Posted Nov 16, 2013, 4:53 pm
finally I got my TV-profile! I was so excited as my parents created it, so I watched the process very closely!
Eventually it was complete! Now I can get my journey started :-)!
A very important thing to travel is of course the traditional Hü-cape! So mummy designed another one for me: red for Hotte, pink for Hanne and GREEN for me! I love it!
It perfectly fits, doesn't it?!
Of course my brother Hotte and I are not only brothers, we are also best friends!
And this is Mrs. Moo, she's also a very good friend of mine!
Here you can see me and my big dog-friend Aris! I love dogs! He is a hunting dog - maybe I can accompany him sometime to one of his hunting trips...! I looooove action!
So this is it for now! See you very soon!
Love, Hansi
Posted Jan 5, 2014, 11:14 am
guess what!!! My mom's sister Vaneu took me to her skiing trip to the Alps! What a great event!! It was not only a skiing trip, we also went to a concert and to FIS Snowboard Worldcup - I COULD FULFILL PARTs OF TWO OF MY LIFE MISSIONS!!!! JIIIHHAAAA!!!
Our destination was Schruns in Austria. It was the ski opening event for the current winter season!
This was our view from our hotel room! My host sister Prajna was with me:
In the evening we went to a concert! CRO - a German artist - made a amazing show! I was absolutely excited and part of the cheering crowd! Good music, happy people and a wonderful atmosphere made me so enthusiastic!
As you can see, my auntie always took care of me :-)!
The next day, we went back to the slope! We had wonderful weather, the sun was shining and everybody was happy!
After some ski-runs, we had a little break and watched the FIS Snowboard Worldcup!
It was so amazing! These guys are crazy!! They master their boards in a way I've never seen before! Soooo gooood!
Of course I also had to get some of my forces back, so I drank hot chocolate - delicious!!! I did not have it with alcohol, but with a big deal of whipped cream - yummiii!
When we went down the mountain at last, I was the happiest little horse on earth!
Thanx auntie for this wonderful trip :-*!
Love you
Hansi
Posted Jan 5, 2014, 12:23 pm
I felt like drinking some hot spiced wine and enjoying Christmas atmosphere, so we decided to go to the Christmas market!
I smelled so wonderful there: cinnamon, waffles, hot spiced wine and tea!
On the market place there was a big Christmas tree, many decorations and lights!
There were also some stalls where you could buy everything you could imagine!
But I just wanted one thing: delicious hot spiced wine!
Now Christmas can come
!
Posted Jan 5, 2014, 1:01 pm
Today is the day and we finally decorate our wonderful Christmas tree!
We have silver Christmas balls and silver tinsel and lots of other decorations to make our home more festive!
This is our Advent wreath - we made it ourselves - it looks so nice, doesn't it???
Our Christmas tree is prepared now, I'm really proud of it
!
I loooove the silver Christmas balls, they are sparkling in the lights of the candles!
This is our Advent-roundabout. I love sitting on top of it and turn around!
Now there are some decorations left - so I fixed it onto the wall!
Now I'm looking forward to getting my presents :-)!
Have a nice Christmas Eve!
Love, Hansi
Posted Jan 5, 2014, 1:14 pm
It's the first Sunday in Advent today! So it's time to get prepared for this wonderful time!
So we bought an Advent wreath first and lit the first candle!
My brother Hotte and I were really excited about it!
Then we got all the other things to decorate our home: a pink sparkling stag and of course an elk (his name is Oscar)! You can even illuminate Oscar, he's a real Christmas elk
!
I loooove Christmas! I'm really curious for the next Advent weeks!
See you soon!
Posted Jan 5, 2014, 1:39 pm
WOOOOW, we had such a great start into 2014! We are here in Ischgl for our ski holidays! It's so amazing here!
Ischgl is one of the biggest and best resorts in the Austrian Alps, but it's also very close to the Swiss border! So I visited 2 countries at once
!
Ischgl is not only famous for its perfect slopes, but also for its party locations
! I checked all of them and appreciated them a lot - 
!
I have never experienced something like this: sooo many crazy people singing crazy German songs and dancing like crazy
! I loooved it and was a full member of the crazy crowd 
!!! Of course I also drank some alcohol - no Après Ski Party without hot spiced wine or beer !
We were sooo lucky with the weather, we had bright sunshine and the snow conditions were absolutely perfect! I was skiing down the mountains as if I had never done anything else
!
This ski trip was absolutely perfect, and I hope to come back here someday!
ISCHGL DU MEIN TRAUM!
I think, this will be a perfect year for me, and now I'm ready to discover the world - I'm really curious for what comes next
...!
See you soon my friends!
Yours, Hansi
Posted Jan 6, 2014, 7:18 pm
when I woke up this morning and looked out of the window I didn't expect that we would have the first snow! But then the weather changed, many clouds showed up and it really began to snow!
Jihaaaaa, this is the first day of snow I experience!
I had to go outside immediately, but when I breathed in the fresh air, my nostrils almost freezed! It was sooo cooold! Nevertheless I had to feel it, so I sat into the first snowflakes and enjoyed the cooling effect!
Now my first winter sports season can come
!
In the evening, I could even enjoy the view on our Christmas tree outside! Yes I know, it's a little bit early for it, but it looked sooo beautiful when it was covered with snow!
Check out my pictures!
Love,
Hansi!
Posted Jan 13, 2014, 4:11 pm
this is my last update before my first big journey. I will be off to China to stay with Papa in Beijing. I'm really looking forward to meeting her and to getting to know China.
Wooow such a big country for such a little horse like me!
I hope the journey will not take too long...
So I said goodbye to my big brother Hotte, gave mommy and daddy a big kiss and crawled into my travelling envelope.
See you soon,
safe and sound!
Love, Hansi
Posted Jan 23, 2014, 2:16 pm
wow~wow~~woooow~~I 'm can't believe it! I came to China!
Now the weather is cold in Beijing, but papa's home is very warm!
A lot of friends to welcome me to arrival,I made many new friends,I feel very happy
Papa said today is a Chinese festival：off-year.There are many of the customs in addition to people ceremony in off-year. Such as Spring dust, stick couplets, cut window, eat dumplings,bath and hair, etc
So we pack dumpling in papa's home this evening!I studied making dumplings, but it is not too easy,My face covered with flour
hahahahahaha
I love to eat dumplings, dumplings taste is great!And we drink Chinese liquor,The liquor is too hot not good to drink beer~
I chat with my new friends the day after, I met a camel, he is from Egypt, I heard him talk a lot of interesting stories！
I'm going to bed because of jet lag,I've started in China in the travel, I wish I have a good dream
Posted Jan 27, 2014, 2:22 pm
Posted Jan 31, 2014, 3:51 pm
Yesterday is a Chinese New Year's eve, On New Year's eve for the Chinese people are very important,We have lunch together with PAPA's relatives at noon, evening we go home to celebrate the holiday with her family.
Papa said this is the Chinese traditional way of the Chinese New Year,Every Chinese people will watch TV shows: the Spring Festival Gala after eating dinner this evening.
The show I think it's very busy and joy, but papa said that not good, everybody doesn't like it, but everyone watching every year, it is a kind of habit.
I received a pink bear gave me money, I heard that this is a Chinese custom, elders will give children lucky money in this day, though I don't think pink bear is elder, but I'm still happy！
The CCTV show ended up until twelve o 'clock at night.Then all the people went out to set off firecrackers and fireworks.This is really amazing!If I am not saw I don't believe it！Every street in the city, every alley, there are people in the fireworks！The sound of firecrackers very loudly, like a shoot.
Rachel told me a joke about In China's foreign as usual go to bed at twelve o 'clock in the evening on New Year's eve , all of a sudden firecrackers sound very loud, woke him up, fry red day outside the window, he was very afraid, because he thought it was a coup, started the war！
I asked her when can we go to put the fireworks？ she said ,we will not put fireworks this year, this year as Beijing's air quality is bad, environmental people choose not to put fireworks this year, but from February 1 to 7, someone put the fireworks in the street every day so we can go to watch at any time.
I ate so many Chinese food yesterday, today also eat very much food, very happy! New Year holiday began, I want to go to many places to play, I think I will very busy and happy！
Posted Feb 5, 2014, 9:57 am
Go to the temple fair is a Chinese folk customs in new year.Temple fair is like European's weekend market but it in the big park.
Here are selling all kinds of things, the more is the Chinese New Year festival.Still has a lot of fun games, like shooting, pitch, ring, etc., play well there will be prizes, awards is toys.
There are many food stalls,most is Chinese special snack.
Also show at the temple fair, dance, crosstalk and some Chinese traditional opera
There are sooooooo many people in the temple fair.very busy.
2014 is the Chinese year of the horse.I saw all sorts of horse toys！
So I'm the most popular animal in this year in China,I'm very lucky！
We played for a whole day, very tired but very happy.
This is a real hot spot！
The Spring Festival is a special holiday！
Posted Feb 6, 2014, 1:49 pm
We went to the skating. I will ski but I can't ice—skate. My friends also can't skate, so we look at the others skating while playing games.
I'm very handsome,is it?
I felt the sense of speed quickly
I want to learn to skate in the future, that's really was too fun
Holiday really cool~
Posted Feb 8, 2014, 2:47 pm
It's snowing today~！
Papa said that this is the first snow in Beijing this year!I also feel here is not too cold, not so cold as I think,But today is so cold.
I like snow very much, I decided to go out with friends play in the snow
The snow is very soft. We decided to play snowball fights!
I have not been hit,I making a big snowball!
WOW~~~Yes！The snowball hit Chief Executive！
Now I must run away
I think I dodged a bullet
but I never expected that they paly snowball fights again,and...OH ~I'm hit! Oh, jesus~
We played very happy, but it was dark and we should go home
I want to beat them in a dream~goodnight mum~
Posted Feb 10, 2014, 4:49 am
If you have a good photo album site can connect photos can you recommend for me
Posted Feb 10, 2014, 6:07 am
When we were at the mall the other day,We bought something nice.
We always eat delicious,I ate a lot of the first time to eat food,I think they are very good.
Mom and I tell you, this really is everywhere have the horse
Bread is the horse,And then PAPA bought me this bread, I eat this bread at breakfast
PS~I'll travel to go with PAPA,We will go to Australia on the way to New Zealand,The plan is extremely busy, so I might not have time to update.So maybe I will disappear for two weeks.Mom, don't worry, I will have time to update the photos
Posted Feb 24, 2014, 11:07 am
I'm on my way to travel but I will go home soon.
I very busy but very happy every day, I went to the two countries and cities in such a short time, this is really not easy.
I will continue updating my travelog, I took a lot of beautiful pictures
I have a lot of news to tell you, then I tell from the first day
The first day we set off from Beijing capital airport, transfer way to Shanghai to Sydney.The whole time was 15 hours !That's very long time.The trip was CE(chief executive) and I and PinkyHH together
We watch movies together on the plane, have a meal, playing games then has finally arrived in Sydney
Photo is Sydney's most famous Sydney opera house and Sydney harbour bridge.That cloudy day, but my mood is very good.We went to the park next to the pictures, I met a new friend, a grey teddy bear, and his name is Toto.form Chinese little girl.Then we met new friends, is the Muppet couple from Austria.We had a short chat, I forget to tell them this website, I think they will like it
pity
I later again to update, my favorite of this trip is a small island, the sea is very blue, I love the beach, I guess mom, you must also like it
Posted Feb 25, 2014, 1:16 pm
I continue to talk about yesterday.
We went to bondi beach, here is Australia's most famous leisure beach.Beach sand is white, the sea is very clear, here is full of joy, I like here very much!
There are a lot of the local people here in the sun, we also sun for a while, it's too hot.PAPA was very afraid of sun,She didn't understand why we like the sunshine, just like we don't understand why Asian people always want to whiten
In the morning we went to the Santa Maria Cathedral.This is the most famous Catholic Church in Sydney.The church is large and magnificent.Cathedral glass very beautiful.I pray for a while,I told the Lord , I shouldn't then pinkyHH fell asleep while I eating her chocolate cookies.......I'll let PAPA bought her a new one
Posted Feb 27, 2014, 3:46 pm
we saw a new friends in Papa's home!There are Pion and Pitzelpatz
I gave them a hug and gave them the gift!We came back with a new friend, two koalas and a kangaroo from Australia ,Of course we also brought back a lot of chocolate and wool products
I hope they don't waiting for us too long time.
After we will visit to China with them, but I'm so tired now
I'm continue to update
The Hyde Park is across from the church.
It's a very beautiful park.
We went to the seafood market in Sydney.Here is the southern hemisphere's largest seafood market.We ate a lot of seafood, very delicious
After we left Sydney for Melbourne.
The picture is the Royal Botanic Garden Melbourne.
There are so many plants in it,That day the weather is particularly good,The air is very good,I and PinkyHH,CE were very happy.We play for a long time, and then tired of sleeping on the lawn
Posted Mar 1, 2014, 10:47 am
We also went to Sovereign Hill Gold Mine in Melbourne.
Here is a town in the 19th century,I saw the nineteenth Century soldiers and retro gentleman, lady.
The first photo is my favorite a photo,I talk to soldiers, they are the drum corps, he plays the drums, very handsome, I'll have to learn to play the drums
We went looking for gold in the underground. But I'm not dust to gold
I had went to saw the gold in the Museum.
CE was very depressed his love gold so much,But I'm okay,I think traveling is better
The next update we also went to Gold Coast, That's one of my favorites.
I have a good rest, I began to go out and play in the China
Posted Mar 3, 2014, 2:30 pm
The photos is we were in the St' Patrick church.That's very beautiful
Then we went to the Captain Cook’s Cottage.It's in downtown Melbourne Fitz Zoe Park, this is a real house, simple, plain.I like it very much~
I want to go on the ferris wheel very much
But PinkyHH was afraid,She is a lovely little girl,I promise to take care of her
Posted Mar 9, 2014, 2:19 pm
I'll update on the beach photos next time, because after I back to Beijing, and I travel to many places, took a lot of photos
I and My old friend PInkyHH,with new friends Buderus,Pino,Pitzelpatz,We went to Tiananmen square.This is Beijing's most famous buildings.Important activities are held here.I heard every morning will gather a lot of people in here to waiting for the flag raising ceremony.It is the biggest square in the world and is often filled with tourists.
Then We went to Zhongshan Park.There was once a royal garden,Imperial gardens occupy large areas,There are many old trees, a thousand years of history.
Beijing is slowly warming, the ice melted, spring is coming
Next time I’ll update the photos of Gold Coast.
Posted Mar 13, 2014, 12:31 pm
I'll update the photos in Australia.
This is we went to the Moreton Island's photos.We took the boat to the island.
The beauty here is beyond my wildest imagination.
Here also called dolphin Island.Because there have wild dolphins.There is someone to feed the dolphins every night.I also went to, I saw the dolphins!Dolphins swim to me, I give it to eat the fish!It was amazing！！But because it was too dark and I can’t open flash take a picture ,This is indeed a regrettable thing. But I feel it, I am very excited!
We picked up a starfish on the beach. We all enjoyed ourselves in the sea！
The night we went to the beach bar for a drink.
We chatting with friends, eating certain foods while drinking in the bar .Later on we were drunk! 
You can't tell PinkyHH's mother,Her mum forbid her to drink
(*^__^*) It was a happy day
I haven't updated about sea photos.The next to continue.....
I'm also very happy now.Papa had new TVs come to her home yesterday.We rushed downstairs to meet them.The photo is Susy.
She's from spain,is a lovely mouse
Posted Mar 16, 2014, 9:29 am
But I still need to do some to prepare for the new travel~For example, take a shower
Then I have some New Zealand photos not updated,I will update this week
This photo is our in the dolphin Island,That day we traveled by boat,we got seasick
Then we went to the Sea World
I saw the penguins, the fish and dolphins. And I played Lotic brave and Roller coaster.That's very exciting~
Posted Mar 17, 2014, 3:44 pm
I have to update my pictures in New Zealand.
We left Australia to go to New Zealand by plane.
We arrived at Oakland Airport.
We went to the Maori’s palace.We were watched a croquet game in the garden.And we went to the Whakarewarewa Thermal Area. This a smoggy area in everywhere.The air this week has an acrid, faintly metallic taste. Of course, we steep in a hot spring at evening.
The forest is one of the filming location of The Lord of the Rings.
I like the movie very much,So we go there to play for a while.
I eat the kiwi fruit,also eat the kiwi fruit of honey.There are a lot of honey in New Zealand,PInkyHH and CE was very happy.Because they are bear
We saw a lot of sheep in New Zealand,PAPA bought a new friends,The name is Tuantuan of the cute sheep.We slept with together~~
Tomorrow I will update the rest photos in New Zealand.
Mum ~If PAPA have time I will go on Friday,If not I will to leave by the weekend.
Posted Mar 18, 2014, 12:04 pm
This is my last part of the picture in New Zealand.
We also went to the Muriwai Beach in New Zealand.There are many birds on the island.Muriwai Beach has black sand, caused by the iron content derived from the ancient volcanoes in the area.The black sand beach with golden glow.I lie on it but I haven't become dirty.
It's an amazing~！
Surfing is the main pastime at Maukatia (Maori Bay) and Muriwai Beach. Other pastimes enjoyed at Maukatia include paragliding and hang gliding, especially when the prevailing souwesterly wind provides favourable conditions.
Fishing is also popular, although dangerous in many places.
It was a most picturesque scenery.
The air is very clear in New Zealand.Blue sky and white clouds, rocks qi, lin vast, clear spring water, jade, the legendary story, and so on, we are relaxed and happy.
I enjoyed our trip to the seaside
I''m very happy to have this opportunity.
Posted Mar 18, 2014, 2:56 pm
A few days ago we went to the Qianmen Street.Qianmen Street is one of the famous commercial street in Beijing.Qianmen Street is a centuries-old streets,It has hundreds of years of history.But here after rebuild.It keeps the old street style of decoration, but they are modern pop shops. The Old phone, The old tram,and with Starbucks together ,So interesting
There is a snack bar street,They are the traditional Chinese snack.
We ate steamed stuffed bun （ in Chinese is :Bao-zi)and Steamed Pork Dumplings （Shao-mai).and Almond Jelly.Almond Jelly is Chinese dessert, These are all very delicious ~
Pictures of ancient buildings is the Drum Tower.The drum tower was built in 1272 during the reign of kublai khan and has been damaged and rebuilt several times, according to china tourism web sites.The old street is very interesting in the modern city
Posted Mar 21, 2014, 12:28 pm
Today is my last day at China.I'm leaving for post office right away.
I and PinkyHH cycle to the park in the morning.I've never ridden a bicycle before.And eventually I learn how to ride a bike.
Today they arranged a great banquet to send me off,We went to have Beijing Roast Duck
The roast beijing duck is delicious.I think I eat too much.
We go home have a farewell party.The party was so good I couldn't drag myself away. I hugging everyone,I sure am gonna miss you guys.
They gave me a present.It's Chinese knot.It's has a symbol of better services, all fortune
Thanks my friends.
PAPA took some photos for me by Polaroid.Mum I'll get it home to you.
It was nice of they to throw me a farewell party like this.
I say good-bye and thank you to my wonderful friends in beijing.
Posted Mar 23, 2014, 4:06 pm
I'm pinkyHH.Hansi is on his way to Japan.
There are some photos,I help him to update the Travelog
The day we went to the Summer Palace.
I heard that covering an area of about 290 hectares, the existing Summer Palace is China's largest, most complete preservation of the imperial garden, the Summer Palace, the palace was originally Qing Dynasty emperors and Garden.
We from the south luck the door into the garden, go first to turn west causeway, feel the scenery is good, kunming lake water rippling, the sun is not so hot, ripples on the lake breeze let a person feel comfortable.
The Summer Palace, has the longevity hill and kunming lake, mountain scenery, hand in photograph reflect,scenery attractive.Kunming lake north shore has a long corridor, the east gallery invite instance, west to zhangs pavilion, stone work between meters.Promenade in each root fang liang has exquisite painting, there is the west lake scenery, landscape characters, plant flowers and birds, etc.
we took lots of photos,talked and laughed,we were so happy ,though we were tired.
The Summer Palace and many attractive scenery, attract the tourists at home and abroad.
At the last,I hope Hansi had a nice trip in Japan.
Hey Aunt, Do you know,we all love Hansi so much,He's a gentleman and very handsome, he does care for me.
Bye ~~
PinkyHH
Posted Mar 27, 2014, 4:45 am
I'm PinkyHH
I've found some Hansi's photos more.
This is our in the farm in Australia.We saw the koalas and kangaroos！
Kangaroos are very gentle,And when they have a little baby in the pouch it looks adorable.Koalas always asleeping,But they are very lovely!!
We have laughs together.
This is the last photos ,really
Bye~~
PinkyHH
Posted Mar 29, 2014, 11:29 am
I arrived in Japan. It is very early than usual.
Everyone gave me a warm welcome.
Wow! I was surprised to find her there. I'm happy to see Rachel again.
I heard she arrived monday from Finland.
Mom, I have something for you.
Rachel's mom gave me souvenir from China.
I will gave to you when I return back to my home .
I am looking forward to exploring in Japan.
See you!
Posted Mar 30, 2014, 2:53 am
We decided to go to McDonald's because I've heard that there is a drink of SAKURA(cherry blossoms) related for a limited time at McDonald's from Rachel's mom.
Well, McDonald's was 5-minute walk from my host's home.
It was a delicious cold drink, sweet smell and good cherries taste.
Drink of this pink is like a cocktail that does not contain alcohol at all.
We were able to see cherry blossoms began to bloom on the my way home.
Cherry blossoms will be in full bloom soon.
Posted Apr 6, 2014, 5:00 am
Many Japanese people loves cherry blossom so much.
It is said that it is because cherry blossom symbolizes the ephemeral nature of life due to the way it blooms spectacularly but only for a short while. or feeling spring comes and meaning everything start.
Well, we will start a week of searching the "SAKURA"(cherry blossoms) for us.
I found small flowers. It is very cute!
Then We were looking at this scenery that cherry blossoms were falling.
Of all the windy yesterday, the cherry blossoms have fallen off.
However, I heard The cherry blossoms are at their best few days.
I think I want to more enjoy cherry blossoms.
Posted Apr 6, 2014, 5:35 am
There were many people taking pictures and watching the cherry blossoms.
You can see Japanese-style room and conference room in Tadodai-buncyosya.
Stone of Antarctica was also on display. Of course, I tried to touch to stone.
We can see the Tokyo Bay below our eyes, cherry blossoms bloomed in a nice garden.
Pond was being represented by white stones on part of the garden.
This is a typical representation of a Japanese garden.
The weather was not good, but we were able to enjoy.
Posted Apr 6, 2014, 6:17 am
The ground was covered in pink petals, and the remaining blossoms and leaves covered the sky giving the place a pink glow.
I am afraid the flowers will not last till next week.
Although the cherry blossoms were on a decline by the time of our visit, we were nevertheless able to catch some pleasant views. However, with the afternoon showers in the area, more petals will fall and that would bring the cherry blossoms season closer to its end.
Posted Apr 14, 2014, 8:30 am
New guest has arrived from Germany today.
Her name is Josie. She is cute tiny dog.
We sincerely welcome.
Well, Spring vacation has ended, and the new school term started today.
In Japan, April is the month when school starts and companies begin a new business year.
Everyone seems little busy.
Bye for now.
Posted Apr 19, 2014, 9:10 am
It's sunny day.
We came to Kannonzaki park.
First, we greeting an old cat who lives here.
He looks very comfortably by basking.
A short walk, And we found a very mysterious dark cave.
Kind of an old small shrine, any incorporeal supernatural being, Don't you think so?
There's a legend that a large snake lived on this dark cave.
Monk visited small village Kannonzaki in 741.
He heard that a large snake lived in this cave, and afflicts villagers and fishermen, the people of marine transportation.
Monk was killed the large snake. Then large snake was enshrined in this dark cave .
I think we should keep away from this cave.
Posted Apr 19, 2014, 9:50 am
Kannonzaki lighthouse is oldest western style lighthouse in Japan.
November 1 is the lighthouse anniversary to commemorate the start of construction date of this lighthouse.
Collapsed in the earthquake of twice, the current lighthouse is the third generation.
We were able to see big tankers comings and goings in Tokyo Bay when we walking beach.
I found Cherry blossom tree in Kannonzaki park here.
We playing at the beach a little. I have enjoying and relaxed.
See you!
Posted Apr 20, 2014, 4:57 am
You can see arrival time of trains at the station(in Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean language).
Posted Apr 20, 2014, 7:19 am
Mom, I was really surprised!
Do you believe in the spirit photo?
There is a large white orb in my photo.
I heard orb appears in the sacred places such as shrines and temples. Is it just a dust on the lens of camera???
What do you think?
Through promenade in forest, I went to shrine buildings.
It was one of the visiting typical place for foreign tourists here.
Visitors to the shrine can take part in typical Shinto activities, writing out one's wish on an ema.
When we visited the Meiji shrine, we witnessed a Shinto wedding procession which was led by two priests and two shrine maidens, followed by the couple under a red umbrella and the family and friends.
It was delightful seeing the colorful ceremony in wonderful surroundings.
When you enter the premises of Meiji shrine, you notice barrels of sake wrapped in straw stacked up near the entrance.
This is fascinating design.
To know more about these barrels, read the following text which was written on information board put up near these barrels.
And You can see the otorii, it is the gate of shrines.
Posted Apr 20, 2014, 11:14 am
Wow, There are a lot of people.
You can see the famous crossing in front of Shibuya Station.
It is a crossing where vehicles from all four directions are stopped and allows pedestrians to cross in every direction.
Posted Apr 23, 2014, 12:59 pm
NHK(Nippon Hoso Kyokai, Japan Broadcasting Corporation) Studio Park is NHK Broadcasting thema park that is open to the public.
It gives visitors a chance to look behind the scenes of NHK broadcasting.
You can know the history of the TV show.
Stage equipment and costumes that were used in the TV show is on display.
Posted Apr 30, 2014, 12:50 am
It is like a maze.
Then We went to the Kabuki-za theater.
Kabuki is a part of traditional Japanese classical culture.
We saw ladies wearing Kimono, Kimono is Japanese traditional dress, it is worn during formal events.
It was a good day!
See you.
Posted Apr 30, 2014, 2:37 am
Today, April 14th is my toy voyagers friend Rachel's birthday!
We had a surprise birth day party for Rachel.
Look! We made cute cup cake for her.
We sang me the happy birthday song.
Happy Birthday to you, Happy birthday to you
Happy Birthday dear little sheep Rachel
Happy Birthday Rachel!!!
We glad that she liked it. It was a really fun time.
Posted Apr 30, 2014, 3:26 am
We went to the "Ootawa, Tsutsuji no oka(azalea's hills) park".
50,000 azaleas have been planted here, pink and white, red flowers very beautiful, so visitors can enjoy the flowers.
Many Bee had greeted us. They loves honey too much.
Actually, It seems azalea's honey is sweet when my host tasted the azalea's honey in childhood.
Posted Apr 30, 2014, 4:15 am
We repaired Betty's red tag. It was easy for us.
My host bought her some candies.
We are a little sad to say goodbye to her.
Hope we can meet together sometime.
Posted May 11, 2014, 6:40 am
We came to Umikaze(It is meaning "sea breeze") park by bicycle because it is a lovely day.
It was five minutes until the park.
Here is very crowded on sunday. Many people visited the park, and enjoyed a barbecue and fishing.
We're playing in the playground equipment.
I found funny clock tower. Let me see...It is eight twenty five in the morning.
You can see a view of the Tokyo Bay. A small island in Tokyo Bay has been called "Saru-shima(It is meaning "Monkeys Island")".
But monkeys do not live on the island now.
A big love and many kisses on Mother's Day!
Hansi Hü
Posted May 17, 2014, 1:33 am
You can see various drinks.
Lactic acid bacteria beverage, coffee, cocoa, cafe au lait, tea, green tea, cola, plum juice, mineral water, soup and more. cold or hot, Cans or paper cups or plastic bottles.
Posted May 17, 2014, 2:05 am
Usually my host has not interested in football.
However, She has interested in World Cup and stamps.
She showed us to FIFA World Cup stamp sheets, it was issued today at Japan post office.
Posted May 17, 2014, 2:47 am
We are a little sad to say goodbye to her.
Hope we can meet together sometime, somewhere.
Posted May 21, 2014, 6:49 am
We went to Verny park by bicycle, humming to song.
It takes 20 minutes to go to this park by my host's bicycle.
The name of the park called Verny is origin of name from French engineer Verny.
He gave us any support to built a lighthouse and Yokosuka Port facilities in 1865-1867. So this park is built French-style.
Mom, Do you know "Haiku" ?
Haiku is Japanese three-line poetry structured in the set form of 5-7-5 syllables.
Including a seasonal word in it.
It is said that haiku is the world's shortest literature.
One Haiku is written for stone where we are sitting.
Shiki Masaoka(1867-1902) wrote this Haiku, he is one of great modern Haiku poet.
It is impression of Yokosuka port when he visited the Yokosuka in 1888.
Haiku has been one of the most important traditional literary forms in Japan.
A contemplative poetry, nature, color, seasons, contrast and surprises.
It has developed as a verse that expresses deep feeling for nature including human beings.
This follows the traditional Japanese idea that people is a part of the natural world.
Many rose are blooming so beautifully at the best now. Pink roses, red and yellow, white roses.
That is a very smells sweet.
My host bought us matcha latte, I drank latte sitting on the bench.
We continued our tour of the park, I found historic gate.
See you!
Posted May 27, 2014, 10:19 am
Ramen is a Japanese noodle and soup dish which originated in China.
Everything looks good.
I’m want to have the Shin-Ramen! It is from Korea, so very spicy Ramen!
This Ramen is too hot for me.
Put a block of dried Ramen into boiled water and boil it with vegetables and meat or sausage and seaweed and bean sprouts for a few minutes.
Add the accompanying soup powder and stir.
It was delicious!
Posted May 27, 2014, 11:14 am
We came to Yuigahama beach in Kamakura.
You can see Pacific ocean.
Many people enjoying surfing. Riding waves is so cool!
It's such a beautiful sport to watch when we're walking down beaches.
We must be careful with Hawks.
If I was kidnapped to Hawks, I may not see you any more.
I heard we could take a lot of Sakuragai(beautiful pink color shellfish) in this beach. But I couldn't found that.
There is a monument of Sakuragai's song.
Posted May 28, 2014, 10:13 am
I saw burger shop and sandwiches shop, Japanese post box(old type), sewing goods shop "SWANY"(Flowers in the garden of this shop was beautiful), Japanese sweets shop and Studio Ghibli shop.
Mom, My host bought me "Kamakura-yaki".
I would say they are like Japanese pancake(green tea flavor) or muffin with bean paste of black sesami seeds inside.
Delicious!
Posted May 31, 2014, 5:42 am
It has been said Masako Hojo(1157 - 1225) built this temple for her husband.
Her husband was a founder and supreme authority of Kamakura shogunate.
A story I heard was, Masako bought a good dream from her young sister.
How to buy a dream, Masako gave her what she want.
Tradition has it that so good things will happen when you bought a good dream from somebody.
Actually, She managed to make a brilliant marriage.
Anyoin is Masako's Buddhist name.
Posted May 31, 2014, 7:23 am
Ankokuronji is one of several temples of the Nichiren sect of Japanese Buddhism of Kamakura in 1253.
Tourists did not visit much here.
Fresh green garden here is beautiful, wonderful sculptures of the temple.
Posted May 31, 2014, 8:40 am
Called "Sho" is one of the musical instrument that is played at the shrine.
You can see "Ema(wooden votive tablet)", it was written one's wishes on Ema(form of ginkgo).
We had a break with drink water of Cassis flavor.
Flavor water(infused water) now has been very popular in Japan.
Day trip of us is the end here.
Gokigenyou(Have a nice day!)
Posted Jun 2, 2014, 10:49 am
I heard you found my next host. Thank you!
I'm excited about new journey. I can't wait.
I should prepare for a trip.
Yellow frog Hojicha made me a small red bag, because I have some souvenirs for you from papa-always.
When go back home someday, I will hand to you.
Oh, But my host's sewing machine does not work. Oh my god!
We made this small red bag by hand-stitching.
It worked! isn't it ?
Posted Jun 2, 2014, 11:01 am
Yummy!
Posted Jun 6, 2014, 9:55 am
We came here for one of my life mission.
Suburbs of Tokyo. It takes around 90 minutes from my host's home to here by train.
It is called The Tokyo Yushun, 81st Nihon Derby(81st Japanese Derby).
Every year, the Japanese Derby records the spectator numbers in excess of 130,000 and is one of the most representative big horse race in Japan.
We have 3 big horse race, It is "Satsuki-sho", "Kikka-sho", "Tokyo Yushun".
"Satsuki-sho" horse race is said that most fast horse is win.
Also "Kikka-sho" horse race is said that most strong horse is win.
This horse race "Tokyo Yushun" is said that most lucky horse is win.
That’s fascinating! isn't it ?
The victory was worth 200,000,000 yen(about 1,438,720 euro)(about 12,087,000 Chinese Yuan).
I got a admission ticket and racing program.
How wonderful the Tokyo race course is!!
We bought a betting slip for #13"Isla Bonita" by observing the horse in the paddock.
I’ll be rooting for Isla Bonita!
You can see this horse race video and result.
here.
Check it video & result.
"2014.06.01
Tokyo Yushun
(Japanese Derby) (G1)
Tokyo Racecourse"
That race was really awesome!
Have a lovely day!
your Hansi
Posted Jan 15, 2015, 7:15 am
This is my last updates in Japan.
My host bought me Instant coffee(Caramel Macchiato). It will drink coffee when I have a break time on the flight.
I packed my bags with the greatest care, some wonderful souvenirs(great photos in an envelope, and yellow a lucky charm?) from papa-always, and Japanese darby(horse race) sticker and my betting ticket.
I said "Thank you for everything! Good bye, until we meet again somewhere.".
I was happy to spend a lot of time in Japan.
Mom, Thank you for finding me nice host. I'm looking forward to going to the Singapore.
See you again!
your little horse
Hansi
Posted Jan 26, 2015, 4:13 pm
Posted Jan 26, 2015, 4:23 pm
I've finally arrived back home! I had a wonderful journe all across Asia, thanks a lot to my wonderful hosts, I really had a good time! My parents were very happy when they saw me again, and my mommy was so thrilled when I gave her my souvenirs :-)!
Then I said hello to my little brother Lucky and told him about my adventures.
But now I'm a little tired and need to take a nap... And a good shower!
See you soon!
Hansi
Posted Jan 26, 2015, 4:32 pm
guess what?! I said goodbye to my brothers and sister, packed my bag and now I'm on the road again!
AUSTRALIA HERE I COME!
I can't wait to go to the beach and enjoy summertime! I hope to get there very soon...
So long - see you down under!
Hansi
Posted Feb 17, 2015, 6:45 am
I have arrived!!!
I heard noises outside my travel bag
I think someone might be standing on me Mum!!! Lucky they are not heavy!!
some people looked into my travel bag
I came out and met Buddy, The WotWots, Bumble Bee, Kevin Kiwi and Chalon...lots of travelling friends Mum!!
I met Tupai the chowchow
found a lovely rose in the garden
this is the house I am staying in for now Mum
one side of the yard
there are flowers coming on the flowering gum tree
Here comes Tupai. Off inside now Mum for a snack and sleep.
Happily yours
Hansi.
xxooxx
Posted Feb 22, 2015, 4:07 am
Today we have been to Ballan where Sue went to a quilt shop for a bloggers meet up...it was a very hot day so we mostly stayed inside with the air conditioning, but on the way back from lunch we found this charity shop.....was closed sadly....but we had a look at the garden and the walls
Happily yours
Hansi
xxooxx
Posted Feb 22, 2015, 4:31 am
Today we welcomed Bernie and Wavy Gravy back from their travels...Bernie and Wavy Gravy got married in Germany and now they are here to show some of Australia to Wavy Gravy...but an exciting thing happened on their way home....their twins arrived!! So they are now a family of four! I am looking forward to playing with the twins!
Happily yours
Hansi.
xxooxx
Posted Apr 5, 2015, 11:17 pm
I am well and enjoying my stay, we have lots more photos to show you but they will happen next week after our trip to South Australia!!
Look what I found in the kitchen Mum....The Easter bunny has been!! I have had a munch but have to stop now....
my tummy is a bit full!!!
Happy Easter
Love and hugs
Hansi
xxooxx
Posted Apr 5, 2015, 11:19 pm
We walked Tupai the chow chow today...is a bit cloudy this morning
More soon
Love and hugs
Hansi
xxooxx
Posted Apr 13, 2015, 8:29 am
Today we have had a little look at the city....first we got off the train and walked to the city circle tram..and look what we found
Here I am on one of the bridges over the Yarra River,
Maybe I can find my own true love here Mum....
this sign tells us about immigration and where people came from to Australia
this is one of the big buildings on South Bank....check out the bees Mum...
Here I am outside Flinders Street railway station...the hub for the domestic trains
and here is St Pauls cathedral
I quite like this city Mum...more soon
Love and hugs
Hansi
xxooxx
Posted Apr 14, 2015, 7:03 am
Just one photo today at Queenscliffe on the look out.....hopefully we will get back to take more photos very soon.
Love and hugs
Hansi
xxooxx
Posted Apr 14, 2015, 7:08 am
Nice day for dog walking Mum!
Love and hugs
Hansi
xxooxx
Posted Apr 14, 2015, 7:17 am
We are on our way to South Australia!!!!
Yay!! Road trip!!
I feel like I am a long long way from anywhere!!!!
and a little sea sick.....a boat on springs is not good on a very windy day Mum believe me.....we are at the Lake Bolac information centre and found this sign and playground out the back....
I haven't hear of a bunyip before have you Mum??? Don't think I want to meet one either!!!
I guess this proves where I am Mum!!
a platypus shape Mum...boy they have some strange animals here!!!
we know this one Mum!!
Off on the road now Mum, more soon
Love and hugs
Hansi
xxooxx
Posted Apr 14, 2015, 7:23 am
We have stopped at the info centre again...time for one quick picture...
the big hill in the back ground is part of the Grampians National Park...good for walking and climbing I am told Mum.
Love and hugs
Hansi
xxooxx
Posted Apr 14, 2015, 7:30 am
This morning we are having a look around Mount Gambier..
this is a garden created in a limestone sink hole back in the 1800's....it was part of someone's garden!! It goes down a long long way...there used to be water at the bottom, but there isn't very much these days.
we found some interesting rocks at the info centre
and here I am at the Blue Lake sometimes it is more blue than this...it wasn't too sunny today and the colour changes with the time of the year.
Off on the road again Mum
Love and hugs
Hansi.
xxooxx
Posted Apr 14, 2015, 7:34 am
Today we are driving to Robe....just stopped to show you this beach
All very calm here today Mum.
Love and hugs
Hansi
xxooxx
Posted May 18, 2015, 8:45 am
We have reached our destination...and the sun came out!! How good was that...might not last long...have a look at the clouds coming!
We are driving along the tourist road now Mum just near Robe,
A bit windy here Mum!!
On the way home we stopped to watch the sun set
We are back in Kingston now Mum,
Happily yours
Hansi
xx
Posted May 18, 2015, 8:56 am
We are out and about in Kingston today...
this is the old light house....no longer in use, just a tourist attraction...closed today...
and this is the beach near the light house...not far from Pink Beach..
nice water here....but no waves...
a TV gathering on the beach!
we made a sandcastle
the little ones had a lot of fun...
now we are 20km up the coast at a place called The Granites....
Mmmmmmm.....we think because of these large granite rocks...the rocks in this area are mostly limestone
a little surf here Mum...
and a nice long beach...
hee...hee...and this is just next door to where we are staying...is a tourist attraction in this area...
What do you think Mum???
Tomorrow we are beginning our journey home.....more soon...
Love and hugs
Hansi
xxooxx
Posted May 25, 2015, 5:43 am
On our way back home we called in to have a look at this cave....
this one looks a bit spooky Mum!!!
just taking it all in here..
Off out to the fresh air now Mum and back on the road
Love and hugs
Hansi
xxooxx
Posted Jun 7, 2015, 4:09 am
Look what we found when we were out walking the dog today...
Love and hugs
Hansi
xxooxx
Posted Jun 7, 2015, 4:24 am
Today we went in to the city to see the poppy display...two ladies here in Melbourne wanted people to craft 5000 poppies and they ended up with 250,000!!!! Sue made some so wanted to see the display. Most of the display was yesterday but we can still see most of them
on our way we walked thru China town
we saw some interesting graffiti
and some of the poppies
how is this for a flash car
heading home on the train now Mum
Love and hugs
Hansi
xxooxx
Posted Jun 7, 2015, 4:28 am
Having a walk down to the beach this morning
Nice day Mum!!
Love and hugs
Hansi
xxooxx
Posted Jun 7, 2015, 4:32 am
Sue has come to the city to watch a rugby game
Here I am in Federation Square...there is a big gathering here to send prayers for the people of Nepal after the terrible earthquake
Guess who didn't take any photos at the rugby Mum!!!
Love and hugs
Hansi
xxooxx
Posted Jun 7, 2015, 4:35 am
Hi Mum...put walking the dog again this morning...around the lagoon today.
Love and hugs
Hansi
xxooxx
Posted Jun 7, 2015, 4:37 am
Is a beautiful day today
enjoying being near the beach
Happily yours
Hansi
xxooxx
Posted Jun 7, 2015, 4:40 am
Not such a nice day today but we had a good walk
we found the shell tree!!
and this bush with the interesting berries
Love and hugs
Hansi
xxooxx
Posted Jun 7, 2015, 5:33 am
A new TV arrived here today..it is Kalea!! We made her welcome.
Love and hugs
Hansi
Posted Jun 12, 2015, 1:56 am
We have been walking Tupai this morning...I think someone had the camera on the wrong setting today!!!
Happily yours
Hansi
xx
Posted Jun 12, 2015, 1:58 am
Back at the beach with Tupai again, not such nice weather today
Love and hugs
Hansi
xxooxx
Posted Jun 12, 2015, 2:02 am
Today we have been on a bike ride around the little lagoon here first we saw the pelicans at the boat launching ramp
Along the lagoon, lots of birds live here Mum
Coming back along the beach track.
Happily yours
Hansi
xxooxx
Posted Jun 12, 2015, 2:12 am
Today an envelope arrived in the mail
we all gathered around and could hear someone calling out "Hello!!"
an orange beak popped out....it is Scoop...he came out to Australia to see his good friend Kevin Kiwi but sadly Kevin went to Germany and then had an invitation to go to China!!! How special is that!!
We made Scoop welcome though and had a chat about his travels.
later we took Tupai for a walk and showed Scoop the beach.
Love and hugs
Hansi
xxooxx
Posted Jun 12, 2015, 2:17 am
Sue has been to a sewing day here in Port Arlington today, late in the day we came to have a look at the beach and the jetty...it is having work done on it at present...this is where the mussel boats come to and in the summer you can buy mussels fresh from the boats!
very peaceful here Mum!
Love and hugs
Hansi
xxooxx
Posted Jun 12, 2015, 2:19 am
Walking Tupai again this morning
Having a chat with Kalea
Happily yours
Hansi
xxooxx
Posted Jun 12, 2015, 2:24 am
Today we are having a walk down at Edwards Point , we walk through beach bush,
over the board walk on the Salt Lake
out onto the beach
to a bird watching place
we walked back along the beach
and had a rest at the big seat with Tupai...this seat used to be high above the sand but with the changes on the beach it is now much lower.
Happily yours
Hansi
xxooxx
Posted Jun 12, 2015, 2:26 am
Saltily yours
Hansi
xxooxx
Posted Jun 12, 2015, 2:53 am
Today we have had a BIG day out!! We drove to Torquay..the home of Bells Beach where the Rip Curl surfing competition is held each Easter...sadly we missed the competition but we saw the beach and people surfing there.
for some reason this photo has gone funny, but we started here
we had come along Bell Street and Sue thought we were at Bells Beach but no...we had to go further along the coast
HERE WE ARE
doesn't look like a safe place to be surfing Mum!!
Wow Mum!! The famous surfing beach!!
Ok Off in the car now for our next beach visit!!
Love and hugs
Hansi
xxooxx
Posted Jun 12, 2015, 3:08 am
We have travelled along the coast a little and arrived at Barwon Heads....this is known as part of the ship wreck coast, as many sailing ships in the 1800's were wrecked along this coast.
the Barwon River comes to the sea just under that bridge
would you believe Mum there are people surfing out in those waves!!
lots and lots of coast line Mum!!
we are trying to add video here Mum
fingers crossed!!
Love and hugs
Hansi
xxooxx
Posted Jun 12, 2015, 3:30 am
This is the next stop on our travels today
Ocean Grove is very popular for swimming and surfing
And I met a pirate Mum!!
He was ok we talked about the sea!!!
then we met a surfer dude
Off we go again Mum!!
Love and hugs
Hansi
xxooxx
Posted Jun 12, 2015, 3:38 am
it is a long long pier!!
a working light house Mum
that water out there Mum is where the big ships come in (carefully) as it is narrow...this is the entrance to Port Phillip Bay...and to Melbourne..
you can see the other side of the bay in the distance
there is an old bunker down by the water.....was made for WW2 but not used
LUNCH!!! Yay!!! We have stopped for a late lunch..YUM!!!
Happily yours
Hansi
xxooxx
Posted Jun 26, 2015, 7:47 am
today we are at Queenscliff to see a friend of Sue's... we climbed up tot he top of this tower called 360 Observation tower....
amazing view from up here Mum....here we are looking over the old life boat ramp and jetty out to the ocean....
and here over the bay and the ferry landing place below...
we came back down in the lift...Phew!! and had a look at the boats
Happily yours
Hansi
xxooxx
Posted Jun 26, 2015, 7:51 am
My last time at the beach here before I travel on my journey
A bit windy here Mum but very peaceful!
Love and hugs
Hansi
xxooxx
Posted Jun 26, 2015, 7:52 am
Guess what I am still here!!!
rainbow clouds in the sky today Mum!!
Another beautiful calm day.
Happily yours
Hansi
xxooxx
Posted Jun 26, 2015, 7:54 am
We are back in Queenscliff...Sue is doing some geocaching so we have come to help
we got here in time to see the ferry coming in!
I think tomorrow is the day Mum...I am off on my travels!!
Happily yours
Hansi
xxooxx
Posted Jun 28, 2015, 10:53 pm
Today I am packed and ready to travel to the US!!!
I checked out my travel bag and said goodbye to everyone
See you from America soon...hope I have a quick trip.
Love and hugs
Hansi
xxooxx
Posted Jul 16, 2015, 5:22 am
Mel spends most weekends working, so Monday and Tuesdays are like the weekend for her! On Tuesday we got a lot of errands run, and then we went to a market in a park where Mel tries to sell her photos. First we had things to do though, and we started with Lunch!
Then we took her car through the automatic car wash. That was funny to see from the inside. Mel let me sit in the window.
Then we were off to market! Mel got her table set up, and then we explored where there weren't many customers around.
There lots of interesting crafts, and food, too! These people were selling vegetables...
...and this lady was selling eggs from her own chickens. The lady past here was selling flowers she grew and picked herself.
There was even a food truck selling 'Caribbean' food, but we just got a soda, not food.
Mel didn't sell much at the market, even with my help, but it is there every week in summer, so we will probably go try again!
More soon!
Posted Jul 16, 2015, 5:32 am
You could see the pier and lighthouses from were we set up our blanket. I am blocking the sun with my head so you can see the lighthouses in the distance. A lot of tourists come to see them.
While we were waiting, I relaxed a bit in what sunshine was left!
When I got bored with that, I watched some children down the beach playing ball.
Oh, the sun is going to set right behind the lighthouse!
There it goes....
After that is was getting dark fast, so we headed home. I'm told we can come again later in the summer since Mel lives so close to it!
Posted Aug 10, 2015, 4:31 am
Mel is kind of funny, Mom; she has taken me all over, I go with her most everywhere she goes, but does she ever let me have the computer to update you? No! Well, finally I have the laptop all to myself! So I will have a lot to update you on!
Mel and I took her Niece Maddy to the Black Rock Renaissance Faire. Madison dressed as a forest fairy. Mel didn't dress up at all. It is a small fair, but we had fun!
Right inside the entrance, we met Gandalf the Grey! Maddy is holding me.
We watched some Viking Blacksmiths work. There was a whole camp of Vikings!
I even found a sword MY size! I wonder if I could be a knight?
I wanted to know more about knights, so we went to watch a joust. This is Sir Tyler, he was fighting for the Championship.
After the joust (which Sir Tyler won) they knights battled with swords!
Sir Tyler won that, too! We cheered!
But I thought the best park was meeting Prince, his lovely Percheron Battle Horse! Maybe I will skip being a knight and be a warhorse instead!
Knight armour looks too big, heavy, and hot anyway.
We relaxed a bit after all that excitement by watching some Belly Dancers...
Watched some people dance around a maypole...
And danced to a bagpipe and drum group!
I also made a new friend while Mel and Maddy got henna drawings done. He is a llama from South America! He travels with his owners from faire to faire.
OK, one update caught up! I will work on Coast Guard Festival next!
Posted Sep 17, 2015, 9:56 pm
Mel's hometown hosts a big festival every year honoring the US Coast Guard. They have a carnival and a parade and fireworks, and a lot of people come from all over to visit. Mel and I walked down to the carnival on the night before the fireworks.
There was a carousel what almost made me wish to be a carousel horse! They are so pretty!
I think this white one was flirting with me.
There was an arts and crafts fair in the city's Central Park.
These very talented kids made amazing music! We danced a bit but mostly listened.
Then we found the food wagons
!
Mel got me some apple cider and a spiced donut.
The fireworks would be launched from the hill in the distance here. people were already setting up blankets and marking spaces more than a day ahead of time!
Then we walked back through the carnival and back home.
We didn't see the fireworks because Mel had to go out of town to a friend's wedding that day, but we got home in time to her them!
Posted Sep 17, 2015, 10:12 pm
The Grand River is the largest river in Michigan, and it was very important to the natives and the settlers who came after. It also made a good place to enjoy a day exploring!
Some places were just lovely nature sites now. This is a small boat launch now, but was once the site of a Native American village.
This is a handicap accesable kayak launch. Able people can use it too of course, you just slide right off into the river!
This huge old tree was wonderful to visit.
And the trip brought us right back to Grand Haven! The Grand River has its mouth there and is very popular with boaters and also has some transport ships come to harbor there.
Looking the other way, you can see the lighthouse again at the channel mouth.
Last time I mentioned the Coast Guard, here is one of their boats going out on patrol. They keep the boaters safe and do water rescues when needed.
Posted Sep 25, 2015, 1:53 am
They set up on the Harbor Island, and let all of the kids (and grown ups) come to visit. They had music, and shops, and displays.
Mel had been here before! In fact, I think this same pirate that posed with me, has met a toy voyager before.... I'm glad he was in a better mood this time!
I'm not sure I would want to be a pirate, but they have cools ships.
Posted Sep 25, 2015, 2:18 am
First we had to go over the Blue Water Bridge between Port Huron, MI and Sarnia, ON.
We got through customs fine. They ask more questions when you are in a car than when you are in an envelope, but the view was more interesting.
Then it was about three more hours of driving and we reached Hamilton. We went right to a hotel for some sleep, because we had big plans for the next morning!
And here we are! After breakfast at a nearby diner, we went to the largest botanical gardens in Canada!
There were some indoor houses with plants, but we spent the most time outside in the gardens.
They didn't just have plants from Canada, these plants look like they belong in the desert!
The water garden was Mel's favorite.
The gardens didn't take long, and we were close to the neighboring city of Burlington, so we went there to find a park to have lunch at.
And we found one right on the waterfront!
That is Lake Ontario behind me! I decided to just sit and enjoy the view for a while. It was a lovely day! That is Hamilton on the horizon.
Then Mel went off to look for waterfalls. She found three, but was using her big camera, so I didn't interrupt much. I just enjoyed the views and walking in the woods. This is Webster's Falls.
The next morning was MORE waterfalls. There are so many because of the Niagara Escarpment. It is the same rocks that Niagara Falls goes over, farther south. We went to four more and Mel and her mom were both getting tired, so we found lunch and went to see a castle!
Sadly a lot of the outside was scaffolded for repairs. This is part of a servant wing and the Dovecote. The house is not really a castle, it is just the biggest house in that part of Canada, so people call it that. It is really a Georgian mansion built by a former Prime Minister of Canada.
It was interesting inside not because of the fancy rooms but because they also showed us the service areas. In the kitchen the cook gave us some food!
The food came from the Victorian kitchen gardens, also on the same site. That was interesting too, though a lot of the harvest was done.
The house woudl have had a very nice view, on this hill above Lake Ontario.
And now I am in the car again - we are at Tim Horton's, a coffee shop that is EVERYWHERE here in Hamilton (it started here) and using their wifi to find a Canada Post office. It looks like Ancaster has the nearest, so I will hope to see you very soon from Alberta!!!
Posted Oct 18, 2015, 2:30 am
I am on the other side of Canada
! The trip in the post was not too long and today my parcel was dropped in the midst of what seemed to be a location full of little paws in frantic action .
As it happens, it was a bunch of TVs lead by sammino, who will by my host here, that was trying to set me free
. Of course they wanted to hear everything about my previous trips, so a lot of chatting followed late into the night .
Posted Oct 18, 2015, 9:32 pm
today it was a nice day so we tried to go for a short hike
. Early on we had to cross the Elbow River, which at this time of the year flows mostly within the gravel of its large bed ...so there wasn't really much water to cross .
As we gained elevation we reached Forgetmenot Ridge, where the wind was blowing at gale force
. Nevertheless we managed to take some photos .
However, after a couple of near misses, smaug said that he was not risking to spend afternoon searching for us down the slopes of the mountain
, so he shoved us back in the bag and said that for today there were not going to be any more photos .
Posted Oct 18, 2015, 9:50 pm
today we went for lunch in Banff
. First we had a lovely and big steak .
And for dessert we treated ourselves with delicious ice cream and melted chocolate
...that's what I call a proper lunch .
With a full belly we got on our way home, but we decided to stop a bit at Lake Minnewanka, where the reflections in the lake were beautiful
.
Posted Nov 9, 2015, 1:41 am
the weather was not so good this weekend, but today we tried to go for a quick hike in the morning anyway. While we were in the trees we could occasionally see the sun, so we took it as a good sign
.
Nevertheless, once we reached the summit, the clouds were closing in from all directions
.
Only in the east and in the south it seemed to be still a bit clearer...
...but since it was starting to snow very lightly
we decided not to linger and headed back down the trail.
Posted Nov 9, 2015, 1:55 am
guess what? Today we had the first proper snowfall of the season
. However when smaug came back from work it was too dark to take any photos , so the main reason for this update is that we have a new guest here in Calgary . smaug came back with an interesting envelope...
...and when we cracked it open a new TV came out, Arn Wes Wilde, a nice tiger from China
.
As it always happens when someone new arrives, story telling went deep into the night
.
Posted Nov 15, 2015, 9:39 pm
After a week of fairly inconsistent weather, today we headed to the mountains keen to find out how much snow
, if any, we were going to find. As it happens we found it from the very start and the first hour went by walking on a large snow-covered trail in the trees.
Eventually we came out of the tree cover and started enjoying the wind
.
Once we reached the top of Pigeon Mountain the view was great in most directions
.
Only in the west the clouds were very dark.
Anyway, smaug was having a hard time taking photos while making sure that we did not accidentally fly away in the gale force wind
. So he eventually shoved us back securely in the backpack and we did not see the outside world again until we were back in the car later in the day .
Posted Nov 23, 2015, 3:23 am
We had a new arrival in Calgary today
. smaug came home with a new envelope and, as usual, we were tasked with opening it .
And a new TV came out, Matcha a nice frog from Japan
. And he brought some lovely chocolate with him .
As it always happens in this cases, the night went by chatting and eating
.
Posted Dec 1, 2015, 2:42 am
winter is definitely here and today we went checking out the fresh snow outside of Calgary
. When we parked the car it was obvious that there was no shortage of it.
As we moved up the trail all the forest was clad in white
...
...and occasionally we could see that the it looked pretty much the same all around us.
When we reached the highest point of the day the clouds were really nice and opened up to let us enjoy the view
.
However they were not nice for long
, and soon we could not seen 10 m away, so we slowly headed back home.
Posted Dec 20, 2015, 3:30 pm
We had a bit more snow this week, but today it was quite clear, so we went for a nice walk in the foothills
. Well, actually there was a bit more snow than we expected during the first part of the walk, which caused smaug to be a bit grumpy . Anyway, eventually we reached the top of Eagle Hill, where we had a great view of the valley we just followed…
…and of the Bow Valley gap into the Rockies
.
As it happens, the wind was pretty much gale force
, so smaug was having some trouble keeping us from taking off and after a couple of near misses, we decided that the inside of the backpack was the place to be in these conditions .
Posted Dec 20, 2015, 3:42 pm
Guess what, we are going on holiday
! Today we finished packing our suitecase and headed for the airport .
See you soon from somewhere else
!
Posted Jan 3, 2016, 2:29 am
I’m in Italy
! Well, at least so I have been told . Anyway, time to have a hearty breakfast and when I recover from the jetlag I will investigate further .
Posted Jan 3, 2016, 3:07 am
OK, sammino explained us that we were planning to do some skiing
, but not a single flake of snow (or drop of water for what it matters) has appeared around here in almost two months . As a result, skiing, despite a lot of artificial snow been prepared and a good number of runs available, does not sound as great as it normally would , so, to avoid those breakfasts turning us in little barrels , we are doing a bit of hiking instead . Today we went close to town and we soon stumbled in what seemed to be a pit with stone walls.
As it happens, it appears that in the past it was an oven used to make lime that could eventually be turned into quicklime
.
After that it was mostly uphill going without any “cultural” excuse for catching our breath
, but at last we reached the summit from where we could enjoy great views west ,…
…, north…
…and east.
We assumed the south looked great too, but the sun is a bit low this time of the year and it was parked just there. So looking south just ended in a few burned retinas
.
Posted Jan 5, 2016, 9:31 pm
Today we went to a nice peak close to town
. Early on we found this lovely tiny house . We knocked at the door and peeped through the windows to see if someone was home, but no one answered so eventually we moved on.
Much, much later we reached the summit where the view was, of course, great
.
We could also see this lovely lake…
…and Trento in the distance
.
We found a summit log too! It was kind of hard to get it out of its case
…
…but we eventually managed to take it out and left a sign of our presence here
.
On the way down we even found a lovely and quiet spot where we could enjoy a little snack
.
Posted Jan 6, 2016, 3:35 am
Today we went out for another short walk near town
. As we were walking in the forest we came by this boulder. As it happens, it is not just a boulder sitting in the forest . Well technically it is , but it is also an erratic boulder, that has nothing to do with the rocks found in this area and that was probably dropped here by a glacier at the end of the last ice age .
Later on we found another interesting item. This was a rain shelter used by shepherds working in this area a long time ago
. It looked frightfully uncomfortable, so we decided against waiting for a rain shower to test how waterproof it is .
On the way we found a summit log, despite the fact that we were barely over halfway to the summit (this is a strange trail indeed
). Nevertheless we decided that, of course, we should sign it .
At last we reached the actual summit. There was no summit log here, but we found a lovely spot to rest and enjoy the sunshine while eating a little treat
.
Back home in the afternoon we had a surprise: Landroval and Sigfrido had just arrived home for the holidays
. As usual, a long night of chatting followed .
Posted Jan 18, 2016, 2:33 am
Merry Christmas
!
Tonight we are celebrating Christmas Eve
. There was quite a lot of food on the table , but our attention focused mostly on dessert .
Posted Jan 18, 2016, 2:42 am
Today we are heading to the airport to fly back to Canada, so this morning we said goodbye to Tatanka and Sigfrido who will stay in Europe
.
Posted Jan 18, 2016, 3:03 am
We have quite a long connection in Frankfurt, but luckily we managed to convince smaug to get a few supplies that will help making the wait less boring
.
Posted Jan 24, 2016, 1:14 am
Happy New Year
!
We are a still bit too tired and jet-lagged to engage in big celebrations, but at least we still have some of the tasty supplies we grabbed yesterday at the airport
.
Posted Jan 24, 2016, 1:42 am
After a few days of "funny" weather, today it was beautifully sunny, so we headed to the mountains
. When we arrived at the parking lot we noticed that it was a bit cold and we therefore suggested to go back home and admire the sunny sky from an indoor location .
Nevertheless, smaug would not listen and said that we were going to be fine. So after a bit walking we found a nice spot to peek at the landscape from between the trees.
Later we found an even nicer viewpoint
.
At that point we begged sammino to convince smaug to take us back to the car before our frozen limbs started falling off
and eventually we spent the afternoon at home trying to thaw out .
Posted Jan 24, 2016, 1:57 am
Having survived from hypothermia yesterday
, today it was time to say goodbye and wish a safe journey to Matcha and Landroval who are both travelling to Japan .
Posted Mar 7, 2016, 2:28 am
We have been a bit stuck at home over the last month
, but today, at last, we were able to go back to the mountains . We parked at Barrier Lake, which happened to be frozen solid.
A bit later we found ourselves much higher, where we had nice views of the lake
,…
…the prairies…
…and of the valleys heading in the mountains.
Further up we reached a fire lookout, that happens to be shut at this time of the year.
Still the view was really nice…
…and, most important, we found a lovely spot were to relax and take in a bit of chocolate
.
Posted Mar 21, 2016, 1:09 am
Today we went for a short walk up the mountains
. The weather was far from great , but we managed to snap a few shots.
As it happens the clouds were getting darker, so smaug decided not to linger too long and took us back home
.
Posted Mar 27, 2016, 4:22 am
Today we were again in the mountains
. Interesting enough, early in the day we had a lovely blue sky in front of us…
…and not such a blue sky behind us
.
As we reached the halfway point of our walk the view improved
, however the window of blue sky reduced a lot (pretty much only what you can see in the photo was not covered in clouds), so smaug the decided to head back.
Of course, by the time we reached the car, there was not a single cloud left in the sky
.
Posted Mar 27, 2016, 4:40 am
Today I said goodbye to all my friends here in Calgary and got ready to travel to my next host
.
Before I jumped in the mail sammino gave me a big hug and wished me a safe journey
.
Se you soon
!
Posted Mar 29, 2016, 4:08 am
Hi there!
I arrived in Minnesota at the aftermath of a big snowstorm - however, 25 cm of snow were almost completely gone just a couple of days later. So I could join sannah on a nice evening walk in a nearby park.
In the background, you can see downtown Rochester from Silver Lake Park. The snow is gone, but spring hasn't arrived yet, either. Don't expect that to happen before late April here!
The park looks much more beautiful when it's all green, but judging by this picture, you surely won't think that Silver Lake is manmade.
I studied the history of Silver Lake to be better informed.
It has truly been a very nice evening!
Silver Lake is known for its population of Canada Geese. They act like they own the lake. Well, with over 1,000 of them living there year round and even more staying over winter, that is surely true!
More adventures to follow soon!
Yours,
Hansi
Posted Apr 2, 2016, 4:32 pm
Hi there!
sannah and her husband went on a trip for an extended weekend. Greetings from Lake Superior! Although it is called a lake, it looks more like an ocean ...
As you can see, a couple of inches of snow fell over night. Luckily, the sun is relatively warm - no surprise, since it is already April!
In the very background, you can see the most famous landmark of Duluth: the Aerial Lift Bridge. sannah promised we'll get a little closer later on this trip.
It's time to do more exploring! We should make use of the sunshine, sannah said, as the weather here at Lake Superior can change rather quickly!
All the best,
Hansi
Posted Apr 3, 2016, 6:37 pm
Hi there!
Our day started with a couple of inches of snow, but the sunshine made it appear warmer than it actually was. So we decided to get into the car and drive even further north along the North Shore of Lake Superior.
The road was a little tricky because snow had turned to ice where the sun hasn't hit the ground, but we managed and stopped at some wayside rests.
The roads got better and less snowy the further we were away from Duluth. Welcome to scenic Highway 61!
We then stopped at one of the state parks that are neatly lined up on the shore. This is Gooseberry Falls State Park with Lake Superior in the distance (behind the hills).
And these are Gooseberry Falls, the Upper Falls, I think, as they consist of two or three falls.
Snow and ice left an interesting landscaping approach ...
We then continued our travels to Tettegouche State Park, the largest one at the north shore. But we didn't do that much hiking with sannah being almost nine months pregnant ... Still, the views are beautiful. The tip of land in the background is called Shovel Point, but there are too many stairs to get there ...
At Tettegouche State Park, the Knife River enters Lake Superior. Obviously, lots of snow has not yet melted at the river's outlet ...
And lastly, we did a last stop at Split Rock State Park to have our picture taken with the Icon of the North Shore, the most photographed object: Split Rock Lighthouse!
As you can see, there was not much snow left that far north. But sannah told me that spring doesn't officially start before May, so I should not be surprised to see more winterly weather even though it is already April ...
How do you like the north shore? I loved it!
Greetings,
Hansi
Posted Apr 8, 2016, 11:09 pm
Hi there!
Good news to start with: I made a new friend today, he is huge, very friendly, and a moose living in Minnesota!
But we had to part ways although staying inside seemed to be a good idea because all sunshine was gone overnight and it got really, really windy and cold (around freezing) at Duluth's Lakefront in the usually touristy Canal Park district.
Those two lighthouses mark the entry into Duluth's harbor.
We didn't want to get closer because the wind was so strong, we were afraid to get wet.
This picture shows how strong the waves were pushing into the harbor entry. I found the sign a little ironic given the circumstances ...
In warmer weather (late May to September) donuts are sold from this boat.
The whole lakefront has a maritime theme and even exhibits anchors and how their appearance has changed over time.
But this still is Duluth's most known landmark: the Aerial Lift Bridge. When ships want to pass, an alarm goes off to clear the bridge from cars and pedestrians alike. Then the bottom part is lifted up several feet.
In the end, we were glad to escape the wind and continued our short walk along the bay which forms the harbor. On this picture you can see in the background how Duluth was built on hills surrounding Lake Superior. No surprise the weather changes so quickly around here!
But we could not resist having a last look on the southwesternmost corner of Lake Superior. Look at all the driftwood! Some brave people seemed to be looking for something on the beach.
Brrr, I was glad to escape the cold into sannah's purse afterwards!
All the best,
Hansi
hante.judy@hotmail.com
Posted Aug 21, 2016, 1:40 am
hante.judy@hotmail.com
Posted Aug 21, 2016, 2:22 am
hante.judy@hotmail.com
Posted Dec 19, 2016, 9:55 pm
hante.judy@hotmail.com
Posted Jun 28, 2017, 8:28 pm
The air temperature is about 90 degrees F (32.2 degrees C) and the water in the Gulf is also the same temperature! [size=3]
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hante.judy@hotmail.com
Posted Jan 3, 2018, 4:03 am
.
hante.judy@hotmail.com
Posted Jan 3, 2018, 4:40 am
hante.judy@hotmail.com
Posted Jan 3, 2018, 5:10 am
We had lots of yummy snacks for the game.