BlackCat Posted Apr 3, 2014, 4:11 pm |
Hey,
today my mum BlackCat won me together with her best friend on a carnival and they decided to send me out to travel around the world. I am excited. Love, Crabs |
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BlackCat Posted Apr 3, 2014, 4:17 pm |
Hey,
we stayed at mums best friends house and had a walk with her in her town. It's a really small town, but we loved having a walk there. What do you think? Love, Crabs |
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BlackCat Posted Apr 3, 2014, 4:21 pm |
Hey,
back in Essen a small package was waiting for us. Mum said that maybe Suny arrived. And she was right. We welcomed her. Love, Crabs |
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BlackCat Posted Apr 3, 2014, 4:26 pm |
Hello,
today GiGi Giraffe arrived. So excited. We welcomed her warm as well and talked about her travels so far. Love, Crabs |
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BlackCat Posted Apr 3, 2014, 4:30 pm |
Hey,
today we joined mum for computer class, which was quite fun. Love, Crabs |
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BlackCat Posted Apr 3, 2014, 4:48 pm |
Hey,
today we joined mum on her walk to the bus stop from school. First we saw the 'Weststadthalle' which is also home of a music school and a youth centre. Then we turned to take a photo with her school. The Colloseum Theater is the place for musicals in Essen, mum loves it. You probably know Ikea, right? The big shopping centre is called Limbecker Platz and is maybe 4 years old. The big tower is from University, the offices are in there. We saw an advertising for Rio 2 and then the University itself, with all the building stuff going on in front of it. Love, Crabs |
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BlackCat Posted Jan 14, 2015, 11:30 pm |
Hey,
today I got all packed up for my next travel. GiGi will travel with me and I am all excited for it. Hope to arrive soon and safe in CHINA ! Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Jan 21, 2015, 5:31 am |
Hey mum,
How are you? I arrived safely in Beijing with GiGi! Remember the sweets you sent with us? ummmmm..we really can't help ourselves..and umm..actually...um..we tasted a little bit on the way. That's a secret between me and GiGi but I think it's okay to let you know. Oh the welcome party! Pinocchio, he really scared me. But I have a feeling that we'll become good friends, the kind of friends can share secrets with each other. Gretel is so adorable, GiGi just told me Gretel's brother Hansel's left to travel himself. We both think we'll meet him somewhere in the future. Little Lar Hylu..umm..or Lar Hylo...he took a group photo for us, he also said another voyager Dolly will come back soon, she is from the US. I'm so excited, she'll become my first sheep friend! Love, Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Jan 23, 2015, 3:37 pm |
Hey mum,
Today I had a really good time with GiGi and Dolly. Dolly is a little bigger than I thought but still lovely. We were wandering at a small park. Oh yes Mia gave each of them a scarf but you know I have no neck and I'm so afraid of cold, I can hardly move if it's too cold, thanks Mia found a nice suit for me. Aha, the same color as our flag mum, I feel like I'm a hermit crab again. And I just found a pine tree with a lot of cones! But when I was going to collect some on the grass I heard GiGi and we finally saw the beautiful sunset. Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Jan 24, 2015, 2:26 am |
Hey mum,
There are so many lovely pine trees here, not too big not too small just the right size for being Christmas tree, look at this one! Maybe I could bring one to you, we can decorate it together before next Christmas. Wow, here is a bamboo, no a bamboo forest! Look at the sun, it looks like an orange! I love orange, it makes me feel warm. Ummm..this bamboo is a bit wired. HELP! What are you doing GiGi? Ahaaaa! Wait let me help you. Soo..so..so...sorry, I think I I..I can't move....I..I'm going to pass out..... Just like that, I woke up on a bench. How about playing hide and seek on the grass! Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Jan 24, 2015, 4:15 pm |
Hey mum,
Dolly said something to us on the grass, ummmm...something about do not try to climb any trees, especially be careful with bamboos, we can't be good at climbing as Lar Hylo. I admit that point, Lar Hylo has such long arms. I believe he can swing easily in bamboo forest! Yes it was game time! It was not hard for me to find GiGi when we play hide and seek. We tried to be the one who found Dolly first! And we climbed a pine tree, of course after Dolly's permission. It was a nice pine tree, a little bit big for being a Christmas tree though. Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Jan 24, 2015, 4:23 pm |
Hey mum,
GiGi suggested to upload this photo on our travelog. It was a photo when we were having fun on a pine tree. Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Jan 25, 2015, 2:56 am |
Hey mum,
Today I went for a subway trip, there is a subway station close to Mia's home, maybe just take 8 minutes by walk. I know you've been here in 2009, I bet you haven't took subway line 6. It was built in 2012. I will show you the new map of Beijing subway later. Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Jan 25, 2015, 3:05 am |
Hey mum,
Here is the map of Beijing subway currently. It did change a lot in the past 5 years, didn't it? Even Mia can't remember what does the old map look like. I heard they are building the southern airport right now, might be bigger than the Capital International Airport! I think the map will be renewed soon. Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Jan 25, 2015, 2:20 pm |
Hey mum,
It's me your sweet Crabs. We are going to join a pub quiz! How amazing! The place is located on the Gulou east street. Look here we are passing through the Gulou building, which is also called the Drum Tower in English. Have you ever been here before? I can also see the Bell Tower behind it. There are so many small stores on this street, most of them are restaurants. But we don't have time to taste local snacks, we need to be quick to get to the bar. Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Jan 26, 2015, 7:01 am |
Hey mum,
We are invited to join the pub quiz on Jan 24! Oh don't worry, I'm pretty sure I can find the way to get there, and there is a map on the ticket. Dolly will also come with us, she has been there before. Can't wait to go! Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Jan 26, 2015, 1:04 pm |
Hey mum,
We finally made it to the bar. The name of the bar is Temple Bar, Dolly told me it is from the Temple of Heaven. She saw the logo on the pub quiz ticket. There is also a huge logo above the bar counter but the photo we took is a bit bright, it's not that clear. We were in team 4, haha our team name is 'Dolly the Destroyer'! Super cool! Our team mates love Dolly so much, all of them wanted to take a photo with her. Yes mum, did you see the table? They look so unique, and Mia said they are old gates. Wow..maybe we can make a new table together after I go back home. We ate a lot of chips and we also built a chips tower by chopsticks! I really wanted to help but I can't hold chopsticks with my pincers. They also use chopsticks passing a small orange ping pang ball, it was more difficult than building chips tower because they can only use left hands! Aha, a teacher called Max invited Mia to join their group, and he said they have more chips, haha Mia just took us moving to their table, took some pictures and then she went back to 'Dolly the Destroyer'. We were the third in the end, the scores are so close and we did have a lot of fun! Look at Dolly and our answer sheet! Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Jan 27, 2015, 3:51 am |
Hey mum,
Here is another photo we took at pub quiz night. The girl who was holding us in the photo is a teacher, she is from England. She was the one who thought out our team name 'Dolly the Destroyer', very creative right? Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Jan 27, 2015, 1:02 pm |
Hey mum,
In the morning GiGi told me our friend Arn joined our toy voyagers' big family. He started to write his own travelog. We were trying to find him to give him a big hug, he was taking a nap on the balcony. Here is a group photo we took together. Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Jan 27, 2015, 1:27 pm |
Hey mum,
Today we were going to sit on the balcony and learn some new words. Arn picked a book for us from the shelf. It was a hard cover dictionary with 5 different languages. They are English, French, German, Japanese and Chinese. The point is there are so many interesting pictures in it. We started at the word of family. Arn was really interested in the football page, and then we turned to the page of swimming, I'm the only one who can swim so I gave a short speech to tell some tips about swimming. It seems that GiGi likes the space page very much, she said she'll collect more info about planets and stars online. We finally got to the page of animals, we found giraffe and tiger together but there is no Crab. I can't belive they don't have crab in dictionary! I decided to start over to read it again and find the crab by myself. Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Jan 29, 2015, 12:21 am |
Hey mum,
We went out for a walk after a late lunch. Believe me, we've never eaten a single lunch on time since the beginning of Mia's winter holiday. On the pics below you can see an office building which is quite tall, if you get off the Wanshou Lu subway station via exit C, you'll definitely see it. And then the crossroads between Wanshou Lu and Fuxing Lu. Fuxing Lu is the west part of Changan Ave, means if you drive through Fuxing Lu to the east, you will see Fuxingmen,Xidan and then the Tiananmen Square. Wish I could visit there. Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Jan 29, 2015, 3:56 pm |
Hey mum,
I HELD A SWORD TODAY! Actually I put it on my back. It is indeed a heavy sword but it's not a big deal for me. The sword belongs to a pretty lion, ummmm...he is soooooo colorful. I could say he is one of the most beautiful creatures I've ever seen. Do you know lion dance? The lions are absolutely stunning, aren't they? Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Jan 29, 2015, 11:37 pm |
Hey mum,
Today we said goodbye to Arn Wes Wilde and Gretel. I will miss them! Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Jan 31, 2015, 11:46 am |
Hey mum,
Today we went to a building which was mentioned in a magazine! It is an architecture magazine. And the building was introduced as a renovation project located along the extension line of West Changan Ave. The article said: It is a reconstruction of a nine-story office building with a frame structure built in the early 1990s. The project improved the building's functionality, interior space and appearance while retaining the original structure, function and facilities. ahaha..I love the sky, it was far too blue! Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 1, 2015, 12:21 pm |
Hey mum,
Mia told us we are going to visit Badachu Park in the morning! It is a historic buddhist site located on the western mountain of Beijing. So we packed some stuff with us then arrived at the bus stop, I just can't wait to get there! Oh yes a new friend will come with us, his name is Simão III, an orangutan. Ummmm..let me check how many stops in total first. Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 1, 2015, 12:29 pm |
Hey mum,
We finally made it to the gate of Badachu Park. I was just going to run through the big red gate, GiGi suggested to take a few minutes rest before we get in there. Haha we found a comfy place beside the lion, I was so surprised to see a baby lion under her paw. Did you see it? Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 1, 2015, 2:17 pm |
Here is a huge statue of a smiling man. Mia said he's Maitreya Buddha, he looks really happy, I wish I can be happy like him everyday. When we passed through the Golden-fish Pond I found that the lake is frozen, it must be more beautiful here in spring. And then we came to a long bridge. I saw some gaint footprints on the bridge. | ||
goomymia Posted Feb 2, 2015, 1:19 am |
Hey mum,
Did you see the tower in first picture? It is a Relic Stupa, which holds Buddha's relic. The picture is not that clear, I will come closer to have a look at the tower. And the second picture we took on the long bridge we just passed through. I noticed there were so many white spots down there then I relized they are all sheeps! Ok or goats. You know sheep year is comming, so there are so many decorations about sheep in the park. The last pic is a big Chinese character 'Chun', which means spring. Haha I can't wait the Spring Festival! Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 2, 2015, 8:24 am |
Wow this pavilion is gorgeous!
Look at those magnificent art works! |
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goomymia Posted Feb 2, 2015, 9:12 am |
Hey mum,
Here we arrived at the hall of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva,ummmm..honestly I have no idea who he is, I need to google it when I come back home, no no we can't use google in China, so maybe yahoo it. Let's see. Aha, the old man in the third picture is the god of longevity, he always celebrates people's birthdays. I bet he loves eating peach, you see he is holding a big one. I'm quite curious about the animals on the roof, I've seen them many times, will figure out who they are then. Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 3, 2015, 7:06 am |
Hey mum,
We're still at Badachu Park. This time I saw very vivid relief, kind of sculpture, fantastic art! They describe the 24 filial piety stories which are part of traditional culture in China. Some of the stories are really impressive. I love you mum. Yours Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 3, 2015, 2:18 pm |
Hey mum,
I was in front of the hall of god of wealth in the first picture, a lady was praying inside. We were just going to leave. GiGi told us she saw a fish tail upon the red wall. All of us were very curious to take a look at it, after we passed through a gate, we saw a giant stone creature coiled around a tree, a really unique creature I'm sure I hadn't seen it before. Dolly said it is a Chinese dragon. Wow it looks so different from the dragon I know. It looks more like a big head snake with claws, moreover it also has a fish tail. How strange... Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 3, 2015, 3:19 pm |
Hooooray! We are much closer to the Relic Stupa!
Wait, let me check these two lions first. Do you know which is female lion? |
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goomymia Posted Feb 4, 2015, 12:31 am |
Now we arrived at a family hall for worshipping Buddha.
The sign on the wall indicates that we can't go inside without invitation. Never mind, here we got many ice-sugar gourds. They are a kind of snack made of fruits like hawthorns, sometimes even strawberries. |
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goomymia Posted Feb 4, 2015, 12:52 am |
Hey mum,
We finally got to the Relic Stupa! It's actually a tower which holds Buddha's teeth. Ummmm...believe me it sounds much better than fingers. It's...cough cough...sorry...it's cough...too much smog. Let's get out of here. Cough... Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 4, 2015, 1:52 am |
Hey mum,
I'm on my way to the top of the mountain. The Relic Stupa is just turning to be a little wee thing behind us. You see these goats, they are everywhere around the park. Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 4, 2015, 2:06 am |
Here we come to the Great Mercy Temple of Badachu Park.
That is a sculpture of one of the god, he is holding a pipa but still a bit scary. |
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goomymia Posted Feb 4, 2015, 2:28 am |
The color for today is BLUE! Brilliant! | ||
goomymia Posted Feb 4, 2015, 2:38 am |
Hey mum,
As we are all so tired, we decided to take a break at tea house. I can hardly move my claw, wait for me, Dolly GiGi you are too fast! And then I saw a big black dog, a very nice dog haha. Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 4, 2015, 3:01 am |
We also met a little lovely girl. | ||
goomymia Posted Feb 4, 2015, 3:24 am |
On the way down the hill we saw a beautiful sculpture of another god.
And a big Chinese character 'Fu' which means blessing. Wow can we buy some oranges? |
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goomymia Posted Feb 4, 2015, 3:40 am |
Hey mum,
Today I went to a local shopping mall with GiGi and Dolly. Still has some decorations for New Year there and I saw a small exhibition in the hall. Look at that stone. It is as orange as me! Cute! Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 4, 2015, 9:24 am |
After the short visit in shopping mall, we took a stroll along Changan Ave. | ||
goomymia Posted Feb 4, 2015, 4:24 pm |
Wow, these four fishes are just so lovely!
I want to jump into the water to swim with them. |
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goomymia Posted Feb 4, 2015, 4:29 pm |
I also found this little thing, he is really small and a little bit shy.
Mia told me her mum is a big turtle fan and a voyager Slowly-Slowly is coming from Holand. I can't wait to meet him! |
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goomymia Posted Feb 5, 2015, 12:33 am |
Our breakfast:
Local dessert, yogurt, an orange, chips and tremella lotus wolfberry soup! |
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goomymia Posted Feb 5, 2015, 9:21 am |
Hey mum,
Today Mia took me and GiGi to a language school. The class was literally so boring...we almost fell asleep. When I was about to have fun with GiGi, Mia reminded us to keep quiet. I CAN'T TAKE THIS ANYMORE! At the moment I was just going to break down, the class was over. Yay! Jenga time! Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 5, 2015, 1:31 pm |
Hey mum,
We just came back home from the language school. Simão III was being utterly excited and he said we got a package. It seems heavy, we can't wait to open it. We saw a tail came out frist, someone inside said something sounds like sorry... and then a pair of big ears came out. After 10 minutes, Eliott showed up! He is super adorable and very polite. We will definitely have so much fun together! Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 6, 2015, 12:18 am |
Here we came to a local university.
The campus was a bit empty because of the holiday. |
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goomymia Posted Feb 6, 2015, 12:36 am |
Aha, this one hasn't been finished yet. Let me have a look..
..ummm..I guess it's gonna be a dorm building. You see those balconies up there? |
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goomymia Posted Feb 10, 2015, 1:54 am |
I was told a voyager would come visit us before Spring Festival and we can celebrate together.
Here he arrived today! His name is MooseS from Finland. He said Finland's already turned to be a white world just like the picture in postcard. I'm so looking forward to a snow in Beijing.... |
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goomymia Posted Feb 10, 2015, 12:36 pm |
Wow those bicycles are....ummmm...seriously I can't ride bicycle with my crab claws.
I know it's sports time but...how about swimming? Let's go to the swimming pool! |
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goomymia Posted Feb 10, 2015, 12:54 pm |
Hey mum,
I finally agreed to ride bicycle, I mean I had to because Mia was going to show us a kind of snack. So we came to a shopping mall. The name of this kind of snack is Takoyaki. Haha I knew it originally from Japan, like Amigurami...ummm..or Amigurumi. By the way Mia is learning how to crochet, I can see it's a bit hard for her. Takoyaki time! Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 11, 2015, 5:08 am |
A voyager from Germany arrived today!
His name is Anton, a lovely little bear. |
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goomymia Posted Feb 15, 2015, 10:33 am |
Hey mum,
We were about to explore Tiananmen today. Checking the map carefully I found there is a stop named Tianmen West station on line 1. With no doubt, we got to that station in about 18 mins. I walked through exit C and there was an entrance to the National Center for the Performing Arts! A short visit would be nice. Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 15, 2015, 10:37 am |
Hey mum,
Here I got to the hall of NCPA which is National Center for the Performing Arts. It's such a long name I even can't type them all into the 'Place'. Right, I prefer to call it National Theater. Mia told us we are about to meet Amy who will join us for today. But 20 mins' ve passsed, we still haven't seen her yet. We found a place to have a seat and play some games to kill time. Honesly it was quite boring. So we finally decided to take a look at the National Theater. Haha Dolly calls it the Egg. I can't understand before but after the short visit I know what does she mean. The Nationl Theater is indeed a giant egg. We moved to the east of the Egg and found that there is no different between each sides, any direction we take photos the building would looks like the same egg. Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 15, 2015, 10:42 am |
Hey mum,
The photo below is us sitting in front of the Great Hall of the People. I've heard we can always see that building on CCTV News 7:00pm every day night. It's a place where holds important meetings inside. All the leaders from other countries like Argentina, America, France...of course Germany, they would come here if they visit China. Our Chancellor Angela Merkel came here on July7 last year. Haha here we come! Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 15, 2015, 11:32 pm |
Hey mum,
The traditional architecture below is a gate called Zhengyangmen, men is gate in chinese. It used to be a gate in Beijing's historic city wall and was built in 1419 during the Ming Dynasty. We will move closer to have a look at it later. The building which looks like a box in the second photo is Chairman Mao Memorial Hall. Mia said it used to be a gate of the Forbidden City at that location long times ago. Let us keep moving... Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 15, 2015, 11:35 pm |
Hey mum,
After a long path underground we finally arrived at the Tiananmen Square. You see the Zhengyangmen over there? If we walk through that gate to south we will be on the Qianmen Street which is a quite famous commercial street in history, it still is right now. And then are the monument to the people's heroes and Tiananmen building. The last photo is National Museum. Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 15, 2015, 11:37 pm |
Hey mum,
Something isn't going that well today. We were about to visit the National Museum but when we got to the entrance of the museum, our companion Amy suddenly realized that she forgot her ID at home. Ummmmm...that's not good news. The guard won't let us get inside without ID card. So we can just change the former plan. At least we captured these dragon heads. Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 15, 2015, 11:43 pm |
Hey mum,
Our next stop is the Tiananmen tower. It took us a while to cross the Changan Ave, sure we walked through the underpass again and we needed to wait in line to pass the security check. But it's worth waiting after all. Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 15, 2015, 11:45 pm |
Hey mum,
We can't visit the National Museum today, so we decided to go for a walk outside the Forbidden City and have a look at a corner tower. The first photo is the National Theater, do you think it looks like a giant metal egg? Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 15, 2015, 11:48 pm |
Hey mum,
Walked through Changan Ave and then turned right to the Beichangjie (jie means street in Chinese) we saw this gorgeous building at the east side of the street! The tablet on the wall indicates that this is a very valuable historic site. Unfortunately we can't visit inside, it's not open to the public. Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 15, 2015, 11:50 pm |
Hey mum,
I took the photo below when I was waiting for the traffic lights. The white tower behind me is White Dagoba on Qionghua Island in Beihai Park. It's a buddhist building which was built to honour the visit of the 5th Dalai Lama in 1651. Maybe I could move closer to have a look at it next time. Now we have to keep moving. Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 15, 2015, 11:55 pm |
Hey mum,
We finally made it to the corner tower! Mia said it is the northwest corner tower of the Forbidden City. There are four of them in total. I took a photo with GiGi, haha we love that photo. Here are some info I found online:
Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 15, 2015, 11:59 pm |
Hey mum,
After the corner tower we went to the northern gate of the Forbidden City. There is a hill nearby the gate. If we get to the top of the hill, the official name is Jingshan Park, we could have a birds' eye view to see further of inner Beijing. But we were going to catch a bus to get to the Gulou, so we could climb that hill next time. Some info about the Gate of Divine Might:
Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 16, 2015, 12:01 am |
Hey mum,
We took a very quick snapshot with a lovely newsstand before we got on the bus. There were an awful lot of passengers on bus No. 5. Seriously I can hardly breath! Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 16, 2015, 12:10 am |
Hey mum,
Walked along Gulou west street and then turned left, I found myself in a Hutong area. The red sign on the wall indicates here is Dashibei Hutong, there is a Xiaoshibei Hutong nearby. These two hutongs used to be a whole one called Shibei Hutong and they were separated at the beginning of 1900s. The longer one's turned to be Dashibei Hutong since then. Ummmm...interesting Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 16, 2015, 12:15 am |
Hey mum,
Here we arrived at Shichahai area. Hai is the sea in Chinese, but it is actually a big lake consisting of three lakes to the north of the Forbidden City, another historic site on the top of must visit in Beijing list. Mia said she usually go skating here in winter when the lake is frozen. It would be a lot of fun! I heard my heart break when I saw the lake. It's not frozen yet or it started unfreezing. Ok it's true that the winter here is quite warm. You see today is up to 12c, spring is coming! It means green, bees and tons and tons of flowers. I can actually take more colorful photos, you know winter is a bit pale. The second photo is me on Yinding Bridge. It's almost 6:00 pm, the sun is in a rush to go home, it's time for us to go home too. Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 16, 2015, 11:55 pm |
Happy birthday Eliott! | ||
goomymia Posted Feb 17, 2015, 12:05 am |
We ordered a bowl of soup for starter. | ||
goomymia Posted Feb 19, 2015, 4:31 am |
Hey mum,
I'm at Simão IV's home. He invited me to visit him during the Chinese Lunar New Year! Haha me and GiGi were riding a pottery horse. It was funny. Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 19, 2015, 11:15 am |
Wow...Simão's grand is preparing for New Year's eve feast.
I think I can help her chop these carrots. |
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goomymia Posted Feb 20, 2015, 5:50 am |
It was almost 8:00pm.
We watched the Spring Festival Gala on telly together. |
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goomymia Posted Feb 22, 2015, 3:36 am |
Hey mum,
I saw very gorgeous fireworks tonight. But it was not easy to capture the most beautiful moments. Hope these photos are not too bad... I forgot to put on my shell..I think I'm going to p a ss ou. t... Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 22, 2015, 3:45 am |
Hey mum,
Simão IV's grand woke me up this morning..She said they were about to make dumplings! Honestly I really hope I could get more sleep but making dumpling sounds interesting. Then I got up as fast as I can...ummm...it's still a bit dark outside. ... I'm only half awake...I should..yawn... Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 22, 2015, 3:48 am |
What's wrong MooseS? Wow! | ||
goomymia Posted Feb 22, 2015, 4:00 am |
Dear mum,
I looked outside through the window this morning. It was snowing! I was really excited and can't wait to play snow fight! Wow, that's the building where I'm staying at right now, it's higher than I thought. Umm...this slide seems nice. We played a couple of rounds on slide then we moved to a seesaw. Eliott decided to sit in the middle to balance the seesaw. Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 22, 2015, 4:01 am |
Look at this blue car we found! | ||
goomymia Posted Feb 22, 2015, 4:18 am |
Dear mum,
I climbed on a tree and discovered a perfect place to play snow fight. When I reached the ground, I just can't help myself making snow angels! The snow was really soft It was so much fun! Look the snowbear we built, it's actually a portrait statue of Anton Bär. Very lovely, isn't it? Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 22, 2015, 4:26 am |
Hey mum,
I even made a white snow hat for Dancing Dolly. Frankly I made a snow ball and threw it right on her head and said 'look Dolly, I made a snow hat for you.' Then the snow fight started... Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 22, 2015, 4:31 am |
What about taking a group photo for this wonderful day?
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goomymia Posted Feb 28, 2015, 3:21 am |
Hey mum,
I'm still at Simão's home, I saw very beautiful flowers today. Look at how gorgeous they are! Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 28, 2015, 3:24 am |
We were looking for the interesting book to read.
I saw a lot of comic books such as Tintin, Simão must loves comics very much. |
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goomymia Posted Feb 28, 2015, 3:32 am |
Hey mum,
So sad this is my last day at Simão IV's home, we are going to leave after lunch. So we decided to do some morning reading. Dancing Dolly found a book about America on shelf. The title of the book is 'Greetings from the 50 States, How They Got Their Names.' So lovely! It's about Dolly's homeland and we also found her home state: South Carolina on the map. Wow...Maine the Pine Tree State, you know how much I love pine trees. Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 28, 2015, 3:49 am |
Hey mum,
Here I came to a street named Yandaixiejie, we found an unique Postoffice. It has a real mail box and a statue of a boy in Qing Dynasty at the entrance. It looks like a historic site, I will go inside to take a look. Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Feb 28, 2015, 3:51 am |
Hey mum,
Here I got to the postoffice which is called Daqing Postoffice. It's actually a retro site looks like the postoffice more than 100 years ago. I saw some unique stamp marks people used to use before in Qing Dynasty. I heard we are about to go visit a secret voyager and spend Chinese New Year together. That will be a lot of fun! Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Mar 1, 2015, 2:19 pm |
Hey mum,
Today I said goodbye to Dolly and GiGi. We had a farewell meal at a restaurant. We ordered 'Tofu with Preserved Eggs', Mia loves that dish so much, every time we went to a restaurant together, she would definitely have one if they serve it. We also ordered 'Beijing Noodles with Soybean Paste'. Humm..very tasty. I guess you've tried it when you visited Beijing, haven't you? Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Mar 1, 2015, 2:23 pm |
Safe trip my friends Dancing Dolly and GiGi Giraffe. | ||
goomymia Posted Mar 2, 2015, 1:54 am |
Hey mum,
Today is a very nice day, we decided to visit a very famous temple located in western mountains. I passed through a tunnel on the way to the mountains. Here we arrived! Umm..let me check the site map first.. Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Mar 5, 2015, 1:35 am |
Hey mum,
Tanzhe Temple was built in 307 AD over 1,700 years ago. People said this temple is older than Beijing city, so intersting. I also saw some typical Buddhist stuff...monks like golden color I reckon. Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Mar 5, 2015, 1:43 am |
Hey mum,
Walking to the north, we arrived at the Mahavira Hall. I do know something about Buddhist temple, remember Mia took me to Badachu last month. But I bet you can hardly find a Buddhist temple like this in my hometown, Germany. It seems that every temple has a Mahavira Hall, at least the temples I visited. Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Mar 5, 2015, 1:47 am |
Hey mum,
The photo below is the Relic Stupa of Huayan. Huayan founded Tanzhe Temple thousands years ago. There is a legend about him. Once upon a time, Huanyan was riding a dragon traveling around the world. One day, he found a prefect place in mountains to build a monastery. But he also saw 9 dragons were living there who seemed in charge of this beautiful area. Dragons are well known as their bad tempers. Huayan saw a black dragon producing water and having fun himself in a deep lake. He spent some time observing the black dragon and saw him transformed to a beauty tricked villagers who came begging for rain. By the way it was so dry as a deserted place down there not far from those dragons. Huayan can't stand this anymore, he tried to negotiate with the black dragon but failed. Ummm...then came the fight. Yes Huayan beat the black dragon. The black dragon promised to make it rain and safe the village, he even turned to be the decoration on the roof of Mahavira Hall after the project completion. Well dragons are dragons, how boring it would be to merely stay on the roof. The black dragon planed to escape at a thundery night. Unfortunately he was caught by Kangxi Emperor who was just about to visit the temple. The Emperor gave order to add an extra structure on the roof of Mahavira Hall to chain the dragon. Oh poor guy, I just saw him on the roof! I should have talked to him to comfort him. Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Mar 5, 2015, 1:58 am |
Hey mum,
Did you notice that? Magnolias are ready to bloom. Spring is coming! And we welcomed a new voyager today, haha actually he was just appeared in car on the way when we came here. He's name is Slowly-Slowly from our neighbor Holland! The last pic is a dragon I found today. I reckon this kind of decoration shows that Emperors always came here long time ago. You should come here if you visit China next time mum! Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Mar 5, 2015, 2:03 am |
Left the Tanzhe Temple we decided to go hiking in the mountains.
I admit I'm a bit slow, but can you imagine that? Slowly is much slower than me ...haha no need to worry now! |
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goomymia Posted Mar 5, 2015, 2:15 am |
Hey mum,
Guess what? I met a new friend Cherry Lola. She travelled long way from America. And Rocky Raccoon arrived today! He is a handsome raccoon from Italy..Umm..wait he is from Switzerland and just traveled in Italy. I've heard I'm about to keep traveling. Where is my next stop mum? I'm really excited about that! Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Mar 8, 2015, 8:28 am |
Hey mum,
Here are some photos I took on Qianmen Street. Remember last time I went to Tiananmen Square? It's not far from Qianmen. People come here to buy souvenirs, clothes, jewelry. On this street you can find most of Beijing food you've heard. Like Beijing Duck, Beijing Noodles...and all kinds of snacks! And I'm so happy to see Simão IV today! We had such a good time together on Chinese New Year. Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Mar 8, 2015, 8:49 am |
This is a group photo we took in front of the Daoxiangcun shop a few days ago.
Aha, can't believe I'm going to Switzerland! Some more photos will be uploaded when I'm on the road, Mia will help me. Now I just need to take a long nap, then I will find myself at my next host's home. I will miss you guys Eliott Anton Bär MooseS Simão IV Rocky Raccoon Cherry Lola Slowly-Slowly and my host Mia. |
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goomymia Posted Mar 11, 2015, 5:21 am |
Hey mum,
I took these pictures at Fuxingmen, men means Gate. But I can't see any gate around there, it was removed already. On the third picture you can see the buildings of Beijing Financial Street. Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Mar 11, 2015, 1:53 pm |
Hey mum,
Today we rode bicycle along the Changan Ave. There are some important architectures on this avenue. 1. CCTV building, the Spring Festival Gala was held in there. 2. Military Museum 3. The Capital Museum ....Fuxingmen............ 4. The People's Bank of China, they print RMB 5. A building about telephone 6. Industrial & Commercial Bank of China 7. Another bank 8. Xidan, a shopping area 9. Beijing Books Building, Mia always went there with friends and she can stay there all day when she was a little girl. 10. A building about telegram 11. Zhongnanhai, the President of China lives there. 12. Just passed by the Tiananmen Square 13. Wangfujing, another shopping area. Our route was from west to east about 8km in total. If you take subway line 1, it starts at Military Museum Station and ends at Wangfujing Station. Love Crabs |
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goomymia Posted Mar 11, 2015, 2:03 pm |
This is Tianfuhao, a prestigious brand which was established in 1738.
Wow, their pig elbow souce recipe was classified as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of the nation in 2008. |
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goomymia Posted Mar 11, 2015, 2:12 pm |
Just right beside the Qianmen Street, there is a narrow street called Zhubaoshi.
Heading to the west, we walked through a hutong called Langfangsantiao. I saw a big menu, some old posters and a fancy moped. |
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goomymia Posted Mar 11, 2015, 2:14 pm |
When we were waiting for the traffic lights, I saw the Railway Museum.
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goomymia Posted Mar 11, 2015, 2:23 pm |
I know I need sleep but I'm just too excited...Lol | ||
Jasper Posted Mar 26, 2015, 4:36 pm |
Hi mom,
I have arrived. Jasper told me today was a coming and going. First Hemming has left - to Mexico, and then I arrived. As for a parade all sat ready for me glad to welcome. All were impressed with the gifts that I brought from China. I got a big group hug - and here I am, ready for anything. bye for now Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Mar 26, 2015, 4:46 pm |
Hi mom,
Today I looked around a bit. On the balcony even grow some herbs. Otherwise, it's still pretty cold. And the weather forecast does not bode well. On weekends it supposed to snow again. Jasper does not like snow longer. Spring is sure to come - I feel it. see you Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Apr 2, 2015, 4:05 pm |
Hi mom
Today I had to say goodbye to Stripes. He travels to Nebraska. I hugged him and wished a good trip. see you Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Apr 2, 2015, 4:15 pm |
Phh
to despair! Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Apr 2, 2015, 4:20 pm |
Hello mom
I think that Switzerland goes down. Thank God I can swim. A little frustrated Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Apr 2, 2015, 4:29 pm |
Hi mommy
what one does if it is boring. A crab climbs on orchids. This will end badly. Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Apr 2, 2015, 5:37 pm |
Hi mommy
as Jasper came home from shopping today, she brought with fun stuff. Gradually a beach formed. Okay, the grass is made of plastic and the sea are blue glass stones, but the alcohol was real. I celebrated with myself a beach party. Yeahh, life is beautiful. It will be sorry tomorrow. Yours Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Apr 7, 2015, 7:52 pm |
Hello
We surprised Jasper when she made dough. Of course we also wanted to bake something for Easter. Everyone got a piece of the dough and could form what he wanted. We kneaded, rolled (round and long), cuted and pressed. Look what came out. a frog looks a bit like me. Jasper used the rest of the dough for a braid. Also looks good. If you could smell it! Bye mom Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Apr 8, 2015, 6:12 pm |
Happy Easter to all!
As you can see, I am ready to look for the Easter Bunny. Jasper did her best to prepare us a nice Easter. And now: Search Ooh, looks like many sweets. Special encounters included. Mom look what I found. Sweet Greetings from Switzerland Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Apr 9, 2015, 9:56 am |
Hello mommy
we needed sun. Therefore, we escaped the bad weather and traveled to the sunny part of Switzerland - Ticino. More specifically to ... Locarno is the capital of the Locarno district, located on the northern tip of Lake Maggiore. First, we took the old funicular to Orselina. There we visited Madonna del Sasso. The sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso in Orselina above the city is the principal sight and goal of pilgrimage in the city. The founding of the sanctuary goes back to a vision of the Virgin Mary that the Franciscan brother Bartolomeo d'Ivrea experienced in the night of 14/15 August 1480. The interior is highly decorated, and a platform gives a magnificent view of the city. With life-size figures here is the "Last Supper" imitated. Back in town, we stroll through the narrow streets of the old town - Città Vecchia. Chiesa S. Antonio Abate, one of many churches. Then we came to the Piazza Grande. The Locarno International Film Festival takes place every year in August in the city and, at night, on the Piazza Grande. Through a small park with palm trees and flowering plants we reached the shore of Lake Maggiore. What a view. Although I found no mermaid, but on this ship might be pirates. We enjoyed enjoyed enjoyed. Then it was time to say goodbye. Ciao Locarno - maybe we'll come back. Bye mommy Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Apr 12, 2015, 9:49 am |
Hi
spring comes - at least at home. Our cherry branches bloom. Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Apr 20, 2015, 12:19 pm |
Hello everyone,
Today reached us a new Toyvoyager. We need a lot of patience until we were able to welcome the turtle. Her pace was breathtaking. Some of us fell asleep. With some help from the front and top she has finally made it. The joy was great. We welcomed: Cassiopeia from Germany Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Apr 20, 2015, 4:46 pm |
Hi mom
This morning we went for a walk. We started uphill. A bridge over the railroad - and continue uphill. Under a small tree, we stopped for a break. A few years ago here stood a big, old apple tree. When lightning struck it and split, it had to be cut down. We walked on and came to a wayside cross. The view was good - here you see where I live in the moment. We were looking forward to the flowers that bloom right now. We went up and down and up again. The pathes were getting narrower. Next break on a root. Then we had to climb stairs. That took some time, the turtle is not the fastest. We marveled trees with large roots and sat on a high seat for hunters. This is the path to the waterfall - we will visit it another time. It was too wet to climb among the rocks. We found a place where we could see the falls from above. Looks so small. We came to another bridge over the railway and the ring road. This is the old weaving. Today, several companies and the Railway Museum are located there. We walked on and came to the station. Not much going on today. Passing chestnut trees, we reached the railway bridge over the river Thur. From there we had a beautiful view of Lichtensteig. The main street. The Old Town Hall The "Gallsche Offizin", earlier schoolhouse, then hand press printing with old letters. Through winding streets we came to the bank building. Prior to that, there is a statue called "Lost Shadows" In 1992, the Bank purchased the artwork "Lost Shadows" and make up in front of their office building. A naked man moves out from under a blanket and looking shocked in the sky. The sculpture was an instant moral scandal in the town. A removal petition to the council initially had no success. The "people's anger" raged with color stops above all to the sex part of the frightened man. In 2000 a second petition achieved a partial success. The figure has been moved and turned so that her nudity is not visible from the main alley. Okay, let's move on. This is the town hall and this is the Toggenburg Museum. The town from another side. The next break on a bench behind the Protestant Church. As far as you can see, everywhere I went. And it goes on. Next stop: the factory that produces happiness. (in form of chocolate wafers) Last stop was the St.Loreto chapel. A Loreto chapel is a replica of the revered Italian pilgrimage Loreto Basilica della Santa Casa, which the Santa Casa (Holy House) of the Holy Family in Nazareth houses: According to legend, in the 13th century angels should have converted the building from Nazareth to Loreto. Three hours later we arrived where we started: at home. Tired but happy Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Apr 20, 2015, 6:05 pm |
Hi mom
today Yuma made on his trip to Poland. We wished him a quick and safe trip. Bye for now Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Apr 27, 2015, 3:27 pm |
Hello Mom
Yesterday we took a walk along our river Thur and looked at the waterfall. The waterfall itself is not very big and not very spectacular. But the way ... Looks like jungle. We followed narrow, very narrow paths (the path is good, but there is a risk of falling beside it). We squeezed through narrow gorges and crawled through under huge boulders. Then follows a long jump (via the effluent water) and there it was, the little waterfall. We were amazed that such a small waterfall can wash out such a large pool. Jasper told us, waterfall and Thur are unpredictable. Normally, everything looks very romantic. But two days heavy rain, and every path and every place you see here is several meters under water. We followed the river, running through fields of wild garlic, played with stones and sat on roots or in the warm sand. Several times we were happy to sit in Jaspers pocket. She had to overcome dangerous places and we were chattering in the bag with our teeth. But Toyvoyager are adventurers and we spent a exciting afternoon. Bye for now Crabs |
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Jasper Posted May 10, 2015, 1:31 pm |
Hi mom
Today there is not much to tell. Jasper is very busy and I help where I can. For example, with the laundry. As a reward I was allowed to bathe in chocolate bars. Marvelous Crabs |
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Jasper Posted May 10, 2015, 1:33 pm |
Happy Mother's Day
Love you Crabs |
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Jasper Posted May 18, 2015, 3:28 pm |
Hi mommy
Today we said goodbye Scoop. With our best wishes and hugs in the luggage he set out on the long journey to Australia. Enjoy the warmth and have a good time dear friend. Bye for now Crabs |
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Jasper Posted May 18, 2015, 3:51 pm |
Hello
special Event! Two of Jasper's TV's - Stripes and Sally came home from the United States. Said hello, exchanged the envelope, said goodbye and were gone again. Stripes will give you a big kiss - it's from me. But we are also in a hurry. We have to pack our bags. Tomorrow early in the morning transfer to the airport. HOLIDAYS Just a few short days. But better than nothing. I report when I get back. Until then Crabs |
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Jasper Posted May 22, 2015, 10:50 am |
Hello mommy
early in the morning we took the train to Zurich airport. Croissant and cappuccino - to soothe the stomach and nerves. We were terribly excited. And then wait for boarding. Then finally it happened - get in, sit down and take off. The flight did not take very long. Another time we took the train. Our goal was King's Cross in London. We quickly brought our luggage to the hotel (a 5 minute walk) and then it started. First, we marveled at the station. Old walls and modern design are united here. And then we visited the passage to platform 9 3/4. Harry Potter sends his regards. to be continued Crabs |
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Jasper Posted May 22, 2015, 3:57 pm |
Hello from London
we took the subway - called London Tube - and drove into the city. First stop: Piccadilly Circus. Ironically, here it rained briefly, but that didn't bother us. We marveled at the giant billboards, the traffic and the crowds. Piccadilly Circus is a road junction and public space in London's West End. In 1811 the Prince Regent, later King George IV wished a boulevard that should begin in St. James's and lead to the Regent's Park. He commissioned the best known architects of the time, John Nash, to fulfill this wish. After eight years of construction, the masterpiece in 1819 was completed. London's citizens was a commemorative street to Earl not enough. They decided to collect donations to erect a monument. Finally, 1893 the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain was inaugurated, which is known as Eros Fountain today. However, the winged figure on the tip should not represent Eros, but the Angel of Christian Charity. The prudish citizens did not like the almost naked figure and jeered and mocked the builder. Today Piccadilly Circus connects Shaftesbury Avenue, the Haymarket, Coventry Street. (Towards Leicester Square), Regent Street and Lower Regent Street, Piccadilly and a small side street, the Glasshouse Street. After thoroughly looking around we ran on. Around the next corner we looked at the fountain "The Horses of Helios" In Greek mythology, Helios was the sun god. The task of Helios was to steer the sun chariot across the sky, which was drawn by four stallions. Impressive. We took Regent Street to Waterloo Place and passed the monument of King Edward VII. At Waterloo Square, stands the Duke of York Monument. The Duke of York Column was built between 1831-1834. It rises to a height of about forty meters. Prince Frederick Augustus, better known as the Duke of York, was the second son of King George III. As commander of the British army, he soon realized that the army was outdated and the Duke introduced significant reforms to modernize and improve the army. Shortly after his death in 1827, donated all British troops a day's pay for the construction of a monument in honor of the Duke of York. Continuing on our way we saw The Mall with Admiralty Arch. This road will visit later. Our goal was to Horse Guards Parade. Horse Guards Parade is a large parade ground near Whitehall. It is the site of the annual ceremonies of Trooping the Colour, which commemorates the monarch's official birthday. The course is open to the west, there adjoins the St. James's Park. The other three sides are bordered by buildings. The Old Admiralty Building and the citadel of the Admiralty is located on the north side, on the east side Horseguards, the former headquarters of the British army, now headquarters of the Household Division. To the south borders the treasury office (HM Treasury) and the rear part of 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Part of the wall of HM Treasury. We crossed the square and came to the courtyard of the Horse Guards. Coincidentally, just held an inspection. Poor guys. There were some red heads. But - the Queen's personal life Guard must be in good shape. That's Horse Guard seen from the street. We used a narrow street close to reach St.James Park. A royal squirrel. Shaun the Sheep. Spread all over the city are differently designed sheep figures. They collect for seriously ill children. That's it for today. Big hug from London Crabs |
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Jasper Posted May 23, 2015, 5:00 pm |
Hello mom
after a good night's sleep and breakfast, we started the next day. Today an extensive city tour is on the program. Hop off at Buckingham Palace. The first thing we saw was the Queen Victoria Memorial. The Victoria Memorial is a 26 m high, built in honor of Queen Victoria of Great Britain figures group. At the top stands the gilded goddess of victory. 1911 revealed and built of 2,300 tonnes of marble. The palace gate with the royal arms. And that's Buckingham Palace - the official residence of the British monarch in London. 775 rooms, more than 1,000 windows, 450 employees and approximately 50,000 persons participating annually in events on the palace grounds. Impressive numbers. (It's said that the Queen didn't like the palace - she calls it her London office) The Mall (0.93 km) is the avenue of the capital and the first stage of the sovereign on his journey either to the Houses of Parliament or to the Horse Guards parade ground. It extends from Buckingham Palace in the west to Admiralty Arch and Trafalgar Square at its eastern end. We walked along the Mall and discovered the monuments of "Queen Mum" and her husband, King Geoerge VI. We reached Trafalgar Square, the largest public square London's. In the middle of the square stands a monument to Admiral Nelson, built by the citizens of London - in gratitude for the victory of the English over the French and Spanish in the Battle of Trafalgar. The Nelson's Column with the Admiral at the top is as high as Nelson's flagship HMS Victory from the keel to the mast top (51 meters) and was built in 1842. At the foot of the column there are four lions bronze sculptures. Also on Trafalgar Square is the National Gallery. The Displayed governmental paintings collection includes around 2300 paintings from the 13th to the 19th century. That's St. Martin in the Fields. Hop on to St Paul's Cathedral. And then directly to the London Eye. The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel, is at a height of 135 meters currently the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe. The London Eye has 32 air-conditioned almost entirely of glass shaped gondolas. It takes nearly 40 minutes for a rotation. A little pleading and begging and Jasper bought Tikets. What a great view over the city. This road is called Strand. The name originates from the old English language and means similar to the German shore or riverbank. Unbelievable but before the construction of the Thames Embankment the road ran right next to the River Thames. We take a break. See you later Crabs |
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Jasper Posted May 25, 2015, 3:32 pm |
Hello everybody
after a few Crisscross rides (this will continue so) we ended up at the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. The Palace of Westminster (often called Houses of Parliament) is a monumental, built in the Gothic Revival style building. The palace is located in the City of Westminster on Parliament Square, close to the government buildings at Whitehall. It was declared a World Heritage Site along with the Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret's Church by UNESCO. The most famous part of the palace is the clock tower with the bell Big Ben. (since 2012 officially named Elizabeth Tower) That's Parliament Square, and this the famous Westminster Abbey. (shooting in the church was not allowed - unfortunately) That's St.Margaret's Church. We said hello to Mr. Churchill and moved on to Hyde Park. We entered the park by Queen Elizabeth Gate, also known as the Queen Mother's Gate. It was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1993 to celebrate the 90th birthday of her mother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. The centerpiece of the door shows a red lion and a white unicorn. Hyde Park is 1.4 square kilometers, along with Kensington Gardens 2.5 and thus larger than the Principality of Monaco. We strolled along the Serpentine Lake and came to the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain. Next stop was the Albert Memorial. The Albert Memorial consists of a nearly 60 meters high, carried by four pillars, canopy. Under this sits the four-meter-high statue of Albert. It is reminiscent of the husband of Queen Victoria. Directly opposite is the Royal Albert Hall of Arts and Sciences - the usable part of the memorial. In the Albert Hall several types of major events take place: from symphony concerts (for example, the Proms) about pop concerts to boxing matches. Last place on today's tour was Kensington Palace. Although this palace looks a bit like a factory, he has experienced a lot. Queen Victoria was born here. Princessin Diana lived here until her death - just as Princess Margaret, the sister of the Queen. And now it is the London home of William and Kate. We went to our London home and then to bed. It was a long, eventful day. Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Jun 4, 2015, 6:28 am |
Hello,
Thursday was our last day in London. Only a short day and still soo much to see. We had to limit ourselves to the essentials. Past modern buildings and ancient pubs we drove towards Tower. We crossed the famous Tower Bridge. The bascule bridge - built in neo-Gothic style - was opened in 1894. 1977 -. To celebrate the silver jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, the metal parts of the Tower Bridge was painted in the British national colors red, white and blue. This color scheme remained until today. After a walk over the bridge we headed to the Tower of London. Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress the Tower of London (the official name) is a fortified complex of buildings along the Thames at the southeast end of the City of London. The ring castle with two fortification rings served the English and British kings, among others, as a residence, armory, workshop, warehouse, Zoo, garrison museum, mint, prison, archive and execution site. Originally, the tower was built in the 11th century as a fortress of William the Conqueror against potentially hostile citizens of the city of London. UNESCO declared the Tower in 1988 a World Heritage Site. We walked around the Tower, through the Tower. Upstairs and downstairs. This is "The Shard" completed, it will be Europe's tallest building. Behind these walls are the crown jewels. The crown jewels of the kings and queens blinded us. Gold and jewels - so big and so much, you can not imagine. Photographing was unfortunately "strictly forbidden". Jasper tried to explain everything to us, but we could barely keep anything. Too many impressions. Ooh - a story stayed with me: In Tower live six ravens. The legend says, if the ravens leave the Tower, the kingdom will perish. Thus the Ravens can not fly away, the wings are clipped, and a "spare Raven" is held. Haha, so cunning. This is one of the six. At the end of our London trip we took a boat trip on the Thames. Last impressions of a beautiful journey. That's it from London - next time again from Switzerland. Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Jun 4, 2015, 2:27 pm |
Hello Mom,
barely right at home, we were able to greet the next guest. NiliHH came with many sweets and a beautiful postcard. Big group hug - and Welcome to our gang! Thousand kisses Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Jun 13, 2015, 11:08 am |
Hi mom,
Today we went out for a walk. After several violent thunderstorms it was not so easy to find appropriate ways. Everything was very wet. We drove to a small village called Ricken. The high moorland on the Rickenpass is a recreational area between Toggenburg and Lake Zurich. It is also a sanctuary for rare species. Even the capercaillie breeds here. And the black grouse. So it was that we - which is rather rare for TV's - pretty quiet scurried through the forest. Oh, a "victim" of the recent storm. Up here, nature is left to itself. We found many beautiful flowers in the meadows. And tons of blueberry bushes. Always the lookout for the capercaillie - we have of course seen none - we were running through the woods. Sometimes it was steep and sometimes we had to jump over a small stream. I risked a glance into a black hole. A view from the edge of the forest. Sitting on branches and at crystal clear water. The sun was shining through the treetops and we enjoyed our walk to the fullest. In a meadow we saw butterflies in love. Short chat with a cow. A last round view and then we went back home. Hug Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Jul 2, 2015, 12:49 pm |
Hello home
as our weekend trip turned out (heavy thunderstorm, the road has been spilled) Jasper comforted us with a pizza. A pizza from sweets. Bye for now Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Jul 2, 2015, 1:51 pm |
Hi mom
I really do not want to whine, but right now it only seems to to rain in Switzerland. We looked for employment. Pickled garlic seemed the right thing. The peeling of garlic cloves was not as funny as I thought. But we did it. While I cut the chili, Nili picked herbs and Samsone cooked the liquid. Then we threw everything into a pot and boiled it for a few minutes. Later we filled everything, quite hot in glasses. Jasper was very proud of us. Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Jul 3, 2015, 5:23 am |
Hello There,
we will take a trip, no matter what the weather report says. We make our way to Flims in canton Grisons. There lies on 997m above sea level, tucked away in the woods, one of the most beautiful mountain lakes of Switzerland - the Caumasee. The first view of the turquoise lake let us cheerfully start. Through wild meadows and unspoilt woods brought us our path to the viewing platform Conn. First impressions of the gorge. This is the platform. "Il Spir" (swifts) is called this platform for their birdlike appearance. It extends diagonally across the 400m deeper Anterior Rhine Gorge. Then it was time for a break. Apple pie and coffee gave us the strength for the way forward. Wild strawberries, mushrooms and escargots were our companions for a certain time. Then we reached again the Caumasee. The short rain shower caused a particular mood. This color - something truly special. We enjoyed the rest of the way. After five hours we arrived back to our starting point. A last look at this beautiful lake. Maybe I'll be back someday. Hugs and kisses Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Jul 9, 2015, 3:53 pm |
Hi mom
we deserved an Oscar. An Oscar for whining. First it was too cold, then it was too wet and now it's too hot. But it's really too hot. For days, temperatures above 35 °. We can barely drag ourselves out to the balcony. Between all the vegetables - which like the weather - there are a few cool spots. Do you see where Jasper grabs me? Ts, ts ts Eating a cake and do nothing - that's the best. Bye for now Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Jul 13, 2015, 3:11 pm |
Hi Mom
while we enjoyed the sun on the balcony, Jasper brought us a newcomer. The little sheep comes from China, introduced herself as Rachel and brought beautiful postcards and sweets. We warmly welcomed and gave her a big group hug. Then we enjoyed a leisurely afternoon together. Love Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Jul 13, 2015, 6:05 pm |
Hi mommy
Today we took a hike to the Schwendi lakes. The Schwendi Lakes lie between Gamser- and Chäserrugg (two of the seven Churfirsten mountains) in a hollow in a sheltered flat moorland of national importance. When the Schwendi glacier about 14,000 years ago melted, he left the hollow in which the lakes were dammed. In the following millennia caused by siltation of the lake shore gradually the moors. A funicular took us to 1340 meters above sea level. Here we started our hike. We had a nice view of the opposite side of the valley. There we saw the Schafberg and the Säntis. After about an hour we reached the first lake. On an information board was everything worth knowing about the formation of mountains and moorland. On a boardwalk we went deeper into the bog. The lakeshore can only be reached through a single web. This of course was crowded. So we contented ourselves with this sight. We walked on and marveled at the many, various bog plants. Up here the plants bloom between May and September. Therefore, the meadows are now very colorful. We have also discovered such romantic places. Even lotus flowers grow here. And a lot more. This is the second Schwendisee. Because you reached its water surface only by a marshy reeds, it is much quieter here. On a bench, we rested and gathered strength for the descent. After all, it was necessary to overcome 300 meters in altitude. Last panorama before descending, Jasper knees tremble already. Here we go. Safe and happy back home greets you Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Jul 27, 2015, 8:03 pm |
Hi mom
Today was hiking again. We climbed two of the highest mountains of the 7 Churfirsten. Chäserrugg (2262m) and Hinterrugg (2306m). Because it was so hot in the morning (26 °), we took the cog train for a large part of the way. Once at the first summit, we were able to recover us at 14° and fresh wind. Then we took the "Flower Trail," to explore the summit. The first part of the trail led along the northern summit ridge. We saw lush Alpine pastures, many well-known and even more flowers and herbs whose names we did not know. We admired rock formations, and far below us appeared out of the haze the Walensee. On these meadows you can see ibexes on cooler days. Then we headed for the second summit. No pictures of the ascent: Jasper had enough to do to climb up the narrow rocky staircase. 60 m shaky knees and we could again out of the backpack and enjoyed a beautiful view of the Thur valley and the new mountain station on the Chäserrugg. This avalanche control holds back approximately 163,000 cubic meters of snow. At this abyss - and the view to the next summit ends our walk today. Safe in Jaspers backpack we were on our way back. Jasper climbed and we dreamed of meadows, flowers and ibexes. Kisses Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Jul 28, 2015, 1:49 pm |
Hi mom,
the last weekend we spent at Lake Thun. Jasper helped her daughter and family move house. Actually, a trip was planned to the Jungfraujoch for Sunday. The weather was unfortunately too bad: snow at -2 °. So we spent Sunday in Thun and made a boat trip to Spiez. We had the choice: by bus or by boat to Thun. Of course, we chose the ship. It looked very gorgeous. Arriving in Thun, we walked along the river Aare. Over old bridges with magnificent flower arrangements and through underpasses with a special look, we arrived at the old town. Then our way led us over many, many stairs up to the castle. A few years ago it was still used as a prison. Today a Museeum, a photo gallery and a restaurant are housed there. Near the castle is the town church. Then we went back to the dock and boarded the ship to Spiez. The ride was enjoyable and we saw many nice places on the lake shore. In the distance we could see the mountains Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. In Spiez arrived, we took a tour of the village. This is the the castle. Spiez is nice, but nothing special - a typical holiday village. That was my weekend. Greetings and kisses Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Aug 10, 2015, 12:44 pm |
Hello there,
and once again it was time to say goodbye to two good friends. Sansone travels to his new host to Germany and Twixx wants to fulfill his last life mission: return home safley. As a farewell we celebrated a great Cake Party. With cake in the belly and melancholy in the heart we said goodbye and wished a safe journey. Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Aug 10, 2015, 1:34 pm |
Hello to all at home,
today we welcomed our new guests: The WotWots from Austalia. Let's have fun together !! Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Sep 12, 2015, 12:13 pm |
Hi mom
flowery greetings from our balcony garden. Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Sep 12, 2015, 12:37 pm |
Hi family,
Jasper's car has broken down. Now she has to take the train to work. Pff, wait even longer until she gets home. For safety's sake, we are looking for a new car. These are our favorites. All the best Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Sep 12, 2015, 12:54 pm |
Hello mom,
good news! The car is repaired and Jasper has bought new hiking boots. Now we can get started again. Keep your fingers crossed that the weather cooperates. Kisses Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Oct 12, 2015, 3:53 pm |
Hi mom,
Rocky has made his way to Miami, Florida. The lucky one. While I'm freezing here, he flies in the sun. Bon Voyage and let hear from you soon. Kisses Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Oct 28, 2015, 11:41 am |
Hi mom,
A few days ago told us Nili from her fun with the little red cheese. We also wanted to have fun. So procured Nili cheese - enough for all. Everyone took what he wanted and had fun with it. Later we ate the cheese - yummy. See you soon Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Oct 28, 2015, 5:34 pm |
Hi mom,
since weeks we are trapped under a gray blanket of high fog. From morning to evening - always gray. Sun's from 1000 m. So we go to the mountains. Taking the chair lift we head to Wolzenalp at 1130 m above sea level. On the high plateau Rietbach a beautiful upland moor with springy soft peat soil waiting for us. Of course, no flowers and herbs grow more now, but the autumn-colored trees and the mild sunrays put us into euphoria. Jasper has a lot to do to keep us on the prescribed routes. In summer there is a barefoot trail through the marsh. We imagined, what we would look like after such a barefoot fun. Out of sheer laughter we were toppled by a hair in the brown broth. Up here, the air was so clear we could even see the Säntis. Some friendly cows looked at us interested. Then the sun slowly disappeared behind the mountains, and we headed for home. What a wonderful day. Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Dec 6, 2015, 10:25 am |
Hi mom,
Today we say goodbye to Jasper. not by our host, but by "Jasper the moose" He travels to Wuppertal. Bye, bye friend. Have a good trip and many exciting adventures. Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Dec 6, 2015, 10:35 am |
Hello there,
Another foggy day. Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Dec 6, 2015, 11:41 am |
Hi mom,
today brought Jasper a lot greenery. It was time to make an Advent wreath. The branches smelled good but it stung. Bravely we went to work. We cut the branches and wrapped them with wire to the straw wreath. The decorating was Jasper's thing. Does the wreath not look beautiful. We are all looking forward on the 1st Sunday of Advent. Many kisses Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Dec 6, 2015, 12:06 pm |
Hi
What a surprise this morning. The first snow. Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Dec 6, 2015, 12:37 pm |
Hi mom,
Today is baking day. We need Christmas cookies. Jasper has already prepared the different doughs. So it goes fast - she thinks. Well then, set to work. We are rolling and forming and cutting out. Then we put the cookies on sheets and Jasper pushes them into the oven. It smells wonderful. Bye for now Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Dec 6, 2015, 12:53 pm |
Finally,
the Christmas season begins. Hugs and kisses Crabs |
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Jasper Posted Mar 3, 2016, 3:12 pm |
Hi mom,
today we celebrate the birthday of the WotWots. There is chocolate cake with frosting in blue and pink. We will have a happy day. Kisses Crabs |
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Jasper Posted May 2, 2016, 2:43 pm |
Hi mom,
It was so boring today, so we snooped around a bit, and found these things - laboratory glassware !! Let us explore and invent. This flask was clearly too big for us. We quickly searched matching sizes. Then we started our tests series. All we found in Jaspers cupboards was poured together, heated, distilled and how it all means. It seethed and sometimes smelled terrible. The result - you will not believe it - gold. Unfortunately we have forgotten in the heat of the moment to write down the recipe. Sorry mom, can't send you a fortune back home. Crabs |