Ranil, London, Great Britain

Leslie


Posted Apr 2, 2011, 2:22 am
Hi everyone! My name is Ranil, I'm quite new as a ToyVoyager, but Cassiopeia and Pepita who are staying at my place at the moment, taught me everything I need to know, so I'm ready to start traveling!
I started with my photo session and they wanted to be in it too, se here we are us three.
  :rolleyes:

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b445/Resurie/photoDSCN3709-001.jpg?t=1301707148
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b445/Resurie/SCN3720-001.jpg?t=1302706607
Leslie


Posted Apr 4, 2011, 1:43 am
Guess what... I'm starting my journey!  :cyclops: :cyclops:
My first destination is Germany, I can't wait to see what great adventures are waiting for me there!!
And one more thing... Leslie, my mentor, got this beautiful poscard from her Kirin who is in Germany as well, it's so nice!  :rolleyes:
RikeH


Posted May 7, 2011, 7:22 pm
Hello Mum,

After such a long journey I arrived in Germany. I was so happy to jump out of my envelope!

A friendly bunny gave me a warm welcome. He is called Dicker Kumpel and he is my host here.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0791.jpg

He introduced me to some other TVs here.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0792.jpg

I went out into the garden and found lovely flowers.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0794.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0799.jpg

I met these funny guys and we talked a lot.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0796.jpg

At the end I relaxed next to these nice flowers and stretched my arms and legs after the long trip.

It was nice to feel the sun again.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0802.jpg

Bye for now
Ranil
RikeH


Posted May 13, 2011, 8:57 pm
Hi Mum,

We had a party today to celebrate my arrival. First we had delicious burger!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0807.jpg

But I preferred the dessert – it was a yummy cake with a lot of cream.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0810.jpg

After the meal we went to visit Dicker Kumpel ‘s grandma. She has nice flowers on her balcony.

I enjoyed the sun there.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0817.jpg

I wanted to eat some of the flowers, but I was not allowed to.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0818.jpg

There was a big surprise waiting for me – a friendly frog lives on the balcony. We talked a lot.
This was great Mum!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0819.jpg

Love
Ranil
RikeH


Posted May 15, 2011, 7:35 pm
Hello Mum,


We went to the Landesgartenschau in Norderstedt. They show a lot of plants there. Here you can see me with a rhododendron.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0826.jpg

There were many rhododendrons in different colors.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0827.jpg

We made a stop and heard a choir singing.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0837.jpg

Do you like these wonderful flowers?

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0840.jpg

I laughed about this funny person – maybe it is a  straw man.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0844.jpg

We went to a playground and found lovely sheep – it seems that we are very famous here!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0848.jpg

Here you can see all of us TVs – can you find me?

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0852.jpg

Later we went to a farm –or something like this – there were many chicken.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0853.jpg


http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0854.jpg

There were many wonderful flowers.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0863.jpg

Some were inside a building – I would love to send them to you, Mum!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0872.jpg


http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0873.jpg

Bye for now
Yours
Ranil
RikeH


Posted May 17, 2011, 8:20 pm
Hi Mum,

It was time to party today.  Dicker Kumpel’s best friend – Murph - came too. He is a blue alien – and came with his guest Ulrich. We talked a lot and had fun.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/Murph/M_0014.jpg

Later RikeH came and told us that it was time to have coffee and delicious cake. We went to the table – or maybe on the table.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0906.jpg

Of course we had beautiful flowers for our host for this afternoon.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0914.jpg

Then I had a delicious piece of cake. It was so yummy!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0911.jpg

Guess what – it was time for presents then. Murph and Ulrich brought some for us.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0919.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0920.jpg

We looked what was in the baskets.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0921.jpg

There were really delicious sweets.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0922.jpg

Then Murph and Ulrich got presents, too.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0923.jpg

Look what they got.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/Murph/M_0031.jpg

We had a party all day long!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0929.jpg

Bye
Ranil
RikeH


Posted May 25, 2011, 10:30 pm
Hi Mum,

we made a nice trip this week-end. And the best thing was that we took the plane!

Here you see me waiting for the plane. This was the one we took.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_1000.jpg

Then we took some photos out of the window of the plane.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_1003.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_1005.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_1006.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_1007.jpg

I looked around the plane - it was so amazing.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_1004.jpg

Look Mum, we were high in the air - and I saw the ground and some clouds.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_1009.jpg

Later we had more clouds.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_1011.jpg

We arrived in Krakow in Poland. We walked in the old city and saw this nice gate.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_1016.jpg

I played in the miniature.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_1023.jpg

This is a Part of the old City Wall.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_1028.jpg

We will see more in the next days.

Bye
Ranil
RikeH


Posted May 26, 2011, 10:32 am
Hi Mum,

We visited the Wawel Royal Castle today. It is situated on a hill next to the Vistuala River.

On the way to the Castle we passed this wonderful church.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_1034.jpg

You see a part of the Castle behind me.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_1041.jpg

We had a nice view over the River.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_1047.jpg

And when I turned I had this tower behind me.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_1046.jpg

Religion is important in Poland - and I saw the momument for the pope John Paul II.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_1059.jpg

There was a big cathedral on the hill.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_1066.jpg

When we walked down to the river, we saw this big dragon. Can you see the fire that came
out of his mouth. I was the only one who got a photo with the fire. So I was a lucky frog!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_1075.jpg

Tomorrow we will make a boat trip, this will be fun, I hope.

Love
Ranil
RikeH


Posted May 27, 2011, 9:50 pm
Hello Mum,

on Sunday we made our promised trip on a boat. It was so great.
Can you remember the Castle we saw yesterday? We will see it again.

But first you see me on the boat. I had a great place!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_1078.jpg

There was a big abbey next to the river.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_1086.jpg

Then we saw the Castle from the water - it was so nice and big!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_1093.jpg

It was a nice boat trip!

In the evening we made a walk on the Main Marketplace.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_1102.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_1113.jpg

It looked great in the night!

Bye yours
Ranil
RikeH


Posted May 28, 2011, 6:48 pm
Hi Mum,

today was our last day in Krakow. Yesterday we went over the Main Marketplace - but in the night.

Now we saw it during the day!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_1127.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_1131.jpg

There are wonderful gardens around the city centre. I loved this bridge.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_1146.jpg

And this fountain was so beautiful!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_1143.jpg

It was a nice time in Krakow!

Bye
Ranil
RikeH


Posted Jun 4, 2011, 11:45 pm
Hello from Newfoundland,

We arrived in Canada, And today I made my first trip here - to a point called Cape Spear. Behind me you can see the old Lighthouse.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0034.jpg

We had a wonderful view from the place.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0036.jpg

And there is the most easterly point of North America. This was amazing.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0039.jpg

Then we drove to another nice place - it is the Ferryland Lighthouse.

On the way we saw the wonderful Coast.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0041.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0042.jpg

We went to this lighthouse...

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0058.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0053.jpg

...and had this delicious picnic there.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0052.jpg

I loved this place!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0049.jpg

Bye
Ranil
RikeH


Posted Jun 8, 2011, 12:00 am
Hello Mum,

we drove to Harbour Grace - but we stopped in a little village - and took a photo of this nice church.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0099.jpg

Then we arrived in Harbour Grace. Behind me you can see the the SS Kyle. The vessel was pruchased by the Earl Brothers Fisheries of Carbonear in 1960 and used in the seal trade until 1967 when an iceberg accident caused her to be moored in the Harbour Grace harbour. During a storm the SS Kyle broke its moorings and drifted to Riverhead where it has been standing ever since.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0102.jpg

Amelia Earhart took flight from Harbour Grace on May 20, 1932, to become the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic. The plane behind her monument is the "Spirit of Harbour Grace".

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0104.jpg

We had a closer look at the SS Kyle from here, too.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0109.jpg

After looking at all these exciting things we drove to our next destination.  We made a rest at this lovely place.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0113.jpg

There were beautiful rocks in the sea behind me, but unfortunately they are really small on the picture. But they were wonderful when I saw them.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0114.jpg

Some kilometers later we saw a moose next to the road. We all were so glad - and of course I wanted a photo with it.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0118.jpg

Bye
Ranil
RikeH


Posted Jun 11, 2011, 2:21 pm
Hello Mum,

we were in Twillingate and went to a place called Long Point.
There is a nice coastline again.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0159.jpg

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0164.jpg

We stopped at the lighthouse. There are many of them here in Newfoundland.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0165.jpg

We drove back to Twillingate and found a nice place for this photo.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0170.jpg

Then it was time for adventure. We were making a boat trip. There were no icebergs, but boat trips are always fun.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0194.jpg

Look Mum, I were allowed to be the driver.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0172.jpg

It was lovely to be on the water.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0176.jpg

I searched for Whales, but we didn't find any.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0177.jpg

The view was so nice!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0182.jpg

We stopped near to some nice rock formations. Can you see the hole in the rock behind me?

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0185.jpg

We continued our trip and saw a little village from the seaside.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0189.jpg

This was fun, Mum!

Bye
Ranil
RikeH


Posted Jun 13, 2011, 12:20 am
Hello Mum,

we spent the day in the Gros Morne National Park. Here are many big mountains and wonderful bays. I liked it a lot!

First we stopped at a lookout and saw the Bonne Bay.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0197.jpg

We drove further and stopped next to it.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0203.jpg

The next stop was next to the Tablelands. They were really interesting..

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0206.jpg

In a small town called Woody Point we saw this old house. I have no idea, why RikeH was not able to make a nicer photo - maybe because it was too windy?

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0219.jpg

After walking another trail we reached this wonderful waterfall. It was amazing!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0225.jpg

We had a great day here in the National Park!

yours Ranil
RikeH


Posted Jun 15, 2011, 1:35 am
Hello Mum,

RikeH packed our bags again - so we had time to play in front of the cottage.

I loved the slide.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0239.jpg

It was a very big one!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0244.jpg

Then I tried the swing.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0240.jpg

But playing alone was boring - so we all tried to use the slide together.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0245.jpg

The idea was not so good...

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0247.jpg

So RikeH came and told us to sit in the sunshine.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0248.jpg

We spent this night in a lodge - next to it was this pond.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0259.jpg

Tomorrow it is the birthday of Dicker Kumpel. We will sing a song for him - but he doesn't know it now!

many greetings
Ranil
RikeH


Posted Jun 16, 2011, 1:31 am
Hello Mum,

as you know, it was Dicker Kumpel's birthday today.
We sang a wonderful song for him.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0264.jpg

Then we gave him a big hug!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0265.jpg

After the breakfast we drove to St. Anthony - it is in the North of Newfoundland.
Next to the street we found some snow - in June!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0275.jpg

We made a boat trip - and saw this wonderful iceberg! This was amazing, Mum.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0283.jpg

In the evening we had the birthday party! We had a lovely drink...

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0148.jpg

... and something nice to eat.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0151.jpg

We were very tired for a moment.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0157.jpg

But then we decided to become artists!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/K_0158.jpg

yours
Ranil
RikeH


Posted Jun 24, 2011, 11:17 am
Hi Mum,

We are back in Germany now – and it is time for me to travel to my next host. But first I want to show you our last photos of Canada.

The last evening our traveling group sat together in a big armchair. We met a new friend from Newfoundland. He is the funny puffin between us.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0335-1.jpg

We had a small party – it was such a nice holiday!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0336-1.jpg

Today it was time to leave. I said good-bye to Dicker Kumpel. He had been a great host!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0405-1.jpg

Then I got a hug of all the others.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/RikeH_2009/A%2011/B_0406-1.jpg

USA – I am coming!

Love
Ranil
kcrawfish


Posted Jul 13, 2011, 11:41 pm
Yes, I made it! 

I heard only a few giggles and whispers for a couple of days.  I think everyone was excited that Miss Kate received mail before she even arrived.  But today I have met her and the other toyvoys, and I can't wait to have an adventure! 

Miss Kate tells me there are frogs "a plenty" here.  ;)  This highly increases my chance of completing a life mission of meeting a real frog.  :D 

Thank you for letting me travel some more, Mama, and thanks to RikeH, too, for all the fun with her family.

Love,
Ranil
kcrawfish


Posted Jul 14, 2011, 12:44 am
Hey Mama!  Hello everyone!

It was time to see the log cabin ... from the outside ... and walk (hop) down to the beach and Lake Superior.  It's beautiful.  And I think we're all getting along swimmingly.  :)

Ranil
kcrawfish


Posted Jul 14, 2011, 9:01 pm
We went to town today and found a map to help us orient ourselves.  Miss Kate marked it up to show you where we are staying. 
kcrawfish


Posted Jul 14, 2011, 9:20 pm
Miss Kate told us about a legend of a secret place where an old Chippewa Indian – they’re also called Ojibwe – built a small village.  Maybe for wood elves.  Maybe for spirits.  Years later he was gone and one family for generations has continued to add to the hidden village.  She said it's hard to find, but we will try ... 

:thinking:
kcrawfish


Posted Jul 15, 2011, 7:30 pm
I was so excited today was our day to find the hidden village. 

We drove on a narrow dirt road and had to drive back and forth to find the start of the hidden path.  We weren’t sure we had the right place until we were pretty far into the forest from the road.  Then it was clearly a path.  It was starting to rain, but we didn’t feel anything, only the sound of water drops on the birch leaves far above us. 
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/Madeline%20Island%20July%202011/IMG_2934.jpg


We walked through a cloud of mosquitoes but were intent on our goal.  Besides, snacking on them helped fuel my efforts.

Then suddenly … deep in the forest … a sign.
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/Madeline%20Island%20July%202011/IMG_2907.jpg


The first buildings I almost didn’t see.  They looked like mossy rocks.
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/Madeline%20Island%20July%202011/IMG_2924.jpg


A few more turns of the path and there it was!  The village center!
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/Madeline%20Island%20July%202011/IMG_2913.jpg


I was very pleased with this little church.  I think it has an important place here in the hidden village.  I am touching it, Mama, but very very carefully.  I promise I didn’t hurt it.
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/Madeline%20Island%20July%202011/IMG_2920.jpg


Off the main path, there were many hidden buildings under leaves and branches.  Most had no dates.  Perhaps these were built by the Ojibwe man.
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/Madeline%20Island%20July%202011/IMG_2931.jpg


Here you can see who built this, what it is and when.  This farm is more than 30 years old.
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/Madeline%20Island%20July%202011/IMG_2926.jpg


Finally, we all posed together on one of two bridges.  You can see we all enjoyed the hidden village.  I hope you did, too!  :)
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/Madeline%20Island%20July%202011/IMG_2929.jpg

Love,

Ranil



kcrawfish


Posted Jul 19, 2011, 5:43 am
Hi Mama! 

Today we went on the ferry to the mainland.  It was a nice day, but a little bit of a cold wind.  Miss Kate made sure we didn’t blow anywhere.  ;)
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/Madeline%20Island%20July%202011/Trip%20to%20Mainland/IMG_2940.jpg
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/Madeline%20Island%20July%202011/Trip%20to%20Mainland/IMG_2945.jpg


After our errands, Miss Kate gave in and took us to the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center. 
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/Madeline%20Island%20July%202011/Trip%20to%20Mainland/IMG_2950.jpg


Do you like this wolf?  It was a little scary, but it was already in wolf heaven and not dangerous. 
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/Madeline%20Island%20July%202011/Trip%20to%20Mainland/IMG_2957.jpg


Hey, that guy looks just like me.  But bottom dwellers??  :thinking:  Food for larger animals??  :mad:  I'm going to try to forget I even read that!
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/Madeline%20Island%20July%202011/Trip%20to%20Mainland/IMG_2962.jpg
I lifted the lid and found out that these poor frogs survive the winter freeze.  Not for me!  :p  Boy, Mom, I’m not in Chile anymore!  ;) 
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/Madeline%20Island%20July%202011/Trip%20to%20Mainland/IMG_2964.jpg


Great view of the pond from the tower.  I could just dive in right now.  If it weren’t for those freezing winters! 
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/Madeline%20Island%20July%202011/Trip%20to%20Mainland/IMG_2971.jpg


There were a few informational computers in the center.  We could’ve looked at the snowmobile trails (?!) but chose instead to see the other Apostle Islands around Madeline Island. 
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/Madeline%20Island%20July%202011/Trip%20to%20Mainland/IMG_2980.jpg


We also saw a 3-D model of Lake Superior.  We pushed the button for Native American communities and they all lit up.  Very cool. 
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/Madeline%20Island%20July%202011/Trip%20to%20Mainland/IMG_2982.jpg


It was time to go, but on the way out we met this very nice ranger.  :)
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/Madeline%20Island%20July%202011/Trip%20to%20Mainland/IMG_2984.jpg


We drove all the way back to Bayfield and got in line for the ferry back to the Island.
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/Madeline%20Island%20July%202011/Trip%20to%20Mainland/IMG_2986.jpg
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/Madeline%20Island%20July%202011/Trip%20to%20Mainland/IMG_2991.jpg


A quick stop at the little library to find a book on frozen frogs  :thinking:  ...
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/Madeline%20Island%20July%202011/Trip%20to%20Mainland/IMG_3002.jpg


Miss you!  :)

Ranil
kcrawfish


Posted Jul 19, 2011, 10:03 pm
Miss Kate’s friend found this amazing rock on the beach.  He did some research at the little library and found out it’s a volcanic bomb.  This is all very old rock around here, some of the first volcanoes were here, and this was spat out of one of them.  Or so I’m told!  :)  We were all very inspired to find our own rocks in the lake and on the beach.  I hope you like what we found.  My favorite is the green one.  Too bad we can’t take them home with us!  The best souvenir ever!  ;)
kcrawfish


Posted Jul 20, 2011, 6:14 am
Miss Kate introduced us to her Aunt Sal’s toys, Gecco and Anonymouse.  They are friendly and cute even if a bit weathered … not unlike the cabin where they live.  ;)  :)

Then Aunt Sal let us look at her ABC book.  It is in all the stores on the island and in Bayfield.  I felt like she’s a celebrity and asked for her autograph.  :) 

Look:  a page especially for frogs.  :)

After all that reading, it was time to do some writing … check your mail box!  :D

Do you see the post card of Big Bay lagoon?  We’re hoping to go there before we leave!  Fingers crossed! 

Love,

Ranil

kcrawfish


Posted Jul 21, 2011, 5:50 am
Hi everyone!

I am so glad to report that a little time was made for us to go with Miss Kate and her two aunts to Big Bay Town Park. 

Do you remember the card with the lagoon?  Well, first we saw the lagoon and then we saw the bridge. 

We walked far into the park.  Henrik was in front very enthused about seeing other moose.  And Shir Khan guarded the flank.  There were mushrooms that looked like trees and trees that looked like swings.  ;)

Bye :)

Ranil
kcrawfish


Posted Jul 21, 2011, 12:49 pm
Henrik and Miss Kate took the ferry by foot to the mainland and came back with this most interesting creature.  I can’t wait to get to know her better.  :) 
kcrawfish


Posted Jul 21, 2011, 6:58 pm
Hi Mama y amigos,

I am sorry to say that this is our last night on the Island.  We had a delicious dinner and were tucked in for the night.

It has been a lovely trip.  And a real honor to be Voyager of the Week.  I just can't stop smiling!  :)

My next update will be from sunny and warm California. 

Love,

Ranil

kcrawfish


Posted Jul 26, 2011, 1:09 am
Cheerio's mom gave Miss Kate this book for all of us to read.  We learned a lot about lakes and about Wisconsin.  Like about soggy bogs.  I especially liked that part.  Nice and cosy for frogs.  :)

http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/IMG_3127.jpg
kcrawfish


Posted Jul 26, 2011, 7:53 am
I'm in California!  Well, I've been here for a week.  We had much too much adventure missing our connection in Denver, and we've been taking a rest.  During our little respite, we found a painting in Miss Kate's postcrossing collection:

http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/Madeline%20Island%20July%202011/IMG_3126.jpg

Do you recognize it?  (Hint: there's no row boat in this picture.)

California seems nice.  It's just a little drier here than in Wisconsin.  Too bad!  I like it moist and buggy!  :p

Shir Khan and Pipps are packing.  I'm going to miss them.  :(  But maybe I'll meet them on a trail!  :D

Love,

Ranil
 
kcrawfish


Posted Jul 29, 2011, 5:54 am
Cheerio was really excited today.  I was, too.  We were going to San Francisco, Cheerio's hometown!  :)  And we were going there to meet someone very special.  :)   

Here I am on the Bay Bridge.  We are going almost all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge ... see it in the photo? 

http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/SF%20July%202011/GreensandLIttleCableCars/IMG_3137.jpg


We were zipping along ....

http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/SF%20July%202011/GreensandLIttleCableCars/IMG_3144.jpg


At Fort Mason!  It was a beautiful cool/warm, foggy/sunny day.  Cheerio told us that's as good as it gets in San Francisco.  :thinking:  :)

http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/SF%20July%202011/GreensandLIttleCableCars/IMG_3153.jpg


Here was Greens!  And here was LittleCableCars waiting patiently for us!  :D

http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/SF%20July%202011/GreensandLIttleCableCars/IMG_3152.jpg


It was so good to meet Cheerio's mom and Robby the seal.

I was hungry.  I liked what we ate.  The grilled peach, the potato pesto pizza and the eggplant focaccia sandwich ... all so yummy.

http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/SF%20July%202011/GreensandLIttleCableCars/IMG_3145.jpg


I hope fam-united will see Robby's photo here.  Isn't this a nice view?

http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/SF%20July%202011/GreensandLIttleCableCars/IMG_3147.jpg
No, not the view of us!  ;)  Keep looking ......
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/SF%20July%202011/GreensandLIttleCableCars/IMG_3146.jpg
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/SF%20July%202011/GreensandLIttleCableCars/IMG_3149.jpg
Can you see the Golden Gate Bridge?  Yeah, a little too much fog.  :rolleyes:

Robby, Cheerio, Henrik and I decided the toyvoy site needs more meetups!  Don't you think so?  So where's next?  Chile?  Finland?  ;)  :)

Love,

Ranil
kcrawfish


Posted Jul 29, 2011, 6:32 am
Hi everyone,

We said goodbye to Shir Khan and Pipps today.  I hope to see them in Chile some day.  :)

~Ranil
kcrawfish


Posted Aug 3, 2011, 3:39 am
Hey, pretty cool, Mama. I got a special trip today!  I went to San Francisco and Berkeley with Miss Kate.  It was another hot dry day in Sacramento, so I was pretty excited.  :) 

Here you can see the fog line between the valley and the San Francisco Bay area. 
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/Berkeley%20Aug%202011/IMG_3201-1.jpg


I was so excited I almost jumped through the window!
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/Berkeley%20Aug%202011/IMG_3203.jpg


Oh, it was going to be all grey and cool just like I like it, and good for frog skin.
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/Berkeley%20Aug%202011/IMG_3207.jpg


Here we were at the toll bridge.  No beautiful pictures on the bridge today!  fog, fog, fog
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/Berkeley%20Aug%202011/IMG_3208.jpg


The appointment my host had in the city was rather dull, so afterwards we decided to stop in Berkeley for lunch.  Maybe we'd find a photo op.  It was still cool even though the fog had cleared.  Perfect weather ......
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/Berkeley%20Aug%202011/IMG_3209.jpg


We went to Miss Kate's favorite New York style deli.
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/Berkeley%20Aug%202011/IMG_3210.jpg
We ate a bagel with lox, tomato, cucumbers, cream cheese and little pickle-flavored things, can't remember what Miss Kate said they're called.  Oh, yeah, she just whispered to me capers.  We also bought a poppy seed rugelach for Henrik and Cheerio.  It'll take the edge off the envy!  :p  Just kidding!  ;)

And we mailed something to the mentor of one of my toyvoy buddies.  I won't tell you who!  :rolleyes:
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/Berkeley%20Aug%202011/IMG_3212.jpg


I asked if we could see U.C. Berkeley since it was closeby.

Here's Hoyt Hall, the co-op where Miss Kate lived when she was at the university.  She said she had lots of stories, but the ones that weren't boring I wasn't allowed to hear.  What's she talking about??  She did mention that people were always sneaky painting the front door different colors in the middle of the night.  Strange American custom.  :thinking:
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/IMG_3214.jpg


Here's a view of the campus looking west.  Can you see San Francisco in the background?  It's tiny.
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/Berkeley%20Aug%202011/IMG_3220.jpg


Here are a couple photos of the Campanile.  It's a pretty tower.
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/Berkeley%20Aug%202011/IMG_3221.jpg
Well, it's no Big Ben or Tower of Pisa, but it'll do for NOW.  ;)
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/Berkeley%20Aug%202011/IMG_3222.jpg
Don't you think I blend in there?  Just another green co-ed.  :p

Well, that was it!  Time to go home ... errr ... to go to Sacramento!  ;)

Love,

Ranil
kcrawfish


Posted Aug 4, 2011, 6:49 am
Mama,

Guess who showed up in a travelope!?  Aslan!  We had such a good time traveling around with RikeH last month.  He and I had lots to talk about.  :)  We especially enjoyed the Canadian crisps and beverages.  We rocked the party Gwennie-style!  ;)  But we didn't rock it quite as much as Zoe, Veronica and Rendolph with their local Portuguese wine!  :p 

By the way, rumor has it we might be seeing the ocean tomorrow!  :)  Stay tuned!  :rolleyes:

kcrawfish


Posted Aug 4, 2011, 6:53 am
Henrik and I are trying to stay cool.  We'll let Cheerio go to the state fair without us.  :)  We'll just look at the photos and stay in the shade.  :p
kcrawfish


Posted Aug 5, 2011, 5:33 am
We DID go to the ocean!  :)

On our way, we drove along the Russian River west toward the ocean and stopped at Duncan Mills to do a little shopping.  It's a cute little town next to the river that looks old but isn't really old.  :p  First to the new old general store and then to a little shop called Pig's Alley to do window shopping.  There were lots of frog things to choose from.  One is a clock and one here is something to hold open a cookbook.  But certain recipes are forbidden always ... for example, frogs' legs.  :mad:

Well, it was a lot of driving, but it was a beautiful day as you can see!  We were in a hurry but wanted you to have a peek at the Pacific.  B)
 
kcrawfish


Posted Aug 5, 2011, 5:36 am
Great view.  :)
kcrawfish


Posted Aug 6, 2011, 8:20 am
Hola Mama!

We took an invigorating hop around the neighborhood and along the ocean.  We had fog on one shoulder and sun on the other.  A little cool and a little warm. 
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TSR%20August%202011/IMG_3252.jpg


I was so excited about a plump little bumble bee we saw … you can see it in Cheerio’s photo … but not in mine.  It maybe sensed my intentions weren’t entirely nongastronomic.  :rolleyes:
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TSR%20August%202011/IMG_3247.jpg


On our stroll, we came so close to two deer.  They were fantastic!  Amazing!  Yet, for some reason, Miss Kate managed to get a snap of just one single deer butt.  Nice work.  ;) 
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TSR%20August%202011/IMG_3250_closeup.jpg
RikeH did much better on my photo with the moose!  :p

I miss you but am having fun!  :)

Ranil
kcrawfish


Posted Aug 8, 2011, 3:00 am
We visited The Sea Ranch Chapel.  It's very unusual.  And quite serene.  I hope you enjoy the photographs.  :)
kcrawfish


Posted Aug 8, 2011, 11:00 pm
Dear Henrik is on his way to join the European Toy Voyager Trail.  I think he's very lucky to get to be on the trail.  Miss Kate and I escorted him to the post office, wishing him a very bon voyage.
kcrawfish


Posted Aug 12, 2011, 3:56 pm
Hi Mama!

We had a great drive home.  Well, first we went to a cafe in Gualala and walked along the bluff with Miss Kate's cousin.  I got a photo there with some pretty flowers.  They told me they're California poppies.

On the way back to Sacramento, we saw some fluffy animals.  What a beautiful place for them to live!  I felt very happy here except the small black and white one was really giving us the evil eye.  :cyclops:  And kept saying bababababa at me.  Right back atcha, buddy!  ;)

We stopped at Candy & Kites in Bodega Bay for salt water taffy.  They had green pistachio taffy.  Muy interesante.  :rolleyes:  And when I say interesante, I mean yummy!  :)

Love you!

Ranil

P.S.  Candy & Kites ships their salt water taffy internationally.  :rolleyes:
kcrawfish


Posted Aug 15, 2011, 2:49 am
Mama!

We're back on the road again!  Heading toward Lake Tahoe which is just stock full of frogs like me! 

:)

Ranil
kcrawfish


Posted Aug 15, 2011, 2:58 am
The lake is beautiful!  Mark Twain described it as maybe "the fairest picture the whole earth affords."
kcrawfish


Posted Aug 16, 2011, 12:17 am
Hello Mama!

We spent our first night on the lake.  But not in California … in Nevada!  It’s a deserty state in California … so why is it called snowfall?  Nevada is Spanish for snowfall.  Well, in the Sierra Nevada mountains there is a lot of nevada every winter … and here, too, at the lake.  Can you see the snow on the mountains across the lake?
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20Lake%20Tahoe%20August%202011/IMG_3344.jpg
Isn’t Lake Tahoe pretty?  It is really deep, 500 meters deep.  Miss Kate says it’s the 10th deepest lake in the whole world.  North-south it’s 19 kilometers or 12 miles long.  We were told that the water is 99.9% pure … and very clear.  A white dinner plate would be visible at 75 feet below the surface … though Miss Kate says that it would’ve been seen at 100 feet down 50 years ago. 

Lake Tahoe is up high … we were all winded walking around because its elevation is more than 6,000 feet.  Here’s a picture of us taking a break from our walk.
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20Lake%20Tahoe%20August%202011/IMG_3347.jpg


We spent a couple of hours in the afternoon at the casinos.  They’re not legal in California – except on Indian reservations – but legal in Nevada, so we went to Harrah’s in Stateline, Nevada. 
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20Lake%20Tahoe%20August%202011/IMG_3331.jpg
Lots of these people just strolled over from California into Nevada.

So … Time to play!  We decided the poker machines were a little more interesting than just the slots. 
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20Lake%20Tahoe%20August%202011/IMG_3334.jpg


Look!  We got the best hand possible!  Well, almost the best hand … we won $31, but if we got the royal flush without the wild deuce, it would’ve been $1,000! 
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20Lake%20Tahoe%20August%202011/IMG_3340.jpg
I wonder if Miss Kate would’ve sent you my share!  ;) 
Green attracts green after all!  :p

Love,
Ranil
kcrawfish


Posted Aug 16, 2011, 12:29 am
Sunday, our last day, was a bit more spiritual at our lakeside retreat.  :rolleyes:

http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20Lake%20Tahoe%20August%202011/IMG_3356.jpg
kcrawfish


Posted Aug 16, 2011, 9:55 pm
Hi Mama!

We took a morning constitutional (no pun intended! ;)) around the park and stopped at the Capitol Building to pose for a photo. 

:)

Ranil
kcrawfish


Posted Aug 22, 2011, 8:32 am
Hola Mama!

We spent a fine afternoon along the waterfront.  :)

http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/tv-tvandfriends/sacto_ch_wfmap-2.jpg


This is the Sacramento River, which runs from the top of California down by Sacramento to the San Francisco Bay Area and the Pacific Ocean.
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/tv-tvandfriends/sacto_ran_river.jpg

:)
kcrawfish


Posted Sep 5, 2011, 5:41 am
Dear Mama,

We headed west today.  Not for great adventures but because Miss Kate said it’s time for me and Dottie to get some education and culture.  I thought we had enuff lernin but she thinks we could use un poco mas.  ;) 
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3445.jpg
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3446.jpg
A pretty day in the city, no?
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3447.jpg


We were getting a bit peckish as we headed south of San Francisco.
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3448.jpg


So we pulled over at a rest stop and shared a banana.
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3450.jpg
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3451.jpg

Love, Ranil
kcrawfish


Posted Sep 5, 2011, 5:54 am
Mama,

We left the highway finally.  Are we going here?  Miss Kate said, no, it’s the linear accelerator where things go very very fast.  We’re pretty much slow pokes, and it sounds dangerous besides.
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3453.jpg


Finally, Mama!  We’re at Stanford University, but Miss Kate promised not to leave us here for a semester … just for an hour.  Still, I can say, I went to Stanford, can’t I?  ;)
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3454.jpg
Oh, did I tell you about our new friend?  She’s from a small town near Milan in Italy.  I asked her if she knew my next host, but she doesn’t.  Oh, well!  :p
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3456.jpg


We found interesting things on this campus from TV-sized parking spaces to totem poles.
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3458.jpg
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3457.jpg
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3459.jpg
I especially liked the bookstore.
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3461.jpg
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3462.jpg
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3465.jpg

More later!  :D

Ranil
kcrawfish


Posted Sep 5, 2011, 8:00 am
We said goodbye to Cheerio and TV-TV today.  We'll especially miss that quacking!  I had such a good time on Madeline Island with Cheerio, and she was with me when I became Voyager of the Week.  I will be voyaging onwards too soon, so maybe our paths will cross again some day.  :rolleyes:
kcrawfish


Posted Sep 9, 2011, 12:56 am
Hi again Mama!

Okay, we had a dinner date so we drove on Campus and Palm Drives through Stanford, then on University Avenue through Palo Alto and then down to Saratoga in the South San Francisco Bay where we had a more satisfying meal than hummus chips!  ;)

http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3473.jpg
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3474.jpg
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3479.jpg
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3476.jpg
kcrawfish


Posted Sep 9, 2011, 1:03 am
Hola again Mama!

We woke up early, had a quick dip in the hot tub and were off for some culture, as we did education yesterday.
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3483.jpg
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3485.jpg
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3486.jpg

The culture is Scottish!  We were at such a big fair!  It’s called the Scottish Highland Games and it’s in Pleasanton, California. 
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3487.jpg

We ate lunch and listened to a great band, Golden Bough.
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3489.jpg
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3513.jpg

I enjoy all types of music!  I don’t discriminate based on size!  :)
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3491.jpg

And there was lots more to see.
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3493.jpg
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3495.jpg

This is hammer tossing.
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3496.jpg

This is weight tossing.
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3498.jpg

This man was helping her tune her bagpipes.
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3500.jpg
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http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3504.jpg

This is the kind of dancing Miss Kate does.
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3508.jpg

We were serenaded by a friend of Miss Kate’s, Mary Rose.
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3512.jpg

I had a slightly sick feeling in my gut when we stopped to see the birds of prey.
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3517.jpg

I wasn’t turning my back on this guy.  They call him kestrel.  I call him killer.  :/
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Do you think he’s a king?
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3524.jpg

Ah, this man was testing gun powder with a big pop and a puff!
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3525.jpg
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We ended the day with some very mixed emotions.  Miss Kate handed us to a pirate.  Not cool, man.  Not cool.
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3526.jpg

But, all in all, a great day!
We got home and played on a tea towel Miss Kate bought at the hall of souvenirs.  See?  I’m getting on the bus and Dottie Mouse is sitting on the window ledge on the upper deck.  :rolleyes:
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3534.jpg

Love,

Ranil
kcrawfish


Posted Sep 9, 2011, 1:20 am
Dear Mama,

My new host is waiting for me in Italy.  It was time to say goodbye to everyone here and give an especially big hug to Dottie Mouse.  I thanked my host for taking me from Wisconsin to “Scotland.”  And I’m sending you my souvenirs, Mama, including a Madeline Island ABC Book bookmark signed by the artist and some green salt water taffy.  I will try not to eat the pistachio taffy before I lick the envelope shut.  ;) 
http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3531.jpg
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http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i475/kcrawfish/TV%20-%20Stanford%20and%20Scottish%20HIghland%20Games/IMG_3532.jpg
See you from Italy, Mama!  I miss you and hope you’re having a fun time with Timothy III. and Fiona Yenien.  We all so enjoyed looking at their amazing journey through Bolivia.

Love,
Ranil
annix


Posted Oct 17, 2011, 11:16 am
Hi mummy,
I'm arrived in Italy! I tok some delicious biscuits with me and my host liked them so much, she prepared me a "cappuccino" and we had a break together. I've also met a big frog who lives here.
Bye for now,
Ranil
annix


Posted Oct 24, 2011, 2:26 pm
Hi mum,
I'm spending the afternoon to the park with my friends Jelle and MX Rabbit, we're having a big fun playing together!
Love,
Ranil
annix


Posted Nov 2, 2011, 11:31 am
Hi mum,
I went to the seaside for one day, the weather was good even if this season is not warm enough to bath.
Love,
Ranil
annix


Posted Nov 3, 2011, 11:17 am
Hi mum,
Jelle and I went to buy a pizza! It looks delicious, doesn't it?
Love,
Ranil
annix


Posted Nov 4, 2011, 1:44 pm
Hi mum,
at the moment I guess that the weather is much better in Chile than in Italy! Today it rains but we take our umbrella and we visit the Sforzesco Castle which is placed in the center of Milan. It's a Medieval Castle and inside there are museums of paintings, armors, furnitures, Roman, Greek and Egyptian archaeology and so on.
Love,
Ranil
annix


Posted Nov 11, 2011, 2:26 pm
Hi mum,
today the weather is better and also the castle looks better with the sun! I'm sending you some more pictures!
Love,
Ranil
annix


Posted Nov 14, 2011, 2:04 pm
Hi mum,
today I'm to the Bresso airport, a small airport for private planes. I'm thinking to buy my own plane...I think it can be useful for a TV, don't you think so?
Love,
Ranil
annix


Posted Nov 29, 2011, 3:38 pm
Hi mum,
I want to introduce you to 2 new TV friends who have just arrived: Tomi the Bear and Phillip O-Feld.
Tomorrow I'll take them to visit some new place!
Love,
Ranil
annix


Posted Nov 30, 2011, 2:26 pm
Hi mum,
my new friends and I are visiting the center of Milan, with the famous Cathedral, colled Duomo, the Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery and the Royal Palace. In the next days a big Christmas tree will be placed just in front of the Cathedral, I hope to see it!
Love,
Ranil
annix


Posted Dec 6, 2011, 4:15 pm
Hi mummy,
my friends and I are so busy... we are doing our best to eat all this chocolate before Christmas... it's an hard work!
Love,
Ranil
annix


Posted Dec 22, 2011, 1:40 pm
Hi mum,
are you ready for Christmas? I helped my host to prepare the Christmas tree and the nativity scene, in the next days we have to think about the Christmas dinner!
Love
annix


Posted Dec 23, 2011, 11:20 am
Hi mummy,
best greetings from the Duomo square!
Love,
Ranil
annix


Posted Dec 24, 2011, 2:08 pm
Merry Christmas mummy!!!!!!!
annix


Posted Dec 26, 2011, 10:21 am
Hi mum,
I had a nice Christmas with my TV friends Finn, Lupus-Tigger and Tomi the Bear. I'm sending you some photo of the day and a picture of us with a "Panettone", the typical Christmas cake of Milano!
annix


Posted Dec 31, 2011, 4:03 pm
Hi mum,
waiting for the end of this year we're playing a very funny game, each of us have a sheep and we have to pay attention to the wolf!
My host and I wish you a wonderful 2012!
Love
Ranil
annix


Posted Jan 3, 2012, 2:03 pm
Hi mum,
look how good I'm in cooking a typical Italian pasta! My friends are quite excited to taste this dish. As soon as I come back home I'll cook it for you!
Love,
Ranil
annix


Posted Jan 6, 2012, 7:12 pm
Hi mum,
here I am at the Royal Palace in Monza. It was the holyday palace of the King when Italy was a monarchy. In these days It is possible to visit the rooms where lived Queen Margherita in the second half of 1800, and I could see her furniture, dresses and so on. Unfotunately it was not allowed to take photos inside!
Love,
Ranil
annix


Posted Jan 17, 2012, 11:47 am
Hi mum,
in the week end there was a Nordic Ski race in Milan, what is funny is that there is no snow in Milan (as you can see in some of these pictures) so they took it here with some trucks! And now we are going to have the snow till the end of the week!
Love,
Ranil
annix


Posted Feb 2, 2012, 3:11 pm
Hi mum,
this is my last update from Italy, I'm leaving to go to my new host!
I'll write you from Germany.
Love,
Ranil
Shilo


Posted Feb 11, 2012, 11:41 am
Hi Mum!

Today I arrived at Bochum. When my new host mum came home, she found the envelope with me inside, on the stairway. She was very happy about it.
She took me into her living room. There I could hear a lot of nosy voices. Then I could see light, when the envelope where opened.

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Outside I could see Happy Ping, PinkyHH and Snowball waiting for me. They gave me a warm welcome.  I was very happy about it.

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Then I showed them the gifts I brought with me. Host mum liked them a lot and wanted to put them into her memory book.

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After that host mum, took out another envelope and we were curious about who will be inside.

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When Snowball opened it, we could see a bear coming out. His name is Captain. We gave him a warm welcome.

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After that Captain took out his Travel book and showed it to us.  It looks really cool.

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Later we started to make us costumes for Venice. First we helped Ping sewing a hat. It was really funny, but also a lot of work.

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So I decided to make only a vest for me. Don’t I look cool in it mum?

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Everyone made something else as costume. Here you can see a group picture.

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/9155/dscn04241000x750.jpg

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Now the carnival can come.

See you
Your Ranil
Shilo


Posted Feb 12, 2012, 10:51 pm
Hi Mum!

Tomorrow we were flying to Venice, I am very excited about it. But today, we went to friends from my host parents. Here we met two new friends, Hubertus the monk and Cosy the Teddy.

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In the evening we were playing some games.  Hubertus gave us some sweets before we started playing. They were really yummy.  After that Cosy taught us the rules of the game “El Grande”.

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We played against each other. It made a lot of fun.

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Snowball had won the game and I made the fourth place.

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After that we played “Triomino”.  I helped shuffle the stones. It’s a really cool game.

http://img545.imageshack.us/img545/3872/dscn04531000x750.jpg

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/5958/dscn04551000x750.jpg

See you in Venice

Ranil
Shilo


Posted Feb 13, 2012, 10:37 pm
Hello Mum.

I’m so happy, because today we were flying to Venice. It isn’t long ago that I was in Italy, but I’m curious how the carnival will be.
We drove to Düsseldorf airport. There we went to the waiting area and took a seat.

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While we were waiting for the boarding, we looked out of the window and watched the other planes starting and landing.

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Finally we are on the plane and make ourselves comfortable. I’m really curious how the flight will be.

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Wow what a cool view. I could look really far from here.

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Here you could see the Alps.

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After over one hour we had a safe landing. Now we have to get our suitcases. It’s very funny watching the bags go around the conveyor.

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When we arrived at the hotel, we were really tired from the flight. So we decided to go to bed.

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Good night

Your Ranil
Shilo


Posted Feb 15, 2012, 10:36 pm
Good Morning Mum!

Today is our first day in Venice. I’m so happy about it and a little curious how it will be there.

Venice is connected to the mainland with a gigantic bridge. You could cross the bridge by train, car, bus or you could walk. We went there by bus, because the bus stop is next to our hotel. Unfortunately we couldn’t take pictures from our tour, because it was too full in the bus.

We arrived in Venice at a big bus station.

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From there we started our tour through the streets. We were just looking around and saw a lot of cool places.

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Here you could see the view from the famous Rialto Bridge over the Canal Grande. Isn't it great?

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After that, we arrived at the Piazza de San Marco. Here we could see the Basilica di San Marco, a beautiful church and Campanile di San Marco, a very high bell tower.

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At the Piazza were a lot of tourists and people in wonderful costumes. Mum, this carnival seems to be really great.

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After we walked around the Piazza for a while we decided to go somewhere else. So we went down to the promenade at the water.

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After a while we decided to go back into the city and came to a park. Here we saw a cool statue with a big lion.

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We walked a long time through the streets and saw a lot of interesting streets and houses.

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Later we went to a little restaurant and ate something.
When it was getting dark, we decided to go home.

See you

Your Ranil



Shilo


Posted Feb 17, 2012, 11:16 am
Bongiorno Mum!

I wish you a happy Valentine’s Day!

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Today is our second day in Venice. I’m curious what this day will bring.
When we arrived at the bus station in Venice, we decided to take one of the waterbuses, called vaporetti, to San Marco.
We got the chance, to have a look around the lagoon and the canal. It was very interesting.

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When we arrived at San Marco, we went to the Basilika di San Marco.
It is the most famous of the city's churches, constructed in 828, and one of the best known examples of Byzantine architecture. Originally it was the chapel of the Doge, and has only been the city's cathedral since 1807. For its opulent design, gilded Byzantine mosaics, and its status as a symbol of Venetian wealth and power, from the 11th century on the building has been known by the nickname Chiesa d'Oro (Church of gold).

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Woooow, this church is really awesome. It looks like everything is out of gold. Everywhere we could see great paintings on the walls and the ceiling. Have you ever seen something so impressive?

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http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/4976/img03621000x667.jpg

Then we went to the treasure chamber. Here we could see golden candleholders, crosses and a lot more. It was very interesting.

http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/3118/dscn0667750x1000.jpg

http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/1557/img03651000x667.jpg

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/6448/img03691000x667.jpg

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/1162/dscn0668750x1000.jpg

http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/7195/dscn06691000x750.jpg

After that we went up to the top of the church. Here were a lot of cool things to see at the St Mark’s Museum. From here you got a wonderful view into the nave.

http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/2527/dscn06811000x750.jpg

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/5290/dscn06881000x750.jpg

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http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/1806/img03871000x667.jpg

http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/4898/dscn07121000x750.jpg

Especially one room in the Museum was very great. The painting on the ceiling was very impressive.

http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/8210/dscn07161000x750.jpg

http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/365/dscn07191000x750.jpg

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/9002/dscn07151000x750.jpg

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/1449/dscn0726750x1000.jpg

http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/9162/dscn0728750x1000.jpg

Then we went outside on the balcony. From here we got a great view over the Piazza San Marco and the sea promenade.

http://img862.imageshack.us/img862/2816/dscn0729750x1000.jpg

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/840/dscn0730750x1000.jpg

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/448/dscn06971000x750.jpg

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http://img816.imageshack.us/img816/6738/dscn0710750x1000.jpg

http://img826.imageshack.us/img826/2541/dscn0711750x1000.jpg

The Horses of Saint Mark were installed on the basilica in about 1254. After a long restoration, since the 1990s they have been kept in St Mark’s Museum (inside the basilica). The horses now on the facade of the cathedral are bronze replicas.

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/4941/dscn07001000x750.jpg

We spend the rest of the day on the Piazza and the Promenade.

http://img848.imageshack.us/img848/290/dscn06491000x750.jpg

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/1362/dscn07941000x750.jpg

http://img826.imageshack.us/img826/7274/img0737667x1000.jpg

Here we wanted to use the time to enjoy the impression of the carnival.
It is said that the Carnival of Venice was originated from a victory of the "Repubblica della Serenissima", Venice previous name, against the Patriarch of Aquileia, Ulrico in the year 1162. In the honor of this victory, the people started to dance and make reunions in San Marco Square. Apparently this festival started on that period and become official in the renaissance. After a long absence, the carnival return to operate in 1979.
It was great to see all these different costumes.

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/9229/dscn06241000x750.jpg

http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/439/dscn0634750x1000.jpg

http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/2246/dscn07401000x750.jpg

http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/4982/dscn08101000x750.jpg

http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/8498/dscn08381000x750.jpg

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/1801/dscn08741000x750.jpg

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/1385/dscn09241000x750.jpg

http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/6709/dscn09481000x750.jpg

http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/4296/dscn09791000x750.jpg

http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/8874/dscn10101000x750.jpg

http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/4753/dscn10501000x750.jpg

http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/2323/img04401000x667.jpg

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/1806/img04861000x667.jpg

http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/6362/img05001000x667.jpg

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/4315/img07011000x667.jpg

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/8854/img07331000x667.jpg

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/2623/img08201000x667.jpg

Her costume is as green as I am. I like it very much.

http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/904/dscn0748750x1000.jpg
Shilo


Posted Feb 19, 2012, 9:58 pm
Good Morning Mum!

Today started with a big surprise for host dad. When he came out of the bathroom, he saw the candles and a balloon in the shape of a heart, that host mum had prepared for their wedding day. He was very happy about it.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ni2wT6ttxjg/T0FIay5GZYI/AAAAAAAAAAo/hgh8lMqtf4w/s640/DSCN1066%2520%25281000x750%2529.jpg

After the breakfast we went to Venice. From the Bus station we took the waterbus to Murano. Before we reached Murano we stopped at  Cimitero di san Michele, the Graveyard Island.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rUM5ZEqzP8A/T0FIqBjhPAI/AAAAAAAAACY/OcjRsgdKBYQ/s640/DSCN1103%2520%2528750x1000%2529.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XIiffS-5G1A/T0FIrDuG9XI/AAAAAAAAACg/ZleTEEXSyxU/s640/DSCN1104%2520%2528750x1000%2529.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KnxMtlJSL10/T0FIwW2vIcI/AAAAAAAAADM/rvLomU7hN4Y/s640/DSCN1117%2520%25281000x750%2529.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-l6xZqmC9FHs/T0FJf5s9DuI/AAAAAAAAAI0/Sh9UNLP32gY/s640/IMG_0885%2520%25281000x667%2529.jpg

It was a very impressive graveyard. When we entered it, we saw hundreds of white crosses. On most of them where pictures of dead. Everywhere where flowers, so everything looks very colorful. I have never seen something like that before.
After that we reached big white walls with lots and lots of names and pictures of people that had passed away. There were also a lot of flowers for them. It reminded me a little of the pictures of American graveyards.
Out of respect for the dead, we took only Pictures from the outside.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6mOf8YloENk/T0FIuA12K7I/AAAAAAAAAC4/s_DKeBCSXEg/s640/DSCN1110%2520%25281000x750%2529.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YOKjnBEpwE4/T0FIutu56KI/AAAAAAAAAC8/JEG9lrMT2bo/s640/DSCN1111%2520%25281000x750%2529.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pAxV-0LXQNU/T0FIuUfuSYI/AAAAAAAAAC0/LE9FcVv9IWY/s640/DSCN1108%2520%25281000x750%2529.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tMrSb6FBBQc/T0FIsNTqTQI/AAAAAAAAACs/8jCX6eZLpp0/s640/DSCN1106%2520%25281000x750%2529.jpg

After our short stop, we reached Murano.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IICBba2CxjE/T0FJeKdx1OI/AAAAAAAAAIY/vj7n-PkvjuM/s640/IMG_0872%2520%25281000x667%2529.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RThWf5krNAE/T0FJaknSleI/AAAAAAAAAIE/tByx58KCFn4/s640/IMG_0857%2520%25281000x667%2529.jpg

Here we could see wonderful glass art, but it wasn’t allowed to take photos in the shops.
But when we walked through the streets we found three great sculptures there.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WO3XG59Kis4/T0FId3wiWdI/AAAAAAAAABE/4pALrwMYCGs/s640/DSCN1075%2520%2528750x1000%2529.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--wvco8UCUoI/T0FJbdx7aLI/AAAAAAAAAII/Mws_vPCPczA/s640/IMG_0861%2520%25281000x667%2529.jpg 

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QzoQ-ZqPYm4/T0FKlKPcNlI/AAAAAAAAALM/brsPr1uv4Ok/s640/DSCN1091%2520%25281000x750%2529.jpg 

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GJiQfaUBbiI/T0FImJp5FDI/AAAAAAAAAB8/Xgnxdym-YRk/s640/DSCN1096%2520%25281000x750%2529.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-b2zb4tgcc-g/T0FInRZL_YI/AAAAAAAAACE/_vO6tSinNJA/s640/DSCN1097%2520%25281000x750%2529.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YYhlAVwv3Vw/T0FJcwZaayI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/VjTqpl-jcw8/s640/IMG_0868%2520%25281000x667%2529.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-h5a5g2O3BtA/T0FJdvMwB5I/AAAAAAAAAIg/KVaLFgiPERM/s640/IMG_0870%2520%25281000x667%2529.jpg

Oh mum I thought I found a new friend here, but he didn’t talked to me. I think he is to shy.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3s7sr2ZI4Jw/T0FIobEZtJI/AAAAAAAAACM/tzVWQfYYoIk/s640/DSCN1100%2520%25281000x750%2529.jpg

Later we also found a small restaurant, which has decorated the tables outside with some beautiful glass flowers.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Jt1x4DLUNxA/T0FIh1Xc2EI/AAAAAAAAABk/aHSSfDFHQe8/s640/DSCN1082%2520%25281000x750%2529.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lEbQqg7jZjk/T0FJX7CWqWI/AAAAAAAAAH0/cSTN_cr3FcI/s640/IMG_0853%2520%25281000x667%2529.jpg
 
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LUrqYQvyEAI/T0FJYBY2CpI/AAAAAAAAAHs/9lHQKtFmGcU/s640/IMG_0856%2520%25281000x667%2529.jpg 

And then I found a wonderful new Friend. His name is Froggi and he lives in one of the glasshops. He was really friendly. I asked him, if he wanted to come with us, but he wanted to stay in Murano.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RgyV0lV98WQ/T0FIgJ1LSXI/AAAAAAAAABQ/CMYQEr8u1g0/s640/DSCN1081%2520%25281000x750%2529.jpg

After a while, we went back to the San Marco Piazza. There we decided to go and have a look at the Palazzo Ducale.
The Doge's Palace is a gothic palace and was the residence of the Doge of Venice, the supreme authority of the Republic of Venice.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-riQmynS886s/T0FIx7LRToI/AAAAAAAAADU/evd8lzXIq64/s640/DSCN1121%2520%25281000x750%2529.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Spl831o6BoE/T0FIyuH6FZI/AAAAAAAAADg/3I1U51v0k_A/s640/DSCN1124%2520%25281000x750%2529.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5jZEW6lyMtM/T0FJC9KymYI/AAAAAAAAAFM/F5Q-31oH9jM/s640/DSCN1152%2520%25281000x750%2529.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A-OtUfL9UQM/T0FIzEi98UI/AAAAAAAAADc/Y06Mcey-XKw/s640/DSCN1123%2520%2528750x1000%2529.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EX2b15nNSt8/T0FJhqPIZZI/AAAAAAAAAJE/qqGP1VU9nxc/s640/IMG_0911%2520%25281000x667%2529.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LCowd2L336A/T0FJjm9HvYI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/EHuD2sGjoHQ/s640/IMG_0923%2520%25281000x667%2529.jpg 

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0AcaOqHywVA/T0FJjYu2VkI/AAAAAAAAAJM/gQMYrMgrx5s/s640/IMG_0926%2520%25281000x667%2529.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-83psi_y7M8Q/T0FJmr8hLZI/AAAAAAAAAJo/4W0lIDWZ_s0/s640/IMG_0940%2520%25281000x667%2529.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3gGvrPOVn1k/T0FJoFVwjHI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/7lrZhHJeieE/s640/IMG_0941%2520%25281000x667%2529.jpg 

Sadly we weren’t allowed to take pictures from the wonderful paintings and sculptures inside. So I can’t show you how great the biggest wall painting in the world looks like. But we could take some Pictures with some sculptures outside.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-viH08UXGIWg/T0FI2JG87uI/AAAAAAAAADs/tl0grd3ux1c/s640/DSCN1135%2520%2528750x1000%2529.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_gf2ivumfr4/T0FI3DvgEkI/AAAAAAAAAD4/4Qp9ZYzKIj4/s640/DSCN1133%2520%25281000x750%2529.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-p_MuOZGJGRA/T0FJk2AHJoI/AAAAAAAAAJg/X5RnqZJGmls/s640/IMG_0935%2520%25281000x667%2529.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C6g5bjH-zAw/T0FJmWnoXlI/AAAAAAAAAJc/ejQwiWtFX4k/s640/IMG_0937%2520%25281000x667%2529.jpg 

The court and the prisons were originally in the Doge's Palace. A famous inmate was Giacomo Casanova. The new prison was built across the Rio de Palazzo from the palace. It was connected to the palace by the Bridge of Sighs.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2OrkXQ-fVYg/T0FJVVeyn4I/AAAAAAAAAHY/awF5lQxxI1c/s640/DSCN1226%2520%2528750x1000%2529.jpg

At first it was a little bit scary to look around the prison, but then it was very interesting. The cells were really small.  And on the walls you could see some texts that the inmates had written on them.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-flMN-1k3pPg/T0FI6FdD96I/AAAAAAAAAEE/5yYyEQUgHxo/s640/DSCN1139%2520%25281000x750%2529.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Rd2met-_JTE/T0FI6f0pYMI/AAAAAAAAAEM/W4q8QR-n2Xc/s640/DSCN1141%2520%25281000x750%2529.jpg 

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-k--QrnjWt3w/T0FJAFj8zWI/AAAAAAAAAE0/NB7yCgCW6Tw/s640/DSCN1147%2520%2528750x1000%2529.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-d3lhrfoDUlY/T0FI-Zhv_KI/AAAAAAAAAEw/sOINYb-SM9A/s640/DSCN1144%2520%2528750x1000%2529.jpg 

We walked over the Bridge of Sights, to the new prison. When we watched out of the small window, we could see the lagoon.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M6TB-0Jqvj4/T0FJBOy5bQI/AAAAAAAAAFE/gml57IlhWlQ/s640/DSCN1149%2520%25281000x750%2529.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ojLKDgL6wI8/T0FI_cAbjcI/AAAAAAAAAEs/CEbMab3XfzM/s640/DSCN1146%2520%25281000x750%2529.jpg

We spend the rest of the day at the Piazza and looked at the people in the wonderful costumes.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--ND9jfU9dow/T0FJDX1-SOI/AAAAAAAAAFc/HlvHlnXxK9I/s640/DSCN1162%2520%25281000x750%2529.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uspZysp632I/T0FJHrTJ4sI/AAAAAAAAAFw/Oq3xqetx5sU/s640/DSCN1173%2520%25281000x750%2529.jpg 

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-W2O49f_8SCs/T0FJMvXasSI/AAAAAAAAAGk/IXMNWvAD1Vg/s640/DSCN1185%2520%25281000x750%2529.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-t0xazBuqhPE/T0FJSbYPYYI/AAAAAAAAAHE/YlMNolapFnY/s640/DSCN1213%2520%25281000x750%2529.jpg 

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-D5aIWkRx3qE/T0FJpgkdOsI/AAAAAAAAAKE/z1mbZmojRZw/s640/IMG_0964%2520%25281000x667%2529.jpg 

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g5ibY2xZ18k/T0FJtYAsiWI/AAAAAAAAAKo/elini3SAGh8/s640/IMG_0989%2520%25281000x667%2529.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-puUXoPa2oAY/T0FJzYJb_xI/AAAAAAAAALE/_Vf_WbBmf6E/s640/IMG_1050%2520%25281000x667%2529.jpg

When it was getting dark, we took the bus back to the hotel

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q1NY20frVKQ/T0FJXoWTb3I/AAAAAAAAAHw/q_LfLIY-B0A/s640/DSCN1227%2520%2528750x1000%2529.jpg
Shilo


Posted Feb 20, 2012, 12:35 pm
Hello Mum.

Today was our last day in Venice. I was a little bit sad about it, but we wanted to enjoy this last day. And at the end, it was the best day that we had here in Venice.

It was the last time, we took the bus to Venice. And today we could take some Pictures from our tour.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/DSCN1229750x1000450x600.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/DSCN12341000x750600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/DSCN12331000x750600x450.jpg

We took the waterbus to the Santa Maria Della Salute church. On the way to the church we had a great look around Venice from the Canal Grande.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/IMG_10651000x667600x400.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/IMG_10871000x667600x400.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/IMG_10971000x667600x400.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/IMG_11021000x667600x400.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/IMG_11411000x667600x400.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/IMG_11161000x667600x400.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/IMG_10761000x667600x400.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/DSCN12701000x750600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/DSCN12521000x750600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/DSCN12471000x750600x450.jpg

In Venice everything was transported on boats.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/IMG_10851000x667600x400.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/DSCN12721000x750600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/DSCN12481000x750600x450.jpg

On the place before the church, were a lot of people in costumes, which we haven’t seen before.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/IMG_12371000x667600x400.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/IMG_12241000x667600x400.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/IMG_12021000x667600x400.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/IMG_11851000x667600x400.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/IMG_11751000x667600x400.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/IMG_11671000x667600x400.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/IMG_11551000x667600x400.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/IMG_11521000x667600x400.jpg

And the best was that we got the chance to take some pictures with them together today. They were really friendly and it made a lot of fun, making photos together.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/DSCN13521000x750600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/DSCN1353750x1000450x600.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/DSCN1336750x1000450x600.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/DSCN0588750x1000750x1000450x600.jpg

This group comes from Vienna. They wanted to know more about us and Toy Voyagers, so host mum told them a little bit.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/IMG_11771000x667600x400.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/DSCN13111000x750600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/DSCN13121000x750600x450.jpg

After a while we decided to have a look at the church.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/IMG_11431000x667600x400.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/IMG_11891000x667600x400.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/DSCN13711000x750600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/IMG_12421000x667600x400.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/DSCN1361750x1000450x600.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/DSCN1366750x1000450x600.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/IMG_12451000x667600x400.jpg

Later we went back to the Piazza San Marco with the waterbus. We planned to climb up the Campanile di San Marco, the high Clock tower on the Piazza.
From so high above we had a wonderful look over Venice. Everything seemed to be so extremely small.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/IMG_12501000x667600x400.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/IMG_12801000x667600x400.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/IMG_12761000x667600x400.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/IMG_12731000x667600x400.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/IMG_12711000x667600x400.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/IMG_12691000x667600x400.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/DSCN13931000x750600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/DSCN13801000x750600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/DSCN13831000x750600x450.jpg

This is the Bridge between Venice and the Mainland.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/IMG_12771000x667600x400.jpg

And this is the stage for the Carnival contest 

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/DSCN13841000x750600x450.jpg

Here you could see the old bells.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/DSCN1400750x1000450x600.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/DSCN1413750x1000450x600.jpg

Then we went down to the Piazza again and enjoyed the rest of the day while watching some more costumes.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/DSCN1436750x1000450x600.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/DSCN14141000x750600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/DSCN13071000x750600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/DSCN13011000x750600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/DSCN12771000x750600x450.jpg

It was really a great ending of our trip to Venice today. I hope I get the chance to come here again.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Venedig/IMG_12821000x6671000x667600x400600x400.jpg
Shilo


Posted Feb 21, 2012, 7:59 pm
Good Morning Mum!

Today host mum told us, that Captain and Ping will travel to their next hosts.

Because this is the last time that we were all together, we planned to go bowling. Ping had told us about it and it sounds really funny.
First we looked around and Ping explained us, how to play.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Bowling%20februar/DSCN1514600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Bowling%20februar/DSCN1499600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Bowling%20februar/DSCN1498600x450.jpg

After that, I was searching for a bowling ball. Hmm I think I will take the green one. It has nearly the same color as my skin.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Bowling%20februar/DSCN1464600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Bowling%20februar/DSCN1465450x600.jpg

Because it was Saturday night there where a competition, which lane was the best in a certain time. Yeah, we made the third place in the competition.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Bowling%20februar/DSCN1446600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Bowling%20februar/DSCN1455600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Bowling%20februar/DSCN1456600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Bowling%20februar/DSCN1457600x450.jpg

While it was Pings turn Ranil and I were playing around

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Bowling%20februar/DSCN1508600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Bowling%20februar/DSCN1509600x450.jpg

After a time, we needed a little Break. This game is very exhausting.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Bowling%20februar/DSCN1507600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Bowling%20februar/DSCN1511450x600.jpg

Wow I got a great view from here.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Bowling%20februar/DSCN1485600x450.jpg

Then it was my turn. I think I was really good in this game.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Bowling%20februar/DSCN1515600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Bowling%20februar/DSCN1523600x450.jpg

At the end we were waiting for the final result.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Bowling%20februar/DSCN1473600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Bowling%20februar/DSCN1474600x450.jpg

Ping was the winner and Snowball made the last place. So she was a little bit disappointed

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Bowling%20februar/DSCN1526600x450.jpg

Now we are all very tired. Let’s go to bed.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Bowling%20februar/DSCN1527600x450.jpg

Bowling made a lot of fun and I think it was a great ending of the time that we spend together.

Bye bye
Shilo


Posted Feb 21, 2012, 10:05 pm
Today was really sad, because Captain and Ping were traveling to their new host. So we had to say goodbye.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Abschied%20Captain%20und%20Ping/DSCN1571600x450.jpg

We hugged each other and wished them a save journey. I think I will miss my new friends. But hopefully we will meet again one day.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Abschied%20Captain%20und%20Ping/DSCN1531600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Abschied%20Captain%20und%20Ping/DSCN1545600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Abschied%20Captain%20und%20Ping/DSCN1542600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Abschied%20Captain%20und%20Ping/DSCN1548600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Abschied%20Captain%20und%20Ping/DSCN1535600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Abschied%20Captain%20und%20Ping/DSCN1549600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Abschied%20Captain%20und%20Ping/DSCN1539600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Abschied%20Captain%20und%20Ping/DSCN1557600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Abschied%20Captain%20und%20Ping/DSCN1584600x450.jpg

Before they left, Happy sang a wonderful song for them.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Abschied%20Captain%20und%20Ping/DSCN1559600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Abschied%20Captain%20und%20Ping/DSCN1561600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Abschied%20Captain%20und%20Ping/DSCN1563600x450.jpg

We made one last group picture together

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Abschied%20Captain%20und%20Ping/DSCN1567600x450.jpg

Then they went into their envelops.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Abschied%20Captain%20und%20Ping/DSCN1577600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Abschied%20Captain%20und%20Ping/DSCN1589600x450.jpg

Good bye Captain and Ping.
Shilo


Posted Feb 29, 2012, 8:54 pm
Hello Mum!

Today was a very funny day. We went to the friends from our host parents again.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Oberhausen%20und%20spieleabend/DSCN1684600x450.jpg

At first Snowball, Pinky and I were playing some games on the X- Box. We played Soul Calibur.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Oberhausen%20und%20spieleabend/DSCN1629600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Oberhausen%20und%20spieleabend/DSCN1628600x450.jpg

Yeah I won the game.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Oberhausen%20und%20spieleabend/DSCN1617450x600.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Oberhausen%20und%20spieleabend/DSCN1623450x600.jpg

After that, we took a little break and ate some mini pizzas. They were really tasty.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Oberhausen%20und%20spieleabend/DSCN1688600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Oberhausen%20und%20spieleabend/DSCN1687600x450.jpg

Hmm there is only one left. Snowball cut it into pieces and we shared it.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Oberhausen%20und%20spieleabend/DSCN1690600x450.jpg

Later we sang some songs on Ultrastar. It made so much fun.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Oberhausen%20und%20spieleabend/DSCN1648600x590.jpg

Hmm I didn’t know what I should sing.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Oberhausen%20und%20spieleabend/DSCN1638450x600.jpg

Then I decided to sing Bohemian Rhapsody. It wasn’t easy but I think I made it quite well.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Oberhausen%20und%20spieleabend/DSCN1640600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Oberhausen%20und%20spieleabend/DSCN1663450x600.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Oberhausen%20und%20spieleabend/DSCN1666450x600.jpg

And in the end I met another frog here. His name was Anonymous.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Oberhausen%20und%20spieleabend/DSCN1633600x450.jpg

Bye
Your Ranil
Shilo


Posted Feb 29, 2012, 9:08 pm
Good morning Mum,

Today we planned to go to Sea Life, but unfortunately we were a little late and didn’t want to stand one hour in the line. So we decided to go the Cento.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Oberhausen%20und%20spieleabend/DSCN1706600x450.jpg

The Centro is one of the two biggest shopping malls here in the Ruhrgebiet.
Here were so many people.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Oberhausen%20und%20spieleabend/DSCN1691600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Oberhausen%20und%20spieleabend/DSCN1699450x600.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Oberhausen%20und%20spieleabend/DSCN1700450x600.jpg

Hmm where should we go first?

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Oberhausen%20und%20spieleabend/DSCN1701450x600.jpg

This is the best shop in the mall. The Build a Bear Shop.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Oberhausen%20und%20spieleabend/DSCN1694450x600.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Oberhausen%20und%20spieleabend/DSCN1695600x450.jpg

In the evening we played Mississippi Queen.
Pinky sat down on her boat. It looked really funny.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Oberhausen%20und%20spieleabend/DSCN1711600x277.jpg

I think I will win this round

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Oberhausen%20und%20spieleabend/DSCN1713600x341.jpg

Oh no, I’ve lost and Snowball had won.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Oberhausen%20und%20spieleabend/DSCN1714600x450.jpg

Pinky made the third place

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Oberhausen%20und%20spieleabend/DSCN1716600x344.jpg

After the game I went to bed, because I was really tired.

Good night Mum
Shilo


Posted Feb 29, 2012, 11:06 pm
Hallo Mum,

Today a new TV arrived.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Ankunft%20Freddi%20und%20Abschied%20Ranil/DSCN1722600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Ankunft%20Freddi%20und%20Abschied%20Ranil/DSCN1725600x450.jpg

His name is Freddi and he is a hedge hock.
We gave him a warm welcome.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Ankunft%20Freddi%20und%20Abschied%20Ranil/DSCN1728600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Ankunft%20Freddi%20und%20Abschied%20Ranil/DSCN1729600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Ankunft%20Freddi%20und%20Abschied%20Ranil/DSCN1732600x450.jpg

When we spoke over our experiences on our tours, A’Tuin wanted to travel too. So she tried to get into Freddi’s envelope.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Ankunft%20Freddi%20und%20Abschied%20Ranil/DSCN1741600x450.jpg

But she was a little bit too big for it. So we started to help her out. It took a while, but then we made it.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Ankunft%20Freddi%20und%20Abschied%20Ranil/DSCN1743600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Ankunft%20Freddi%20und%20Abschied%20Ranil/DSCN1745600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Ankunft%20Freddi%20und%20Abschied%20Ranil/DSCN1747600x450.jpg

A’Tuin was happy when she gets out of the envelope.  After that she wanted to stay at home, because she was afraid of the small envelope.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Ankunft%20Freddi%20und%20Abschied%20Ranil/DSCN1751600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Ankunft%20Freddi%20und%20Abschied%20Ranil/DSCN1754450x600.jpg

It is a little bit sad, that I didn’t have the chance to get to know Freddi better, because this is my last day here in Bochum.
Before I got into my envelope, we took one last group picture together.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Ankunft%20Freddi%20und%20Abschied%20Ranil/DSCN1739600x450.jpg

Then it was time to say goodbye. We hugged each other.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Ankunft%20Freddi%20und%20Abschied%20Ranil/DSCN1764600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Ankunft%20Freddi%20und%20Abschied%20Ranil/DSCN1762600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Ankunft%20Freddi%20und%20Abschied%20Ranil/DSCN1757600x450.jpg

Then I went into the envelope. I hope I have a short trip.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Ankunft%20Freddi%20und%20Abschied%20Ranil/DSCN1769600x450.jpg

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w503/Jasmin_Ogermann/Ankunft%20Freddi%20und%20Abschied%20Ranil/DSCN1770600x450.jpg

See you soon Mum

Love Ranil
LadyButterfly


Posted Mar 3, 2012, 8:38 pm
Hello mommy!  :D

Yeahy I arrived in Ebersbach, the place where my big journey to London starts. I'm so excited, you can't believe it!
As LadyButterfly already told you I had to stay one night in the postoffice. But there it was very warm and I had a nice entertainment, because there was a bird, who sang only for me.
But then it was time for me to go to LadyButterfly!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7197/6949935261_bc5c101112.jpg

I hadn't to wait any longer. LadyButterfly opened my envelope and welcomed me in her home! I gave her the postcard of Shilo and she was very happy about it!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7049/6949935727_d76f4b7b28.jpg

In the bathroom I met another frog! He is the bathtoy of LadyButterfls little daughter, but I was happy to tell him everything about my adventures! Maybe he will be also able to make one on his own!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7181/6949936189_7392c1019e.jpg

Another nice and new face was the one of LadyButterflys cat. Her name is Mary and she is so soft and warm. It was hard for me to stay awake, when I lay next to her!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7195/6949936553_0a5921d50f.jpg

But befor I fall asleep I remembered one of my Life Missions! See Big Ben and the London Eye. So I googled a little bit, hopeing the time will run faster until next week!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7204/6803826906_951d3d39df.jpg

Ohhhhh mommy, it will be so great in London, I will make many photos to show you what I have done!
Today in one week I will be in London, with some other TVs, but I show them to you tomorrow!  ;)

Now it's time to sleep, I hope I can sleep until next thursday!  :D

I miss you mommy!

Love
Ranil
LadyButterfly


Posted Mar 6, 2012, 6:34 pm
Hi mommy!  :D

Ohhhhhh I'm so excited! Just one day and two nights and the second night there will be not much time to sleep, because we will drive to the airport in the middle of the night! Our plane will start early in the morning!

It's hard just to wait, but now I will tell you, what I have done the last days!

Saturday in the evening we all get together in front of the television! Ok I was a little bit tired, because it was so late, but LadyButterfly is a big fan of boxing and the Klitschko-brothers and so we helped her cheering for him.
LadyButterfly gave us a chocolate too, so it became very funny!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7193/6805642900_0654262942.jpg

But the fight was over very fast and it helped we cheered for Klitschko, his enemy got k.o.! The worst thing... we hadn't even time to open the chocolate!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7202/6951752817_fbb993087c.jpg

On sunday we made our first traveling group photo! I think we are a very colourfull crowd. A Santa, a dog, a bear, a rat and me, a frog! That's funny, but I like all my fellow travelers, I think we will become good friends!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7201/6805640286_b72d200314.jpg

We talked very long about London and decided to learn something about the town. Me and PinkyHH googled a little bit and told the others the informations we found!

As we allready know London is the capital city of Great Britain!
There are 7.825.200 people living in London and this is only the numbre of 2010. London is one of the citys of the EU with the most people!
It was founded in the year 47 by the romans and was called Londonium!
Later in the 2. century it became the capital city of Britain!
Today London is one of the most important citys for cultur, financial and trade!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7049/6951755717_0d2aa50de1.jpg

This is the blazon of London!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7182/6959438749_6166ec9019.jpg

Do you want to know the distance between Ebersbach, where I am now, and London, mommy?
Look at the picture! The red spot is London and the little hand is Ebersbach. The distance between the two towns is 1197 km! Ok I had traveled some longer distances, but I'm happy I musn't walk it!  ;)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7047/6959437683_84caecdb36.jpg

Also very important for our trip is the weather! As we all know, London has sometimes very bad weather, so me and the other TVs had a look on a british forecast!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7062/6805639828_8a84fe9dfc.jpg

So mommy, what do you think?
Ok, saturday and sunday doesn't look very good, but we are optimistic for that! Wish us much luck we will have good weather the days in London!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7210/6959436859_2a44edc100.jpg

Yesterday it was so sunny outside... I think the spring is comming here! So it was time to take a little sunbath on the balkonie!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7176/6959439467_29f51c2f12.jpg

In the afternoon we took a little walk in the sun and visited the spring of the Spree. The Spree is the river which flows through Germanys capital city Berlin. The spring is called "Spreeborn" and he is one of three springs of the Spree. But the Spreeborn is the oldest of all!
Today there is build this pavillion, for visitors to take a little rest!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7182/6813329538_8ae5bb0e44.jpg

Time for another group photo! This time together with LadyButterflys TVs!
We are all sitting on the spring! Because of the winter the spring was closed, so we sadly hadn't the chance to see the water of the Spree!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7201/6810299320_3a1f4dda92.jpg

There is a inscription next to the spring, which says:

"Waterlevel of the Spreeborn
387,26 m
over the Eastsea"


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7203/6813330456_e6b216d128.jpg

And this is the blazon of saxony, where I am now!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7044/6959443197_6c8d7f36fa.jpg

Sooo mommy, that will be my last travellog update befor my big trip! I will think of you, when I'm in London!

Love
Ranil
LadyButterfly


Posted Mar 14, 2012, 3:58 pm
I'M BACK MOMMY!!!!

What a wonderfull and amazing journey mommy! London is such a beautifull and interesting town. Sadly my trip is now over, but I will tell you everything what I have done. Don't worry, today I will show you only the pictures of the first day. It will be to much for one travellog update. I hope that's ok for you!

On thursday we started our trip! I was so excited I had big problems to fell asleep, but LadyButterfly and the other TVs too. But we also hadn't much time to sleep, because our luggage wasn't ready. We had still to put clothes into the bags and prepair the rucksack!

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I also saw the british money the first time. On every note and coin is the picture of Queen Elisabeth.

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LadyButterfly showed me the plan of our journey and the London-book... later it was very usefull and we were happy to have it with us!

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At the airport we got out flightticket, but there was still so much time  befor our flight started. So we had nothing to do, but to wait!

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My first steps in britain! On the airport in Gatwick, I saw that nice welcome sign!

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But then, we had enough rest! The time in London started with a trip to the Baker Street. Yeah, the real Baker Street, where Sherlock Holmes had lived!
We wanted to visit Madam Tussauds and so we took the underground trains.

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Just a few steps out of the underground station we saw Sherlock Holmes himself. I was so happy to take a photo with him, because there where so much people who wanted a picture with him!

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Sadly there was no chance for me to make any photos at Madam Tussauds. There were so many people, classes and childrens and LadyButterfly was so happy just to see the waxfigures!
After Madam Tussauds we took a rest at the Regents Park. It was so beautifull and ohhh... have I allready said? The weather was wonderfull, sunny and warm, so we sat there and just enjoyed the animals, flowers and the sun.

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Just a few steps away from me came a heron along.

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And then it was allready evening and the end of the first day! So we went to a pub witch was called "The Goose" where we drank an ale and enjoyed atmosphere of this old and comfortable pub!

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Bedtime!
We all cuddled together in the hotelbed!

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This was my first day in London and there will follow some more!  :D

Love
Ranil

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