Pandamao Posted May 29, 2007, 8:26 pm |
Hello, hello,
we're Hinz (red scarf) & Kunz (blue scarf), two adventurous twin bears. We have never been separated for one single day of our life and we never got tired of each other. We really would like to do some traveling or sports (including bungee jumping, scuba diving or whatever fun sport there is). We're looking forward to a life no other pair of twin bears has ever experienced. |
Pandamao Posted Jun 7, 2007, 8:05 pm |
Today there was a little parcel in front of our doorstep. We can't wait to open it! |
Pandamao Posted Jun 7, 2007, 8:08 pm |
It is the twin bears from the USA - twin girls to be more exact: IZ A Dorable and IZ A QT. We'll call them Dora and QT for short (wonder what QT means.....). Here's a photo with the four of us - two pairs of twin bears |
Pandamao Posted Jun 9, 2007, 8:41 pm |
We went shopping today and passed by the Marienplatz. In the background you can see the towers of the Marienkirche (church of Mary). This church is one of the sights in Munich, as well as the town hall.
And we just realized that we have completed one of our life missions! We met Dora and IQ (so sweet girls - twin bears ) |
Pandamao Posted Jun 15, 2007, 6:22 pm |
The girls were getting restless and wanted to play outside on the balcony. They were not used to the weather in Bavaria and thought, after the lovely sunshine today it would be great to be out. But we told them to stay inside - just look at the dark sky. |
Pandamao Posted Jun 19, 2007, 8:13 pm |
As the weather was bad we helped Pandamao to clean up ... tomorrow we want to get up early and go on a trip to the Chiemgau in the South of Bavaria. And the twin bear girls checked a book on baking cakes. What a yummy, homemade cake! |
Pandamao Posted Jun 20, 2007, 6:43 pm |
Like promised on Saturday we all went on a weekend outing to the Chiemgau in the South of Bavaria. We went to a city called Traunwalchen and stayed in a little, old house next to the Frauenbrunn Chapel. The Frauenbrunn Chapel was built 400 years ago to cover a spring. It is said that the holy water healed many, many people from illnesses, mainly problems of the eyes. Even today there are people doing a pilgrimage to this place and pray for health and other wishes. Klaus pulled the pump and when the spring water came out, we bathed our eyes in it! |
Pandamao Posted Jun 20, 2007, 8:50 pm |
We spent the night in the little house next to the Frauenbrunn Chapel. The house is more than 200 years old - really old. The rooms upstairs were tiny but nice (in photo: we had the room left window upstairs). We slept very well in the old bed but Pandamao moaned a bit .... seems people had been of a shorter built in the past and she could not stretch out as usual |
Pandamao Posted Jun 22, 2007, 5:53 pm |
During the day we visited Perstenstein Castle - a nice, small castle. We saw the Chapel (another statue of Mary - she is very popular in Bavaria) and had a look on all the other rooms and places. |
Pandamao Posted Jul 4, 2007, 9:46 pm |
Today there were two big, big envelopes lying on our guardian's door step. We all gathered to see who's inside - it was nearly like Christmas .... unpacking and finding something (someone) nice
Candy Cotton came from the UK and Tamaly arrived from Australia - and imagine - both come from the same home in Australia. How extraordinary to meet in Germany! |
Pandamao Posted Jul 8, 2007, 9:09 pm |
Another parcel arrived today and we all were really curious who is going to climb out .... it was Elisabeth and her little travel companion! Welcome! |
Pandamao Posted Jul 15, 2007, 9:51 pm |
Hello, hello,
after long days of rain, rain, rain and rain we finally could go out and do a bit of sight-seeing with the twin girls in Munich. We saw the Hofbräuhaus (huge halles full of beer-drinking people) and the Viktualienmarkt (great for daily shopping of vegetables). |
Pandamao Posted Jul 16, 2007, 9:22 pm |
We all went swimming in the Starnberger See as it was very hot. We took the S-Bahn to Possenhofen. We saw Possenhofen Castle. In this castle Princess Elisabeth von Bayern, later Empress of Austria, spent her youth. These days the castle has been turned into private apartments. |
Pandamao Posted Jul 19, 2007, 10:09 pm |
A little parcel arrived - Galen is visiting! |
Pandamao Posted Jul 26, 2007, 10:18 pm |
On Monday Pandamao took us on a business trip. As she could not get group travel rates (we were 10 including Pandamao) we had to squeeze hard into the suitcase. Luckily no broken seams or bones!
Later in the evening we went for a walk in the city center. There is lots of water ..... also from above, it was raining all evening. But we still managed to see from far the Kungliga Slottet (Royal Castle), Gamla Stan (Old City) and walked to Skeppsholmen Island where a lot of museums are located. The strange creatures in the photo must belong to the Modern Art Museum! We walked for quite a while until it was getting dark. |
Pandamao Posted Jul 26, 2007, 10:47 pm |
When it was dark we took the T-Bane back to the hotel. The Kungsträdgarden station is extra-ordinary, just look at the painted ceiling.
Finally we all went to bed after a long day. |
Pandamao Posted Jul 27, 2007, 6:14 pm |
Today the weather was much better so we all went out for a stroll in Gamla Stan (Old City). We saw the Royal Castle, walked through the small streets and enjoyed ourselves a lot. |
Pandamao Posted Jul 27, 2007, 7:05 pm |
Who says business trips are fun? After a long day in the office (we waited crammed into the trolley again) we took off to Warsaw. When we finally arrived in the hotel we immediately fell asleep. |
Pandamao Posted Jul 29, 2007, 7:28 pm |
Just before the flight back to Munich we had a few minutes to rush through Warsaw's old city center. |
Pandamao Posted Aug 12, 2007, 8:06 pm |
To give the newcomers a first practical training we went out to see Nymphenburg Castle, a summer residence with a large park. Today lots of people use it for a walk or jogging, and there are always a lot of tourists. |
Pandamao Posted Aug 13, 2007, 8:11 pm |
I also visited Amalienburg, a beautiful rococo building in the park of Nymphenburg castle. |
Pandamao Posted Aug 15, 2007, 9:31 pm |
Now the time has come for our first trip abroad - Malaysia, wow! At least we are not alone, we share the travel box with the twin bear girls. So we'lll have someone to talk to. Bye Munich, we look forward seeing Malaysia. |
aliah Posted Aug 26, 2007, 4:38 am |
We have arrived safely at Aliah's place. It seems like Yul is not home at the moment because he is visiting imajica. Our brother, Cute Knut was waiting for us upon arrival. |
aliah Posted Sep 9, 2007, 3:52 am |
We're at National Monument which was built to pay tribute to valiant Malaysian soldiers who gave their lives defending the country during Communist Insurgensy in the 1950s. It is one of the largest freestanding sculptures in the world. |
aliah Posted Sep 9, 2007, 5:14 am |
We're at one of the sculptures at the ASEAN Sculpture Garden. |
aliah Posted Sep 9, 2007, 5:47 am |
We're at Tun Abdul Razak Memorial, Malaysia's second Prime Minister. The memorial used to be his residence & now it exhibits documents, mementos, souvenirs & his personal belongings. |
aliah Posted Sep 9, 2007, 6:30 am |
We're at Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman, a fine example of a traditional Malay house. We love the beautiful carvings of the house as well as its beautiful grounds. |
aliah Posted Oct 7, 2007, 3:23 am |
We are at the Teddy Bear party at Yul's place. Many bears are here and we're making new friends. |
Delenna Posted Oct 18, 2007, 7:36 am |
We are in Finland!
We were welcomed by Hinz nr: 2! He's the Keeper of The Bag and Guardian of The Keys. Kunz nr: 2 was separated from Hinz2 very early, Kunz2 is now a Keeper/Guardian in another town, at our host's goddaughter. We (Hinz&Kunz number ones) were fascinated with his story, although we don't envy him. It's good to see a familiar face (although we haven't met before). Hinz promised we would have a great time and that he would be with us all the time, like a guide. |
Delenna Posted Oct 27, 2007, 8:32 pm |
Her we are by the River Porvoo. It was a nice sunny weather so we got some nice pics, don't you agree? In the first pic there are the newest houses - red like the old warehouses by the river (you'll see them later). We walked through a park where they have the statue of the Finnish National Poet, a man called J.L. Runeberg (they have a boat by that name too, we haven't seen it yet). Our host didn't know the meaning of the other statue (the small deer or something). The last pics are from the city center; the market place and bus station
|
Delenna Posted Oct 27, 2007, 8:53 pm |
Our host had this charity organization's event to attend (she's a member and promised to help out) and she took us with her (and Hinz2). It was held in eastern part of Helsinki (the capitol). They had a buffet, sold things, musical show, fairytale with music, ctafts - and the local police visited! We got only a pic of the police car. It was very interesting, the event!
The other pic is taken on the way back home. The sun was setting already at 5 pm. Our host wanted to take a pic of the small harbour in the sunset light. Nice! |
Delenna Posted Oct 30, 2007, 8:06 pm |
Here we are, at the main street of Porvoo We came from a family café/open daycare center and walked down towards the reiver and old town.
Porvoo has about 47 500 inhabitants, the area is 654 km2 "big". 64% speak Finnish as first language, Swedish 33%, and something else 3%. More info on his town and it's sights etc. here: http://tourism.porvoo.fi/en In the last picture is the Orthodox Church, which is not in the city center but a bit further away. It's conveniently on the way home thus the pic |
Delenna Posted Oct 30, 2007, 8:25 pm |
Here we are at the old town of Porvoo! This place is full of tourists in the summer, today we were the only ones it seemed. We saw a toyshop (selling all kinds of "old fashioned" toys = nothing plastic) with a Moomin window They change the setting according to the different seasons and holidays (for example: Christmas scene during christmas season, Easter scene during Easter...).
There's the old market place. Next to it, the orange'ish building is a museum. There you can see how people lived here in the past (clothes, coins, household stuff, jewelry...). The red houses by the river used to be (and some still are) warehouses. Some of them are used as living quarters nowadays. On the other side of the bridge we could see the river going on and on... And he Linnamäki Hill, where used to be a castle hundreds of years ago. Read more about the Old Town: http://tourism.porvoo.fi/en/old_porvoo |
Delenna Posted Nov 11, 2007, 6:20 pm |
It snowed here for the first time this winter! |
Buffheart Posted Nov 27, 2007, 12:19 am |
We arrived safely in the mail today. I think we surprised Buffy and her mom! It's cold and rainy out, so no outside pic's, but plenty of inside! Buffy's cat Buffy (yes they share the same name) checked us out, and I suppose we passed the test. My new host says that pictures will be hard to post often because of computer problems, but certainly some will be posted. We can't wait! |
Buffheart Posted Dec 10, 2007, 5:55 am |
Sorry it took so long! Our new host mom had some password issues, but they are now resolved. We went to school with her for about a week. It was really fun, but we had to get up early =(
We have wonderful pictures of the snow! I think next we are going to do some hanging out around the Christmas tree! |
Buffheart Posted Dec 29, 2007, 3:58 am |
We haven't reported in awhile because we were just hangin' out in the Christmas tree. We have some pictures of us that will be posted soon. We haven't really been out of the house because it is rainy. Hopefully it will clear up and we can go do something! |
Buffheart Posted Jan 8, 2008, 10:10 pm |
Well, the Christmas tree has to come down, so we will have to find a new place to hangout It snowed today, so hopefully we can get some more pictures. We can't wait until the pictures can be uploaded! |
Buffheart Posted Jan 26, 2008, 1:59 am |
Sorry it has been so long! We hate to update so infrequently, but there is not much going on. Our host mother hates it, but what can ya do? We will try and make a point of updating more frequently. We still have so many fun pictures, but they are not up yet! Don't worry though, we'll figure it out |
Buffheart Posted Mar 3, 2008, 3:14 am |
It has been so long since we last updated! We have been busy! We go to school, read, go in the snow (at least we used to), and play with the animals. Pics coming soon! We will be on our way shortly to our next host family |
shana10214 shana10212@gmail.com Posted Jun 4, 2008, 11:01 pm |
Hello!
I have safely arrived in Florida. I will show you a picture with my new friends later. Hinz/Kunz |
shana10214 shana10212@gmail.com Posted Jun 7, 2008, 2:56 am |
Here is a picture of me with my new friends.
(from the left: Zoso, Joonas, Lillebi, Budin, and us. I am looking forward to my adventures in Florida. Hinz/Kunz |
shana10214 shana10212@gmail.com Posted Jun 12, 2008, 3:29 pm |
Hello!
Budin and Lillibe have left and so today we decided to hang out in the pool. Andrea is babysitting twice today for 2 different families, one with an 8 month old and one with a 3 1/2 year old. She said she will bring us later so we can play in the backyard with the older boy. His name is Logan. Bye, Hinz/Kunz |
shana10214 shana10212@gmail.com Posted Jun 24, 2008, 5:03 am |
Hello!
I am so sorry I havent updated in a while, Andrea has been super busy. Yesterday she bought the nintendo Wii so we have been playing with it. We have been playing it today, it is very fun. I will update tommorrow. Bye, Hinz/Kunz |
shana10214 shana10212@gmail.com Posted Jun 27, 2008, 9:09 pm |
Hello!
Since us 3 are leaving soon, Andrea made us a yummy desert to eat. Bye, Hinz/Kunz |
shana10214 shana10212@gmail.com Posted Jun 28, 2008, 8:24 pm |
Hello!
A few days ago a new friend arrived. Her name is Kasper. Bye, Hinz/Kunz |
shana10214 shana10212@gmail.com Posted Jul 8, 2008, 2:10 am |
Hello!
On July 4th is it Independence day and America celebrates the day they go their independence. We went to see fireworks. In Florida, it is legal to do fireworks and it isnt in alot of states. Bye, Hinz/Kunz P.S.Mom, when you see this please PM andrea a new address for us to go. Florida is so hot and we would like to get out of the heat ASAP!! LOL |
shana10214 shana10212@gmail.com Posted Jul 22, 2008, 3:29 pm |
Hello!
I am really sorry for the delay!! With summer break from school I have taken up a small summer job and I havent had as much time as usual to devote to toyvoyagers. They left on Saturday and are now on their way. Thanks for letting me host them! Andrea |
Michele_one_L Posted Jul 29, 2008, 9:11 pm |
We arrived in New York this afternoon! It was a short but hot trip. We'll updated with some photos soon. |
Michele_one_L Posted Aug 10, 2008, 5:12 pm |
We arrived in New York this afternoon and we're happy to be here. It was really hot in Florida! Awaiting us was Cool Jules and 2 other TV's arrived today as well. So we also met Moley and Sussy Greenfeet.
We'll update again soon! |
Michele_one_L Posted Aug 20, 2008, 12:04 am |
The weather has been terrible here! All we want to do is go outside and we can't because it's raining. It has rained everyday for a week. Our host says that we'll go outside as soon as we can. |
Michele_one_L Posted Aug 20, 2008, 12:10 am |
It was raining again here today! We're starting to wonder if mother nature doesn't want us to go outside. For dinner tonight Michele made grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. She said that it will keep us warm since the rain has made it cool here. |
Michele_one_L Posted Aug 20, 2008, 12:17 am |
Today was a special day! We helped celebrate Riley's 2nd Birthday! Riley is Michele's Boston Terrier. He got a special cake with a ball on it. She said that it was safe for us to have some too. It was pretty yummy......But who celebrates a dog's birthday? |
Michele_one_L Posted Aug 20, 2008, 12:35 am |
A TV arrived today! We were excited to see who it was and it happen to be Michele's TV Tuffy. He's a cute little pup whose had some big adventures. Maybe he'll be around for a little while to tell us about his travels. |
Michele_one_L Posted Aug 20, 2008, 12:44 am |
Another day of rain......I don't know how much more of this rain we can take. It was really scary because there was golf ball sized hail and we lost power for a little while. Michele said she's going to try and make it up to us. She can try but I don't know if she'll be able to. |
Michele_one_L Posted Aug 20, 2008, 12:51 am |
For dinner we had homemade Beef Stew. It was delicious!!! Then as we said Michele said she was going to try and make it up to us for all the rain we've been having lately. So for dessert she brought us this big brownie thing. It was bigger than us but it tasted great. I can't even remember what we were mad about. |
Michele_one_L Posted Sep 1, 2008, 8:55 pm |
Today a new TV arrived! It was none other than Jimbo Elephant. He's visiting NY as part of the USA TVT. We all look forward to getting to know him more. |
Michele_one_L Posted Sep 1, 2008, 9:28 pm |
Today we visited the Fort Stanwix Monument. It was very interesting to see and to learn the history of it. |
Michele_one_L Posted Sep 1, 2008, 10:12 pm |
Once we entered the fort there was a young man in tradition clothing who asked us if we wanted to watch a short film about the Fort. Of course we wanted to! |
Michele_one_L Posted Sep 1, 2008, 10:24 pm |
We learned a lot about the history of Fort Stanwix during our visit. Our host said she learned a lot as well. Too bad they weren't doing a reenactment this weekend. That would have been cool.... |
Michele_one_L Posted Sep 1, 2008, 11:00 pm |
Today we took a short (1.5 hours) trip to Schenectady, NY to pick up Michele's sister. She wanted to come to Rome for a few days before school starts. When we got to Michele's step father's home we saw that he had a swimming pool......We all wanted to go swimming but Michele said that we didn't have the time. She said maybe next time. Oh well it was worth a try. |
Michele_one_L Posted Sep 2, 2008, 11:31 pm |
Today a new TV arrived! We were all excited to see who it was.....It was Vicky Mouseham. She is a shopaholic and proud of it! I think her and our host will get along just fine. |
Michele_one_L Posted Sep 3, 2008, 12:02 am |
This evening we took a ride to Syracuse, NY. Our host was having an item held at the Yankee Candle in the mall so she had to go pick it up. But first we had to go to the gas station, then we hit the road. Syracuse is about 45 minutes to an hour from Rome so the ride was a little long and boring. We had to pay the toll before we could get off the Interstate. |
Michele_one_L Posted Sep 3, 2008, 12:21 am |
Today another TV arrived! We were excited to see a new face. Everyone tried to guess as to who it might be....no one got it right. It was none other than Crocs! |
Michele_one_L Posted Sep 5, 2008, 2:44 pm |
This evening we went to the drive in. Michele said that the drive in was closing for the season on Monday, September 1st and that we had better go before then. Tonight it was a tripe feature although we only stayed for two movies. First we saw Kung Fu Panda then we saw Wall E. It was so much fun!!! |
Michele_one_L Posted Sep 5, 2008, 3:01 pm |
Today we said goodbye to Jimbo Elephant. He had to continue his journey on the USA TVT. We gathered around his travel envelope to say our goodbyes. |
Michele_one_L Posted Sep 5, 2008, 3:15 pm |
Today was also our last day in NY! We had fun while we were here, but every good thing must come to an end. We said our goodbyes and our friends wished a safe and happy journey. |
Marjolein Posted Sep 9, 2008, 2:35 pm |
Hello mum,
We arrived in 's-Hertogenbosch today! That trip didn't took that long, woohoo Meet the other toyvoyagers here: Count, Chompers and Ambrosius |
Marjolein Posted Sep 14, 2008, 5:52 pm |
Hi mum,
We went for a very nice bikeride today. The weather was very nice and Count wanted to go to a cemetery. It was a beautiful cemetery with lots of trees! On the way back we went to a park. Marjolein told me she has seen a lot of these parks in the Netherlands. All cities and big villages have a little lake with trees and stuff surrounded by houses. Tonight we are going to a stand-up comedy show! Hugs Hinz and Kunz |
Marjolein Posted Sep 15, 2008, 11:54 am |
In the night we went to a comedy club. This was in the Verkadefabriek in 's-Hertogenbosch. The Verkadefabriek is a former factory of the brand Verkade, who make cookies! Too bad they didn't had any more cookies in the factory hihi.
The stand-up comedyshow was very cool! Altough we didn't know the comedians, they where very funny. Yes, we are learning a lot of Dutch with Marjolein! Across the road of the Verkadefabriek was yet another former factory. This is a sigaretfactory of Willem II. This factory is also a place for theater, music and other performances now. Doeg doeg (bye bye) Hinz and Kunz |
Marjolein Posted Sep 24, 2008, 9:59 pm |
Hello mummy,
We went to the party of Marjolein's grandparents today! They are married for 55 years! Wow that is a very long time!! We got a very nice invitation just for us! We ate cake and drank coffe and after that made a boottrip, on the Paterswoldsemeer. That's a lake near Groningen. After this we ate lots of food! Very, very nice food! And that wasn't all: they had cake! Mmmmm it was very nice! Hugs Hinz and Kunz |
Marjolein Posted Dec 14, 2008, 11:23 am |
Dear mum,
It's the time of the year for christmasmarkets in Germany again! Marjolein and her family go to Oldenburg every year. But this time they decided to go to Leer. It was so cool to be back in Germany again! We drank some Gluhwein, it was very good. It was great fun! Hinz & Kunz |
Marjolein Posted Dec 14, 2008, 11:26 am |
But wait! It was very cool in Leer, but Marjolein convinced her mother to also go to Oldenburg!
This is where they always park. Look it this market, doesn't it look much cooler than the one in Leer? It's certainly much bigger. And as we walked in Oldenburg, it turned dark and all the christmaslights went on, doesn't it looks beautiful? We ate a lot and bought a lot and had so much fun! Hinz & Kunz |
Marjolein Posted Dec 14, 2008, 11:30 am |
Hello!
I went to Amsterdam today! Marjolein wanted to visit the Rijksmuseum to see the skull made by Damien Hirst called For the love of God. We weren't allowed to make photo's inside the museum, but this is what it looks like on the outside. This is the Dam, the centre of Amsterdam, you see the Palice on the Dam, the kings and queens of the Netherlands used to live here. This is on the left The Bijenkorf, the most famous store of the country. On the right you see the memorial statue for the victims of WWII. Every year on the 4th of May the queen puts flowers at the statue for the victims. Hinz & Kunz |
Marjolein Posted Jan 17, 2009, 2:37 pm |
Hi!
We visited a Celtic MidWinter Festival! It's called Yule in Celtic. They had lots of meat like Spare Ribs ooooh! There where guys playing bagpipes. And you could also buy clothes, mostly Celtic and Gothic. The Dutch band Rapalje had a show. They sing Celtic music in English, Irish and even Dutch. Even the Dutch dialect from Groningen called Groningen. It was really cool! We can't wait untill the MidSummer Festival! Hinz & Kunz |
Marjolein Posted Jan 17, 2009, 2:42 pm |
Merry Christmas!!
We went to the zoo today! It was the Noorder Dierenpark in Emmen. Gilbert was also fan of the penguins, but they wouldn't look at him! How sad! Marjolein is planning a trip to another zoo in The Netherlands in January! Hinz & Kunz |
Marjolein Posted Jan 17, 2009, 2:46 pm |
More Celts today! We went to the Hunebedden Center in Borger today. A hunebed is a grave made by prehistoric people from really big stones. You can't find them in the Dutch province Drenthe. And that's where we where. They have the largest hunebed in the world here.
Hunebedden have nothing to do with Celts, but we went here because they have a Celtic exibition, with all the Celtic treasors ever found in Europe (with exeption of Great Britain because they kept the treasors for themselves). This is what a hunebed looks like when you dig it up. And it looks like this on the inside. These are some examples of the treasors found in The Netherlands. These are jewellery, called torques. They Celts wore them around there neck. This is a little rooster made from emaille and sacrefished to the Goddes Arcanua. They also had a wishing tree. And Gilbert dressed up as a Celt, he looks so funny! After all this we took a nap in some wool. We can show you a photo of Sunnie with the largest hunebed. A photo of us with the hunebed! Hinz & Kunz |
Marjolein Posted Mar 6, 2009, 6:05 pm |
Today Marjolein bought a little present for her boyfriend:
Yummie!!! That's all milkchocolate, ooh lala I hope a get a little piece.... Hugs Hinz & Kunz |
Marjolein Posted Apr 12, 2009, 11:56 pm |
Hello!
We went to Brussels today! Marjolein had a schooltrip so we first went to the European Parlement! We weren't allowed to take photo's inside but Marjolein secretly took this one. After this visit we went sightseeing in the city and we saw the most famous guy in the ciy: Manneken Pis! We also went to the marketplace. It was a very pretty market with lots of old buildings. And of course we bought some really nice chocolate, Belgium is known for it's chocolate! It was a very cool day! Hinz & Kunz |
Marjolein Posted Apr 13, 2009, 12:00 am |
Dear mummy,
Happy Easter! It was another day of Belgium today! Antwerpen this time! Here is a great easterphoto in a shoppingmall in Antwerpen. These bunnies actually moved! The sign in the back with 'Vrolijk Pasen' on it means: Happy Easter. This is the most famous marketplace and fountain of Antwerpen: the 'Grote Markt' (Great Market) with the Brabofountain. The harbour of Antwerpen. The castle in the harbour of Antwerpen called 'Het Steen' (The Rock). It's built between 1200 and 1225 and renovated in 1520. From 1303 untill 1827 the castle was used as a prison. Since 1952 is the National Maritiem Museum located in Het Steen. Pfeew now we really need some sleep! See you tomorrow! Hugs Hinz & Kunz |
Marjolein Posted Apr 13, 2009, 12:05 am |
US again!
Today we can wish you a happy easter on the right day haha. HAPPY EASTER! It was another day of cool trips! First we went to the Historical Openairmuseum in Eindhoven! It's a museum in which the historical buildings from pre-historic times and the middle ages. There where lots of things to do like grinding grain. On this sign you can read: 'Grinding Grain. A small hand of grain per child please. Notify an employee when there is no more grain.' You could go inside all the buildings. Inside this one we sat on a medieval bed! We sat inside the Inn. We had a very medieval sausagebread haha. The coins next to me are golden coins. At the entrance you had to trade your euro's for golden coins to pay with in the museum. |
Marjolein Posted Apr 13, 2009, 12:10 am |
After the museum we went to Maastricht. This is a city in the very south of The Netherlands.
We parked on the other side of the river the Maas and we walked over this bridge. This is the most famous marketplace, the Vrijthof. This is a beautiful church in which a bookstore is located. And the Grote Markt (Great Market) with the city hall on the background. We walked back to the car over this bridge. The most famous bridge of Maastricht and it's called the Saint Servaasbridge. He is the saint of Maastricht. |
Marjolein Posted Apr 13, 2009, 12:13 am |
And to round up the day, we went to a traditional Dutch Easter fire! It was very hot and looked beautiful!
That was it for today! Hugs Hinz & Kunz |
Marjolein Posted Apr 13, 2009, 3:12 pm |
Easterbreakfasttime! We had some eggs.
And of course chocolate eggs! LOTS of chocolate eggs |
Marjolein Posted Apr 13, 2009, 3:22 pm |
And we took a boottrip through the water of 's-Hertogenbosch. It's called the Binnendieze and in the 13th century the city was built around this water. Untill the 1970s it was used as a sewer before that also as transportationway and they brew beer from the water and washed wool in it.
Now it's mostly used to let tourists see the city from below. The city is built on top of these bricks. We also went outside the city, outside the citywall. You can still see an old canon on this wall. It was really interesting! And we are very happy the water isn't used as a sewer anymore, pfeew that would smell bad! Hugs Hinz & Kunz |
Marjolein Posted Apr 22, 2009, 3:14 pm |
Hoi! (Hi in Dutch)
Because Marjolein's boyfriend Kasper just got his driverlicense he wanter to drive around for a bit. We went to the province Groningen where Marjolein and Kasper's parents live, to pick up the car of Kasper's parent. We first went to Pieterburen. Here they have shelter for young seals! These seals for example lost their mother (mostly because they get shot my men) or they got lost or got trapped in a net or oil. When the seal is okay to swim in the big sea again with his friends, they are set free. Seals adapt to their enviroment very easily. But as you can read in our story, seals biggest enemies are men. This is also what the sign of the sealshelter says. It says: If his biggest enemies is mankind, who does he go to for help? Lenie 't Hart is the woman that founded the shelter. We looked to the seals trough the glass. But you could also go outside to see them a bit better. Aaawh aren't they sweet! You where not allowed to touch them though, there was a sign that said the bite! We also swam in the sea for ourself, haha. The sea near Pieterburen is called the North Sea. And we played a bit. And we also learned a lot about seals. This sign is about the skeleton of the seal. It for example says that although you cannot see the neck of the seal on the outside, it actually has a very moveable one. It was so cool to see real seals! |
Marjolein Posted Apr 22, 2009, 3:34 pm |
After the sealshelter we went to see the sea for ourself. We went to Delfzijl.
There was an hotel built completely on the sea! We went inside the hotel to have a drink. Viktor saw this very cool sign: This is us relaxing on the beach. We didn't want to look into the camera because we where enjoying the sun! Afterwards we ate a nice hotdog and went home. Bye! |
Marjolein Posted Apr 22, 2009, 3:54 pm |
Dear mum,
Today we went to a Toy Museum in Roden! They had lot of toys to actually play with. Like this car. And old Dutch bike with very weird wheels. There where lots of old toys and stuff children had in there classrooms, like this plate with which they learned to read. The special exibition was about robots. Like these. The Dutch astronaut Wubbo Ockels gave his NASA-suit to the museum! It was the coollest museum ever! Not too much toys like us though, mostly robots and dolls. Hugs Hinz & Kunz |
minnihiiru Posted Apr 30, 2009, 9:16 pm |
Hii Mummy
We arrived Mari's home today,we hope that we can have great time here in Estonia ( : Hinz+Kunz |
minnihiiru Posted Jul 29, 2009, 11:14 am |
Hii mummy,
So bad that no updates for a while,but now it comes.. We went to look around in Rakvere by bike,me and Peti. First we saw famous Estonian writer monument . Then started a bit raining but we didnt go back home.We were in oldest street in Rakvere,called Pikk tänav(street).There were many old houses. like this ? Then we went to " Vallimägi " Usually people go there if there's any concert.That evening weren't there almost anyone or then only some boys with bikes.Quiet ! Next stop was castle ! (: It was built so long time ago,but it still there :O ! Also we looked sculpture " Tarvas" Its big black "bull"! Tourists goes to watch it usually and then they do pic about themselves and that scuplture,we did also When we started to go back,Mari looked that bike is broken and we were so far away from home ... See ya soon ! |
AbbyB Posted Aug 19, 2009, 4:57 am |
We have arrived at Abby's house in Canada!
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AbbyB Posted Aug 28, 2009, 5:17 am |
Today we visited Abby's school, Simon Fraser University. It is a relatively new school, founded in 1965. It is on top of Burnaby Mountain, which means that it is scenic in the summer and very cold in the winter. Most of the original buildings were designed by the late architect Arthur Erickson, who is known for his use of concrete and water features, as you will see.
This is the track. The building on the right houses the pools, and past that are the gyms and fitness facilities. This is the convocation mall. This is where graduations, rallies, events and large student gatherings are held. This building is the library. It is seven floors and includes a common area and archives and rare books. This is the Academic Quadrangle, also known as the AQ. We are standing underneath one end of it, and you can see the other end far off in the distance. Most classes are held here. The floors you can see are the fifth and sixth, which are mainly offices and seminar rooms, the 'fourth floor' is what we are standing on, and the rest of the floors are below ground. This is on the roof of one of the buildings, looking North toward the mountains. What a pretty view. This building here is the Arts and Social Sciences Complex and it is the newest addition to the school. Many of Abby's classes are held here. The building itself won an architectural award in May. |
AbbyB Posted Aug 28, 2009, 6:02 am |
Today we went with Abby's family as they went out for the day. First we went to an independent cheese shop.
You could even watch them make cheese. Wow, that's a lot! Next we went to a hazelnut farm. |
AbbyB Posted Aug 28, 2009, 6:04 am |
Next, we visited the town of Hope. There is not much to see in Hope; it was briefly a gold rush town, but now it is just a small community that thrives on the tourists that pass through. Many movies are filmed here because it is inexpensive. They seem to be particularly proud of Rambo. Can you see us?
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AbbyB Posted Aug 28, 2009, 6:06 am |
We went on a walk to Bridal Veil Falls.
There they are! The rest of Abby's family climbed up to get a closer look, but Abby was not exactly dressed for climbing, so we sat down and ate some almonds while we waited for everyone. |
AbbyB Posted Aug 28, 2009, 6:09 am |
Finally, we stopped in Harrison for dinner. Harrison is famous for its hot springs, but the lake is nice too and very scenic.
We ate dinner at The Black Forest, because Abby's sister mentioned that she had never eaten at a restaurant that was specifically German. We shared a schnitzel. |
AbbyB Posted Sep 9, 2009, 7:07 am |
Today we saw the Surrey campus of Abby's school. It was Abby's first time here too, so we decided to explore.
The first floor is a public mall. All of the lecture halls are in a giant oval above the mall. Here I am standing across the building from the last picture, and on the fifth floor. Our tour finished, we sat down with a Booster Juice and the book Abby is reading for one of her classes, to kill some time before class started. |
AbbyB Posted Sep 11, 2009, 1:58 am |
Today we saw a Canadian celebrity! Rick Mercer, who has a tv show full of funny political commentary called the Rick Mercer Report, sort of like The Daily Show, came to Abby's school to launch this year's Spread The Net Campaign. Spread The Net was founded by Mercer and Canadian politician Belinda Stronach and it raises funds to buy bednets for villages in Africa, to protect against mosquitos and prevent malaria. Each year he invites universities, colleges and high schools across the country to compete against each other for a chance to be featured on his show.
Unfortunately we were at the back of the crowd and it was hard to see. This is him close up. Here he is sticking his arm into a cage of mosquitos. They were handing out stickers. These are what they are raising mony to buy. Each one costs ten dollars. You can read more about Spread The Net here. |
AbbyB Posted Sep 20, 2009, 11:17 pm |
Today lots of new TVs arrived. Thiele, Roots Bear and Tiger Lilly came as a group, and Dottie Grace arrived as well.
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AbbyB Posted Sep 26, 2009, 7:39 am |
We decided to explore Abby's gardens.
The front gardens had lots of flowers. We met lots of these gnomes. They were all identical and they were all curiously named Smedvik. There were so many dahlias, in all different colours. Next, it was off to the backyard. We played in an apple tree... and a pear tree. I had a look to see if there were any ripe tomatos to eat. Look at all of these grapes! Can you see us? Mmm, raspberries. Lastly, everyone posed for a picture with this fellow, who guards the raspberry canes. |
AbbyB Posted Oct 2, 2009, 5:52 am |
Today we went to downtown Vancouver. As soon as the rain stopped, we went sightseeing.
This is the war memorial at Victory Square. This is the infamous Gastown Steam Clock, the first of its kind in the world. As you can see, it it very popular with tourists. This is a statue of Gassy Jack, the founder of Gastown, which is the oldest part of Vancouver. He owned a saloon that burned down in the Great Fire of 1886. This is Waterfront Station, an old CPR train station. Now it is a transfer station for many different types of public transportation: trains, buses, the Skytrain and the SeaBus. This is Canada Place. One of the most well-known waterfront features of Vancouver. At the front is a hotel, at the back is an IMAX theatre (which closed down today), and in the middle, inder the sails, are large rooms used for conventions. The sails are lit up at night with multi-coloured lights. This is the new Vancouver Convention Centre, which will be the media centre during the Olympics. It is huge and practices green roof technology, the largest green roof in Canada. The green area you can see behind me is Stanley Park, the largest park in Vancouver. This is the Marine Building. It is the best example of art deco architecture on the West Coast of North America. The interior was used in the Fantastic Four movies. It was built right at the beginning of the Depression, and because the contractors went bankrupt, the interiors were not completed as they were originally meant to be until recently. Lastly, this is the Vancouver Art Gallery, the largest in Western Canada. The building itself used to be the provincial courthouse. The gallery is a popular spot for protests and large gatherings and demonstrations. On the right-hand side of the photo you can see the clock that is counting down to the 2010 Olympics. |
AbbyB Posted Oct 8, 2009, 8:11 pm |
Today we saw a little piece of Beautiful British Columbia (they even have that on their license plates). Part of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, which is the next city over, are farmland and there are a lot of dikes that the public is allowed to walk on. This particular area is near the Allouette River.
This is the river. |
AbbyB Posted Oct 8, 2009, 11:21 pm |
Today we went to the local recycle depot. They recycle pretty much everything.
Abby was only able to get this one photo of the other side before she was yelled at by an employee for taking photos. |
AbbyB Posted Oct 12, 2009, 7:04 am |
Happy Thanksgiving!
Every year Abby and her family have a big meal. This year there was a turkey roast, stuffing, brussel sprouts and candied yams, with sparkling apple juice to drink. Yum! For dessert everyone got a homemade pumpkin tart. |
AbbyB Posted Oct 12, 2009, 11:43 pm |
We all went to the local pumpkin patch!
There were lots of things to see. They had these big teepees, where people could sit inside. There was this maze thing that had a lot of different displays. Abby didn't take anyone's picture with most of them because it was not sunny in the maze and therefore very cold, but there were animals, Disney characters, and lots of other things. This was near the pirate display. Can you see me? This was near the dinosaur display. Creepy. There was even a gnome village. Then, we had a look at the pumpkin patch itself. See that bush on the right? It continued on way behind that. Hey, look! It's Charlie Brown! Abby's family bought lots of pumpkins for carving and baking, and they will carve them in a couple weeks. Maybe we will even be around to help. |
AbbyB Posted Oct 22, 2009, 3:51 am |
Today we went to the UBC Apple Festival. It is held once a year at the University of British Columbia's botanical gardens.
This is where the main event is. There is apple tasting, cider apple chips and candy apples for sale, information about local apples, experts on growing apples, people selling crafts and even a kids zone where there were crafts and balloon animals. There's even chili being served in an authentic WWII chuck wagon! It's going fast because it's cold out and could rain any moment. Part of the botanical gardens is an area where they grow fruits and vegetables. All of the produce is donated to the Salvation Army. Abby bought everyone tickets to the 1:30 apple tasting. There are volunteers handing out samples for about 60 types of apples. Abby and Erin say they have a tried and true method for tasting every single kind before the half an hour is over. We were first in line. Abby took this picture of us before we went in because she said that we would be busy eating and would not have time for pictures if we wanted to try every kind of apple. We did it! Every single kind that they were handing out, including the apples that astronaut Yuri Gagarin took into space, and a brand new kind developed in the interior of British Columbia that does not have a name yet. The apple fest was a lot of fun. We didn't even know that many kinds of apples existed... |
AbbyB Posted Nov 1, 2009, 6:15 am |
It is Abby's nineteenth birthday and we are baking her a tea cake.
The first thing we did was make the tea. We are using organic creme brulee rooibos from David's Tea. Next we mixed butter and sugar. Then added eggs and almond extract. We mixed flour and baking powder, Then added it and the tea to the batter. The whole time Lou was helping. In the oven! It was really good! |
AbbyB Posted Nov 1, 2009, 6:19 am |
Happy Halloween! This year we are cowboys!
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AbbyB Posted Nov 1, 2009, 6:23 am |
We helped Abby carve her pumpkin.
We decided on pumpkin pi. Then, we decided to roast the seeds. While we were waiting, we put the pumpkin outside. Yum! |