Posted Feb 26, 2010, 1:28 pm
I was bought from a charity shop in Bangor. Within minutes of leaving the shop, I found myself on a bus. Out of the window, you can see a bit of the university.We were going to have a nice cup of tea in a supermarket cafe.
We did a bit of shopping before catching more buses to take me home.
Posted Feb 26, 2010, 1:31 pm
Posted Feb 26, 2010, 8:44 pm
Posted Feb 27, 2010, 8:54 pm
Look at that gorgeous cake, but we didn't have any.
My mum has had this before and says it is very nice.
I thought I would help her write some penpal letters.
After lunch, we had a quick stop at my dad's work. Please don't fold me.
I had a quick look at the computing books but I can't understand them. Dad must be clever.
Next was to check on the allotment. They wanted to plant some fruit trees, and build a cloche. Who ate a bit of this purple sprouting broccoli?
It wasn't me.
Then, it was time for afternoon tea. Not how I expected to be posed for a photograph, but what can you expect from an 8 year old boy (my human brother!)?
This was more like it, calming water features.
Then, we went shopping before going to a pub.
This is nice.
That hit the spot!
Ooops!
Posted Feb 28, 2010, 7:26 pm
So, out of the house we went and looked at the front garden. There were some spring flowers:
So, off we went in the car
Arrived at a cafe in a garden centre. The cafe also has paintings for sale by local artists. Not sure about this painting of Caernarfon Castle (not exactly a Turner).
Afterwards, we had a look at the plants on sale. Tomorrow is St. David's Day and people wear daffodils in their buttonholes.
The garden centre was also selling young plants. My mummy likes fuchsias.
Though she isn't keen on camellias
Then there were all sorts of pots and things to hold pots in or plants. My big brother wanted my to lie in a wheelbarrow
And then there is the churn
And the hanging baskets
And decorations
My brother then wanted to play at an indoor play centre. The one he likes to go to in Caernarfon is located in a church
They even have stained glass windows
And ornate carvings
Then, after the place closed at 5pm, we went for a spin before sunset, going via Y Foryd. Look at Caernarfon Castle
And Caernarfon's town walls, UNESCO World Heritage Sites
A little further round the Foryd is a picnic area. There is some snow on the mountains of Snowdonia in the background.
We went further round the Foryd to catch this beautiful sunset
And then it was time to go home.
Posted Mar 7, 2010, 8:39 pm
Mummy didn't quite know exactly where we were going; it depended on whether we missed the bus or not. First stop was Bangor where I was bought from and we just made it in time to catch the bus to Beaumaris.
This is Beaumaris Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle is one of King Edward in Gwynedd's castles (there are 3 of his that are also UNESCO WHS - Caernarfon I've seen, Conwy and Harlech).
Another picture of the castle. There is a moat and mummy tells me that swans paddle there sometimes.
An Eisteddfod was held in Beaumaris. The Eisteddfod is a celebration of the Welsh language, with competitions for poetry, prose, music and performance. Mummy has competed at the National Eisteddfod when it was held near Bangor in 2005.
Beaumaris lies on the Menai Straits. You can see some of the hills and mountains of Snowdonia on the other side. There is still some snow.
Beaumaris has a pier (mummy says that sometimes, she sees people fishing from the pier) and an RNLI lifeboat station.
We didn't have much time otherwise we could have visited the courthouse (Charles Dickens visited a trial there), and the Gaol.
This is a view northwards from Menai bridge of the straits.
This is the view from the other side of the bridge. There is another bridge that spans the Menai Straits - Britannia Bridge and this can be seen in the photo.
We missed a bus to take us somewhere else, so instead we caught the bus back to Bangor and another one home.
Posted Mar 7, 2010, 9:03 pm
This is Tryfan and reaches over 3000ft above sealevel. We did not climb this!
We started the walk from Ogwen Cottage (there is a Youth Hostel nearby). We followed a stone path up.
Bits of snow still remained.
We walked as far as this lake, Llyn Idwal in Cwm Idwal. The mountain ridge on the other side of the lake is Glyder Fawr, and is even higher than Tryfan!
We passed several groups of people that had climbed up higher, as well as others just going as far as the lake.
On the way down, mummy saw some mountain goats but they were too quick to allow mummy to take a picture of me with them.
Posted Mar 7, 2010, 9:25 pm
Some animals were still in hibernation/asleep in their little homes and out of sight of prying eyes. Still, we were able to see a number of different animals.
Aww, doesn't this sleeping cat look all warm and snuggly? There was another snow leopard sleeping in the sunshine too.
Some chimps enjoying the sunshine too.
The flamingos have some mirrors to look in.
Some penguins having a little swim.
There were also tigers, various birds, alligators, other reptiles, mountain goats, ..... there too.
Posted Mar 10, 2010, 2:52 pm
Posted Mar 16, 2010, 8:13 pm
I arrived in Remscheid today. I am so tired that the first photos will follow tomorrow.
Bye
Captain Caramel
Posted Mar 17, 2010, 3:02 pm
Katja took me, Wendy and Wolle with her in the morning when she went to her workplace. She told me that she is working in a law firm. Today the weather is really good so went out for a walk when Katja finished work.
This is the city hall. Its tower is 48 m high.
We went through the shopping street than. Here you can see the main entrance of the shopping mall.
At the end of the shopping street you find a place where a farmer's market is held twice a week.
Close to the central station you can find many industrial plants.
Katja showed us a special path for pedestrians and cyclists: The Route of Tools. This is a path built on a closed railway track. It is about 5 km long and it is connecting the central station with the district Hasten. You can walk along this path with getting into contact with too much traffic. Of course you have to cross some streets.
This path was sponsored by local tool producing companies, that's why it is called "Route of Tools". Tools are produced here in Remscheid since middle ages.
Here you can see signs with the logos of some of the sponsoring companies.
Here you can see the former slaughterhouse. This building complex is under monument protection nowadays.
All along the route you can find industrial buildings. Some are still used, others are dilapidated.
We had to cross the street here.
Here are more logo signs.
Katja showed me this special pelican crossing. The green man is the one which was used in the former German Democratic Republic. This is the only traffic light in the city showing this special green man.
We went home than.
Bye
Captain Caramel
Posted Mar 18, 2010, 5:59 pm
we enjoyed the midday sun in the open kitchen window.
In the afternoon we took a walk to the municipal park. Katja wanted to show us the second half of the Route of Tools. To get there we went through the park.
The first photo was taken in the vicinity of my current home.
On the right side of the next picture you can see the police headquarter.
Soon we reached the park. The observatory is situated here.
At the slope of this hill you can see the district where the Route of Tools is ending.
Lots of allotment gardens belong to this park.
Remscheid is an industrial town. You can often find old factory buildings close to dwellings.
The Route of Tools is ending here. This time we'll walk it into the other direction.
You can find artwork of a local artist here.
We found large "tools" stamped into the tarmac.
We rested on this bench which was made of a giant screw clamp.
Here are distance data painted to the ground. From here you have to walk 3 km to the central station.
This is where we ended our walk yesterday.
It seems to be exhausting here when we take a walk every day
Bye
Captain Caramel
Posted Mar 24, 2010, 8:26 pm
once more we took a walk in Katja's lunch break. Winter seems to be gone now, it is about 15°C outside.
First I will show you the water tower. From here the inhabitants of the city centre are supplied with drinking water. The water is pumped to the top of this hill from a dam in a nearby valley.
We went downhill to a district called "Steinberg".
In the background you can already see the rural outskirts.
Here are allotment gardens. A small path is leading downhill through those gardens.
In the valley you can see many old houses.
Katja showed us another district, "Rath" than. This is a housing area with a lot of old houses, lots of terraced houses and other one-family houses.
Here is a lot of green around
On our way back to the city centre we had a stop at a garden center.
Work calls!
Bye
Captain Caramel
Posted Mar 27, 2010, 9:40 pm
we made a trip to the region Vulkan Eifel, situated in the northwest of the state Rhineland-Palatinate, in the Eifel Mountains , that is defined to a large extent by its volcanic geological history. Characteristic of the Vulkan Eifel are its typical explosion crater lakes or maars, and numerous other signs of volcanic activity such as lava streams, volcanic tuffs, and volcanic craters. We visited the Dauner Maare, a group of three maars close to each other.
A maar is a broad, low-relief volcanic crater that is caused by an explosion caused by groundwater coming into contact with hot lava or magma. A maar than fills with water to form a relatively shallow crater lake.
When we parked the car close to one of the maars we read some information signs.
This is Weinfelder Maar, Its diameter is 525 m and it is about 51 m deep.
Soon we reached the next maar, Schalkenmehrerer Maar. Its diameter is 575 m and it is about 21 m deep.
This region is a nature protection area.
We went into this small town Schalkenmehren. Here we saw fantastic statues which made cut with a chainsaw out of tree trunks.
We walked round the maar and went back to Weinfelder Maar.
We walked uphill to have an overlook from a nearby mountain which is called "Mäuseberg" (mice mountain), 561 m high.
Even from half of the height of this mountain we had a great view at the surrounding landscape.
We reached the top of the mountain and rested here for a while.
Here on top of the hill we saw this tower. You can climb onto it.
Here you can see the third one of the Dauner Maare, Gemündener Maar, the smallest one with only 325 m diameter.
We had a look at this sign which is showing the names of the mountains you can see from here.
When we walked back downhill we saw this: a ski-lift.
This was a wonderful trip and I liked to see this fantastic landscape.
Unbelievably the sun was shining when we drove back home.
Bye
Captain Caramel
Posted Apr 1, 2010, 10:03 am
today we took a walk in the neigbour town Solingen. Katja wanted to show me Schloss Burg, a medieval castle. We startet in Solingen-Unterburg, an old district situated at the River Wupper.
You can walk uphill to the castle or you can take a chair-lift.
Of course we walked to the castle, we had to walk through a forest for some time.
The first flowers!
We reached an outlook pavilion than. From here you can overview the valley of the River Wupper.
The castle came into sight than.
Schloss Burg was built in 1133 by Count Adolf I von Berg on a hill above the river Wupper.That's why this region is called "Bergisches Land". Many people believe that it's name refers to the landscape with hills and valleys. (For those who do not speak German: The German word for mountain or hill is "Berg", so many people think that the name "Bergisches Land" means "land with many hills" )
About a hundred years later it was enlarged by Count Engelberg II von Berg. The equestrian sculpture in the courtyard is showing him.
In Thirty Years War (17th century) many parts of the castle were destroyed. It was rebuilt then, but it was used for industrial purposes for many years. In the end of the 19th century they began to rebuild it as it appears today.
In the castle courtyard you can find souvenir shops and shops whose owners are doing an "old" handcraft. For example someone makes soap, another makes brushes, then you can buy things that were used by knights for the kids, like swords and helmets.
I also saw this statue.
This is a very old linden tree, it is about 250 years old and it is called "Kaiserlinde".
Here is the end point of the chair-lift. From here you can see how steep this hill is.
We left the castle than and went further. We walked through a rural outskirt of Solingen, Hoehrath.
We came to another forest. In the background you can see the city centre of Remsheid high upon the hill on the right side ...
... and also Schloss Burg in the distance.
We walked downhill until we reached the River Wupper.
We followed the river to get back to the car.
We reached Unterburg than. Katja showed us this statue, showing a "Kiepenkerl". In ancient times all sorts of goods were transported by men who carried the goods in large panniers on their back. This rangy landscape was too steep for horses. Those persons were called "Kiepenkerl". This one has sweet pretzels in his pannier, a local delicacy.
Katja bought pretzels for us in a bakery. We will taste them with a coffee later.
Bye
Captain Caramel
Posted Apr 1, 2010, 11:22 am
we tasted the pretzels which we bought yesterday. They are really delicious.
Bye
Captain Caramel
Posted Apr 3, 2010, 10:43 pm
we made a hiking tour today. They have a hiking trail in the neighbour city Wuppertal, it is called "Rund um Wuppertal" (Around Wuppertal). It is surrounding the municipal area of the city and it is about 120 km long. It is divided into several sections. We made two of them today, it must have been about 16 kn.
We started our tour in Muengsten, here you can meet the River Wupper once more.
From here we had to walk uphill (we always have to walk uphill, I believe). We saw a lot of cut trees here, funny faces were painted where branches had been cut off.
Our path was following the outer borders of the municipal area. In the background you can see Remscheid.
We rested on this chestnut tree, Can you see its buds?
We were walking along a valley with a motorway feeder road running through.
We found some horned violets.
We walked through a small hamlet.
In the middle of the forest we reached a tram station. This is a stop station of a historical tram which once connected several outskirts of Wuppertal. The main track is closed and a "museum-tram" is following a part of the former track on a few days in the year.
Also in the forest we saw this old industrial building, a historical grindery. It was built in the 1850 years.
From a nearby outlook platform we had a great overwiev.
We reached a part of the forest than which is an arboretum, a collection of trees. From the 1820 years "foreign" trees were planted here, from 1900 A.D. trees from other continents were planted. After WW II trees from Northern America were planted in search of fast growing trees.
The arboretum is divided into several parts (one for each continent) and our hiking trail was running through it.
I don't know exactly what sort of tree this is, but it certainly is not a local tree.
Someone carved figures out of tree trunks. I saw owls, little trees and mushrooms.
This is a marker is telling you that you are in the region "Northern America".
Oh, my feet were still aching when we went to the bus to drive home. In the background you can see Remscheid, the two towers are the city hall and the water tower.
Bye
Captain Caramel
Posted Apr 7, 2010, 6:05 pm
it's Easter Sunday! Katja's family is visiting us. We are having a wonderful brunch.
We have marinated "matjes", several sorts of chesse and and ham, a carrot soup with ginger and egg-filled toast.
I even tasted sparkling wine - yummy
In Germany everybody is given an Easter basket as a present. They are filled with sweets, cooked and coloured eggs and a small Easter decoration.
In the afternoon we had coffee with some sweets.
Now I'm filled with meringue and chocolate bunnies
Bye
Captain Caramel
Posted Apr 10, 2010, 11:28 am
we took a walk today in one of the valleys which are connecting the city centre with the districts Lennep and Luettringhausen. Both are rather old districts which had their own municipality before they were suburbanized to Remscheid.
You can find forests and pasture land here.
The forest soil is covered with anemones now, we saw white and yellow anemones.
There are only a few houses in the valley.
We had to walk uphill in the meantime. A good overview was the reward for this effort.
We walked into the centre of Luettringhausen and had a look at the historic city hall of the district.
Bye
Captain Caramel
Posted Apr 12, 2010, 3:08 pm
we made walk to day in Remscheid-Hasten. We went through the municipal park to get there. I saw pretty houses.
Katja showed me an indoor swimming pool which is only for schools and swimming clubs.
Here in Hasten you can find industrial buildings close to dwellings. Hasten is one of the oldest districts here. You can find lots of traditional old houses here.
Here you can see "Keiper", a famous company which produces car seats and custom car seats, also for Formula-1 cars.
We were reaching the oldest parts of the district than.
It seems as if you'd only walk uphill here
Here you can also see old industrial buildings and new ones between dwellings.
A pretty Patrician Villa came into sight. It was built in the 1790 years. A museum is situated here nowadays.
On our way back home we went through the municipal park, the observatory is situated here.
This is the police headquarter.
There is a small park in front of the police station.
The next photo was taken when we almost reached our home. Katja told me that this church is nearly invisible in summer when all the trees are leafy.
Bye
Captain Caramel
Posted Apr 16, 2010, 7:28 pm
Posted Apr 27, 2010, 9:10 pm
Posted Apr 27, 2010, 9:16 pm
Posted Apr 28, 2010, 10:21 pm
Posted Apr 29, 2010, 7:45 pm
This is what we found on the official internet site:
The Auer Dult is characteristic of Munich, the Bavarian capital. The history of the popular fair with its folkloric flair can be traced back to the Middle Ages. Nowadays the event is organized by the Munich Tourist Office.
Three times a year, the locals flock to the Mariahilfplatz, in the part of town called the "Au", which means "meadow" or "pasture": here they can walk around at leisure, shop for bargains, have a bite to eat and enjoy a good time. During the "Dult", the fairground, which spreads over 20,000 square meters, becomes an island in the heart of the city, alive with conversation and congeniality. Children young and old enjoy going on the bumper cars, the boat-like swings, the merry-go-round or the ferris wheel.
And if you like Punch and Judy, you must go see their Bavarian cousin, the famous " Kasperl von der AU". The Auer Dult is Europe's largest market for tableware and all kinds of pots and pans. New-fangled household products are proudly praised as "kitchen marvels". The junk dealers' wares conceal many a treasure, sometimes art and sometimes kitsch. Whether glass or porcelain, wax or wicker, cloth or leather, whether it's candy or an old-fashioned herbal remedy you're looking for: your heart's desire awaits you at the Dult. This is open-air shopping with a smile. And if you have children, be sure to go on "Kindertag", when you are able to get more for less.
Posted May 9, 2010, 9:41 pm
Posted May 9, 2010, 9:46 pm
Posted May 12, 2010, 9:29 pm
Today I had a look at the opera. And I also walked along Maximilian street - that's where all the posh designer shops are. My host told me that we can only do window-shopping as it is very expensive to buy Dior, Escada and others.
Posted May 12, 2010, 9:38 pm
Today it is a museum and in the back-yard everyone can take a walk. In summer people play Boccia or sit outside in a cafe.
Posted May 12, 2010, 9:42 pm
Posted May 12, 2010, 9:46 pm
Posted May 24, 2010, 10:47 pm
So we stayed inside and played ludo. We had much fun but there are no photos - the camera is broken.
Posted May 24, 2010, 10:52 pm
) I liked it and I was really relaxed after the afternoon course.
Posted May 24, 2010, 10:55 pm
Posted May 29, 2010, 9:15 pm
yesterday I arrived in Germany. First Dicker Kumpel gave me a warm welcome.
Then he introduced me to the others TVs here. They all seem to be very nice.
Today we had a big barbecue. Look – so many different kinds of food.
It was so delicious!!!
After it we went into the garden and found so beautiful lilac.
First the white one...
then the purple one.
After it we played a funny game – it is called Plumpsack – we had so much fun -
you see me running aound the others – a great afternoon.
Bye
Captain Caramel
Posted Jun 5, 2010, 10:27 pm
Today we went to Bad Segeberg, a small town near to Sülfeld. It is well known for the Karl-May-Festival. Maybe I will see an Indian?
But first we went to the nice Lake. It wasn't the nicest weather. It was a strange May here in Germany this year.
There were some ducks – but we didn't feed them.
LOOK – what I saw between the trees.
Later we went into the town. There were a train and a car – and I was allowed to drive them, although I don't have a licence.
There was a really funny – and really big – guy there.
No – I was not in England, but it looked like it here.
We saw this beautiful big house – I liked it.
Before we drove home, we sat in front of a fountain and talked a lot.
Love
yours
Captain Caramel
Posted Jun 7, 2010, 8:56 pm
some of the guests here will travel to their next hosts soon- but they should see the Port of Hamburg before they leave. Fortunately we had great weather today – and went to Hamburg. We are a lot at the moment – here you can see us.
[
I looked out of the train window – it is beautiful out there.
Here you can see me in front of the famous church Michel in Hamburg. I know, you love this church.
And there was this funny statue next to it.
Later we went to the Port. There were a lot of ships.
The white ship is the Cap San Diego – in the other direction you can see a big sailing ship – called Rickmer Rickmers.
Two other nice views of the port – I really loved it.
What a wonderful day in Hamburg
Greetings
Captain Caramel
Posted Jun 12, 2010, 2:29 pm
the weather was nice – and we made a nice trip with the bike. What a long way!
Most of the time we sat here – it was a nice place, too. And safe!
We made a stop next to a small lake. I relaxed in the sun.
And found beautiful flowers.
This was the old school in Sülfeld.
Now the mayor is working here. You can see the emblem of Sülfeld on the sign.
The last place for this day was the wonderful old church of Sülfeld. Isn't it beautiful?
Love Captain Caramel
Posted Jun 13, 2010, 9:22 pm
It is the World Championship in Soccer at the moment. This evening Germany plays versus Australia.
We decided to watch it in the TV. Here you see us on our chair, before the games started. Nori wasn't very interested and looked into the wrong direction...
We went onto another chair – closer to the TV. It started really well for Germany – with a first goal. We all sat there, but Topple is so big that you maybe cannot see all of me.
But here I am alone. RikeH took the photo when it was time for the second goal for Germany
Germany won 4 :0. So RikeH's boy-friend was very happy!
We celebrated it back on our chair – and this time Nori celebrated it with us.
Ole ole ole ola!!!!
Captain Caramel
Posted Jun 20, 2010, 10:23 pm
Dicker Kumpel had his birthday this week.
We decided to celebrate it – and made a nice trip this week-end. We drove to Malchow. The first place we visited was a nice big forest where a family of Barbary Apes are living. It was fun to watch them.
This is the townhall of Malchow.
I had a nice view over the Fleesensee. A really nice place.
yours
Captain Caramel
Posted Jun 22, 2010, 8:50 pm
on Saturday we played in the garden of the Hotel. There was a nice pavilion with music.
You can see our hotel in the background.
Look – there is a nice little river in the garden – I put my feet into it. It was pretty cold.
After playing in the garden, we all relaxed in this great chair – next to the Fleesensee.
Love
Captain Caramel
Posted Jun 24, 2010, 8:51 pm
look – we had nice flowers in our room.
But we had to leave. Before we drove back to Sülfeld we decided to work on one of my Life Missions and we made a nice trip with a boat. Here you see me on the boat.
It was too cold outside, so we decided to go into the boat.
It was nice to see the nature outside – and sit in the warm room.
In another small city called Plau am See we made a short walk and saw the town hall.
Here you see me in front of our boat.
I am so proud that I have completed one of my life missions, Mum!
Love
Captain Caramel
Posted Jun 26, 2010, 9:02 pm
today we met a new ToyVoyager. He is called Bussi and Dicker Kumpel met him in the garden. He will go on a trip with Dicker Kumpel.
Topple, NiliHH, Abraham and I should not come to this trip, because there are too many guests now. We were a little sad...
We talked about it. NiliHH and Abraham decided that it would be great to stay at home and watch the Soccer Championship. But Topple and I wanted to go on a River Cruise – so we made a plan.
Look there is the luggage. First I climbed into it - and Topple helped me.
Then I helped Topple to jump into it.
We hided under something – and hope that RikeH won't find us...
Keep your finger crossed for us, Mum.
yours
Captain Caramel
Posted Jul 16, 2010, 10:30 pm
Topple and I had a long sleep the last days. But suddenly RikeH opened the luggage.
She found us – and made a funny face...
All the others were so happy to see us – and we talked a lot.
I will tell you more later.
Greetings
Captain Caramel
Posted Jul 17, 2010, 2:20 pm
great News – we went to the Zoo today. I wanted to meet some relatives. First we saw this beautiful buildung.
There were really big hippos – lying lazy in the sun.
The rhino was really big, too.
huh – really big birds – all animals are big in this Zoo.
We saw my first relative - an polar bear...
and some swimming penguins.
They came out of the water – so we made this photo with all of us.
The last animal we saw was another bear - this one – a Panda!! He was so cute – but RikeH had problems to make a good photo of us together.
I asked him to come with me and become a ToyVoyager, too. He didn't want it, and RikeH told me, that he is not toys, and too heavy to carry around. So he will stay in the Zoo and watch the people going around there.
After visiting the Zoo, we met a trip in a small train around the Castle Schönbrunn. Here is a view from far away.
Here we stood next to it.
We had so much fun together.
We went back to our ship – there were two sisterships next to it.
This is my Ship – the Arosa Mia!
Love
Captain Caramel
Posted Jul 18, 2010, 8:35 pm
today we arrived in Budapest. I was still tired from the Zoo trip in Vienna and decided to stay on the ship. I relaxed in the sun.
Later I walked over the ship. This hill was on the other side of the river.
There are many bridges in Budapest – this one is so beautiful.
Many small boats with tourists came along.
Later we had a really beautiful sky.
The last photo shows the night-view from our cabin. I loved it.
Love Captain Caramel
Posted Jul 24, 2010, 7:59 pm
our Ship is in Novi Sad in Serbia today. It was too hot to leave the ship.
Here you see me in front of the Castle.
I had a delicious cake on the ship.
Later I had a nice Glass of Redwine with Topple – he is a good friend of me, Mum.
Mum, I would love to go on a Cruise with you, too.
Yours
Captain Caramel
Posted Jul 24, 2010, 9:10 pm
we had a nice route today – this Part of the Danube is a Gorge near to the Iron Gate – and was really beautiful.
Here you see me on the ship.
I enjoyed the sun with my friend Topple.
We drove through a very big lock:
A cruise is really interesting.
Yours
Captain Caramel
Posted Jul 25, 2010, 5:11 pm
we went to the Danube Delta today. It was great weather – as always on this trip. We made a walk through the village Vilkovo. There are nice Churches...
...and Momuments.
Now we will travel back to Passau – with some stops, of course.
Love Captain Caramel
Posted Jul 25, 2010, 10:50 pm
we had a day on the River without stops, so I want to show you some views here.
It was nice to sit on the deck and watch the nature around.
We had fun with the Shuffleboard...to tell the truth - I relaxed in the sun...
...and played Chess.
Can you see me in the life belt?
What a nice day on the Ship.
Ahoi
Captain Caramel
Posted Jul 25, 2010, 10:53 pm
we explored Belgrade today. It is the capital and the largest city of Serbia.
First we went to the Fortress.
Here you see a Miniatur of it.
We had a great view from there.
We had a rest in this wonderful place.
This is a famous monument in the city centre.
It was an interesting walk.
Love
Captain Caramel
Posted Jul 25, 2010, 10:59 pm
today we visited our last country in this holiday – there were a lot of it – did you count them? Well – it is Slovakia.
We made a walk in Bratislava, a nice town with beautiful buildings.
This guy was really funny.
But back to sightseeing.
I loved this tower – it is so beautiful.
Back on the ship it was time to say good-bye to our cabin. RikeH had to pack the bags, we ToyVoyagers sat together and talked and talked and talked – as always, when we sit together.
Mum, I really loved this cruise!
Greetings
Captain Caramel
Posted Jul 29, 2010, 8:10 pm
We went to work with RikeH today – because her colleague has a big motorbike and we were allowed to play on it.
So here you see me in front of it.
I really would love to drive with it, but I am too small.
So I decided to relax and take a nap.
Bye
Captain Caramel
Posted Jul 29, 2010, 8:15 pm
We drove to Hamburg – and went to see a great lake called Alster. It is in the centre of the city.
This is the view to the town hall.
At the end we went into a big shopping mall.
Love
Captain Caramel
Posted Aug 1, 2010, 9:36 pm
Dörte – another TV invited us. We visited her on a Campsite and had a Barbecue.
We looked around on the table and found Salad, too.
Dörte worked hard.
Hey – it looked yummy – and it was delicious.
Really yummy – and we all ate too much.
Later we made a walk – and had a look over the Campsite.
We made a rest and were allowed to choose an ice-cream.
I had this one – called Chocolate Kiss.
It was a great day – we said goodbye to Dörte.
At home we had to say goodbye to snakey, too. Snakey will go to Turkey now.
We gave her a big hug.
I am so curious, where I will go next.
Bye
Captain Caramel
Posted Aug 8, 2010, 6:10 pm
the weather was sunny today – so we made a walk around Sülfeld.
We stopped at a nice little river. This is one direction...
and this is the view into the other direction.
We stopped at another beautiful place. On the second photo you can see a little white mark – it was a stork.
I loved this wonderful big tree behind me.
Back home we went through the garden. Look, what the slugs did to this poor flower.
Fortunately not all flowers were eaten by the slugs.
Love Captain Caramel
Posted Aug 12, 2010, 8:21 pm
It is time to travel to my next host. I will go to another place in Germany. But before it, Dicker Kumpel, Nori and I talked a lot.
We were really sad to go different ways now – we had so much fun together.
I will miss Dicker Kumpel – he had been such a great host.
I will write soon.
Love
Captain Caramel
Posted Aug 18, 2010, 1:53 pm
I arrived here today and was warmly welcomed by Eatcookie and Smooch.
I also got some brezels to eat and sth to drink.
Sissi showed me a bit th house and I found lots of nice things: a horse, a car, a couple of sheep.
The also have a garden with things to play outside.
Unfortunatelly it's raining at the moment. But I hope to see more of it here, soon .
Bye bye!!
Posted Sep 1, 2010, 6:56 pm
We had to check our ages - it mached. And so did the clock
.
We took a ride on a lion:
and had fun on the swing:
We also took the slide
and tried some other great playing tools:
Posted Jan 22, 2011, 7:10 pm
Posted Jan 31, 2011, 9:59 pm
The green hill was the site of an Iron Age fort mentioned in the Welsh legends, the Mabinogi.
This is a view from the top of the hill.
And another view from the top inland.
We caught a sunset.
Posted Feb 6, 2011, 7:01 pm
Posted Feb 6, 2011, 7:19 pm
It is Potato Day. Gardeners come here to buy seed potatoes of many different varieties to grow at home and/or the allotment.
Look at all these spuds.
There's over a hundred varieties here.
Some of them are old varieties.
After buying the seed potatoes, we went on a tour of the Heritage Seed Library. We went inside this room, where things are drying.
This is a display in the Vegetable Kingdom section, showing us the importance of various things.
Afterwards, we went for a walk in the gardens. This is the Children's Garden, with a totem pole!
Posted Feb 6, 2011, 8:06 pm
A water play thing.
There are a lot of things under this roof!
Look at all these inventions on display.
This teddy bear's x-rays show metal bits for joints inside.
A closer look.
The metal bits of part of a guitar.
There's the guitar, and now for a radio.
This is a 1901 Lifu Steam Car. The car has a paraffin fired boiler.
Ooo, my brother has K'Nex.
Ooo, transport display.
The importance of design.
This is a tessellation jigsaw.
I think I am doing it right.
How about building earthquake-proof buildings? Somehow, I don't think this will survive the shakes. A young girl was fascinated with us ToyVoyagers and assisted us with our photographs!
Posted Feb 10, 2011, 8:26 pm
Shall we take a look inside?
Wow, look at all that K'Nex!
My big brother likes building things with K'Nex.
Posted Mar 3, 2011, 4:38 pm
We had some apple pies.
Have a safe journey little mouse.
Posted Mar 3, 2011, 5:13 pm
There's a candle on the cake. How thoughtful of Mummy and my ToyVoyager friends
I also have some chocolate for a present.
Posted Mar 6, 2011, 7:37 pm
There were 4 zones. The first zone we went to was Water.
There's a few fun water exhibits to play with.
A whirlpool exhibit.
Next, we went to Fire.
Some crystals seen under a microscope.
A temperature line. Chips fry at 180 degrees Celsius, wood catches fire at 400 degrees C.
This is a fire tornado.
Lighting isn't that good for photographs with the fire tornado.
Next stop was Air. This is a musical exhibit with tubes and things.
The exhibit can be quite noisy.
We then went for a game of Air hockey.
The air blows through holes in the table and lifts up the puck ever so slightly.
This is a frequency exhibit with little polystyrene balls bouncing.
This is a different frequency.
Before going on to the final area, we caught some of the Big Melt show, a reconstruction of how they made steel. This is the arc furnace.
We went to the final area, Earth. The set up is quarrying "rocks" and these get picked up by the children and taken somewhere by wheelbarrow before going on conveyor belts and distributed either back to the "quarry" or to a chute.
Can you see the "rocks" on the conveyor belt?
Posted Mar 10, 2011, 10:49 am
Posted Mar 10, 2011, 10:50 am
xadriankruez@hotmail.com
Posted Mar 22, 2011, 6:05 pm
Just letting you know that I have arrived safe and sound in San Diego, California! My host will post pictures this weekend
xadriankruez@hotmail.com
Posted Mar 31, 2011, 12:40 am
When my package was opened I was greeted by several fellow toyvoyagers, Dorothy,
Michel and Boo!
My host loved the postcard!
Michel took a liking to me immediately and likes to give me hugs!
I miss you mum, but I can't wait to have some fun here in California! My host has been sick the last couple days, but she is feeling better so we should be able to have some fun in the sun!
xadriankruez@hotmail.com
Posted Apr 4, 2011, 9:28 am
Today my host took me to a "home improvement" store called Home Depot.
We looked at various plants and pots.
My host wants to make a container garden for vegetables on her patio. Which seeds should we get?
After purchasing our seeds we needed to gather more info!
Next we wrapped the seeds in wet towel and placed them in a covered cup to germinate.
Well, that's all we can do for now!
xadriankruez@hotmail.com
Posted Apr 11, 2011, 11:12 pm
Some of the inhabitants of the lake!
Not everyone is welcome at the lake...
What is this creature? Oh nevermind... it is just an abandoned dirty baby sock!
Visitors can rent fishing boats to go fishing out on the lake. Don't forget your fishing permit!
My host wonders what this building is next door to the lake... it is very super secret and mysterious... is it a water treatment plant? Who knows!
xadriankruez@hotmail.com
Posted Apr 19, 2011, 5:13 am
Today my host took me to go hiking in the San Jacinto Mountains in Palm Springs!
A quick pic as we are passing by the wind turbines along the road.
To get up into the mountains we had to take the aerial tram. Here are one of the cars.
View outside the tram.
Pine cones!
My host thought most of the snow had melted...
But as we hiked further up into the mountains, the snow was about five feet deep! I told my host all about the snow we get in England!
And that's all the pictures! My host picked up a walking stick in the snow to maneuver and got sap all over her hand. She figured it was best not to handle us anymore until she got cleaned up!
xadriankruez@hotmail.com
Posted May 2, 2011, 7:59 am
Today us toyvoyagers colored Easter eggs! First we started out with some plain boiled ones... then we opened a coloring kit and made the most beautiful eggs!
Happy Easter!! Hope you had a great holiday!
xadriankruez@hotmail.com
Posted May 16, 2011, 2:29 am
Today we went to Torrey Pines Reserve to visit the beach.
As I'm already brown I didn't need to tan much, but it was still nice to lay out in the sun!
My host tells me I will be traveling soon, but luckily to another warm climate!
xadriankruez@hotmail.com
Posted May 23, 2011, 5:44 am
My host has told me its time to head on to my next host. Unfortunately my host was so busy with final exam and school we did not get to see much of San Diego like she would have liked!
On to Arizona...which I hear is very close by. I sent you a package mum, I hope you get it soon!
Love,
CC
Posted Oct 3, 2011, 12:59 pm
Posted Oct 11, 2011, 4:12 pm
To celebrate Clyde's arrival and also to wish some of us who are travelling to pastures new
we shared a doughnut!
Posted Nov 2, 2011, 10:46 am
I think these are a sea lions. They swim fast.
It looks so graceful underwater.
They swim quite fast and my host has trouble getting nice photos with them.
These are penguins.
I'm not sure if there is enough room on that little section of branch for the both of them.
A porcupine.
This is a hungry ape of some sort.
Sharing the area with the porcupines are some meerkats.
This is an ape of some sort opposite the meerkat enclosure.
The water is green but there is a menace. An alligator...
Squizzle's relatives are in this large cage.
A tiger.
We've come back to see the meerkats.
A better view of a porcupine.
A cute meerkat.
The porcupine is going into the little den, maybe.
A meerkat on guard duty.
This is an ape.
And now this big cat, a couple of snow leopards
This one has just got up for a prowl.
Posted Nov 2, 2011, 12:00 pm
"Inside" the mill.
The mill was not situated at the quarry due to no water (for power). The slate was transported by a tramway.
Posted Nov 4, 2011, 11:05 am
First, we stopped off a the Vivian Quarry diving pond. These divers are doing their checks before they jump in.
Geronimo!
Second diver jumps...
And the third one makes a splash.
And goes to join the others...
They are starting to go down...
Can you still see them?
Just about...
Can't see them now.. Do you see that cart dangling above the lake..
We are higher up the quarry now.
This is a brake wheel. Slate was moved down the hill in little trucks.
The Quarry hospital.
The view from the hospital over the lake and to the mountains.
Now we are walking back towards the village.
Posted Nov 4, 2011, 11:06 am
Clyde was shy so we had another photo taken.
Posted Nov 7, 2011, 11:33 am
Here, this exhibit shows the water cycle.
There are information computers with a remote to be pointed at the ? - there's a crash test dummy, still and motion picture cameras, pianola, ..
I remember this. It is a tessellation puzzle.
Can we do this one?
How does this look?
This is Ted.
We were too late to race these things
down this track to Ted at the checkered flag.
More exhbits - another pianola, an engine, bellows...
bicycle powered pump, meccano rollercoaster...
dentist chair...
There is a sports exhibition. This is a bicycle.
A swimsuit..
Howzat!
Football boots, a few decades old...
A drill...
A small ball exhibit thing, with conveyor belts, scoops,...
Back to the puzzles again...
Do you like our Tangram Candle? Ted the Enguinity Mascot came to see how we did too.
A "recycling" machine thing.
[img][/img]
A range cooker.
What's inside this teddy bear?
or a guitar?
or a turntable?
Anyway, it is an amazing place but unfortunately, they are closing for the day so we have to leave...
Posted Nov 9, 2011, 4:21 pm
There's a funny stone structure over there...
I think we'll be going to look at it.
The rock "cliff" on the left is Over Owler Tor, I think.
There it is, Mother Cap I think is its name.
This is a funny looking rock! It has a smiley face!
Posted Nov 9, 2011, 7:56 pm
Bon Voyage and take care.
Posted Nov 18, 2011, 11:36 am
Today, we, that is us toyvoyagers and prospective travellers, welcomed a new visitor, Mr Wilson.
Posted Nov 19, 2011, 9:21 pm
Today, new ToyVoyager tags arrived. We gathered around them with the prospective travellers... They looked excited... Who will be chosen to go on an exciting adventure around the world?
Today is also the day Clyde leaves for pastures new. Travel safely.
Posted Dec 12, 2011, 11:07 am
She isn't quite finished yet...
Luc Zeke is leaving today.
For travel, he's popped back into his egg. ...
Posted Dec 12, 2011, 11:58 am
His name is KalliHH
Posted Dec 12, 2011, 12:09 pm
Today, we will make the Christmas cake.
The butter and sugar is being creamed.
Eggs were added.
Flour, spices, the fruit, nuts and treacle also get added.
The cake will take 4 hours in the oven, after our bedtimes. Maybe we'll have a photo with it when the cake is fed some more brandy.
Posted Dec 20, 2011, 10:59 am
There's a piece missing....
Posted Jan 12, 2012, 9:56 am
My family started the tree without us.
These lights work!
We hid among the tinsels
Posted Jan 12, 2012, 11:55 am
What is behind us in the wrapping paper?
Gold!
Posted Jan 20, 2012, 10:54 am
Posted Jan 20, 2012, 10:58 am
The museum is in 4 sections. The first section we visited was Fire.
A fire tornado
Then, we headed to air after a quick look at this metal can magnet game.
This thing blows air to generate "music" at the press of buttons.
Then, onto water
Lots of possibilities to get wet but we didn't bring any towels, so will be careful.
A water blaster..
Those cones will get full of water when someone raises the water up a rope or something.
Those balls are being kept in the air!
Then, we went on to Earth
This film is showing the Earth.
We arrived here late and didn't have time to put our hard hats on.
Posted Jan 26, 2012, 10:58 am
A package arrived
Henrik came to see us! Someone new to talk to!
However, Mr Wilson and KalliHH are leaving tomorrow
Posted Mar 4, 2012, 5:45 pm
other parts of the UK have had significant snowfall but we've had none.
Posted Mar 7, 2012, 2:05 pm
We decided to help my big brother do The Periodic Table jigsaw puzzle he received for Christmas.
We all dived in to have a look for more pieces to put in the puzzle.
I think I know where this goes...
There, if fits! Praesodymium!
Posted Mar 16, 2012, 10:33 am
Hello Shesh and Lizzy Lizard
Posted Apr 15, 2012, 8:11 pm
Posted Apr 15, 2012, 8:24 pm
and now it is time to see what is in the package.
Hello Yetta Bear
Posted Apr 15, 2012, 9:04 pm
So, we hijacked mum's toyvoyagers account and decided to contact LittleBlogFrog for help with presents.
We wrote a message to her asking her to meet some of us at King's Lynn the next day, to see if she has any ideas what mum would like.
Posted Apr 15, 2012, 9:30 pm
Done!
And then Grandma gave us an Easter chocolate each.
Posted Apr 26, 2012, 6:51 pm
I hope you like our present to you..
Posted May 9, 2012, 10:15 am
A package arrived...
Hello MuhKuh to our home.
Posted May 18, 2012, 4:37 pm
A package arrived today, let's see what is inside...
It is a ToyVoyager called Twixx
Posted Nov 15, 2012, 6:51 pm
Posted Nov 15, 2012, 6:58 pm
Posted Nov 15, 2012, 7:09 pm
Ah, the name of the island is Ailsa Craig. The name is also the name of an onion!
Posted Nov 15, 2012, 7:41 pm
We are staying in a caravan park with this beach, although it has just started to rain!
Posted Nov 22, 2012, 10:14 am
Is that the ferry we wanted to catch?
So, we caught the next one.
We came as foot passengers.
There's a lighthouse over there.
I think it is on the mainland.
Beautiful scenery
Look how far we've sailed.
I think we are nearly there.
Posted Nov 22, 2012, 12:44 pm
This is Rothesay castle.
It has a moat.
This might be the great hall.
Some King James.
Rothesay, and the mainland in the distance.
The castle walls have had some damage over the years, probably from battles between the Scottish and the Norse. Norwegians held this island for centuries.
The tower was built to improve defences and provide accomodation for the high steward...
The Norwegian flag is on the right.
A couple of views on the outside of the castle.
This is the prison, in a pit below.
I came down that ladder.
That's the ladder to go down to the prison.
This is the ferry ticket. Waiting to sail back to the mainland.
It is getting dark too.
Posted Nov 29, 2012, 4:19 pm
Posted Dec 11, 2012, 11:18 pm
We are on another boat!
This time, we are leaving Largs.
Bye bye Largs, will be back later.
It is only a small boat.
I think we are nearly there...
Do you see that painted face on the rock?
That is Millport, the only town on the Isle of Cumbrae
A memorial.
A view from the high point on Cumbrae.
And another view.
A crocodile!
Posted Dec 19, 2012, 6:48 pm
Posted Dec 19, 2012, 6:54 pm
We stopped off at this castle on the shores of Loch Doon.
Posted Dec 19, 2012, 7:12 pm
There is snow!
We are quite high up here.
Brr!
Posted Dec 19, 2012, 7:12 pm
Posted Jan 18, 2013, 3:24 pm
Posted Jan 18, 2013, 8:16 pm
We jumped into the box
I found this shooting star.
We all put something on the tree. Do you like it?
Posted Jan 18, 2013, 8:31 pm
This will keep my toesies warm!
Posted Jan 25, 2013, 11:10 am
Posted Feb 8, 2013, 2:09 pm
Niépce was a French inventor, taking his first photograph in 1826 using a process called "heliography"
Some old cameras
Some postcards.
On another floor of the museum, was the television section. Doctor Who started in 1963
On this timeline are some Teletubbies.
Captain Scarlett and the Mysterons
HELP! It is a Dalek. It wants to exterminate.
Some old tv gear
Daddy and my brother having a game of Pong on an old computer
Another old game
Space invaders.
Aliens who wanted Smash!
Susan and DEATH
Posted Mar 8, 2013, 9:04 pm
Posted Aug 9, 2013, 12:28 am
The laburnum arch is no longer in full flower...
Pretty red leaves..
Pretty flowers...
More pretty flowers...
Pretty pink flowers...
More pretty flowers...
The house...
Pink roses...
And more roses..
The lilies are in flower...
More flowers...
The house again, from the upper pond..
Posted Dec 2, 2013, 11:06 am
What's going on here? Why are we in a bag?
Posted Dec 2, 2013, 11:14 am
Stena - isn't that a ferry company? Are we at a ferry terminal?
Posted Dec 2, 2013, 11:15 am
That isn't our ferry
A nice cosy chair for the journey.
Goodbye Holyhead
Posted Dec 2, 2013, 11:40 am
is to attend the Postcrossing meeting in Dublin! Here we are at the postcard session.
We also wandered around the exhibition at the main post office, about communications... Some stamps...
On a writing bureau with touchscreen display.... reading about St. Patrick
and the middle page is extracts of letters, translated.
A letter from Jonathan Swift.
This is the building we are in.
And this is the post office itself.
Posted Dec 2, 2013, 12:19 pm
Crossing the River Liffey
Dublin Castle
Wandered around the garden
Monument of O'Connell, at the head of the street named after him.
A bridge we'll walk across
There are padlocks on the bridge, as a symbol for love.
The sun is setting...
My mummy likes sunsets.
Statue of Molly Malone
Time to relax on the tram..
I wonder where we'll go...
The tram stops outside the Guinness brewery.
We didn't get a chance to taste some before we had to head home.
Posted Jan 20, 2014, 10:55 pm
We are helping with the Christmas decorations. These lights work.
Posted Jan 20, 2014, 11:00 pm
We've had a very quiet festive time....
taking us ages to complete two 1000 jigsaw puzzles.
Posted Mar 4, 2015, 6:58 pm
Posh dining room.
Mummy and Daddy have lots of books, but not as old as these.
Is that the time?
Ornate
Moulds.
Art