed there during the autumn storms from who knows where. Of course I just HAD to try the firmnes of the ice.. It was very fun until my toes got wet. The water temperature must have been near zero degrees So I got back to the dry land rather fast, and we started to build a fire 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. Soon we had the fire burning and the coffee water heating. The warmth of the fire felt wonderfull. Can you see the steam rising from my poor toes, dad? Aah, black coffee never tastes better than when it is made in an open fire! Funny, by the way, that almost any food tastes better outside! 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. "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! So we went to play with the waves. We were hopping from stone to stone, trying to avoid the water. 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. 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. Can you see, daddy? My first pancake is frying here! We attacked every pancake as soon as it get ready! Mums mums! After five pancakes per voyager we sat down to drink some glögi and then we had still some pancakes more. What was left (which wasn´t very much!) we hanged to the nearby trees as a spring gift for the crows and seagulls. I found the first blue anemones under the bruces! Aren´t they marvellous, daddy? The sun showed up and we were sitting in the rocks enjoying it. 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. |
Eohippus pikkuaasi@gmail.com Posted May 25, 2012, 3:18 pm |
Olá, querido pai! (Hello, beloved dad!)
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! I know the European airports soon like my own pockets. 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. 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. 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. 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. We walked forward and saw this wonderful field of daisies. 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? We took part into a demonstration and were given red carnations, which are symbols of the year 1974 Carnation Revolution. Then 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.. We saw wonderful pelargonias. 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. We climbed into a cactus. Ouch! 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. I don´t know the name of these flowers in english. Do you know, dad? In portuguese they are called "capuchos". 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. And continued with cherries. Then we had some strawberries and apricots. Njam NJAM njam! There was still a bit room, and we were filling it with some choc cake. Then I had to be rolled out from the table. This bunch is for you, dad. 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! (Hello, dear dad!)
How are you? Your little husky here has been very busy! The world is so full of things to do! 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. To help old cat ladies to take care of their personal hygiene is very important too. We we also grinding coffee with this little mill. And were walking around and beeing stylish. And eating! That is the most important task to do of all! Then, guess what.. We flew back to Finland again! 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. People were watching us, when we glided stylishly on the escalators like big cosmopolitans. 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." 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! 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. It worked! In Finland there was a new toyvoyager fellow, Brownbeard, waiting for us. :-) Here he is standing between me and Zoe. And the summer had certainly come! Everywhere around there was some flowers or bushes in bloom! These are the flowers of a wild strawberry. Buttercups! Lilies of the valley! Their wonderful fragrance fills the air. We went for a walk to see more of the now summery landscapes. The forest was fresh and green and full of new life, fast growing saplings and busy little creatures, like us. We fell a tree to make a fire.. Ha ha, just kidding! And then walked to see the nearest lake, Sahajärvi. Last time we were here it was still on ice. We were sitting and watching the fish jumping after the mosquitoes and just enjoying the wonderful suns and scents of summer. The little stream of Salakoski was running happily to the lake. We were hopping from stone to stone, faster and faster, and started to sing, the stream playing a background tune to us. And then we were playing to be ents from Tolkiens Middle Earth. And resting a bit in the gentle northern sun. And then we really build up the fire, with small sticks, and made some pancakes! 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! The we went back home, but I took this big feather I found with me. See you again soon! 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. Here we are sitting on Hennas mothers sofa pretending to be wellbehaved toyvoyagers until she went to her way. When we heard the door to slam we started to use the ceiling light as our merry-go-round. Then we emptied the fridge. And thus filled with new energy left lollygagging to the town. 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. Here we are in the market square. We started to investigate what they were selling there. I saw wonderful looking raspberries. And wonderfully smelling strawberries! And all sort of items made out of juniper. They smelled nice too. These are traditional mugs called "kuksa". They are carved out of burl which grows on the birch trunk. And then, best of all, I met a group of cousins! I hope they end up with nice families, or maybe even become toyvoyagers! We hopped into this boot to buy tickets for the Suomenlinna ferry. Here is our ferry coming ashore. On board we were admiring the views. The trip took about fifteen minutes. 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. There is small bridges connecting the islands. We started our walk. 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. We headed to the non-so-turistic direction with less people (surprise surprise). 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. We saw wonderful daisies filling a meadow. And interesting, almost forgotten paths and routes. 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. We saw a group of canoeists. Isn´t it a beautiful place, daddy? I could live here too. At least in summertime. We started to feel a bit peckish.. well, we had been without eating at least two hours! So we started to search for a nice place to have a picnic. We wanted a spot with shade, nice view and not too many mosquitoes. We found the perfect place on the shore of a small pond. The shore was growing glorious yellow irises. We sat down to enjoy our provisions and the buzzing of the dragonflies. Do you know what these are, daddy? They are wild chives, a sort of onion. We picked some to put over our pastries. We walked along. The day was a very hot and sunny one (on finnish standards ) and we started to feel a bit dizzy with the sun reflecting from the waves. 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. We walked and climbed along many paths behind plaques saying "Do not enter". The hot air made the atmosphere somehow hazy, so that it was hard to tell exactly where the land ended and the water started. Our little feet started to be a bit tired after all the landscape admiring.. So we marched back towards the ferry to take us home. 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. It has been a mix of a bit everything.. but the uppermost adjective in my mind is "green". We have been climbing trees and enjoyed the feel of freedom. And made trips to the seashore, to breath deep the wonderful sea air and tease the fish. And enjoyed the rare sunny days just laying somewhere, emptying our brains of everything unnessessary. Having wonderful snacks! And having adventures in the border areas of the urban landscape. And admiring the wonderful August full moon. But first of all we have been spending time in the forest - picking berries and mushrooms and herbs or just wandering around, watching everything. 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. Not to speak about the berries the forests are full of! And nuts! There is lots of nut trees growing in the nearby forests here in Nuuksio. And delicious mushrooms we pick and make for dinner in the evenings. Here! Is your mouth already watering? 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. 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. The small streams are full of interesting things to investigate, all sort of insects and beautiful stones and sometimes small fish. We have always the coffee pot with us and have joyful coffee breaks round the fire. Every now and then we see a beautiful lake, and often we meet some frogs. When it starts to rain we hide under big mushrooms or treeroots. Sometimes we are playing to be on a river full of crocodiles, or Huckleberry Finn sailing on the river Mississippi. Some of the mushrooms are ver beautiful too, but often the most beautiful ones are also the most poisonous ones. Can you imagine to be a reindeer, dad? I cannot, because this is what they eat! Yaiks! Often we are climbing on the rocks, helping each other upwards. Resting a bit when possible and then climbing again. The views from top of the cliffs are often just magnificent! 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. And one day we went to the seashore to swim! We went into this exellent Toyvoyager Spa. First we were just sitting and making sure the water was warm enough! Then Tuli, who is naturally a good swimmer, was showing us some swimming styles. 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. What a wonderful day! When we got out from the water my toes were wrinkled in a funny way. Then we let the sun dry our furs properly. We headed back home trough the forests. There we put up a fire and sat round it and made food.. Wonderfull pancakes with a load of berries! 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! This is my last update from here, Nuuksio, I´m heading towards new adventures! Hiihaa!
Me and Napoleondecided to go together part of the way, it´s nicer to travel in company. It also gave us opportunity to plan our trip.. we are making it in a very stylish way! 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. AND having icecream in a little café. We spent our last evening together sitting round the fire and singing secret tribe songs. Then I went with Napoleon into a telephone booth to order our means of transportation. Needles to say, the others were very curious! Then we waited for our lift to come.. We didn´t need to wait for long! The others gasped and Zoe cursed heartily, when they saw the flying saucer. The saucer started to land, and we backed behind a pine tree to make room for it. "Don´t tell me that is your lift?" said Henna, whose eyes were rolling in her head. "Of course it is!" said I. "Isn´t it cool?!" Two creatures came out from the saucer. Henna started to squeak and mutter something about cow abductions. "Are our hitchikers here?" asked the creatures. We were hugging everyone for farewell very tight. Josie gave me a lucky kiss, well, because we are both doggies.. Then we greeted the saucer driwers and entered the vehicle. It rised slow up to the air! Jiihaa! We were still wawing to our friends. Goodbye, Nuuksio! Goodbye, Nuuksio gang! Towards new experiences! See you soon again! Hug from Krystal |
smaug Posted Oct 11, 2012, 5:18 am |
“A strange light broke the clouds over northern France...
...followed by an enraged howl” I SAID THE DOOR!!!! Aliens! They might fly cool ships, but they can’t tell a door from a window . Luckily it was a familiar window and it was open too. 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. Immediately they recognized me and gave me a warm welcome and also explained me that my friend Sigfrido was away on holiday . Suddenly I realised that I forgot something, so I quickly went back out of the window... ...where I picked up the lovely presents that my last host gave me. Thanks Eohippus ! |
smaug Posted Oct 12, 2012, 5:46 am |
Hi,
It seems I arrived in France just in time to catch a train to England , so today I boldly walked out of St Pancras station . 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 . So, I found the right platform and jumped on the train. The view from the train was really nice . I just wonder where I am going to get off. |
smaug Posted Oct 15, 2012, 4:08 am |
Hi,
I found out my destination, Cambridge ! Disappointingly the information package in my room wasn’t very clear about where to find food ... ...so I decided to go looking for something myself and headed for the hystoric center. This pub seemed a very viable breakfast option ... ...but I decided to keep looking. Eventually I crossed the river Cam where a lonely canoeist was enjoying his morning exercise. 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 ...but not today. Before going home I stopped to get some food . Not exactly nouvelle cuisine , but good enough to keep me going for the rest of the day . |
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 . And while the baggage was being prepared I took a final look out of the window. 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 . Here I walked a bit around the station... ...until it was time to board the train . |
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 . I wanted to check the time but this “clock” wasn’t very helpful . Moving on, I reached the Opera . As I was getting hungry I went checking out the restaurant... ...that seemed a bit too pricey for a little TV . So I went exploring inside... ...where I found some strange furniture . The shop was a bit more interesting... ...but I was getting bored, so I went back out. I was wondering where to go... ...when I spotted a few very interesting shops where I got lost for the rest of the afternoon . |
smaug Posted Nov 5, 2012, 1:54 am |
Hi,
As it happens, my little trip to Paris was not just for leisure . 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 ! 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 and talking about our adventures . |
smaug Posted Nov 12, 2012, 4:48 am |
Hi,
Today we all went for a day trip to Paris . Our first stop in town was Place Vendome, with the Vendome column. Around there we found some strange shops like this one selling robots . Eventually we reached La Seine... ...where we decided to rest a bit in the sun . Later we reached Place Saint-Sulpice with the famous fountain. In summer it must be a great spot to rest, but today it was a bit too cold for a dip . As we were wandering around, we stumbled on some very interesting shops ... ...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 . |
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 . As always Sigfrido gave me a great hug and checked that I was going to travel comfortably . And then, I was ready to go . See you soon! |
BlackCat Posted Oct 3, 2013, 7:11 pm |
Today I arrived at BlackCats place. And Meggie welcomed me there.
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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.
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BlackCat Posted Oct 3, 2013, 7:48 pm |
Today we baked a cake because of BlackCats birthday tomorrow.
Here you see me with the ingredients for the cake. This is me and the dough. 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.
That's the main station of Essen. It was still closed... Here you can buy hot spiced wine. Closed as well... 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 |
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.
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.
This is the park. 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.
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BlackCat Posted Oct 4, 2013, 12:27 am |
Today we went into a zoo.
And as you can maybe see I saw the lions. And camels. We saw the tapir. And the cute seals. The monkeys. And BlackCats favorites in this zoo - the meerkats. We had a walk in the Chinese garden. 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.
That is Notre Dame. It's a cathedral and really beautiful, or what do you think? The Seine. The Louvre where you can see the Mona Lisa. And then we found the Eiffel tower. 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 ! Today, after a few days in what I believe was a mailbox , someone dropped my travelling quarters in the middle of a little crowd. 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. |
smaug Posted Oct 28, 2013, 1:33 am |
Hi,
Yesterday smaug made one of his rare apparitions and today we went to the mountains . 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 . 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 . 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 . Floe Lake is nested under the rock and does not see much sun at this time of the year... ...but the reflection in the still water was almost as nice as the mountains around it . On the way back we had a chance to take a better look at Floe Creek valley... ...and at some of the other snow-covered peaks around it . |
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... ...and Nihahi Ridge. From a bit further up we could see the Elbow river valley disappearing in the mountains too . As it happens, we were already high enough for our trail to be covered in snow . But, with a little extra effort, we eventually reached a lovely (and incredibly windy ) viewpoint from where we could see mountains in one direction,... ...foothills in the other,... ...and even the prairies in the east . |
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 . |
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 . The fact that sammino insists in leaving the window open because Landroval could be home any time does not really help . 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. 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. With so much at stake, emotions were running high and arguments about alleged cheating were endless. 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 . As it happens it was Landroval and he brought back lot of presents, including tons of chocolate with him . It seems we are not going to starve for a few more days . |
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 . |
smaug Posted Dec 1, 2013, 11:35 pm |
Hi,
Today we had a good excuse to have some cake , Tatanka’s birthday! Of course, we sang happy birthday to him and then quickly moved to the more pressing matter of the cake . |
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 . Despite the dark clouds it was kind of warm (Canadian warm , of course) and we had a nice view of the mountains . |
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 . Of course, we started working to open it and when we succeeded, a TV popped out, my friend Pepita coming home for the holidays ! 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 . |
smaug Posted Dec 26, 2013, 4:15 pm |
Hi,
We are on holiday ! Yesterday sammino told us to jump in the luggage... ...and today, very late at night, after an horrendously long and boring trip, we found ourselves in Italy ! It was a bit late for exploring around, so we got a delicious midnight snack and went straight to bed . |
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. Later we found a summit log . That was a bit strange as we were not even remotely close to the summit, but, of course, we signed it anyway . A bit further up the trail offered some nice views over Trento . Then things took quite a steep turn . Eventually, we reached the summit. There was no summit log here , but we had stunning views over Trento and the Val d’Adige . The place was so nice that we decided to enjoy the sun a bit and rest on this bench . On the way back we crossed a ridge to take a look at the valley on the opposite side of the mountain ... ...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 so we have no photographic evidence of being there, but once we crossed Passo Pordoi we could see the Tofane Group in the distance . Later we crossed Passo di Campolongo and entered Alta Badia. The last pass we crossed is called Passo Gardena. From there we could see the Saslong... ...and more mountains in the west . 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 . |
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 for a few hours and when he came back he was with my friends Orpheus and Sigfrido who came home for Christmas too. 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 !
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 . Getting it out was hard work. But eventually we managed to access it and ... ...cut a delicious slice just for us ! |
smaug Posted Jan 12, 2014, 7:35 pm |
Hi,
After a few very relaxing days, mostly due to endless rain , 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 . We also said good bye to Sigfrido, Pepita and Orpheus who will hang around a bit longer . 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 . |
smaug Posted Jan 12, 2014, 8:08 pm |
Hi,
This morning, a bit too early morning as far as I am concerned , we went to the airport, where we explored a bit around . Since Sigfrido, Orpheus and Pepita had decided to accompany us, we had a final round of farewells before going through the security checks . |
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... ...and, most important, to find something yummy to fill our bellies . |
smaug Posted Jan 12, 2014, 8:52 pm |
Hi,
We are back in Canada ! 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 . |
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 , 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. As we gained elevation the sky got brighter and we started seeing the Rockies in the west . Eventually we reached the summit where the wind was freezing cold, but the view was great . We could almost even see Calgary. Before leaving for (hopefully) some warmer location , we took a final customary photo with the summit cairn. |
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... ...we decided that I nice day indoor was probably a better idea . 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 , 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 . At one point the view opened up a bit, but the clouds didn’t allow to take in much of the landscape. As we moved on and gained elevation, we noticed snowflakes falling around us and quickly they turned almost into a blizzard . 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 , so we quickly turned around and hastily made it back to the warmth of the car . |
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 , 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 . So we headed out and reached a point where the river is moving too fast to freeze even with this cold . As a result, the open water is creating a bit of a fog. Further downstream the river slows down and it was frozen solid. Even, under the Peace Bridge there was no visible sign of open water. 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 . |
smaug Posted Mar 24, 2014, 3:08 am |
Hi,
Today smaug came home with a parcel for us TVs, which got us very excited . As we managed to open it a new guest popped out, Lotta, a nice sheep who travelled all the way from Australia . And she brought some lovely Aussie sweets with her . Of course, a late night of travel chatting followed . |
smaug Posted Mar 31, 2014, 3:05 am |
Hi,
We are in spring ! Not that we really noticed, as it has been relentlessly snowing over the last few days . But today it was sunny enough to try going for a quick trip to the mountains . The trees were covered with nice fresh snow... ...so we decided to stop playing into one of them . Sometimes a nice viewed opened up along the trail. Eventually we reached the highest point of our hike. We were thinking to reach the top of that ridge,... ...but looking west we noticed the it was probably snowing heavy over the mountains and it looked like the storm was coming towards us . With temperatures deep in the minus teens, not everybody was comfortable with having to deal with a blizzard too , 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 . 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 . The trail was actually very nice with the trees all covered in snow ... ...but the view left a bit to be desired as the snowfall was clouding everything around us. 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 . After a short time we started having lovey views over Lake Minnewanka . Later we reached a nice viewpoint where we could enjoy more views of the lake... ...and of the mountains surrounding it. 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 . But, for once, smaug was prepared , so we put on the snowshoes he carried up here and we were soon back on the move . Eventually the snow became too soft and deep to keep going even with snowshoes , so we took a final couple of photos of the lake before heading back to the car. |
smaug Posted May 4, 2014, 7:34 pm |
Hi,
Happy Easter ! Today we were hoping to get a gigantic chocolate egg each , but we had to settle for something more TV-size . Luckily, there was enough for everybody . |
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 , the best way to party was to cut to the chase and going straight after the cake . |
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 . I guess this is going to be another boring weekend . |
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 . We were hoping to reach the top of that ridge,... ...but going through the trees the snow was getting deeper and deeper, to the point that even smaug was sinking up to his waist , 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... ...prairies and foothills to the east... ...and again the mountains around the Elbow Valley to the south and west . |
smaug Posted Jun 2, 2014, 4:37 am |
Hi,
Today we went for another short trip to the mountains . 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 ,... ...the Prairies... ...and Kananaskis Valley. As we move further up we could see the Bow Valley heading deep into the mountains... ...and the front face of the Rockies in the north. The view of the Prairies got better too, but the sky was also getting a bit darker , so we quickly got on our way down . |
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 . |
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 . And guess what? A new friend came out of it, GustavHH ! 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... ...before making our way up to the site of a former fire lookout, where the view was great . It was also cold and windy, so we chose to quickly move down and walk a bit on the lake shore. Down there it was actually so nice that we decided to cap the day with a few hours of relax and sunbathing . |
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. After a bit of walking we started having some nice view over the Rockies in the west . 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 ), so we took some photos and headed back. |
smaug Posted Jan 12, 2015, 12:30 am |
Hi,
a new friend arrived today . smaug brought home a little parcel... ...and when we opened it Stoker came out ! 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 ! Today, we closed our bags and got ready to drive to the airport . |
smaug Posted Jan 19, 2015, 3:13 am |
Hi,
During a stopover in Frankfurt Sigfrido and Orpheus came over for a little Rendezvous . Of course, there was a lot of chatting involved . |
smaug Posted Jan 26, 2015, 3:13 am |
Hi,
I am back in Italy ! 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... ...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 . As we moved on the other side of the mountain we could see the Brenta dolomites... ...and the Adige Valley in the distance . Further on we could see another nice valley. At that point we launched ourselves downhill , so we decided that it was better for smaug to put away the camera and focus on the handlebar . |
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... ...although it looked like we had still quite a way to go to reach the top of this valley . Eventually we reached the highest point of the day, where the view was very "rocky" , but unfortunately the weather seemed to be ready for turning wet. As it happens we managed to cross all this plateau without getting drenched... ...and later we headed into this nicely U-shaped valley that took us back to the car . |
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... ...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 . From the summit the view was great in every direction . After following a bit of the ridge, we could even see a bit of Trento in the distance. To give a bit of cultural tone to the trip 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 . |
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 . |
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 . Luckily it was a lovely day, so we could stay outside chatting in the sun . |
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 . As the game was about to start the excitement grew even further... ...and it burst when Germany scored... ...and lifted the cup . Of course, we decided to join in our friends' celebrations . |
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 . Pressing on, we reached the summit of Midnight Peak, where the view was great in all directions . Interesting enough, sammino explained to us that it appears to be a tradition (a rather unpleasant one ) to get drenched, or nearly so, whenever smaug comes up here . Since those dark clouds seemed to herald the upcoming rain, we hastily moved down the mountain and luckily only got a bit wet . |
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... ...and some of the peaks surrounding us. 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 . A bit later we reached a ridge just over this little lake... ...where the view opened up even more. From here the peak did not seem that far away . So, with a final effort we reached the top, where the view was great in all directions . It was also bitter cold , 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 . At least we managed to take a final nice photo before heading back home . |
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 . Later we headed up the narrow Nihahi Creek Valley... ...that soon became just a large gravel creek bed . Pushing on, we climbed halfway on the ridge heading to Mt Fullerton... ...where we noticed some very concerning clouds speeding toward us . 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 . |
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 . 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. 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 ... ...and of the summit of Mt Allan. Still, before getting there we had to tackle the summit of Mt Collembola... ...and the false summit too . On the way we passed just over the Nakiska ski area, that hosted the alpine skiing competitions during the 1988 winter Olympics. Eventually we reached the summit of Mt Allan , from where we could look back at the last bit of the trail that we just followed... ...and where we took a final shot of the Bow Valley before starting to head back home. |
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. By the time we reached our destination visibility was kind of limited . We decided to wait a bit hoping for the fog to clear up and helped us with some of the provisions in the backpack . As it happens things got even worse... ...so all we could do was pack up and go home . |
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 ... ...and of Powderface Ridge, where we were engulfed by fog a week ago . Later we just spent the morning walking along this lovely ridge... ...all the time having a great view over the Rockies . |
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. It took a bit longer to eventually see our destination. From the summit of Wind Ridge, which wasn't really that windy , we could see Canmore in the distance... ...and rocky peaks all around us . We could also see the snow covered peak of Mt Allan, where we were just a few weeks ago. Before leaving the summit and heading back home we took a final look at the valley that we followed in the morning . |
smaug Posted Mar 8, 2015, 3:04 am |
Hi,
look at that! You know what it is? Snow ! A full foot of heavy wet snow . How cool is that ?! Well, smaug seemed very much unimpressed to say the least , 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 . As we approached the summit of Cox Hill smaug decided that he had enough of plodding through waist deep snow and just let us take a few photos of the mountains before turning back. It looked like full winter . Even the prairies in the distance where completely white . |
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. Later we found this lovely sofa and decided to rest and enjoy the sun chitchatting for a while . As we kept going we started seeing the southern part of the Rockwall . Further on we reached the gorgeous Floe Lake with its crown of rocky walls . A final effort took us up to Numa Pass. From there we could see the trail we had just followed,... ..., Floe Lake and Floe Peak,... ...and on the opposite side Numa Creek Valley... ...and the Rockwall heading north . What a day ! |
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 . The first one we found was Vista Lake...where, despite the encouraging name, the view was just OK . Things improved once we reached Arnica Lake... ...and Upper Twin Lake, tucked under Storm Mountain . 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. 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 . We took a quick look around the pass before jumping back in smaug's backpack just in time before the snow started to fall . |
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 . At some point we passed by this lovely creek which is not fully frozen yet . Once we reached Healy Pass we had confirmation that winter is indeed here . 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 , 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. On the other side, there was no trace of white whatsoever. Maybe winter is not ready to come after all . |
smaug Posted Mar 28, 2015, 10:52 pm |
Hi,
the snow is back ! Lot of it. Today we decided to go downstairs and play a bit . On second thought, looking at the temperature, we decided that it was probably a good day to stay nice and comfortable at home . |
smaug Posted Apr 5, 2015, 9:26 pm |
Hi,
it' been snowing again this week, but this morning the weather seemed inclined to improve , so we went for a short hike. The atmosphere was great . But by the time we reached the nicest viewpoint the day had turned really dark , so we decided not to linger, took some photos and headed back. |
smaug Posted Apr 5, 2015, 9:57 pm |
Hi,
guess what? We are back in Italy . smaug was so busy and so late in packing up that he even forgot to report our departure from Calgary yesterday . But today our friends here in Trento were as always ready to welcome us . |
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 . There was even a nice bench where we could sit and chat while enjoying the sun . |
smaug Posted Apr 6, 2015, 12:36 am |
Hi,
the weather is quite spectacular, it's almost like summer . So today we took advantage of the sun and went for another short hike near town. The view over the valley was great . And so was the ridge that we followed... ...and the valley on the other side of the mountain . There was even a big metal map showing the direction of all the peaks that you can see from up here . |
smaug Posted Apr 11, 2015, 10:16 pm |
Hi,
today our friends Orpheus, Pepita and Sigfrido came home to celebrate Christmas . Of, course, with so many TVs in one room, lot of chatting followed . |
smaug Posted Apr 11, 2015, 10:36 pm |
Merry Christmas !
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 . |
smaug Posted Apr 11, 2015, 11:05 pm |
Hi,
today we spent the day travelling around the German motorways . 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 . And tomorrow it sounds like it's going to be the same on the way back . |
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 . |
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 , 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 . Going further up, the view opened on the Prairies in the distance,... ...and became great over the Rockies . At that point the wind was picking up and it didn't really feel like summer anymore , 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 . |
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 . And they brought some delicious gifts with them . |
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 . For whatever reason smaug was not inclined to let us go out by ourselves , so we ended up organizing a little chess tournament. It was a real battle of minds...and, of course, I was the best . After the tournament, instead of giving out prizes, sammino used a box to give us a lesson about Canadian wildlife . As it turned out, it was a box full of chocolate, so the day definitely finished on a high . |
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 ... ...and spent some time relaxing in these lovely indoor gardens . 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 . |
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 ... ...but the weather looked great so we marched on anyway. It had snowed recently, so everything looked very white . Moving on we reached a nice view spot where we enjoyed the view of a fairly frozen landscape. As it happens, not everybody in our party is used to these type of temperatures , 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. But, as we gained elevation, things improved . 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 and then quickly dived for cover . |
smaug Posted May 18, 2015, 3:17 am |
Hi,
today it was really foggy , be we tried our luck and went over to the mountains anyway. When we reached Barrier Lake things did not look great . But, later on, the fog started to clear and we had some lovely view of the lake... ...and Kananaskis Valley . On the other side, the prairies were still covered by a thick fog. Moving further up we reached a fire lookout, which at this time of the year is closed. From there the view opened up over the Rockies to the west . |
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 . Before I jumped in my travelling quarters, sammino gave me a big hug and wished me a safe journey . |
RikeH Posted May 25, 2015, 10:15 pm |
Hello Dad,
GustavHH and I arrived in Sülfeld and Dicker Kumpel welcomed us. We show our card and the nice magnet. 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. Behind me you can see the famous tree of Dicker Kumpel. I found some small flowers. Later I had a nice view to a lake with swans. Time to relax! There is a beautiful small river in Sülfeld, called Beste. 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. Look – wonderful flowers! I had fun with this funny fish. Then we saw the Baltic Sea. This old man and his granddaughter seem to have a good time. We went onto the pier, it was a nice sunny day. What a wonderful place. Do you know Udo Lindenberg? He is a famous German singer – and this is a monument for him. What a funny bird! 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. Can you see the beautiful tree in front of it? We continued our trip and found this lovely lake. Spring is one of the best time in the year. Lucky Hü, Dicker Kumpel and I had fun on this big piece of a tree. Maybe I should live in a house like this, when I stop travelling… On our way back we stopped at this sign. They changed the way of a river here – back to its natural way. 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. It was a group that played Rockmusic from the former East Germany. It was a long concert – and it was dark outside, we had a great view from our holiday appartement. They finished the show with a great laser show – it was amazing! 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. But this one on the flower was beautiful, too. I went close to this butterfly. What a great caterpillar! Wow, bananas. 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. On our way home we stopped at his harbour of Boltenhagen. The weather wasn’t too nice, but wait for the photos of the afternoon. 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. We drove along the sea – and will go to this high bank there. The sky was blue, I loved it. Then we reached this high bank and had a nice view. What a wonderful yellow colour! Then we drove back to Boltenhagen. It was time for another concert. We went to the beach. And went onto the pier. Love Krystal |
RikeH Posted Jun 1, 2015, 7:33 pm |
Hello Dad,
It was time to see more of Boltenhagen. This is the Kurhaus. Look, funny wooden people. We went to the small church. It was nice inside. This building was funny, too. This was the spa garden – and behind me you can see our house. I loved this building. Then it was time to relax. Adventure!!! On our way home we saw his nice fountain. We lived in the left house on the photo. 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. This was a small storage house. Maybe they took their water of this little river. These houses were older. Then I met these funny pigs. This house was big! And the garden next to it. Here you can see the shoes… … and some tools. We were impressed by this stone tomb. 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. But we were allowed to go into the park. There were nice plants. This was the moat. Another nice view of the Castle – can you see the swan behind me? What a beautiful mill! Later that day we took a ride in this wonderful train. This was the railway building. It was great! 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. We started in Hamburg and had nice views over the new part of the Port. Look, the ship had an indoor pool. There was a smile on the chimney of the ship. No problem, if I would jump into the sea. A look into the other direction. These guys were so funny. On the way to our cabin. This was our cabin, not that big, but enough for a short cruise. We liked this place. Then we started our cruise – with music. Look, a funny boat with water fountains was in front of us. This is a very expensive building in Hamburg. The church is called Michel – it is famous in Hamburg. Two old ships… The port of Hamburg is beautiful. 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. The machine did the work. Well – water around us – but this is typical for a Cruise. Nothing to see in front of us, too. Then it was time for artist – these men did great things with fruit and vegetables. Look, a funny bird. These guys were great. Some people relaxed next to the Pool. Should I run around the ship? Better not… I decided to explore the Ship. These people with the umbrellas were funny. I loved this couple. We relaxed in the sunshine. 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! This was the little Mermaid – full of tourists… but I was the only dog here at the moment. We continued our walk and stopped next to this beautiful fountain. Not far away there was this little church. I think this is the place where the royals live. Oh – a wonderful church. I went into it. Then we went back to the big place and saw the Guards. This is one of the most famous places in Copenhagen, called Nyhavn. Look, the town hall… … a funny fountain…. … and a big hotel. On our way back to the Ship I wanted to have this photo! This was a great size of the Ship! Time to relax in the sun! Then we left – it was a nice day in Denmark. 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. Do you know which vegetable grows here? White flowers were beautiful, too. And this curious frog told me a lot about the neighbourhood. I loved the colour of this flower. Love Krystal |
RikeH Posted Jun 17, 2015, 9:51 pm |
Hello Dad,
Today we walked through Sülfeld. There was a nice lake inside the park. Behind me you can see the old school. There were beautiful roses in front of it. This is the emblem of Sülfeld. This is the church of Sülfeld, and it was open today. We went inside. It was a very old church. 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. Then it was time for the party. I love muffins! Of course no parties without drinks. Murph sent us wonderful lights. Can you see, who this was? Yes, it’s me! Great! The party was over! 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. Then I looked out of the window. It wasn’t very interesting – only some clouds. 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. Here I was inside the fortress. This was an old storage house. It was fun, walking over the old streets. This was the biggest and the most beautiful building. I went into the kitchen… ...and into a nice bedroom. I had a great view from this point. Surely there was a church in the fortress. It was an exciting day! 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. I love the Sea! And surely lighthouses belong to the Coastline. This was a beautiful one. Later we went back to Sydney. Yes – there is a Sydney in Canada, too. Today there was a big Cruise Ship in the Port. Can you see the big fiddle? Then we walked through Downtown Sydney with some old houses. 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. 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. I met an Eagle here – first I thought it was my brother Landroval. I really loved this aircraft, called Silver Dart, 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… 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. Here I saw the beach with many small rocks – and big waves. We continued our trip and stopped at this look off. Then it was time for a forest. This was a replica of a Scottish crofter’s hut. We crossed this beautiful little river. I really like this region. Love Krystal |
RikeH Posted Jul 1, 2015, 10:05 pm |
Hello Dad,
Our second day in the National Park started with this view. On a high plateau we walked through a landscape that looked like moorland. The plant behind me was an insect-eating plant. I am not an insect, but tried to stay in a safe distance. 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. Our last stop was at this beach. The sand wasn’t that beautiful, but I liked the rocks behind me. We slept that night in Cheticamp. It has a big church. We stayed in the blue house, unfortunately it wasn’t as great as we expected. But we had a nice small lighthouse next to it – and other colorful houses. 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. I could see the Island there. But the view into the other direction was great, too. We saw the other ferry – it had a strange shape. Of course it was time for a lighthouse – so we visited the lighthouse of Point Prim. We saw some fish traps in front of it. Yours Krystal |
RikeH Posted Jul 4, 2015, 1:22 am |
Hello Dad,
Today we visited Charlottetown. Behind me you can see the Province House. 1864 delegates from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and the Canadas met here to for the new Canada. These two guys were so funny! This was the St Dunstan’s Basilica. I went inside – it was beautiful. Here was a view from another direction – you can see, how big it is! Charottetown has a beautiful harbor. I love the colorful houses here in Canada. This street is famous for the stores and the restaurants. A friendly rat is the guard of it. 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. Because I love lighthouses, we visited another one. It’s the Covehead Lighthouse. We see these flowers anywhere. Then we went to the Prince-Edward-Island-National Park. It is well-known for its high banks. This was the most famous point – the Oceanview Lookoff. There was a beach, too. But I preferred the one I saw in the morning. 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. The interior was beautiful and big! Then we drove to a funny place. Bottle Houses – what will this be? First we saw a beautiful little lake – behind it I saw a strange house. It was the Chapel and it is made of approximately 10000 bottles. 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. Look, I sat on one of the bottles. This is the house from the other side. It was built in 1980 (12000 bottles). This was the Cavern- unfortunately they didn’t offer something to drink for me. We had to stop next to this big potato. Eventually we arrived at the West Point Lighthouse. We took this photo from our balcony. This was the beautiful view into the other direction. We enjoyed the sunshine! Love Krystal |
RikeH Posted Jul 7, 2015, 9:05 pm |
Happy Canada Day, Dad!
We saw another lighthouse today… 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. Three boats were unloaded there. We saw it better in this boat – they caught lobsters. Then we went to the North Cape – the most northern part of the island – and surprise – just another lighthouse. There were a wind park – this is a Canadian research institute for this kind of energy. On our way back we stopped at this picturesque port. And now I want to show you more of our lighthouse. This was our room. We had a view to the beach. This was the other direction. I went into the lighthouse museum – and started with a nice living room. Of course I went to the top – I had another good view from here. This light bulb was so huge! I really love this lighthouse. 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. 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. The higher waters in the bay cause the water in the placid Petitcodiac River to roll back upstream in one wave. Look, the wave is so high that Surfers can use it! 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. This looked a little better. It was very windy at this point. This was the famous point – Flower Pot Rocks. 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. Here you see the difference to yesterday. Surely I wanted to see it at the other places. Yesterday I didn’t see that it was an arch. Look, yesterday and today. It was exciting to see the ground of the sea. Then I went to the famous point. What a difference! Today we walked down the stairs – yesterday we would not be able to stay here. 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. This was the town hall. Here you can see the first mayor of the town. A woman with a girl. And the last one was this funny man next to the beautiful carriage. 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. They showed what happened in the Past. But I loved this beautiful window more. There were nice flowers in front of the church. Then we went to Black Smith Shop. They used this for transport in that time, now we had a nice place to sit on. This was the old well. 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 There was a well and many wooden houses. I went into the kitchen. And they ate in the Common Room. The beds didn’t look very comfortable. But I had a great view from this room. This storeroom was called Sail Loft, because ship supplies were stored here. At the end we had fun playing on the Palisade. 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. You can see that we are near the Sea here. There was a festival with music. I saw a strange mermaid in a park. But I liked this clock more – it showed the time of high tide. This is the town hall. Can you remember the first photo? Not it was high tide – and the ships were much higher at the pier. Then I played in the garden of our hotel. I had fun with the frogs! 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. It was really beautiful – just like a rain forest. The Mersey River was really nice. Then we reached the goal of our walk – the Mills Falls. It wasn’t high, but I liked it. Murph, look, a beautiful mushroom. This place is known for turtles and other animals. I found a frog. Then we found this great place on a tree for all of us! Love Krystal |
RikeH Posted Aug 18, 2015, 1:58 pm |
Hello Dad,
Today we went to a small town called Lunenburg. There were colourful houses in the streets. And I saw ships in the harbour. This was a nice monument for the fishermen who died. I liked this view. A big sailing ship! Here you can see how big the head of a whale is! Then we drove to small place called Blue Rocks. It was so nice and quiet here. What a funny house with a lighthouse next to it! 39 Love Krystal |
RikeH Posted Aug 22, 2015, 11:14 pm |
Hello Dad,
Behind me you see a famous lighthouse from Canada. Peggy’s Cove. I had a nice view here. There were many people on these rocks. The lighthouse is really beautiful. Later I saw this funny rock, created by an artist. Krystal |
RikeH Posted Aug 23, 2015, 10:33 pm |
Hello Dad,
Later that day we arrived in Halifax. First we went by boat. This wall had beautiful paintings. Later we went into a nice garden. I liked the fountain – but I didn’t like the gun of the man on the top. I loved these beautiful plants. The group in the small pavilion played jazz. The girl on the fountain was much better than the man on the first fountain! In the evening I saw a big cruise ship from my hotel room. 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. There was a guard in front of the Gate. It was an interesting museum. The fort was sooo big. There was a lot of place between the walls. This will be my famous place – but what is it? Not wine, but powder… This was the bedroom of the soldiers. 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. Well, the maras were much smaller. There was a part in the Zoo that looked a little Asian. The dragon was funny – water came out of its nose. These guys had delicious food – and wonderful buildings. I never went so close to a big bear! Many years ago this was the Main Gate of the Zoo, but then the Zoo grew and now it is inside of it. This was the founder of the Zoo – and look, he had a lion! The polar bear was very tired. This guy loved to be in the water. Look, funny Pinguins. These building very nice – maybe they were from Iceland? We met some relatives of Dicker Kumpel. The lions were lazy. Time for Zebras. Back in the quiet part of the Zoo. 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. I liked this view - the big white building is an expensive hotel. These are the Alsterarkaden… And when I turned right I saw the town hall. The swans are famous for the Alster. I had a closer look at the town hall. 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! We had yummy food. I had a Coke… …and spaghetti – I chose the green ones. It was a nice and colourful party! 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. This house belonged to the garden – but it was outside of it – strange. This was the rondel in front of the park. What a nice and beautiful entrance! These trees are called the 12 Apostles. It was nice to stand between the trees and look into the sky! It seems to me that autumn is coming. This alley was beautiful! And I liked this view, too. 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. This place was not so funny – two people have their graves here. This house is beautiful – they used it for cooling many years ago. On our way home we found something interesting. Look, what a wonderful painting! And this is the emblem of Sülfeld! 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. We will visit the Autostadt tomorrow. I was so brave – and played with the wolves. This big giraffe was very friendly! 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. Under it in the floor there were nice lampions. And funny white cars – with a good size for TVs. 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. Dou you remember, who it looked like yesterday – well the weather was less sunny today, to give a nice comment. Then it was time for cars – maybe we should buy a Porsche? This was funny – so many Porsche cars! These two towers look great – what will be inside? Cars – many cars! We took a kind of elevator – and went to the top of the tower. From there we saw the big areal of the Autostadt and the factory! This was the best place – in front of and over all the new cars! We left the tower and went to the Audi pavilion. Our last stop was a house with many different cars – old and new. These two were old. This one was a typical VW. More funny and nice cars! Love Krystal |
RikeH Posted Nov 9, 2015, 5:02 pm |
Hello Dad,
I went into the city if Lüneburg – it has wonderful houses. We went onto the water tower and had a beautiful view. There were nice places next to the river. And a beautiful old crane. This is the town hall. Yours Krystal |
RikeH Posted Nov 22, 2015, 9:41 am |
Hello Dad,
We sat together and talked. Suddenly RikeH arrived and brought something for us. What should we do? It was Halloween – and we had to wear scary dresses. This was me, Dad. Really scary! We got some chocolate! And money – I am rich, Dad. 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. We all relaxed on the balcony and enjoyed the sunshine. In the afternoon I went onto a small traditional boat and we went to a beautiful fjord. Ok, it wasn’t so small – there were many other people onboard. This was the entrance to the fjord. It is called Khor Sham and with 16 km it is the longest fjord here. I really liked it. Beautiful! We sat on comfortable pillows and had delicious drinks. Our boat looked like this one – there were some of them in the fjord. We arrived at the end of the fjord, the mountain behind me was more than 750 meters high. Then we went back – on our way we saw dolphins. It was a nice trip! 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. To the other side I saw the chimney… I went inside and talked with my friends – what should we do? We knew, where the good drinks were! There! But they were high above us, what shall we do? Good news – Stoker can fly, so he flew to the drinks… …threw it to us and jumped back to us. We brought it back to our place and everybody chose his or her famous drink. Look, what I chose. And I took some delicious chocolate! Well – it was fun – I shouldn’t say more. 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. We stopped at the beach and had a nice view. The clouds looked darker than they were. This was the famous and beautiful opera house. We drove back into the city and saw the clock tower. We drove through some hills and saw the sea again – this time with a small port. Our last stop was next to the palace of Muscat. I loved the way to it. Behind me you can see the Al Alam Palace. When I turned I saw small towers in the hill. Near to the Palace there were other nice buildings – can you see me in the flowers? Look, I had my own tourist entry permit. Back to our ship we saw this funny building on the top of a hill. 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. And these were my favourite balls for the tree. But the normal ones were nice, too. Look, people can create wonderful things out of wood. Then we went to Dicker Kumpel’s Grandma. This looked yummy! Nice candles next to a friendly camel. A beautiful Christmas tree. The cake was so yummy. Later I played in the tree, this was fun. 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. I recited a poem. And got some gifts. It was a wonderful Christmas! 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. Let’s go to the nicer buildings here – this was the Castle. This stone is a memorial for the end of the serfdom. This church belongs to the Castle. I went into it. I loved this angel. And the beautiful altar. What a beautiful little church. Next to it there were small houses – in the Past poor people lived in it. This was a strange monument – the people here don’t like it. I think it is funny! 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. What a beautiful beach. This was the long pier. I liked the small dunes. It was a nice walk! And this was funny – this transformer unit looked like a Beach Chair. 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. There are some nice houses next to the river. The house behind me is an old-people-home. This is the nice church. This is a marketing thing – people should buy in the shops here – and not in the web. Wow, the river has a lot of water at the moment. Normally you can stand there, where the foam is now. Well, no problem, I found more beautiful houses. This is the market-place with the town-hall and other nice buildings. 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. What a beautiful door! And a nice old letterbox. Then I was inside the town hall. I went into a kind of patio o fit – with a big fountain. Unfortunately without water, because it was too cold. We found a great place inside of the town hall. Then I went outside and had this great view. On the left side you see the Alsterarkaden. A view back to the townhall. This is a lake inside the town called Alster. There was still ice on the water. 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. These were the views from the deck – they look better in reality - not that dark. The house from the other side. We had a lot of fun in the snow. Here you can see how much snow we have – Simao was on the top of the snow – and I was on the bottom. 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. Next to it there was something amazing – a rock painting – I didn’t expect to see it here in Norway. Look - a big icicle. I crossed the street and had this great view. 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. I love snowy mountains… …and the colorful houses. Well you see me better than the houses… The people there have great views out of their windows. 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. 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. There were beautiful trees here. 4 We took a trip to Ersfjordbotn. It was beautiful. They dry fish next to the house. This was funny. 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. It was nice next to the lake – and we saw some ice there. The sticker on the car was funny. In the evening we sat next to the fireplace and told us stories. Yours Krystal |
RikeH Posted Mar 31, 2016, 7:40 pm |
Hello Dad,
In the morning I saw nice colors during the sunset. Later we drove to Tromsö. I went into the town-center with beautiful wooden houses. I loved the view of the water and the mountains. 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! More nice houses in the town. And the wonderful church. Look a wonderful view to the colorful houses… …and the big bridge. Can you see this ship? It is a ship of the Hurtigruten – on Monday we will go onboard of one of it. Love Krystal |
RikeH Posted Apr 10, 2016, 7:30 pm |
Hello Dad,
My short cruise started – and I had a nice view of Tromsö. We will be under this bridge soon. They had funny lights on the ship. Then we had the Polar light over us – and no more time for photos. But I can show you one of yesterday evening. You cannot see it that good on my photo – I show you a photo of Dicker Kumpel and the Polar light. 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. It really looked like winter. Somewhere there behind the hills should be Harvoysund. But first I had another look forwards. There was the village. With many colorful houses… Then we continued to the North Cape! This was our famous place in the cabin. 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. And these arches with the Polar bears nice. It was very windy. On the sign behind me I read, that it was the northernmost city of the world. 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. And I liked it inside. Then we walked through Alta – there was an Igloo here, but it was not many left of it. This guy produced shingles. Maybe you can get water here during the summer time – but not at this time of the year. Yours Krystal |
RikeH Posted Apr 20, 2016, 8:10 pm |
Hello Dad,
Our ship went back to Tromsö. Look, there were icicles on the ship. On the sign we read what to do when there will be a man over board. Luckily everybody stayed on board. 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. There was a big tugboat in the harbor. I built a snowman. This was the flag of the ship. Some hours later we arrived in Öksfjord. The surrounding looked beautiful. But again it was stormy and we had dark clouds. The weather changed every few minutes here. This was Öksfjord. It was a nice holiday here in Norway – unfortunately the ship wasn’t as good as we hoped. 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. Look, a wonderful pyramid with Easter bunnies on it. Then I met some birds in front of a nice plant. It was amazing – I met the real Easter Bunny – and got a chocolate Bunny. We all had a great day! Yours Krystal |
RikeH Posted Apr 30, 2016, 12:25 pm |
Hello Dad,
Today we went to Bad Segeberg. There was a big lake. We had lunch in this small house. There were many fallen trees on our way – this one felt into the lake. And this one was cut, because it felt over the way around the lake. On our way back we saw this nice monument. And a helicopter – there is a hospital close to this place. This was the church… … and a place with y nice fountain. Look, this tree was wonderful! Another big old building. 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. We played soccer, because it was EM! It was fun. Then we went on the swings… …and into the sandbox. I had a great place and fun with PinkyHH. Then we sat in the sunshine and talked a lot. Oups, nobody should see this – we took some drinks with us. Cheers! Yours Krystal |
RikeH Posted Jul 30, 2016, 6:55 pm |
Hello Dad,
We went to Esbjerg. There were great tall men at the Sea. Then we walked through Esbjerg with the beautiful old houses. Behind me you can see a beautiful church. I liked this interior, too. This building was the court and the Prison in the Past. The ways were short. Today it is the tourist information. I liked the big place in the middle of the town. There was a beautiful water tower. The museum had the same tiles as the Sydney Opera. 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. There were still some bunker – I sat on one of it – and had a nice view of the Sea. You can see more bunkers and military buildings on this photo. We were not allowed to continue our walk here, because it is a training area for the military today. 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! 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… …and when I came out I found Sigfrido and Tatanka ready to welcome me . I showed them the beautiful card that I brought with me … …and, of course, I was very keen to make sure that they checked out my latest updates . |
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 … …and has a lovely garden around it. We wanted to walk in the middle of the flower beds , but apparently it is forbidden . So we decided to just find a nice spot where we could rest and enjoy the sunshine . |
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 . |
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… …and off we went to take a look at the streets around our hotel. We even learnt something about Toronto highways . Later we had to go back as Sigfrido was supposed to be working. But we soon got bored and we decided to distract ourselves with a big jigsaw . |
smaug Posted Nov 13, 2016, 4:27 am |
Hi,
We had to cut our trip a bit short , so today we were back at the airport. Luckily there was no shortage of food outlets . There were also tablet available to passengers for free to surf internet and to order food . Eventually it was time to leave, so we checked our gate and went boarding the plane. |
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 . Of course all this travelling was making us hungry . As it happens our flight was very late, so we really had to go for breakfast number two . Eventually the plane took off, and we had a lovely view when passing over the Alps . |
smaug Posted Dec 5, 2016, 3:12 am |
Hi,
We have been in Italy for a few days without doing too many interesting things , but today we went visiting Verona . First we stopped in Piazza Bra… …where we took a look at the Arena, the famous Roman amphitheater . Then we moved to Piazza delle Erbe… …with the big medieval Torre dei Lamberti . Our last stop was the church of Santa Anastasia. Later, of course, we spent the afternoon going after food , but we were too busy eating to take photos . |
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 . 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 , so today, as usual, Sigfrido and I were stocking up sugars at the airport while waiting for our flight . |
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 . |
smaug Posted Jan 30, 2017, 12:52 am |
Hi,
Merry Christmas ! Luckily today there was no shortage of sweets to celebrate with . |
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 . Before they left he gave me a big hug and wished me safe travelling . |
smaug Posted Jan 30, 2017, 1:59 am |
Hi,
Happy New Year ! This morning we watched a New Year concert on TV… …which kept us busy until it was time to celebrate with a yummy meal . |
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 . All this chocolate made me hungry … …so we stopped in a bar where we could watch people passing by while enjoying a drink and a few snacks . |
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 . 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 … …but there was a special tray ready just for us . |
smaug Posted Aug 21, 2017, 12:00 am |
Hi,
Happy Easter ! Today two nice Easter bunnies came visiting us …we didn’t even need to chase them down . And they brought us chocolate ! Which we jumped onto right away . |
smaug Posted Aug 21, 2017, 12:10 am |
Hi,
We are going for another short trip , so today early in the morning we jumped on the train. We had a lovely view over the Rhein . But later things got boring and I just fell asleep . |
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 . At least today I had a chance to explore a bit around the station… …before we jumped on the train to head back home. |
smaug Posted Jan 29, 2018, 2:27 am |
Hi,
We are on holiday on the mountains . Today we took the gondola from where we had lovely view. At the top we walked a bit around enjoying the view even further . Later in town we found this lovely bicycle … …but later we found an even better one, and this gentleman was happy to do the pedalling for us |
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 … …and then roamed the streets at random . Eventually we stopped to get some fuel . Luckily we didn’t have to wait too long for the supplies to arrive . |
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 . [/url] Almost at the airport |
smaug Posted Feb 12, 2018, 2:54 am |
Hi,
Today Sigfrido and I were just relaxing in the living room when a little bird flew inside the window , and it turned out he was my friend Orpheus . We were a bit surprised to see him at first , but we quickly recovered and found something appropriate to celebrate his arrival . |
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. Then we got moving and passed by the Pantheon… …and later we reached Notre-Dame . As our time was limited, we wandered a bit longer along the river banks… …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. The weather was terrible and it soon started raining so we cut our walk short . Hopefully it will be better tomorrow. |
smaug Posted Mar 18, 2018, 3:26 am |
Hi,
Well, if anything it got worse , I doubt we’ll be going around anywhere today. 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… …and guess what, our friend Pepita jumped out of it . 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 . |
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 . |
smaug Posted Apr 9, 2018, 12:32 am |
Merry Christmas !
|
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 . |
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 . I think we’ll just recover from the trip by staying at home . |
smaug Posted May 14, 2018, 2:08 am |
Hi,
Happy Easter! |
smaug Posted May 28, 2018, 2:51 am |
Hi,
Today smaug came back with an envelope, a very interesting envelope . As we opened it, a new guest came out, Beppe, a nice beaver from Italy . |
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 … …and once we reached the summit the view was great . 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 . |
smaug Posted Jul 9, 2018, 1:32 am |
Hi,
We are going on holiday ! All ready and packed . |