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Posted Sep 5, 2013, 3:28 pm
I went to the city center today, just to say goodbye to Delft, before I leave to Greece.
Bye, bye, peaceful canal!
Posted Sep 5, 2013, 3:29 pm
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Posted Sep 5, 2013, 3:31 pm
Well, I'm gonna stop now, before I get blue myself! I love to travel, but I will miss Delft!
Posted Sep 10, 2013, 5:35 am
My first adventure begins! I'm at the airport with my TV friends. We're having some coffee, before we fly to Greece.
Posted Sep 10, 2013, 5:37 am
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She was supposed to stay at home and look after Emjay's cats. But she told us she was bored. She asked Emjay's neighbour to take care of the cats and mailed herself off to Greece! What a suprise! We have a little party with Greek candy.
Posted Oct 8, 2013, 3:03 pm
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Posted Oct 8, 2013, 3:10 pm
Next is Orkku Orave. She's a natural talent, being from Finland.
And then it's Emil's turn. But he stumbles and falls! He landed in some soft "snow", so it's okay.
Posted Oct 8, 2013, 3:12 pm
I cheer on Suomi-Girl who uses one ski as a sledge.
Posted Oct 8, 2013, 3:14 pm
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Posted Oct 15, 2013, 12:49 pm
But it was a surprise from Cuty! How nice! I haven't even met him, because he was staying at Eohippus in Finland.
We opened it and in it were a lollipop, a hanger, a fridgemagnet and some Finnish liquorice. So we had some fun with that.
I thought the hanger looks just like me! We tried some liquorice. It was very salty, but nice! Emjay ate the lollipop, which tasted like pear.
Thanks so much Cuty and Eophippus!
Posted Oct 23, 2013, 1:10 pm
Roaaaaar! There are heraldic lions on the crest!
Posted Oct 23, 2013, 1:12 pm
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Posted Oct 25, 2013, 10:56 am
Olgamaus, I'm on my way!!!
Roaaarrr!
Dutchy, the Lion of Leisure
Posted Oct 31, 2013, 3:20 pm
I arrived at my new host's home today.
My host Katja and a flock of ToyVoyagers gave me warm welcome. There were nosyblue and Tsukumo and Frederik, two sheep and a tiny mouse from German, Kirin from Chile, Rocky Raccoon from Switzerland and KoalaMimi from Austria, (not Australia).
First we had a look at my postcard and the treats I brought with me.
Yummy
Bye for now
Dutchy
Posted Nov 1, 2013, 8:37 am
Looks cozy overthere! Have fun and give my regards to your hostmum and the other TV's.
Love,
your mum Emjay
Posted Nov 2, 2013, 9:59 am
although we are having great weather today we can no enjoy it. Katja has to work until early evening. At least I could sit on the window sill and watch the traffic and the market place in front of the city hall.
There is a pillar on it with a really famiiliar looking guy sitting on top of it. I'll have a closer look at him next week.
Katja promised that something exciting would happen in the evening ...
Bye
Dutchy
Posted Nov 3, 2013, 3:26 pm
had had a fantastic Halloween party in the evening. We invited Strunki and all her guests to visit us.
Our hosts prepared a lot of squirmy food for us. But first I have to show you my frightening costume.
I am sure that the other TVs will be frightened to death
We were all looking really scary
Soon our guests arrived.
We were nearly starving, so first we entered the buffet. There were ghosts, a fearsome head with an open brain, looking like fruit salad, dentures with horrible carnassials, sore eyeballs in sanies ...
green glib with dead vampires, dead mice with their brains fallen out of their heads ...
... yummy but poisonous fly agaric ...
...vegetable devils ...
What a party!
Bye
Dutchy
Posted Nov 3, 2013, 3:40 pm
Woooohoooo! I love it!
your mum Emjay
Posted Nov 3, 2013, 4:47 pm
today my host met a friend to take a walk in one of the historic districts, in Hasten. But first we went to our friend's house to pick her up.
Katja told me that large parts of the city centre, especially what nowadays is the pedestrian area and the station area, were destroyed in WW II, but there were still lots of lovely old houses, like these.
On our way to Hasten we walked through the municipal park. Here you can find a pond with ducks and ... a submarine? Katja told me that this thing looking like a submarine was the "Stinthengst", a legendary creature found in a myth from East Prussia. This myth is telling a story about the king of fish.
The municipal park is mostly a landscape park with really old trees.
An observatory is situated here in the park.
There were no kids playing on the playground, probably it is too cold.
Leaving the park we reached Hasten with its typical old houses.
We reached the outdoor facilities of a museum estate. There are two museums, the German Tool Museum (Deutsches Werkzeugmuseum) and Haus Cleff, a Patrician villa showing how people lived 200 years ago. In the garden there are some machines which belong to the Tool Museum.
Inside this hut there is the small work place of a grinder.
This is Haus Cleff, built in late 18th century by a local merchant.
There is a lane for pedestrians and cyclists, built on a closed, former freight train track. This track was going from the central station to Hasten where there once were many industrial units. The building of this lane was sponsored by local tool producing companies, that's why it is named "Trasse des Werkzeugs" (Route of Tools), following the original train track for about 4,5 km to the central station. Along this lane you can find interesting things, also distance data.
There are also signs showing the company logos of the sponsoring companies.
I found a bench, made of a giant screw clamp.
From here we went home.
Bye
Dutchy
Posted Nov 9, 2013, 10:41 am
we had horrible weather this week, no chance to visit any places.
Today we helped to cook a delicious risotto, a vegetarian receipe with leek and mushroom. You also need an onion, a bit of garlic, olive oil, butter, vegetable stock, white wine, Emmenthal cheese, Parmesan cheese and of course this special rice, salt, pepper and fresh herbs.
Vegetables and cheese were already prepared ...
...while the rice had to boil.
In the end all the ingridients were added to the rice.
Yummy!
Bye
Dutchy
Posted Nov 15, 2013, 5:32 pm
today we visited a medieval castle in the neighbour City Solingen, Schloss Burg, It is situated high upon a hill above the River Wupper.
This is the view from the street. This beautiful house in the foreground was built in 17th century.
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. 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 four or five years ago.
You can overlook the valley of the river Wupper from this high point.
I am a fakir-lion
We walked into the forest than. Here we found a beautiful outlook pavilion.
From here you can look across the valley with river Wupper.
Katja showed us another interesting place - the former fortified tower of Schloss Burg. These towers were usually built from 16th century when firearms were used. Nowadays this tower contains a memorial place for those people which were banished from the former German Eastern counties.
From here you can see the castle almost completely.
Oh dear, it was already getting dark.
Bye
Dutchy
Posted Nov 17, 2013, 11:51 am
we visited Wuppertal today. Wuppertal is one of the neighbour cities of Remscheid, located in and around the valley of river Wupper. With about 350.000 inhabitants Wuppertal is the largest city of the Bergisches Land.
We went there by bus and started our trip close to the city centre. Here you can see the beautiful historical concert hall.
From here we walked downhill towards the city centre. This tall building is a very characteristic one, visible from lots of places in the city.
This building was even mirrored in a glass facade.
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. There are 20 stations, each of them built in another style. There are modern ones and also historic ones. All the trains are standing still because there was an accident about four weeks ago.
Here you can see the track going into one of the stations.
Katja told us that we would visit a park than. On our way to get there we rested for a while and enjoyed the sunshine. In the background you can see the centre of justice with all court buildings.
This is the district court and another station, this one was rebuilt in its original historic style last year.
Than we walked uphill to a large area on a ridge, called "Hardtberg". Here you can find a fantastic landscape park. But first we had a good overview across the city.
Those greenhouses and the tower in the background are part of the botanical garden which is also situated on Hardthöhe.
We strolled through the large park. Isn't this a lovely view?
This is a memorial for the dead of WW I.
We decided to walk back to the city than.
The beautiful city hall is hidden under a scaffolding. There is a large advertisement on it, this movie "King Ping" was made in Wuppertal.
We walked through the shopping streets and later we went home by bus.
Bye
Dutchy
Posted Nov 25, 2013, 6:03 pm
today we decided to take a walk at Wupper dam. This dam is extremely large, you can not circle it when you just want to take a walk. Our track led us through a forest first.
Finally we reached the lake.
We rested for a while, sitting on those colored leaves.
We went down to the lakefront to have a closer look.
Later we found an information board with a map.
We left the lake area than to walk back to the car, through a rural area this time.
If only the weather had been better!
Bye
Dutchy
Posted Nov 28, 2013, 3:18 pm
today unexpectedly the weather became good in the afternoon, so we went out for a walk as soon as Katja returned from work.
This is a nearby playground, but nobody was playing here.
Without having a certain destination in mind, we walked towards the municipal park first. On the right side of this road an allotment area is situated.
There is a pond in the park, there was already a thin ice layer on it.
The municpal park is mostly a landscape park with old trees.
You can also find an observatory here in the park.
We walked toward the district Reinshagen than, downhill for some time. Here some really beautiful houses can be found.
Another allotment area with the outskirts of both Wuppertal and Solingen in the background.
Thoses houses and the church are situated at the main road while I felt like being in a large rural area.
Soon we reached a forest. There is a graveyard behind the fence.
We followed a walking path in the forest.
From an outlook point we had a first view to Muengsten Bridge, Germany's tallest railway bridge. It is under construction at the moment, at least until next April.
We reached another outlook point, this time with nearly the whole bridge in front of us.
Katja promised that we would visit Muengsten Bridge soon.
From here we walked back home, uphill for almost an hour.
Bye
Dutchy
Posted Dec 2, 2013, 3:56 pm
14:50 pm: The local radio station is playing the favourite song of all lions!
Bye
Dutchy
Posted Dec 3, 2013, 8:37 am
Yes, that's the perfect song for you! I can see you're having fun. Give my regards to the other TV's and to your hostmum.
Bye, bye!
Your mum Emjay
Posted Dec 3, 2013, 1:15 pm
today we visited the Botanical Garden in the neighbour city Solingen. Of course a Botanical Garden is much more pretty in spring or summer, but it was an intesting trip although.
A part of the garden is created like the wilderness in the Alpes, even with a little hill.
There was a large butterfly sitting on the lawn.
It is a beautiful piece of artwork, made with glass mosaic.
We strolled around the garden than. In spring flowers will be growing here.
You can also find a pond here.
There is also a public bookcase. You can place books here or take them with you.
When we left the park we walked along the nearby "Korkenziehertrasse" for a while, a closed railway track which is now a lane for pedestrians and cyclists, following a meandering route through the city. That's why it is called Korkenziehertrasse (Korkenzieher = corkscrew).
It was obvious that there would be a beautiful sunset. A few minutes later:
Suddenly the surrounding of the track changed completely from industrial areas to a housing area and open spaces on the opposite side.
This is a map of the route, it is really looking like a corkscrew
We decided to visit the district Gräfrath next, one of the historical districts of Solingen. It was nearly dark when we reached Gräfrath. This is the market place with a decrated fountain and the christmas lightings.
Bye for now
Dutchy
Posted Dec 8, 2013, 9:06 pm
today Katja met her friends for their weekly knitting round. We enjoyed eggnogg, the kind of eggnogg people are prefering in the North of Germany, with white wine and eggs.
Yummy!
Don't worry, we only had one of them, or maybe two? I think two of them, but definitely not more.
Bye
Dutchy
Posted Dec 8, 2013, 9:11 pm
today we helped Katja to make christmas cookies. She found a receipe for cookies with orange and chocolate. This sounds good.
These are the ingredients:
Butter, sugar, wheat flour and baking powder, orange peel and icing sugar, egg white, chocolate icing and orange juice for the icing.
From this we had to make the dough. Unfortunately it did not work with the electric mixer.
The dough had to rest for at least half an hour in the fridge.
After rolling it out the dough had to be cut into rectangles and baked.
After cooling down the cookies were decorated with white sugar icing and chocolate.
They are tasting really good
Bye
'Dutchy
Posted Dec 8, 2013, 9:20 pm
today it is the second Sunday in advent.
Katja and her daughter were busy making more cookies today. We were only allowed to have a look when the cookies were completed (yesterday we made a mess helping in the kitchen
).
These cookies are looking funny, they are showing neither christmas trees nor stars, hearts or what people usually are baking.
Pot leaves! (There has to be a coffie shop somewhere in the neighbourhood
)
They did not only bake pot leaves, but also stars, hearts, socks, mittens and what people usually are baking
And they made terrible mess in the kitchen.
Bye
Dutchy
Posted Dec 9, 2013, 6:35 pm
What a wonderful cook you are and wearing a cook's hat as well! Looks really official! I had to laugh when I saw the pot leaves! Was there something in the cookies perhaps?
Thanks again for the great updates! Give my regards to your kind host and your TV-friends!
Hug,
your mum Emjay
Posted Dec 19, 2013, 1:51 pm
today we met another ToyVoyager member, Strunki and went to Dortmund, a large city in the Ruhr area. Its population of about 570.000 makes it the 8th largest city in Germany. We visited the Christmas market which is one of the largest in Germany. You can find the world's tallest Christmas tree here.
There were delicacies from my home country available.
Here you can see the Christmas tree!
A stage, 45 m tall, is implented with 1700 red spruce trees.
We even met another TV member here, mcdaniels with her guests. We went to a café for an hour or two.
So many ToyVoyagers were visiting Dortmund today
When we left the café is was almost dark outside.
From a booth with a balcony we had a great overview.
Here in Germany you can also find carousels on Christmas markets, like this one for kids.
We strolled around the crowded city and had lots of fun.
What is this? Can you see those police officers? Maybe we took the wrong motorway and did not reach Dortmund but Venlo or Maastricht?
Katja told us that there were also police officers from the Netherlands working here on the Christmas market because so many people from the Netherlands were visiting Dortmund.
On another market we found fantastic illumination. These balls in the sky were changing colours!
Here we bought one of those pretty stars. It will be attached to the window in the living room.
What a great day! And it was great to meet so many ToyVoyagers.
Bye
Dutchy
Posted Dec 19, 2013, 4:28 pm
I can see you had a great day! The TV's and me were in Germany too! We visited the Christmas market in Mainz, Koblenz and Rüdesheim. You can read the update of Hemming, if you like.
Well, have a nice time and give my regards to the other TV's and to hostmum!
Emjay
Posted Dec 25, 2013, 12:11 pm
in Germany Christmas is already celebrated on December 24th. We helped to wrap the presents. Today Katja's son and daughter will visit us to have dinner. Tomorrow we will visit Katja's sister and on Thursday Katja's sister-in-law and her family.
We had a really calm evening with dinner. We had salmon with a mustard topping, potatoes and savoy cabbage. Yummy!
Bye for today
Dutchy
Posted Dec 25, 2013, 12:26 pm
Posted Dec 27, 2013, 3:45 pm
Thanks for your beautiful Christmas wish!
Posted Dec 29, 2013, 8:05 pm
Hi Mummy,
I met Katja's pets today. They are small, cute, cheeky and they have terrifying carnassial teeth.
Three ferrets are living here. These two were fighting just for fun. The third one was searching for the remote control of the TV, she loves to steal it
Look at all those Christmas cards we received from ToyVoyager members.
Love
Dutchy
Posted Dec 29, 2013, 9:02 pm
today we visited Germany's highest railway bridge, Muengsten Bridge.
Katja told me that Germany's highes railway bridge is connecting Remscheid with the neighbour city Solingen. We went there with Strunki and her guests.
This is Morsbach creek, flowing into nearby river Wupper.
Next we reached river Wupper. In the background you can see an outlook pavilion, Katja told us that we would see it again later.
This place is one of the touristic highlights of this region, so you can find information boards all along the way.
On this board the height of Muengsten Bridge is compared to other well known buildings like Cologne Cathedral or Berlin Cathedral. This picture is taken from an original historic postcard.
Do you believe in oracles? Here is one and only puddle oracle! I'm afraid it told us that the ugly weather will stay for the next days and that there was no winter in sight. No snow, no cold, nothing but rain.
Due to the rainfalls you can find lots of little waterfalls running down to the valley.
We reached the outlook pavilion than,the one we have seen when we started our trip. It was built around 1900 by a rich former citizen of Remscheid, August Diederichs. That's why it is called "Diederichstempel".
From here we had a first look to Muengsten Bridge. It is under construction works at the moment, no trains are crossing the bridge.
We found these weird things in the forest. Nobody knows what it is. They were made of something like concrete.
We all needed a little rest, I decided to sit in a tree and watch the river.
Along the path you can find several pieces of artwork, mostly engraved rocks like this one. A nine-men's morris!
Can you see this bridge in the background? Here we crossed the river to walk back along the opposite side of the valley.
Soon we reached Muengsten Bridge.
Muengsten Bridge was built of steel, completed in 1907. It is about 480 m long and 107 m tall. There are extensive repair works going on in the last few years and they are taking place at the moment. The bridge will be closed for several months. Some years ago a leisure park was built under the bridge. You can find lawns for relaxing here, a crazy golf course and playgrounds for the kids.
This was an interesting trip
Bye
Dutchy
Posted Dec 30, 2013, 9:58 am
I LOVE the ferrets! Give them hug, but be careful of those sharp teeth!
Give my regards to your hostmum and the other TV's.
Love,
your mum Emjay
Posted Dec 30, 2013, 3:45 pm
we visited a park in the neighbour city Wuppertal today, the Nordpark. This landscape park is situated in the district Barmen. It was founded in 1895. You can find a large game reserve here, a playground, a restaurant, a soccer ground, a halfpipe for skateboarders and lots of woodland areas.
When we drove to Wuppertal, we stopped at a place with a great overview across the city. Wuppertal is loacated in and around the river Wupper valley. It is the largest city in the region Bergisches Land. Wuppertal is a major industrial centre, but also known for its steep slopes, its woods and parks, The touristic highlight is the Schwebebahn (suspension railway), unfortunately we did not see it today.
Soon we reached the park and started our trip at the playground area.
The park is situated at the slope of the valley, at this point high above the city.
We walked through the woods ...
... and we found the game reserve. About 30 fallow deer are living here. Other visitors were feeding the buck, but he seemed to be more interested in me
This common beech must have toppled and been sawn recently.
We were so happy that the sun was shining.
Bye
Dutchy
Posted Dec 30, 2013, 3:51 pm
Katja came home from work in the early afternoon. Immediately the ferrets wanted to leave their cage to play and run around. The ferrets are living in a large cage made from a drawer.
They love to play on the sofa, to hide under the blanket and than jump out. They also love this vitamin paste.
They had chicken legs for breakfast and will have chicken intestines for dinner. Yummy
Bye
Dutchy
Posted Jan 4, 2014, 5:24 pm
we went to Katja's sister-in-law's family today to celebrate the last day of the year. When we arrived, there already was everything prepared for dinner.
There were lots of cheese, sausage and cold meats, salad, smoked salmon, herring salad and different kinds of bread.
We all enjoyed German beer
Later we several board games, this one is called "Niagara". You have to collect gems of different colors while that river is really moving and it might happen that your boat is falling down the "waterfall" and your boat and the collected gems are gone.
At midnight we all had a glass of sparkling wine efore we went outside for the fireworks.
Happy New Year!
Thankfully it was not raining like it did the last two or three years.
Love
Dutchy
Posted Jan 5, 2014, 12:28 pm
Happy new year to you, the TV's and your hostmum too!
I guess you sent the rain to us on new year's eve
Never mind, we stayed inside all the same!
Big hug from
your mum Emjay & TV's
Posted Jan 9, 2014, 12:49 pm
today we took a walk in the outskirts of Remscheid to meet a friend. Katja's friend is living in the district Luettringhausen. Not far from my home you can already see the green outskirts.
In a valley we walked along a farm with cameroon sheep, chicken and geese.
There were some houses hidden in the valley, one of them this lovely half-timbered house.
This one has its own pond.
In the meantime we met Katja's friend
Bye
Dutchy
Posted Jan 9, 2014, 1:19 pm
today we had planned to take a walk on one of those former railway tracks. Yesterday RSG Leo and DottyCroc walked along the "Korkenziehertrasse" in Solingen, today GustavHH and I walked along the "Sambatrasse" in Wuppertal.
We started our exciting trip in Wuppertal-Vohwinkel, where we took a ride on the Schwebebahn (suspension railway). We got onto the train and the train was following the street.
The suspension railway runs along a route of about 13 kilometres at a height of about 12 metres above the river Wupper and about 8 metres above the valley road.
At one point the railway crosses the A46 motorway.
We left the train at the statioin "Zoo". You can see that the Schwebebahn was no longer following the street.
From here we walked to the starting point of the "Sambatrasse". This track was following a twisty route through a large woodland area. The trains were swinging and rocking and people felt like dancing Samba
It's lenght is about 9 km.
The path is even traversing the nearby zoo, close to the tiger enclosure. Here you can find a funny sign:
It means "Meals on wheels for tiger".
Two tigers were strolling through that area in the background.
We followed the track into the forest.
We had to hurry because the was already going down.
This is a former station building, nowadays a small restaurant is located here.
In an allotment area we found many souvenirs from the fromer railway track.
There is also an incinerator at the track. With its rejected heat a public swimming pool is heated, it is open not only in summer, but 12 months a year.
When we reached the last kilometer of the track it was already nearly dark.
This is my last picture, it was too dark than for further pics
Bye
Dutchy
Posted Jan 11, 2014, 6:08 pm
your wish is my command - I packed my things immediately and was ready to leave. GutavHH is coming with me to Australia.
Australia sounds great!!!
We said good-bye to all our friends here.
Katja wrote a postcard to our next host and we were ready leave.
I hope we will arrive soon.
Bye
Dutchy
Posted Jan 12, 2014, 6:30 pm
Have a good trip! I wish I could go with you, but I don't fit in an enveloppe
Bye, see you both down under!
Emjay
Posted Jan 24, 2014, 7:59 pm
I have arrived!!
Sadly I arrived too late to go to New Zealand, but I arrived safely and there will be photos very soon!
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Jan 25, 2014, 9:56 am
Too bad you didn't arrive on time. Well, never mind! I think you will have a great time in Australia! Give hostmum my regards!
Love,
your mum Emjay
Posted Jan 26, 2014, 11:05 pm
I am good!!
GustavHH and I arrived safely
here we have met Little Squirt and MooseS
We are off to have a chat about their trip to New Zealand, the Land of the Long White Cloud....Aotearoa!
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xx00xx
Posted Feb 1, 2014, 12:07 am
We took the dog for a walk in the park this morning before it got too hot
here I am next to the football oval
heading over the creek,
stopping by an old tree
down through the old oak tree walk
saw a cockatoo up high in the tree,
Tupai had a swim in the creek
and back to near the footie oval.......this sculpture was made from an old tree, carved with a chain saw!!
Later in the day we said goodbye to Little Squirt....he is off on his travels.
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Feb 2, 2014, 9:32 pm
Wow, I can't imagine you are really there, at the other end of the world where it's summer now! Lucky you! What a beautiful dog I saw in one of the shots. Is that the family dog?
Say hi to you host mum and have fun with your new friends.
Love,
you mum Emjay
Posted Feb 7, 2014, 8:53 pm
Today we are off to the beach!!
It is very dry and hot today!!
In the late afternoon we went down to the beach for a swim!
our own private swimming pool Mum!!
I had a look in the rock pools too Mum!
Off home for dinner now
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Feb 14, 2014, 10:42 pm
We have had a walk along the beach this morning
Very nice here Mum!
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Feb 14, 2014, 10:51 pm
Back down the beach in the afternoon
Love you Mum!!
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Feb 14, 2014, 10:58 pm
Heading back home now, it is very dry everywhere here now.
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Feb 14, 2014, 11:02 pm
We are at a sewing night tonight and found this interesting person
But look at supper!!
YUM!!!!
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Feb 14, 2014, 11:07 pm
We are off to St Leonard's for the weekend
travelling through the gum trees
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Feb 14, 2014, 11:14 pm
It is a very hot day today so we are down the beach where it is a little cooler
Low tide now Mum
Off home now for dinner
YUM!!!!
Happily yours
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Feb 14, 2014, 11:31 pm
This morning we have taken the family pet, Tupai, the chow chow for a walk to the beach. His name is a Maori word meaning happy...sound like too...pie!!
he even had a little paddle this morning. he is frightened of the waves so doesn't go in very deep!!
Later we watched a little of the opening of the Winter Games
But then got the bad news that there were bad fires all over Victoria and one near were Sue lives
luckily the wind changed and the fires moved in a different direction.
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Feb 22, 2014, 6:54 am
Today we have driven down the coast a little to have a look around Queenscliff
we are walking out on the pier a little
behind me Mum is the opening of Port Phillip Bay where the huge ships come in and out to and from the Port of Melbourne. On the cliff there is also the only black light house in Australia.
we just missed the ferry that is going to Tasmania
this is the other light house at Queenscliff..it has been modernised for use today
beautiful coloured sea Mum!
and the black light house
this is part of the old fort in Queenscliff, it is still used by the Army so we can't go inside for a look
some of the old Queenscliff buildings
this beach is between Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale
A nice place to sit and think Mum!
Off home for lunch now Mum
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Feb 22, 2014, 6:58 am
Today we have woken to find the air filled with smoke from the bush fires
it is a bit like being in a smelly fog Mum!!
We still got to take Tupai for a walk down at the beach
we are driving back to Gisborne now Mum, still very smoky.
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Feb 22, 2014, 8:05 am
The sunrise is coloured by the smoke this morning
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Feb 22, 2014, 8:11 am
The cockatoos came in for breakfast this morning, they only get fed now and then otherwise they start to eat the window and door frames, they are very destructive!!!
Love and hugs
GustavHH
xxooxx
Posted Feb 22, 2014, 2:15 pm
Wow, cockatoos in the garden! And what is that on the ground? Looks like a lionhead!
I hope the fires will stop soon. Stay safe!
Love and a hug for your hostmum!
Emjay
Posted Feb 27, 2014, 7:13 am
Today we have a little time to fill in between appointments so we have ahd a quick look at the market
it isn't a full market today but there is still quite a lot of stalls
the Australian section Mum!!
interesting use of pallets!
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Feb 27, 2014, 7:41 am
Today Sue is at a sewing day so I am having a little look around
lots of threads
and loads of fabric!
sorry this is a bit fuzzy, but lovely Japanese dolls!
Happily yours Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Feb 27, 2014, 7:50 am
It is a home day today so we are helping with some sewing
I also met Cyril, he is a stay at home voyager
we had a little chat about places I have seen.
There is a lion in the garden Mum, Sue was slow to get a photo of that wasn't she!!!
Happily yours
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Mar 3, 2014, 5:50 am
The fires are all out around this area, but down in Gippsland, south east of here, there is still a fire burning in an open cast coal mine, not so good for the people living in the nearby town!
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Mar 3, 2014, 5:53 am
We are back at the beach for the weekend
we took Tupai for an evening walk
we found a sandcastle, just my size!!
and Tupai had a swim!
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Mar 3, 2014, 6:10 am
We saw a pelican and some other sea birds at the beach this morning
and you know who had a swim!!
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Mar 3, 2014, 6:15 am
Today we sat out in the sun for a while, there were lots of planes flying around practising for an airshow up the bay
after a while it got too hot so we went inside to help with sewing!!
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Mar 3, 2014, 6:27 am
Our last morning at the beach, we go home to Gisborne this afternoon
GustavHH was telling us jokes!!
Lovely here today Mum, so nice just sitting and watching the water!
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Mar 5, 2014, 11:02 pm
Today we welcomed a new TV
this is Chalon he has come to have adventures with us!!
In the evening we went to sewing group and had an amazing supper!! Yum!!
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Mar 16, 2014, 6:46 am
We are off on an adventure!!
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Mar 16, 2014, 6:55 am
Now we are in New Zealand, not much of a photo - the plane from Melbourne was late getting in so we had to rush to get to the connecting flight - there was a Auckland airport sign, but it doesn't show in the photo!!
Happily yours
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Mar 16, 2014, 7:14 am
We are here!!
This morning we went in to town to do grocery shopping and had a look at the cultural Village near the information centre
This building is a fale - they are all over the island and are used for many things, for living in, as a meeting place in the villages and this one is for cooking.
this is an outrigger canoe that we think is used for fishing!!
I am a long way from home Mum - my home isn't even mentioned on this sign!!
When we got back to the hotel we went for a swim in the pool to cool down, it is over 30 degC today Mum and the humidity is something like 85%!! Phew!!
Later on I needed a cool beer!!
Happily yours
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Mar 16, 2014, 6:46 pm
Wow, that's sooo cool, seeing you in Samoa! Have a great time!
Love,
your mum Emjay
Posted Mar 22, 2014, 1:40 am
Today has been a very rainy day - all day long the rain has poured down - now I know what is meant by the rainy season!!!
the front verandah of the hotel room - a little blue sky!!
we went to the pool in the rain!! It is still very hot!
Maybe tomorrow there will be less rain!
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Mar 23, 2014, 10:23 pm
Today we are going for a drive around the island - this pool is for swimming and you can swim in under the cave, there are also big fish swimming here that you can feed!
this is the coast line behind the pool
and these are the fales where you can sit out of the sun when you are not swimming.
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Mar 23, 2014, 10:50 pm
On our travels we stopped to look at this waterfall
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Mar 23, 2014, 10:56 pm
We had a look at another waterfall, this one we had to walk through long grass, over a creek, through more long grass, but then we came out to this
Beautiful isn't it!!
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Mar 24, 2014, 7:00 am
Guess what?? Yep another waterfall!! This one we could view from the side of the road
Later we visited the Baihai'i Temple - iti s an inter denominational church and at their service on a Sunday they have readings from all the faiths, it is in beautiful gardens
Time for bed now Mum we have had a busy day!!
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Mar 29, 2014, 1:59 am
Today we started out at Robert Louis Stevenson's house in Apia. He lived here in the 1800's for 5 years and when he died the house was sold tot he German Governor who lived there during the German Occupation, the house was then sold to the New Zealand government for their Governor when New Zealand occupied Samoa, then it was sold to the Australian High Commission for a while. It was empty for many years, then finally renovated and made in to a museum to Robert Louis Stevenson.
this sculpture is of the last cannibalistic King of Samoa!
Next we drove around the coast away from Apia to the turtle pond
I hope this turtle didn't think I was a snack!!
This was where we stopped for lunch!
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Mar 30, 2014, 9:21 am
Today we are back at the Cultural Village for a live Cultural show to learn about all thing Samoan!
It is very hot in the sun!!
here the taro leaves are being made in to cup shapes, filled with coconut milk, wrapped in another leaf and ready for the fire.
here the skin is being scraped off the taro ready for cooking
the logs have been taken off the fire and the taro is going to be put on the hot rocks to be cooked, this fire pit is called an umu.
these ladies are making tapa cloth, they peel the bark off a bit of branch then scrape it with a stone and put on water, it stretches and gets a lot bigger, then it is laid in the sun to dry
this is the finished tapa cloth, stamped with wooden stamps and painted.
MooseS and I got to share lunch, tuna fish, taro and the taro leaves - which tastes like spinach!
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Mar 30, 2014, 9:22 am
We thought we would try Sue's headband from yesterday!! Maybe a little big!!
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Mar 30, 2014, 9:35 am
Our last morning here so we have been fabric shopping so Sue can make a quilt one day!
back at the Cultural Village waiting for the shuttle to the hotel
There are some nice flowers here Mum.
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Mar 31, 2014, 9:29 am
First two photos someone forgot to put up yesterday!!
very necessary after a hot day Mum!
We are on the plane back to Australia very early Mum, in fact we got to see the sun rise!
way down below us Mum is the island of Fiji, sadly it isn't too clear in the photo
and now Mum the coast near Sydney
and here I am back in Melbourne Mum! Just in time for some rain!!
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Mar 31, 2014, 7:17 pm
That was a wonderful trip! Thanks for sharing!
Big hug,
your mum Emjay
Posted Apr 8, 2014, 9:13 am
Guess what????? Today the other TV's helped me achieve a LIFE MISSION. I was so excited when we found this in the yard behind the shed!!
a trampoline!!!!!
I am ready to have a play and the other TV's are too!!
Yipee!!!
Flying Mum!!!
OOFFFF!!!!!!
We all had a great time Mum!!!
Then as it is a lovely day we had a look around outside,
some naked ladies Mum!
still very dry here Mum
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Apr 8, 2014, 1:53 pm
LOL!!!
It was so much fun to see you fly! I'm happy one of your life missions is fulfilled.
Big hug (also to your hostmum),
Emjay
Posted Apr 11, 2014, 9:24 am
We are back at the beach for the weekend, the weather is not do good but we still had a walk to the beach
of course Tupai still had a swim!!
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Apr 11, 2014, 10:38 am
Back down the beach today, there is a little more sunshine today
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Apr 11, 2014, 10:48 am
It is a bit calmer at the beach today,
Tupai has found an interesting smell to follow
Oh Tupai got a bit close!!!
Happily yours
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Apr 11, 2014, 11:02 am
It is a foggy morning this morning!!
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Apr 11, 2014, 11:21 am
Guess what??
Another foggy morning!!
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Apr 14, 2014, 7:40 am
We are back at the beach for the weekend Mum, the weather looks good so far!
Tupai and I had a look at some candles and lanterns set up for a wedding at the Yacht Club. They will look great tonight!
very relaxing sitting here Mum!!
Guess who is swimming once again Mum!!
Happily yours
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Apr 14, 2014, 7:46 am
Another beautiful day at the beach
We take a great group photo don't we!!
Happily yours
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Apr 14, 2014, 7:53 am
Our last morning walk to the beach for this visit Mum.
a heart shaped sand bar just for you Mum!!
I didn't fall off Mum even thought it looks like I am going to!!!
Happily yours
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Apr 14, 2014, 8:22 am
Would you believe we are back at the beach - this time with a friend of Sue's, the friend is nice but she has a little dog and he thinks we are good for EATING!!!
So we are hiding out in the travel bag!!
We did come out to help prepare dinner
Someone for got to take a photo before we ate, but we all enjoyed having spaghetti!!
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Apr 14, 2014, 8:27 am
Today we are near the city of Geelong to have a look in an antique centre
here we are at the cafe!!
LUNCH!!! YUM!!
The building here is two storied and there is a lot to look at!
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Apr 14, 2014, 8:39 am
We are staying here the night before heading back to Gisborne tomorrow, can you see me???
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Apr 14, 2014, 8:45 am
Today Sue is at a sewing day - MooseS and I have found the snacks and have claimed ours!!!
and lunch looks like it will be good too!!
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Apr 17, 2014, 8:17 am
Today we have helped in the garden cutting back a big rose bush!
GustavHH helped with the saw!
I tried on the gardening gloves but I think they were a little big for me!!
Later at night we had a little snack before Chalon went outside to attempt a Life Mission - which is to sleep in a tree!!!!
We said goodnight - it is a little cold tonight Mum, I hope Chalon is ok.
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Apr 17, 2014, 8:47 am
Well Chalon did really well. he achieved his life mission and slept in the tree!
We went out this morning to see him and had a big chat about what he had done, he heard some noises he hadn't heard before Mum, but he was ok. he got up before us but was a little cold so went back to his bed!
You can see there was a little frost this morning Mum
Later we took Tupai for a walk in the park, these oak trees Mum
and of course guess who had a swim????
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Apr 21, 2014, 3:53 am
HAPPY EASTER!
We went on a Easter egg hunt this morning - we had to find the eggs before Tuapi did!!
We found what looked like a bit of the Easter bunny's tail? What do you think Mum??
Eggs here,
and eggs over here
and here!!!
Look down there!!
Later we took Tupai for a walk in the park, it is a very windy day today so a lot of leaves have blown down
I found a bottle brush flower for you Mum!
and we had to be careful in this part of the park, as the wind was blowing down the acorns - they would hurt of they hit your head Mum!!
Happily yours
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Apr 22, 2014, 2:43 pm
Thanks for showing me the bottle brush flowers! I love them, but never knew their name. Give my regards to hostmum, your TV friends and Tupai.
Hug,
Emjay
Posted May 4, 2014, 3:46 am
Today we went with Sue in to the city to watch the ANZAC Day march, a time when we remember the people who have gone to war especially the soldiers who landed at Gallipoli 99 years ago. No photos of the march because is was very crowded, but we did get a few photos by the city.
St Paul's Cathedral
the Yarra River, in the background is the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) where Aussie Rules football is played, plus cricket of course!
Federation Square has the building for theatre animation.
Yarra River again and city buildings
Polly Woodside an old sailing ship.
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted May 4, 2014, 4:04 am
Today we are visiting a friend of Sue's, we are having a walk and found these paintings on the side of the footpath.
Trying to look over my shoulder at this one Mum!!
On th eway home we found an old horse trough.
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted May 4, 2014, 4:17 am
This afternoon we are closer to the city at St Kilda at a Japanese Restaurant called Wabi Sabi and we are learning origami!
Don't they look good Mum??
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted May 4, 2014, 4:25 am
Is a frosty morning this morning!!
Happily yours
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted May 6, 2014, 3:30 am
Today Sue's husband heard on the radio that it was snowing at Hanging Rock, so we jumped in the car and went to have a look. Sadly when we got there there was only a little rain! Sue was
.
Hanging Rock was where a movie was made many years ago called Picnic at Hanging Rock and you can see from the rock formations people could easily get lost up there. We didn't go up to the rock as there was a Classic Car show on and many many people were there.
We drove back over Mount Macedon
and when we got home took Tupai down the back of the block for a walk and this is what we found
There must be fairies or pixies here somewhere Mum!!
Happily yours
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted May 15, 2014, 5:56 am
Today MooseS got to achieve a mission- that was to visit a toy shop!!
Look what I found Mum!!! Lots of cats!!! Yay!!!
We tried out a skate board!
found some play doh and other things to make
and some Lego
I found a VERY pretty cat in a sparkly bag Mum!! Wow!!
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted May 15, 2014, 6:08 am
Today I also got to meet a real pussy cat!! His name is Pretzel. He has on the cone of shame because he has had an operation and is not allowed to lick at the stitches. He is still wobbly on his feet so was just happy to sit in the sun. I wished him well Mum and hoped he had a speedy recovery.
Happily yours
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted May 15, 2014, 6:11 am
Today was a little sad because Mooses has to go home!
We helped him into his travel box and said goodbye...he is happy to be heading home for a while!
Happily yours
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted May 15, 2014, 6:28 am
We are heading off to the beach this weekend!
Happily yours
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted May 15, 2014, 6:31 am
We are heading off to walk Tupai
today we have parked the car down by the Pier
Hey Mum!! We found a shell tree!!!
Happily yours
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted May 15, 2014, 6:37 am
Still at the beach
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxoox
Posted May 15, 2014, 6:42 am
Today we woke up to find the sea fog had rolled in and everything looked very different.
It isn't cold just foggy!!
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted May 15, 2014, 7:04 am
The WotWots have arrived home so we are off to have a big chat about their travels!
Love and hugs
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted May 22, 2014, 7:27 am
Today we have gone to the Rose Mill Quilt shop in Ballan for a bloggers meet up.
Happily yours
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted May 22, 2014, 7:33 am
Today we said goodbye to GustavHH as he is off on his travels to Canada.
Happily yours
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted Jun 5, 2014, 6:33 am
I've arrived in Singapore safely!
Journey here was good, flying through Alice Springs in the center of Australia...then through the islands of Indonesia...across Java Sea and finally to the island of Singapore.
I peeked out of my travel bag and my new host Gerry greeted me.
I was introduced to two residents in the house.
Wow, she's so beautiful! I'm totally mesmerised by her beauty...
i'm blushing
Amongst the decorations in the kitchen is Kewpie.
Mummy see, not to worry k...
I’m sure I’d feel at home here in Singapore cos. I’m a Lion in Lion City!
Ahh, Singapore's original name ‘Singapura’ means “lion city”.
[The etymology of the English name of Singapore is derived from the Malay word Singapura (literally ‘Lion City’), hence the customary reference to the nation as the Lion City.]
Hope I’d get to see some Lion mates soon…in the zoo of course.
No worries, there’s absolutely no lions roaming around the streets of metropolitan Singapore.
Oh, that would be too scary, even for a tiny Lion like me.
My new host Gerry showed me what The Merlion, the mascot of Singapore looks like on a postcard.
Time for breakfast!
This is a typical Singapore-style breakfast you can find everywhere in Singapore.
Hot local blend coffee, toasted bread with kaya (a type of coconut jam) & butter and half-boiled eggs served with pepper & dark soy sauce.
It's mouth-watering and i'm very hungry too.
First thing after that fulfilling breakfast, i really need a bath.
I haven't have one for a long time.
Host Gerry prepared a warm bubble bath for me.
I climbed in and relax for awhile, soaking up the nice warm water.
Relaxing on a hammock to dry myself!
Posted Jan 9, 2015, 9:22 pm
Posted Jan 30, 2015, 8:32 am
Posted Feb 5, 2015, 10:17 am
But inside, it's spring!
Posted Feb 13, 2015, 3:14 pm
A parcel arrived today. We were all very curious. Who or what could be in it? Finally I opened it with my sharp claws and out stuck... a braid and an arm.
Posted Feb 13, 2015, 3:16 pm
Posted Feb 14, 2015, 10:50 am
Posted Mar 8, 2015, 3:00 pm
Posted Mar 8, 2015, 3:01 pm
Posted Mar 8, 2015, 3:01 pm
Posted Apr 5, 2015, 11:33 am
Have a happy Easter!
Posted Apr 16, 2015, 7:08 pm
Posted May 26, 2015, 10:12 am
Yay! I will be traveling again! I'm part of a TV-swap: I'm leaving for Germany and PieksiHH is coming to Holland.
But before I leave I'm going on a bike tour to the garden center in Pijnacker. Suny joins me.
Posted May 26, 2015, 10:13 am
Posted May 26, 2015, 10:15 am
Posted May 26, 2015, 10:19 am
Posted May 26, 2015, 10:22 am
Posted May 26, 2015, 10:23 am
Posted May 26, 2015, 10:24 am
Posted May 26, 2015, 10:32 am
Bye everyone!
Dutchy
Posted Jun 6, 2015, 9:27 pm
I arrived in Sülfeld and Dicker Kumpel gave me a warm welcome.
Then I met the other TVs here and showed my card and the Disc.
No time for more news – we have to talk a lot. Updates will follow soon.
Love Dutchy
Posted Jun 13, 2015, 6:22 pm
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.
I played with these funny guys.
And this curious frog told me a lot about the neighbourhood.
I loved the color of this flower, it is like mine.
Love
Dutchy
Posted Jun 17, 2015, 9:45 pm
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
Dutchy
Posted Jun 20, 2015, 8:51 pm
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!
The party was over!
Love
Dutchy
Posted Jun 26, 2015, 11:10 pm
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
Dutchy
Posted Jun 28, 2015, 2:19 am
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
Dutchy
Posted Jun 28, 2015, 7:10 pm
Great to see you're in Canada! Aaron sends his regards. He is going on a journey too, in about two weeks time. (Hush! Don't tell him! It's a surprise!) It's not such a far away trip as Canada, but I think he will enjoy it nonetheless!
Have a good time!
Your mum Emjay
Posted Jun 29, 2015, 10:55 pm
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. It’s a Dutch Ship!
Can you see the big fiddle?
Great – I met a relative!
Then we walked through Downtown Sydney with some old houses.
Yours
Dutchy
Posted Jun 29, 2015, 11:08 pm
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 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 Dutchy
Posted Jul 1, 2015, 1:07 am
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
Dutchy
Posted Jul 1, 2015, 10:13 pm
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
Dutchy
Posted Jul 1, 2015, 10:30 pm
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
Dutchy
Posted Jul 4, 2015, 1:29 am
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
Dutchy
Posted Jul 4, 2015, 1:41 am
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.
Dutchy
Posted Jul 5, 2015, 1:26 am
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. And the big one next to me had the best color of the world!
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 Dutchy
Posted Jul 7, 2015, 9:10 pm
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
Dutchy
Posted Jul 8, 2015, 11:30 pm
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! I didn’t get this last photo, but maybe you like it from my good friend Dicker Kumpel.
This was interesting!
Dutchy
Posted Jul 8, 2015, 11:46 pm
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
Dutchy
Posted Jul 9, 2015, 12:18 am
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 Dutchy
Posted Jul 10, 2015, 1:43 am
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 Dutchy
Posted Jul 11, 2015, 10:58 pm
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.
Dutchy
Posted Jul 11, 2015, 11:14 pm
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.
Dutchy
Posted Jul 11, 2015, 11:36 pm
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. This frog took a drive with me.
Then I drove on my own – it was great!
Yours
Dutchy
Posted Aug 18, 2015, 1:47 pm
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.
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Then we found this great place on a tree for all of us!
Love
Dutchy
Posted Aug 18, 2015, 2:25 pm
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!
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Love
Dutchy
Posted Aug 22, 2015, 11:18 pm
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.
Dutchy
Posted Aug 23, 2015, 10:46 pm
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
Dutchy
Posted Aug 23, 2015, 11:31 pm
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.
Love
Dutchy
Posted Sep 6, 2015, 12:09 pm
Surprise – because I was allowed to stay with Dicker Kumpel for a longer time, I will go on a cruise with him.
But before we started our Cruise, we took a walk through Cologne. This was the place of one of the dancers in the carnival time.
This fountains shows a fairy tale – the Heinzelmännchen.
Look, a funny tower – and next to it you see something!
Yes, it was our boat! I am so excited!
I went onto the sun deck – and looked around.
Then we were on our way – first we passed some modern building.
Then I saw the skyline with the Cathedral. It was great!
Yours
Dutchy
Posted Sep 12, 2015, 4:11 pm
We reached Volendam. Many ships were here.
Of course we left the ship – but you can see it behind the small boats.
I liked the quiet part of the old city.
There were many bridges.
We walked around.
This house was beautiful!
Later we took the ferry to Marken.
On the way we saw our ship from the water – and it was very windy outside!
Then we arrived in Marken. In the Past it was on an island, but now they have a connection to the mainland.
We explored Marken and saw many beautiful small houses.
Surely they had a church!
This is the main shopping-street here.
I really loved this place.
Back in Volendam I wanted to have photos with these funny people!
On the ship I found yummy chocolate!
Yours
Dutchy
Posted Sep 14, 2015, 4:34 pm
Funny white people are living on our ship – and some of them come and visit us- maybe they are ghosts? This time it was an elephant.
Today we spent some day on the water – this was interesting!
We saw some big ships!
But we could see nature…
…and small towns.
The weather wasn’t as bad as it looked like on this photo.
We arrived in Rotterdam and took a sightseeing-tour on our ship.
There were high buildings and tall bridges.
It was a nice day!
Dutchy
Posted Sep 19, 2015, 3:56 pm
We drove to Gent – I really liked this church.
There were beautiful building on a big place.
We went to the river – the look backwards war nice.
Then we were on the bridge – what a great view!
We went to the river and saw the houses even better.
Look – we found a wonderful fortress – in the middle of the city!
There were town canals in Belgium, too.
We found this monument on another place.
And this building was funny – two roofs, but no walls.
Yours
Dutchy
Posted Oct 14, 2015, 10:59 am
This morning we arrived on the last stop of our trip. Nijmegen is a small place in the Netherlands – near to Germany.
I watched our arrival.
Of course they had beautiful houses here, too.
What a nice view over the river.
THere was a small chapel on the mountain.
Surely we went into it.
It belonged to a big fortress in the past, but there is not much of it today.
There was only the chapel and this ruin left.
I saw a modern house - the Stadhuis.
But then we found nice old buildings.
The big place was nice – and the church had a funny tower.
And I liked this house.
This girl is famous in the town – but I forgot her story.
We went into the church – with a nice organ.
Then we went back to the ship. In the cabin we spent a great afternoon with this funny guy. He read something for us – and we talked about our adventures.
It was a nice cruise and I saw a lot of great places.
Love
Dutchy
Posted Oct 14, 2015, 3:34 pm
We went into the Zoo of Hamburg today – and look, there was a small elephant.
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.
Then we met my relatives – it was great!
Hello friends, here I am, your cousin Dutchy!
Time for Zebras.
Back in the quiet part of the Zoo.
It was a nice day!
Dutchy
Posted Oct 15, 2015, 10:44 am
What a great pictures again, Dutchy! And nice to see some pictures of our home country! I visited Zaandam and Nijmegen a long time ago, when I was a little girl. Nice to see it again, through your eyes.
Say a big thank you to your hostmum.
I see you soon!
Emjay
Posted Oct 15, 2015, 8:14 pm
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
Dutchy
Posted Oct 24, 2015, 10:33 pm
Time for party!!!! It was Kleine Fee’s birthday!
We had yummy food.
I had a Coke…
…and spaghetti – I chose the yellow ones.
It was a nice and colourful party!
Yours Dutchy
Posted Nov 9, 2015, 1:51 pm
It was time for me to continue my trip, but before I jumped into my envelope I played in Dicker Kumpel’s cellar. Maybe horses lived here in the past?
I played this horn - it was so loud!
I tried to call you and tell you that I am on my way home, but I didn’t reach you!
It was time to say good-bye to Dicker Kumpel, we had a nice time together.
Love
Dutchy
Posted Jan 12, 2016, 9:36 am
Now I will stay at home for a while. But if you like to invite me... you're welcome!
yours, Dutchy the Lion
Posted Oct 8, 2016, 5:10 pm
I just wanted to tell you that I’ve arrived safe and sound at Saarbrücken.
The first thing I heard was some strange noise – something like a gentle neighing and whispering. Then my travelope was opened and a friendly little face smiled at me. So I got to know Henni, a small turtle.
When I crawled out of my travelope, two more kindly looking horse-faces gave me a warm welcome. They are Hotte and Hanne, Hansi’s brother and sister! I met Hansi once in Singapore, do you remember that mommy? I gave them my presents and host mom and dad gave me something to eat and drink – a little lion always needs a good meal!
Then I checked out my new place – I think it’s gonna be a lovely time here
!
Love, Dutchy
Posted Oct 8, 2016, 5:16 pm
sorry for my late message. Host mom had a lot to do with her computer, so it wasn’t possible for me to write!
However I’m fine and we went on a hike today. Here on the Swabian Alb there is such a wonderful nature and there are a lot of hiking trails. They are called “Traufgänge” and are famous for their spectacular views over the Alb. We decided to hike the “Wacholderhöhe”, a trail with lovely rock formations and great views!
What a lovely but freeeezing day!
Yours, Dutchy
Posted Oct 8, 2016, 5:20 pm
time for school today! It is a quite cool day today, so going out was far too cold!
Host mom is a teacher and she took me to her school! There were a lot of interesting things to see. Did you know that sharks’ teeth are that sharp? I was a little bit scared, so host mom saved me…
When I was listening into the big conch, I could nearly hear the ocean and the waves! I need to see the ocean again very soon ;-)!
Host mom also showed me a big cat’s skull – I think it was a lynx’ skull – and that means that my skull pretty looks the same… Hm, that’s interesting! But also a bit creepy…
Looking into a microscope was a new experience as well! It’s a completely small world in there – really fascinating!
Host mom also told me that we all have DNA within our cells, and it looks like a helix. I looked at a model, but our real DNA is much smaller, host mom said.
What a day!
Love, Dutchy
Posted Oct 9, 2016, 4:58 pm
today we had a quite nice day, although it was veery cold - again! I don't like this cool weather, I can already feel winter coming...
I had a quick look at our last flowers in the garden and then got back to my wonderful warm bed! This is my favorite place these days
!
Love you! Dutchy
Posted Oct 9, 2016, 5:03 pm
we had a wonderful walk in the forest today! I don't think that there are any explanations needed - just look at my wonderful pictures! Aris, the dog, and I had an awesome time together!
Love, Dutchy
Posted Oct 27, 2016, 8:21 am
Watch me, today I'm a happy, little Dutchy Lion in big business, because I went to the office with host dad. There, I was allowed to support host dad in a lot of very important office actions. First I had to organize a lot of meetings and call a lot of persons with my new headset. Moreover I created some Excel calculations and business reports and sent it to the big bosses. Then I was sooooo tired and, after drinking a cup of coffee, I had to relax a little bit in the nice green chill out area. All in all, it was a very exciting and hard day, and now I enjoy the evening with host dad in Saarbrücken.
Greeets Dutchy