Leif E, Bochum, Germany

Kristykirkpatrick
kristykirkpatrick@rocketmail.com

Posted Oct 6, 2011, 9:55 pm
Joined the gang at Kristykirkpatrick's house!
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/06/20111006135417-5f78173b.jpg
In pic bruce lee arty bunneh Birdt and me!
Kristykirkpatrick
kristykirkpatrick@rocketmail.com

Posted Oct 16, 2011, 7:51 pm
Just hanging around!
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/16/20111016102001-dec653bf.jpg
Kristykirkpatrick
kristykirkpatrick@rocketmail.com

Posted Oct 16, 2011, 8:00 pm
Everyone jumped aboard for a trip to the Roxy Theater!
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/16/20111016102003-1f83005e.jpg
On stage! Open Mic Night!
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/16/20111016102004-be42f0c2.jpg
Mrs. Kristy was busy, so we had a sitter!
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/16/20111016102005-b3dd7b6f.jpg
Nolan's Grammy was there, too!
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/16/20111016102007-2bf4679d.jpg
Free rides!
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/16/20111016102008-53718b8e.jpg
Lee Chavez on guitar. He' really awesome!
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/16/20111016102009-e175361d.jpg
Amanda singing!
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/16/20111016102010-73f05f25.jpg
After open mic, we went to eat.
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/16/20111016102011-9bca5056.jpg
Mrs. Kristy was out of carbs. Grilled chicken it is!
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/16/20111016102012-797b57f0.jpg
we really liked their sign
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/16/20111016102013-14077fdb.jpg
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/16/20111016102014-1dd5f019.jpg
Kristykirkpatrick
kristykirkpatrick@rocketmail.com

Posted Oct 16, 2011, 8:15 pm
Everyone had a looong day at the Race for the Cure! Topped the night off at Denny's cause no one felt like brewin coffee!
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/16/20111016102309-5e165971.jpg
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/16/20111016102318-88f74bf6.jpg
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/16/20111016102327-fb98328d.jpg
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/16/20111016102335-9baa1265.jpg
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/16/20111016102359-760b1a21.jpg
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/16/20111016102408-d673ce0b.jpg
We played computer games a while
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/16/20111016102417-81ec0668.jpg
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/16/20111016102427-34961756.jpg
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/16/20111016102437-84d477e1.jpg
Mmmm Coffee! We're wired and the great server, Mr. Jim filled us up again!!
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/16/20111016102446-b0978029.jpg
Kristykirkpatrick
kristykirkpatrick@rocketmail.com

Posted Oct 17, 2011, 1:32 am
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/16/20111016172941-9242b622.jpg
YUM!
Kristykirkpatrick
kristykirkpatrick@rocketmail.com

Posted Oct 22, 2011, 5:01 pm
Oi! so much running around this week!
Denny's for a game of Might and Magic 6
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/20/20111020110648-d16ab86f.jpg
tried to get coffee all to myself!
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/20/20111020110702-165df157.jpg
Mrs. Kristy made me share
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/20/20111020110715-2d0616bd.jpg
Wired from coffee at Starbucks!
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/20/20111020110809-d41018a2.jpg
Mine!
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/20/20111020110834-d60706f2.jpg
Y'all can have the coffee, the water is MINE!
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/20/20111020110846-aa617416.jpg
Back at Denny's for more gaming!
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Physical Therapy
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/22/20111022065133-2804ee0d.jpg
Back at Denny's! Casadillas for dinner!
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/22/20111022065135-86fcba8d.jpg
Updating my travel log! Much faster with 4 hands!
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/22/20111022085800-9a71ce89.jpg
Kristykirkpatrick
kristykirkpatrick@rocketmail.com

Posted Oct 26, 2011, 6:57 pm
Headed out on an adventure!
Going away Party!
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/24/20111024205859-bf31e1f9.jpg
Mrs. Terri and Mr. Glen attended!
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/24/20111024205907-9598a81a.jpg
One last game of Might and Magic 6!
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/24/20111024205915-efeb6636.jpg
Tired toys! We stayed out all night!
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/24/20111024205924-81917dcf.jpg
Sooo happy to finally get to bed!
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/24/20111024205938-47b8437f.jpg
One last Cherry Coke Zero before I ship off to visit my new host, schoerz !
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/10/26/20111026105140-347de181.jpg
schoerz


Posted Nov 16, 2011, 7:10 pm
Hey mom i arrived today at my hosts house!
She is sick so we didnt do anything
I will show you some pictures as soon as possible!
schoerz


Posted Nov 21, 2011, 10:26 am
Hey mom!
How are you??
I´m fine! My host is reealy nice. There is also an other TV dragoo he is a real dragon :)
I already climed a german tree :D
and i was at school with my host!

My host told me that she is trying to make a sight seeing tour with us as soon as possible :D
i´m soooo excited ^^
schoerz


Posted Nov 27, 2011, 11:27 am
Hey mom!!
Sorry it took so long!!
Today we finnaly did our sight seeing tourin Freudenstadt and it was the last day that dragoo stayed with us!

On the first picture i´m infront of the map of Freudenstadt!
The city is built along the lines of the board game Nine Men's Morris and it has the largest market square in Germany. It´s just splitted because of the traffic!

Second picture me infront of the water fountains! Now it´s wintertime so the turned them off! In the summer many children play there in their swimsuits!

Third picture me infront of the Venus satue!
She was build after the second world war! she is looking to the future of Germany and with her right hand she is pushing away the bad stuff.

Fourth and fifth Picture me and dragoo sitting in a fountain :D

Last picture me infront of the black forrest! It´s no snow its just everything frozen (:
schoerz


Posted Dec 4, 2011, 2:38 pm
Hey Mom!!
We wanted to go to a german christmasmarket today but outside its sooooo stormy so we stayed at home an build a "Knusperhäuschen".
It´s a house made of cookies!!
My host told me that it´s not for eating just for decoration that made me a bit sad! But to decorate it was soooo fun!
How are you and dad??
I miss you a lot!!
Kisses and hugs
Leif E
schoerz


Posted Dec 11, 2011, 1:28 pm
Hey Mom
today we visit the Freudenstädter Christmasmarket but it was soooo stormy weather so we couldnt stay long!!
schoerz


Posted Dec 11, 2011, 1:38 pm
Yesterday as we woke up there was a lot of snow!!
It was soooo fun!! (Picture 1)

Than we drove to ikea :) (Picture 2) We were looking for some gifts but didnt find something i could take with me.
Afterwards we went to stuttgart! in stuttgart there was no snow anymore!! :(
Me infront of the castle of stuttgart (picture 3)
me infront of a statue in Stuttgart (picture 4)
my host told me its always the same, because its too warm in stuttgart!!
On the last picture i´m on the christmasmarket in stuttgart!! :)
Write you again soon!
Ilove you mommy
schoerz


Posted Dec 16, 2011, 2:34 pm
Hey mom!
Its verry uncomfortable over here 'cause there is a storm on his way to us!
We all are a bit scared! I hope nothing will go broke!
Kisses and hugs
Leif E
schoerz


Posted Dec 20, 2011, 6:27 pm
Hey mom
After the storm it started snowing! And it still snows :)
Its a real winterwonderland :D
Me and Cara built a snowman (:
schoerz


Posted Dec 22, 2011, 3:49 pm
Hey mom!
Today was time to say goodbye!
It was a bit sad to leave my host but im sooo excited for my new host (:
I will write as soon as possible
Leif E
RedSwan


Posted Dec 23, 2011, 3:12 pm
Today I arrived in Ratingen. It was such a quick journey. I was welcomed by Candyfloss, another ToyVoyager from the USA. As my host had to study today we spent the time together.

http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0003.jpg http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0004.jpg http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0005.jpg
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0001.jpg http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0002.jpg

But I can't wait to celebrate Christmas tomorrow evening.
RedSwan


Posted Dec 26, 2011, 4:50 pm
Hello mummy,

today was Christmas eve in Germany. Well, I was a bit confused as I'm not used to celebrate on December, 24th but we did.

At first we went to the Catholic church in my hosts part of Ratingen. We had to be there one hour before the mass started otherwise we had to stand all the time. So we were there around 4.15 pm and luckily we got one of the last seats.
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0006.jpg http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0007.jpg

After bringing the bag to the seat we got the opportunity to take a look into the hay box, they have in the church. It isn't that big, but it's one of the populars over here.
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0019.jpg http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0020.jpg

At 5 pm the mass started and we hadn't the chances to take any pictures. But why should I take pictures during a mass as well, hunh? It's just a priest telling something about Jesus (in this case about his birth). But after the mass we (me and the other two ToyVoyager) got the opportunity to sit onto the altar. Do you see us?
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0021.jpg

Afterwards we went to my host granny, where we hang around the decoration at first. Okay, she didn't really decorate her house as she thinks, she's too old to do so.
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0008.jpg http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0011.jpg http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0010.jpg
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0013.jpg

Then we got some food. Nothing special but the typical German Christmas dinner: Potato salad and sausages.
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0009.jpg

As we weren't hungry anymore, we went to the living room, where we saw some gifts. Not that much, as they were more expensive ones and not big, cheap ones.
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0012.jpg

We unwrapped them and talked and laughed a lot and after a while, we decided to go to my hosts mothers appartment.

And again we just hung around in the decoration. For example in the city of snow or we hung around with a moose, who was singing all the time through.
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0014.jpg http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0015.jpg
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0016.jpg http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0017.jpg

Around midnight we finally went back home. As you see, it was quite busy in the end.

Luv and miss you,
Leif E
RedSwan


Posted Dec 26, 2011, 4:56 pm
Today we slept quite long and then my hosts family came around for having breakfast.
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0018.jpg

As it was raining all day we didn't do anything else except watching DVD's. But as soon as the weather changes we will go out and I get to see more of West Germany.

Leif E.
RedSwan


Posted Dec 26, 2011, 4:57 pm
Hello mummy,

I just wanted to show you, how we made my new name tag as my host lost mine. She's still sorry for it :(

At first we copied what you wrote into a Word-data and had a look for a nice font.
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0022.jpg

Then we printed it out and crinkled it four times so that it got strong.
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0024.jpg
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0025.jpg

Afterwards we covered it in tape, as you wrote she should do (but my host would have done it as well)
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0026.jpg

And now: I'm wearing it:
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0027.jpg

Luv you mummy,
Leif E
RedSwan


Posted Dec 28, 2011, 5:15 pm
Hello mummy,

today we went to Bochum and the stage door of Starlight Express, a musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber. We had to take the train first, where we went to Essen. Afterwards we changed to a train to Bochum and then we finally arrived.

For coming to the theatre, we passed by the Revier-Power-Stadion, where the Vfl Bochum, (a soccer team) often has its games. But acutally my host told me, that they aren't that good at the moment, as they're just playing the the 3rd league.
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0028.jpg

It just took us two minutes from the stadion to the Starlight Express Theatre. It's quite huge. Here you see me in front of the theatre.
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0029.jpg

In front of the theatre, there's an old steam train with a carriage, with all roles of the musical on it. As the musical is about trains and the world championship, it really fits to it. So I took a picture with the steam train and also with the carriage, which shows following parts:
- Volta, the freezer truck
- Hashamoto, the Shinkansen Engine
- Bobo, the French TGV
- Ashley, the smoking car
- Espresso, the Rome-to-Milan Express
- Red Caboose,
- Rusty, the young steam train
- Pearl, the observation car / first class car
- Electra, the Electricity train
- Dinah, the dinning car
- Greaseball, the Diesel engine
- Dustin, the big hopper
- Poppa, the old steam train
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0031.jpg
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0030.jpg

Then we finally went to the stage door. Normally we were supposed to take pictures with different actors from around the world (99% of them are from an English-speaking country). But we didn't even see anyone of them. So next time. Instead of taking pictures with the actors, we took a picture in front of the stage door sign (Bühneneingang) and a picture, which shows Rusty.
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0032.jpg
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0033.jpg

Love,
Leif E
RedSwan


Posted Dec 28, 2011, 5:15 pm
Hey mummy,

today another ToyVoyager, called Hami, arrived in my hosts house. He's from Hamburg, Germany and we helped him to come out of his package.
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0034.jpg http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0035.jpg http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0036.jpg http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0037.jpg

Cheers,
Leif E
RedSwan


Posted Dec 29, 2011, 4:53 pm
Hello mummy,

today my host wanted to show me the main city of Ratingen. Okay, we didn't really get the opportunity, but nevertheless, I want to tell you something about Ratingen now, so that you finally know, where exactley I am.

So: Ratingen is a town in North Rhine-Westphalia, about 12 km northeast of Düsseldorf. It's history begins in the Middle Ages and so it was settled the change of the century. But it was not until the 13th century as it received city rights. At the beginning of the Industrial Age, the first manufacturing plants opened in 1783. In Cromford the first mechanical spinnery of Europe opened, which is now part of  the "Rhine Industy Museum." In the Napoleonic times, it became part of the city of Berg and in 1815, into the Kingdom of Prussia. Nevertheless it got independed again in 1929 and in the meantime several important international enterprises, such as as Vodafone and Esprit maintain their main centers in Ratingen.
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0039.jpg

Here you see me in front of the church "Sanct Peter and Paul", which was build as a Romanic church in the middle of the 12th century and the first part of the 13th century. In the end of the 13th century it was finished with some elements of the gothic art. At the end of the 19th century the church was changed as architect Henry Wiethase told them to do. During World War II the church was partially destroyed but the damage has been eliminated after the war. In the 1970s, the facade was restored and the interior space renovated and redesigned according to the liturgical requirements of Vatican II. 1996 to 1998 was followed by further renovations after the east towers threatened to collapse.
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0038.jpg

That's all I can show you of the main city of Ratingen as it started to rain then. Maybe next time :)

Love and miss you,
Leif E
RedSwan


Posted Jan 2, 2012, 11:10 am
Hello mummy,

today has been a quite busy day, as it was new years eve and my hosts birthday as well.

So it all started with a breakfast in the morning, where her mother, brother and sister came around and where she got the first presents. Do you see me in this stuff?

http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0040.jpg http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0041.jpg

In the afternoon, we went to my hosts grandmother /-father, where we ate cake. It was something like a redwine cake and a Russian cake. Don't know what it is called in English.

http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0042.jpg http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0043.jpg

In the evening we went to my hosts mother, brother, sister where we had some amazing Fondue. It was quite yummy.

http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0044.jpg http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0045.jpg

Okay, it sounds like we were eating all the time and yeah, somehow we did. Next to talking and laughing a lot.

I hope you had an amazing start into the New Year.

Cheers,
Leif E
RedSwan


Posted Jan 8, 2012, 4:42 pm
Hello mummy,

I've to apologize my host just made one single update this week. But due to the rain and two storms we weren't able to do anything.

Nevertheless, we've been at Starlight Express stage door again and this time we met three actors. Finally. But I’ve also to add, that we didn’t spend so much time there.

First of all we met Marcel Brauneis, who plays Rusty the young steamtrain. He's from Vienna, Austria, but also trained in Los Angeles. He's also one of the finalists of the German castingshow "Musical Showstar 2008." In 2009 he was on stage as Flat Top, the brick truck. A year later as Caboose and since June 2011 as Rusty.
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0046.jpg

We also met Jos Hoetjes and Edd Hall. Both are Swings here. This means, they cover lots of parts here, if someone is injured or sick or on holiday. Most male Swings cover around 10 - 15 parts.
Jos is by the way from Christ Church, New Zealand. He already played Ruhrgold, the German Intercontinental Express (ICE) in the Tour-production of Starlight Express in New Zealand. One year later he moved to German, for being Ruhrgold for a year. Since June 2011 he's a swing.
Edd is from Essex, England. He also toured through Canada, Mexico, India and the Netherlands with another musical. After doing some musicals he decided to go to Starlight Express. Since 2009 he's over here as a Swing.
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0047.jpg

That's it for today.
Love and miss you, mummy.
Leif E
RedSwan


Posted Jan 16, 2012, 4:34 pm
Hello mummy,

today we visited the South part of the part of Ratingen where I currently live. It's called Ratingen-Homberg. Ratingen-Homberg is a village with around 5000 inhabitants, where 4000 live in the new, south side we visited. By the way, did you knew that Homberg's first document goes back to the year 1067. Okay, you don't see it in the south as it was extended in the 1970's. And still, there are tons of fields we walked through. Just have a look at the pictures.

We started our trip at the street. But from the street you already have this amazing view.
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0048.jpg

We started to go through the fields and found this little farm, which can also be seen from the street as it is right at the beginning.
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0049.jpg

Furthermore we found different signs for cafes. They are far away and unfortunately we didn't go there.
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0050.jpg

An avenue
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0051.jpg

In the back, there are the houses of Ratingen-Homberg-South. Hard to see, I agree, but they are there!
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0052.jpg

We four ToyVoyager hanging around in some cut downs of the trees
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0053.jpg

An old house at a lake, which is going to be demolished this year. Sad because I think it would be so romantically living there.
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0054.jpg

We sitting on a tree trunk and resting after a walk of two hours
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0055.jpg

This is a small lake, where the children come to feed the ducks
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0056.jpg

The way to the lake (and of course the way back)
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0057.jpg

Behind the lake there is a forest. We even went through this.
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0058.jpg

We finished at the firehouse, which is the last building at the south side, before going back to the north. We are going to discover the north side as well.
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0059.jpg

It was a quite fun and long day.
Miss and love you,
Leif E
RedSwan


Posted Jan 23, 2012, 5:54 pm
Hello mummy,

we really have to apologize again. But due to the test my host has to take in the next 1.5 weeks we didn't spend a lot of time next to studying (and due to the weather as well). We didn't forget you and I should say that we're going to see a lot after her tests, if you don't wanna send me to my next host.

Nevertheless, here's a picture of us sitting in the English Linguistics and Language Lecture
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0060.jpg

And here, we're studying for American Literature.
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0061.jpg

Love and miss you,
Leif E
RedSwan


Posted Feb 1, 2012, 5:51 pm
Hello mummy,

today we've been to a city called Heiligenhaus. Heiligenhaus is next to Ratingen and connected through the fields.

My host showed us the trail / bicycle path from Heiligenhaus to Essen. It opend around a year ago and that's why colored shoes are hanging at the beginning of this trail / path. It used to be bicycle until the change of the year.
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0062.jpg
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0063.jpg

Around the trail we found this amazing painting. It shows all important buildings of Heiligenhaus. Acutally there isn't much.
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0064.jpg

While walking on the path we had to cross this bridge. It used to be a part of a train.
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0066.jpg

In the end the dog, my host had to take care for the weekend, carried me home. It was quite comfortable.
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0065.jpg

We just had a short walk as my host had to study again.

Love and miss you,
Leif E
RedSwan


Posted Feb 16, 2012, 5:29 pm
Hello mummy,

today my host and her friends booked a trip to London. Here you see me sitting in front of the PC, checking the Screenshots one of her friends made for checking what they might book. Later on they met in the city and booked it. Maybe I'm still around, if my mentor is about to go to London?! Then I join her as well.

http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0069.jpg
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0070.jpg
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0071.jpg

Love and miss you,
LeifE
RedSwan


Posted Feb 16, 2012, 5:34 pm
Hey,

due to the fact that it is still too cold to go out, my host and I decided to learn how to compose songs. She had a book from the Berklee Press (I guess you know it?!) and we tried to compose some stuff.

http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0067.jpg
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0068.jpg

Cheers,
LeifE
RedSwan


Posted Feb 16, 2012, 5:42 pm
Hey mummy,

it's still sooooo cold. We had some friends coming over for playing some games. We were allowed to play with them. Here you see us, playing a game called "Australia" and in the background you see some koalas. My host is such an Australia fan. It's not funny anymore. Everywhere koala, kangaroos, the Australian flag and so on. Crazy.

http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0072.jpg
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0073.jpg

Mummy, I miss you
LeifE
RedSwan


Posted Feb 17, 2012, 12:12 pm
Hey mummy,

today was such a sad day, as we had to say goodbye to our friend Hami. He's now going to the South of Germany.

Goodbye Hami, it was such a pleasure to meet you!
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0074.jpg
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0075.jpg

LeifE
RedSwan


Posted Feb 20, 2012, 2:21 pm
Hello mummy,

today is the beginning of Carnival. You wonder how Carnival is celebrated in Germany? For that I copied a bit from Wikipedia, just for you.

"Although the festival and party season in Germany starts on 11 November at 11:11 am, the actual Carnival week begins on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday. German Carnival parades are held on the weekend before and especially on Rose Monday, and occasionally on Shrove Tuesday as well in the suburbs of larger cities. The Carnival session begins each year on 11 November at 11:11 am and finishes on Ash Wednesday with the main festivities occurring around Rosenmontag; this time is also called the "Fifth Season."
In German-speaking countries, two distinct varieties of Carnivals are held. The Rheinish Carnival is held in the west of Germany, mainly in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland Palatinate, and is famous for celebrations such as parades and costume balls. Cologne Carnival is the largest and most famous. On Carnival Thursday (called "Old Women Day" or "The Women's Day"), in commemoration of an 1824 revolt by washer-women, women storm city halls, cut men's ties, and are allowed to kiss any man who passes their way."

As you may know I stay in the Rhein Area so we will have a parade on Monday. Can't wait to see it.

But for today I got my costume. Guess, what it is:

http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0076.jpg
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0077.jpg
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0078.jpg
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0079.jpg
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0080.jpg
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0081.jpg

And? Did you get what I am? Right, I'm a koala now. But don't be afraid. I gonna change on Wednesday again.

Love you,
Leif E
RedSwan


Posted Feb 20, 2012, 2:28 pm
Hey mummy,

again we were in Bochum today. Exactely at Starlight Express. Okay, we weren't lucky to see some of the actors, but today we went there for watching the show :)

http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0082.jpg
Here's me inside the theatre... The roof of glass was just amazing and I could see the rain.

http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0083.jpg
A painting on the wall (near the roof). It's Electra, a character of Starlight Express

http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0084.jpg
Here I caught a glimpse who's acting which character

http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0085.jpg
Sad it's so dark, but the stage is just huge.

http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/stex_stage.jpg
Here's another picture... As you see, there's a mainstage as well as two levels for skating around. It's the world biggest musical stage and every new actor is just impressed to see this stage.

Love,
Leif E
RedSwan


Posted Feb 20, 2012, 2:35 pm
Hey,

today there was the promised Carnival parade. Of course I still wore my costume and really couldn't wait. It was amazing and loud at the same it. Got tons of Candies afterwards. But mummy? It was sooooooo cold. Around 1 °C. Yesterday it was also snowing so I wondered if we'd be able to watch the parade today.

But here are the pictures:

http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0086.jpg
Some people in the city. 30 mins until the parade starts.

http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0087.jpg
During the parade

http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0088.jpg
Also during the parade

http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0089.jpg
Helau is something they scream for getting candies. My mentor told me, that you scream Helau in Ratingen and Düsseldorf, but Alaaf in Cologne. You'll be in trouble if you say Helau in Cologne and Alaaf in Düsseldorf as both cities are something like "enemies"

http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0090.jpg
"Tanzgarde Rot/weiß" - Carnivaldancers called 'Red/White'. Most dancers wear such costumes

That's it.

Love and miss you,
Leif E
RedSwan


Posted May 2, 2012, 5:08 pm
Hello mummy,

surprised that I write. Me as well. Just wanted to let you know, that I'm still living and still staying with RedSwan. Found a new friend, who's going onto his first travel on Saturday.

http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0091.jpg

One week later, my host and some of her friends (also User from here) are going to London and I can't wait to join them and meet some other ToyVoyager.

I hope I gonna update my diary here more often now, as spring is starting and we could go out more often. But acutally it's only raining, raining, and... raining.

Love and miss you mummy (and sorry for not updating for such a long time),
Leif E
RedSwan


Posted May 21, 2012, 6:11 pm
Hello mummy,

after a really short journey another ToyVoyager arrived in Ratingen. I welcomed him. His name is Troot and he’s an elephant from Finland. http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0092.jpg http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0094.jpg http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0093.jpg http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0095.jpg

Love and miss you,
Leif E
RedSwan


Posted May 21, 2012, 6:12 pm
Hey,

guess where I am! Yeah right, on the plane and on my way to London.
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0097.jpg

And here’s another picture of me and the other ToyVoyagers. I really can’t remember their names except of Marawarpina, the lil black rat.
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0096.jpg

Love you,
Leif E
RedSwan


Posted May 21, 2012, 6:12 pm
Hey ho,

today we went a bit sightseeing. Didn’t get to see a lot, but it’s more than nothing.

I’m not sure, but did you read “Harry Potter”? If so, you know where I am, or? If not: I’m at King’s Cross, entering the Platform 9 ¾ for getting the train to Hogwarts. Unfortunately it’s not the 1st of September, so there wasn’t any train ;)
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0098.jpg

Afterwards we took the underground to go back into the city. We left it at the Tower Bridge. Some information about the Tower Bridge from Wikipedia:
Tower Bridge (built 1886–1894) is a combined bascule and suspension bridge in London, England, over the River Thames. It is close to the Tower of London, from which it takes its name. It has become an iconic symbol of London.
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0099.jpg

Then we went to the Tower of London. It  is a historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames in central London, England. It lies within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, separated from the eastern edge of the City of London by the open space known as Tower Hill. It was founded towards the end of 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest of England. The White Tower, which gives the entire castle its name, was built by William the Conqueror in 1078, and was a resented symbol of oppression, inflicted upon London by the new ruling elite. (Wikipedia)
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0100.jpg

Afterwards and our last station was the Buckingham Palace. Ever heard of it? If not, here’s the last information from Wikipedia: Buckingham Palace is the official London residence and office of the British monarch. Located in the City of Westminster, the palace is a setting for state occasions and royal hospitality. It has been a focus for the British people at times of national rejoicing and crisis.
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0101.jpg

Unfortunately we weren’t allowed to go with our host to the Starlight Express UK Tour, but she promised that we will visit the one in Bochum again – as she’s hanging around there once a week. Furthermore we had to catch the flight back to Germany very early on Sunday. So.. That’s all from London.

Love and miss you,
Leif E.
RedSwan


Posted Aug 1, 2012, 4:33 pm
Hey mummy,

today my host went to Cologne (Köln in German) for visiting a friend, who studies there. Both haven’t seen each other for a while although Cologne isn’t that far away. Around an hour by train, so it’s really okay. Nevertheless we were allowed to go with her and so, we finally were in Cologne.

First I wanna tell you something about Cologne. It’s the fourth largest city in Germany and the biggest one in North Rhine – Westphalia (NRW). It’s supposed to be the capital of the Federal State NRW, but it’s not – it’s Düsseldorf. Cologne is located on both side of the Rhine. The most famous building over here is the Cathedral (Kölner Dom), directly on the mainstation of Cologne. Behind the mainstation, there’s another “Dom” called the Musicaldome, where my host used to be quite often as “We Will Rock You” were in it. Anyway. The university her friend studies is one of Europes largest and oldest one.

Finally here are some pictures:

It’s me at the Cathedral. Isn’t it large?
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0102.jpg
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0103.jpg


Me at a bridge of the the Rhine in Cologne.
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0104.jpg http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0105.jpg http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0106.jpg


It was a quite adventures day. I love and really miss you.
RedSwan


Posted Aug 1, 2012, 4:35 pm
Hey mummy,

today we went to the Starlight Express in Bochum. It was a very special day in Bochum. It’s called “Goodbye” or “Castchange”. That means, that this day is the last one of some of the actors as they’re leaving StEx for going back to her home (most of them are English, American or whatsoever, but you hardly find a German actor in it) or because they already have another musical they are staying in. Unfortunately we didn’t watch the show, but we do on Wednesday, as it is the opening show of the so-called “New Kids” (actors, who rehearsaled for the last three month for staying in there. In this time they learnt how to skate, how to do the make up, how to sing the songs (in German) and the choreography). I really can’t wait to see the show.

Today I met some other ToyVoyager as well – the ones I already travelled with to London – and we had a little party with a really big pizza and stuff like that.

Unfortunately we didn’t take so many pictures, but as I already said, it isn’t the last time, that we’re around the Starlight Halle. Here are now some pictures:

That’s us in front of a banner. Here you see the character Pearl, the observationcar (pink) and Buffy, the buffet car (yellow / orange)
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0107.jpg
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0108.jpg

That’s just me and Buffy, the buffet car. We both have the same colour ^^
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0109.jpg

Love and miss you
RedSwan


Posted Aug 1, 2012, 4:36 pm
Hey mummy,

today we went to the Starlight Express in Bochum again. Again it was a special day as it was the “Open Day”. Finally I was allowed to go backstage and take photos over there. So I can show you more now.

First of all we watched the skate and technical show. So I sat down there where my host usually sits and watched everything. As the lightshow was so quick I just took a couple of photos without myself, so that you are able to see the stage in different lights and all the different stages etc.

Me in the audience
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0110.jpg

The stage in different lights:
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0121.jpg
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0120.jpg http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0122.jpg http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0123.jpg http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0124.jpg
The first two shows the mainstage, where most of the musical takes place. In the third picture you’re able to see the different levels, which aren’t connected to each other yet. The fourth picture is the laser which is also the “Starlight Express.” In the last picture you see the mainbridge from which Electra, the Electrician Train, comes from and starts performing. Furthermore it’s the start and the goal from all the races and helps to change the set all the time and it connects the different levels of the stage.

Afterwards we went backstage. Wow, I was so excited.
On that picture I’m sitting on the place where the actors find their drinks. If you turn around you find the place of Bobo, the French Train and Espresso, the Italian Train. Usually they don’t dress up there, but during the show if they have to change the costumes, they’re there.
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0111.jpg
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0112.jpg

We went on and found the costumes, helmets and wigs. They are totally colourful and every actor has his/her own costume. Amazing, hunh?
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0114.jpg http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0115.jpg http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0116.jpg http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0117.jpg http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0118.jpg
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0113.jpg

In the end I found this funny drawing on a wall backstage.
http://home.arcor.de/uhhuhherpics01/leif-e_0119.jpg

It was such an amazing day, but nevertheless I miss you!

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