Claire Squirrel, Heidelberg, Germany

nuriayasmin
nuriayasmin70@gmail.com

Posted Sep 21, 2011, 10:45 am
Host for spring 2012: minnihiiru

As I mentioned in my profile, nuriayasmin is my mentor here on the ToyVoyager's site but my owner is her daughter Jaci. She's 14 years old and loves listening to music. I also do and here you see me with our favourite singer (just a poster but who knows, maybe I meet Miley Cyrus one day - then Jaci would be extremely jealous!).

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-W0oa-yqKdJk/TnmwvCFcQBI/AAAAAAAAB3s/P_WgZQM2nQo/claire3.jpg

Yesterday Jaci took me to the place where she and her mum practise karate. I wasn't allowed to participate but the dojo (that's how they call the place where the karate training takes place) is situated near the river Neckar and as we arrived a little earlier, we took a short walk before they forced me to hide in their bag.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Lp3UuhKzoxU/Tnmwt5YtwWI/AAAAAAAAB3o/cFiLREBGF9o/claire4.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-M3Oq3mTCZ88/TnmwsWOSuvI/AAAAAAAAB3k/7Ga_LNHXTQ4/claire5.jpg

And now I'm looking forward to my first trip, I'm allowed to visit someone a bit north of here and am quite happy to stay in Germany for my first journey. That way I can quickly return to Jaci when I get home-sick.
nuriayasmin
nuriayasmin70@gmail.com

Posted Sep 23, 2011, 10:07 am
I slipped into my envelope this morning and am on my way to Remscheid now. Bye-bye Heidelberg!!

olgamaus


Posted Sep 24, 2011, 7:51 pm
Hi Mummy,
I arrived in Remscheid today! What a fast trip :)

My first host Katja and two Toyvoyagers, Commodore Quack and Bamboo gave me a warm welcome. They all were delighted by the postcards and candy I brought with me.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6158/6178738028_e4d409ea22_o.jpg

In the afternoon we took a walk within the municipal area. Katja told me that although Remscheid was an industrial city it was surrounded by lots of valleys, forests and creeks. I am now living in a part of the city which was not destroyed in World War II, there are lots of lovely old houses.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6171/6178216505_1fbb76b4ce_o.jpg

We walked towards one of the valley, downhill.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6167/6178741614_d494d6fde9_o.jpg

Allotment gardes were built along the steep area.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6167/6178216815_6b9ddf6aac_o.jpg

Coming closer to the valley, we saw some old factory buildings among dwellings.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6157/6178216993_78145f1abb_o.jpg

We than reached a part of the city which is already a really old one, with typical "Bergische" houses.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6163/6178742196_e551f78f16_o.jpg

They often have green shutters and are usually covered with slate or framework.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6164/6178217417_bb77f74051_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6155/6178742504_ce0173bef0_o.jpg

There is really a lot of woodland around the city.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6174/6178217685_70f212f098_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6157/6178742732_2ea3acf9c8_o.jpg

I already met funny pets, curious, furry and cheeky things. Tomorrow I will have a closer look at them.

Bye for now
Claire Squirrel
olgamaus


Posted Sep 26, 2011, 1:38 pm
Hi Mummy,
summer came back to Germany! We took a walk in a lovely valley in Wermelskirchen, a city nearby Remscheid. Katja's friend Kerstin and her dog Pepe accompanied us. Kerstin parked the car in the outskirts of Wermeslkirchen.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6153/6181525853_99887f9dcf_o.jpg

We walked downhill towards the valley of the Eifgen creek. We saw a pony yard here.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6177/6181526055_2abd1eca07_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6157/6182049650_72515b5a22_o.jpg

When we reached the bottom of the valley we saw this beautiful house.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6157/6182049808_f8e2fee23e_o.jpg

Sometimes we walked close to the creek, than somethings along meadows.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6153/6182050094_6c42216543_o.jpg

Here you can see Pepe, I was not afraid of him at all.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6159/6181527179_7f7786ce02_o.jpg

Close to the creek we rested for a while, enjoying the sun. By the way,  the Scottish bear is Scotty.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6167/6181527563_4a7e6cba21_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6176/6181527875_67661115a4_o.jpg

We followed a pilgrimage route, the Way of St. James (Jakobsweg), the next station would be Altenberg Abbey, about 8 km from here.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6180/6182051666_0a5a9e7b28_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6170/6182051900_80433992b9_o.jpg

I saw thistles...

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6164/6181528797_799795c0d5_o.jpg

and fish ponds.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6180/6181528951_5c1f66bda1_o.jpg.

From here we had to walk back to the car, uphill for ages, at least it seemed to me like hours.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6178/6182052432_b70f426e88_o.jpg

We walked through a forest.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6169/6182052682_791a50fe99_o.jpg

There must be some of my relatives :)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6165/6181530043_ebd9f57a2b_o.jpg

When we left the forest civilisation came into reach.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6174/6181530261_73c3f72ca1_o.jpg

We walked through a small hamlet ...

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6169/6182053710_ac4c9786f4_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6179/6182053880_c768047647_o.jpg

... and reached the car after more than three hours walking.

Bye
Claire Squirrel
olgamaus


Posted Sep 29, 2011, 7:38 pm
Hi Mummy,
today we went with Katja to her work place in a law firm.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6179/6195800548_550e44e43f_o.jpg

Commodore Quack was celebrating his birthday!

We had delicious sandwiches and even a little bit sparkling wine.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6151/6195284821_3b6fe1c80e_o.jpg

Later we went to the city centre to take a walk.

The weather is like it should have been in July and August, when it was raining without an end. 25°C warm and sunshine ...

Those two giant forceps are marking the beginning of the shopping street. They are a symbol for the tool producing industry which made Remscheid famous.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6173/6195296055_9d9a130aab_o.jpg

This is the main entrance of the shopping mall, with a large fountain in front of it.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6166/6195296113_07928e25e7_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6159/6195296177_4a22732a74_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6155/6195296257_6543983eb7_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6173/6195812056_05ddc5dff4_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6155/6195812148_c4fde79fa2_o.jpg

We saw a funny fountain :)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6160/6195812264_9558105206_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6168/6195812330_a9cbc2d71f_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6025/6195812390_a3bb9943e4_o.jpg

Five-leaved ivy is growing along a wall.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6172/6195296721_79d8d5f5ca_o.jpg

From a bridge we had a good overview to the central bus station.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6164/6195812522_949ea024c4_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6022/6195296857_d50d2bf7bd_o.jpg

The company building of the local newspaper, RGA, is also here.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6173/6195812620_4a4882416b_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6137/6195812684_f20e062b21_o.jpg

We had to buy some things for dinner and had to return to Katja's work place than.

Bye
Claire Squirrel

olgamaus


Posted Oct 4, 2011, 8:49 am
Hi Mummy,
today another ToyVoyager arrived, it's Hryusha from Russia. She brought delicious chocolates with nuts with her, of course I was on the spot to taste it :)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6167/6201259926_96a926dcc8_o.jpg

In the late afternoon we took a walk, visiting Germany's highest railway bridge, Muengsten Bridge. This bridge is overspanning the valley of the river Wupper. The bridge was built in early 20th century, finished in 1907 A.D. It is 465 m long and 107 m high. It is made of steel.

A few years ago a leisure park was built under the bridge. You can can find a new café here. It was opened last summer, it's facade looking like rusty iron. There are also lawns with seatings and sun chairs to relax and a crazy golf course. The river usually is really shallow here, so kids can play at the banks.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6003/6201273316_dd54235918_o.jpg

This is Muengsten Bridge, at least part of it :)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6013/6200762837_943605a8df_o.jpg

It is so large that it is nearly impossible to take a photo of the whole bridge. We had t o walk further than the golf course to take a photo.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6163/6200762953_5d6b74fceb_o.jpg

We walked into the forest than, steep uphill for some time. Soon we were high above the valley.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6152/6201273770_378bc6df85_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6178/6201273920_21b72ba152_o.jpg

We found engraved pictures on rocks.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6153/6200750343_ef804a3f50_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6138/6200763363_11f6d7a60d_o.jpg

On the map you can see a red marking, Muengsten Bridge, and a green one. This is where I am living at the moment.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6151/6200763487_43dc7934c7_o.jpg

We crossed the river Wupper here.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6155/6201274364_ff680a8d1e_o.jpg

Walking uphill again, we enjoyed the last sun of the day.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6151/6200763795_dab895374d_o.jpg

Later we saw this lovely outlook pavilion, we did not want to disturb a smooching couple, so we did not get closer :)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6015/6201274656_b01cedd856_o.jpg

This was a really interesting trip.

Bye
Claire Squirrel

olgamaus


Posted Oct 5, 2011, 11:18 am
Hi Mummy,
today we visited Katja's friend, the one with the large dog. We all enjoyed the fantastic weather in the garden. Katja and her friend were knitting socks.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6141/6207842255_48a708898a_o.jpg

I had a look around the garden than. Although it is already October, there are still flowers blooming.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6221/6208356024_659950f2eb_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6139/6208356144_e2b2e42455_o.jpg

I even took courage to cuddle Pepe!

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6074/6207842977_8441cbc880_o.jpg

We promised Pepe that we would take a walk with him later.
olgamaus


Posted Oct 5, 2011, 12:39 pm
We went to Wuppertal, to Scharpenacken, a former army training area. This area was used for military purposes until 2004 A.D as a shooting range. Today there is a local recreation area with vast open areas.

We started our tour in a woodland area.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6185/6207843269_1355f7e0c9_o.jpg

Soon we reached the open ranges.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6146/6207843367_1b359e1b4e_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6181/6207843479_889d9120c8_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6009/6208356998_522fbab66c_o.jpg

A lot of people come here with their dogs to let them run and play. Because it is very windy here there are also some people with their kites.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6144/6208357126_3066e30d2a_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6099/6207843937_c4e7886d86_o.jpg

In the background you can see a housing area in Wuppertal, famous for its exquisite villas built by factory owners.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6044/6208357464_ab3e551d38_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6090/6208357614_0967ecc629_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6220/6207844341_754f2b551b_o.jpg

On these signs you can find information about this area. It will be renatured in the coming years.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6017/6207844587_d2cdb84960_o.jpg

Bye
Claire Squirrel


olgamaus


Posted Oct 17, 2011, 12:22 pm
Hi Mummy,
today we took a walk in a nearby forest, in a district called "Hohenhagen".

To get there, we had to walk through one of the surrounding valleys.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6160/6253566958_f0b7cf96cc_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6058/6253037871_c5200444f7_o.jpg

When we walked back home through the city it was already dawning.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6211/6253038021_8e089b66ba_o.jpg

Bye
Claire Squirrel

olgamaus


Posted Oct 20, 2011, 1:18 pm
Hi Mummy,

Katja took me to the city centre in her lunch break. We started our trip at the city hall. Its tower is 48 m high, visible from a lot of places around the city, because the city centre is situated on top of a hill.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6159/6262980961_f25f022fd3_o.jpg

The city hall was originally built in 1906, but was nearly destroyed in World War II. When the war was over it was rebuilt in a more modern style. There is a large open space in front of the city hall, the farmers market is taking place here twice a week. Here you can also find a pillar with a lion, the heraldíc animal of Remscheid.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6119/6263505922_ef60ef3e55_o.jpg

The water tower is situated opposite of the back side of the city hall.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6163/6262981223_1fa8534712_o.jpg

Here you can see the central bus station with one of the most busy streets in the city centre.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6159/6262981339_190c849cf0_o.jpg

From a bridge we had a good overview to the district Hohenhagen in the background.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6046/6262981469_4ee175b0d8_o.jpg

Somebody sprayed hearts to a concrete wall.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6043/6263506532_7d2c0bb1c2_o.jpg

The central bus station once more ...

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6155/6262981837_5c85da715f_o.jpg

We went to the shopping mall than, to do some shoppings for dinner. In the background you can see the tower of the city hall.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6165/6262982007_d9b7a73046_o.jpg

Bye
Claire Squirrel
olgamaus


Posted Oct 20, 2011, 1:28 pm
Hi Mummy,

a new guest arrived today, it's KalliHH.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6096/6253041313_8f139f5b4e_o.jpg

As soon as we had breakfast, we went outside to take a walk with one of Katja's friends.  We drove to Eschbach Dam, the oldest dam in Germany, opened in 1891 A.D.. We parked the car close to a Motel and motorway restaurant.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6215/6253038257_8ee845d1d0_o.jpg

After walking two minutes we reached the dam. What a lovely view with the autumn colored forest!

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6236/6253567658_99b702911a_o.jpg

In the background you can see the Motel again.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6058/6253567826_f76a813f66_o.jpg


Because the dam is not really large, we departed from the dam and took one of the paths which are leading away from the dam.

This looks like a rural area, but do not be mislead by the look - the motorway A1 is crossing behind those meadows!

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6099/6253568136_1a6297c44a_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6101/6253568282_d56c2e7157_o.jpg

Back in the forest we took a group shot (Hryusha thought we might pick those mushrooms for dinner).

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6042/6253572244_9ac310499f_o.jpg

After walking for about two hours we lost our way in the forest, but we thought it might be a good idea to follow this creek because it probably would flow into the dam.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6163/6253039353_e2a20b384f_o.jpg

We were right, soon we reached the dam.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6159/6253039591_8b9b48e96a_o.jpg

Bye
Claire Squirrel
olgamaus


Posted Oct 24, 2011, 7:45 pm
Hi Mummy,
we are still having fantastic weather, so we are taking long walks every day. Today we followed a railway track for some time.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6229/6269533697_d406a015de_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6216/6270061058_abc86743be_o.jpg

We walked through the district "Reinshagen" where I saw lovely houses.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6047/6270061226_7f31ea0c79_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6113/6269534133_eeedb9deb7_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6227/6270061502_b23b71b98b_o.jpg

We went into the forest than.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6031/6270061648_af9946845c_o.jpg

Do you remember that I showed you Muengsten Bridge earlier? Today we walked where the bridge's abutments are situated. You have a fantastic view to the bridge from here.

From one side ...

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6034/6270061886_c3a1bb5551_o.jpg

... and from the other side.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6235/6270062034_6fa27a2aa8_o.jpg

We followed a lovely walking path along the railway track, it seems at is was not used too often. There is grass growing even on the path.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6094/6269534977_93160b18af_o.jpg

When we walked back home it was already getting dark.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6095/6269535127_e449b8a292_o.jpg

Bye
Claire Squirrel

olgamaus


Posted Oct 25, 2011, 8:09 am
Hi Mummy,
today we took a long walk at a nearby dam, Sengbachtalsperre, a drinkingwater dam in Solingen. We started our trip in Solingen-Unterburg. From here we had to walk uphill for some time. I found something really weird here - a pink rock! Katja told me that this rock was painted pink as long as she knows this place, and that is really long :)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6219/6226336811_2960090c4f_o.jpg

This does not look like walking uphill, but you did not see what was expecting me behind the bend!

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6037/6226337297_85ba50de75_o.jpg

We reached the concrete dam than.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6091/6226855108_f829e7c91f_o.jpg

The concrete wall is under construction at the moment, usually there are not so many fences.

The walking path was not following the banks of the dam, but went along the slope of the valley at a higher level.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6106/6226855490_0904fbe282_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6042/6226855742_9e59cde0fd_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6235/6226338579_5e17068943_o.jpg

We saw those large piles of trunks. Winter can come!

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6059/6226339013_c9e8eed681_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6042/6226339337_2219ca3ea7_o.jpg

Bye
Claire Squirrel
olgamaus


Posted Oct 25, 2011, 9:05 am
Hi Mummy,
we took a walk with one of Katja's friends today. We walked from the city centre to Luettringhausen, another district.

As soon as you are levaing the main streets of the city centre you can see the rural areas and woodlands around.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6035/6276421457_fd7f554afa_o.jpg

We had walk all the way from the city centre on top of a hill to a valley.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6093/6276943240_a6653a964f_o.jpg

Morsbach creek is running through the valley. You can find a lot of industrial sites along the creek, based on all the historical industrial sites which you could find here in ancient times. They are mostly metalworking companies, like this one, a steelworks.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6110/6276943386_910c7985a9_o.jpg

After walking through a small hamlet we walked along the valley, between meadows and forests.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6116/6276943544_7deb748126_o.jpg

We found a fantastic place in the forest - a hammer mill.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6106/6276944498_432c9cf3ac_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6218/6276422335_f1b7b2cc0a_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6100/6276422647_efd9bd2b74_o.jpg

Iron and steel was produced here since 15th century - nearly unimaginable.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6105/6276422507_6685584634_o.jpg

A large millwheel was lying on the ground.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6101/6277000422_f8abcd8c2c_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6104/6276479501_d450b596ef_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6112/6277000894_896e256331_o.jpg

Here you can see the rear side of the building.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6228/6276944132_d9136ce6eb_o.jpg

We  had to cross a street later.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6106/6276944762_839a348e48_o.jpg

When we walked towards Luettringhausen, we went along a parkway. Some dozen apple trees were planted here, some of them sponsored by citizens of the city, some to commemorate celebrated public characters.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6106/6276423651_a40372d921_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6058/6276945056_ae9a901b25_o.jpg

After passing a playground we finally reached Luettringhausen.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6036/6276423921_f6837231ba_o.jpg

My friend KalliHH  was so tired that he went into Katja's bag for a nap. I decided to accompany him :)

Bye
Claire Squirrel
olgamaus


Posted Oct 25, 2011, 3:01 pm
Hi Mummy,
in the evening I saw a funny furry thing on the sofa. A cat? I don't know ... I only saw its bum.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6159/6279624067_7590f828fc_o.jpg

Suddenly more of them appeared. Ferrets! Not a good idea for a rodent to meet predators! They are looking cute, but they are really imprudent! Thankfully they already had dinner.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6107/6280143520_1e36dfb86c_o.jpg

KalliHH had much more fun with them.

Bye
Claire Squirrel
olgamaus


Posted Oct 25, 2011, 3:06 pm
Hi Mummy,
today I packed my things and got ready to travel to Finland. Katja found a really nice postcard to send to my next host in .....


http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6097/6280144098_3afcd05d16_o.jpg

F I N L A N D !

When you read this, I am already on my way to the North.

Love
Claire Squirrel
Nonnariina


Posted Oct 29, 2011, 2:14 pm
Hello Mom!!!

I arrived Finland yesterday and now Nonnariina has finally get photos here:)
Yesterday was very cold and misty day and I was happy that I have warm fur. I met another toyvoyager Sweetie and we and Nonnariina went to bicyle tripp to shore. Water was really freezing when I tried it with my paw.

In the evening I met another sguirrel: red colured Orrin and we sleept together :rolleyes: He was very nice and we talked about our homecoutries. Orrin isn´t toyvoyager.

I met Nonnariinas friend and she was fallen love with me:) She thinks that I´m so cute.

Today we will eat some fried bananas and icecream! And mayde watch Hannah Montana, so I see my idol!

I have had nice days, but I miss you!

Love you
-Claire
Nonnariina


Posted Nov 5, 2011, 6:59 pm
Hello! Hei! Ciao!

Hugs from Finland! I miss you, but I have had nice time here in Finland. Nonnarrina has had many tests at school so she haven´t had time to upload my travel log... She has been studing very much.

I have been at Nonnariinas Italian lesson (all students were interested about me and I learned to say Ciao and Come stai?  It means Hello and How do you do.)
I have also climped many trees and Nonnariina adores my "talent" to climp so fast and so high:) Very weird talent to sguirrel.... B)  :p
Nonnariinas friend wants to be with me and yesterday I met friend´s dog! The dog was guite big, I think. And it was really interested about me and wanted to take me to his mouth (!), but Nonnariina comed and saved me before anything happened.
I visited playing cround and I swinged and climped everywhere.

I have eaten well and today, because it´s weekend, I eated chocolate nuts! In the picture there is only one left...

We walked at forest and it was still at autum colours. I jumped trees and Nonnarrina had run:)

Today I visited real Finnish sauna! And I have to say that I like beeing sauna. But not so long time as Nonnariina!

Tomorrow I will see Jyväskylä´s centrum. Nonnariina will upload some photos, so you can see what it look likes.

I hope that you have nice days!
With Love and Kisses
Claire




Nonnariina


Posted Nov 6, 2011, 5:09 pm
Hello mum!

How do you do? What have you done? I miss you.

Today I was at bicyle trip with Nonnariina and her friend. We went to Nais-saari shore, wich is 3 kilometres from Nonnariina`s home.

Then we went to Jyväskylä centrum. I saw buildings of University of Jyväskylä. They were old and beautifull. Other people looked amazed when Nonnariina taked photos of me... :p :stare:

Bye!
Claire

Nonnariina


Posted Nov 12, 2011, 12:45 pm
Hello!!

Yesterday I went to walking with Nonnariina and her friend at the centrum of city.

We went to observation tower and scene was impressing! Jyväskylä isn´t so huge or really tiny. Nonnariina told me that population is 130 000. The big lake middle the city is called Jyväsjärvi and Nonnariina told me that she loves to skate on it´s ice in winters.

I saw monument wich has been built for menory of those who died in the Winter War.

Bye!
-Claire
Nonnariina


Posted Nov 21, 2011, 4:40 pm
Hello!!!

Mitä kuuluu? How are you?
Minä rakastan sinua! I love you!
Terveisiä Suomesta! Greetings from Finland!

So, long time with out uploading, but now, here we are.
As you see I have learned some Finnish :D

At the weekend I saw a little bit more of Jyväskyläs centrum.
On the first picture there is Nikolainkulma. It´s the oldest wood building in Jyväskylä, it has been built in 1899! Really old, I think.

Second picture shows you one of Jyväskylä´s shopping malls. It´s called Forum. It has been fixed just last summer and it´s nice.

In the third photo you can see old yellow building. It´s Lyseo, upper secondary school, which has been built in 1902. It has over 600 students.

Today is very cold day. Miinus 6 decrees!
Guess what happened this morning!?? The first snow has came at night!!! It wasnt very much but still.
Wow, Nonnariina was very happy and me too:) See picture! It was freezing...

So this is today, have a nice day and take care!
-Claire
Nonnariina


Posted Dec 2, 2011, 3:54 pm
Hello!

Snow has smelt now:( It was few days and now  it´s raining and dark! Not very nice...
I still have some snow photos wich Nonnariina hadn´t uploaded yet:)

Last week we visited (again) Jyväskylä`s centrum. I saw City´s theare. It has been desinged by Alvar Aalto, famous Finnish desinger. Then we went to Church park. I saw big church and the statue of Minna Canth who was a Finnish writer and social activist.
Then I saw a train:)

Bye!
-Claire
Nonnariina


Posted Dec 11, 2011, 8:31 am
Hello Mom!

Good news! Snow has come at least! It´s beautiful here, everywhere is white and snow glitters at sunlight...

I and Nonnariina went out for a walk and Nonnariina taked some pictures. We also made a snowman!!!! It was great funny.

Christmas is coming and Nonnariina waits it. She told me that at centrum there are nice decorations and lights. Yesterday she was shopping presents and there was children singing christmas songs at street and Santa Clauses at shopping mall giving sweets to children.

Have a nice day!
Hugs!
-Claire
Nonnariina


Posted Dec 12, 2011, 3:11 pm
Hello!

Today I will leave Finland! It´s little bit sad, but I have had great time:)

This morning Nonnariina will put me to envelope and when you read this I´m on my way to home!!!

I miss you and I hope that I´m back before christmas,

so I´m coming Mom! :p

Bye
-Claire
nuriayasmin
nuriayasmin70@gmail.com

Posted Dec 16, 2011, 5:00 pm
I'm back home again. The chocolate I brought with me was eaten before we had the chance to take a photo of it but big thanks to Nonnariina. I loved being in Finland. The snow there was much better than the storm and rain which we currently have here in Heidelberg. Well, I will spend some time at home now and then hope to be back on the road again next year.

Claire Squirrel
nuriayasmin
nuriayasmin70@gmail.com

Posted Jan 31, 2012, 9:29 pm
I had a nice and relaxing time at home but now I'm happy that I can start travelling again. I'm staying in Germany and will visit Fridoline the mole in Essen. Ohkwari and Remy said good-bye to me and then I slipped into my envelope.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ypNLbcqGAhw/TygJ-0Aj53I/AAAAAAAAIjY/lq4vSGOGZ1s/s564/DSCF9493.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UaPVdKyVBjQ/TygJNwix2FI/AAAAAAAAIjQ/tpDB7WVUCmE/s640/DSCF9494.JPG

Love,
Claire
Fridoline the mole


Posted Feb 4, 2012, 5:15 pm
Dear friends at home.

Yesterday I arrived in Essen. It is also very cold here. After I had rested myself, I went outside with my new friends Midori and Toki. They are both from the United States of America. We visited Loch Baldeney. It was frozen over and we saw birds who walked on the ice.

Greetings from the Ruhr area, sends you Claire!


:rolleyes:
Fridoline the mole


Posted Feb 6, 2012, 1:23 pm
Dear everybody at home, greetings from Essen send you Claire!! Today I looked around the City. I like it very much here. Next time I write you more. Claire...
Fridoline the mole


Posted Feb 8, 2012, 4:43 pm
Hi Mom.
I'm doing very well. I was eating in the diner. I think I can´t eat anything the next few days, I've eaten too much. Today it isn´t so cold. The sun was shining. Tomorrow it will also be beautiful again. Unfortunately again it will be cold.
Best wishes, Claire!


B)
Fridoline the mole


Posted Feb 11, 2012, 11:43 am
Dear everybody at home.

Today the sun is shining. A wonderful day for a walk. I´m very interest in this area of Germany, because they have lot of mines. An old mine I have seen. You can see it in my backround.

Love, Claire

B)
Fridoline the mole


Posted Feb 13, 2012, 2:50 pm
Dear friends at home.

Today I visited the headquarter from Thyssen Krupp. It is a wonderful architecture building. Oh, I like it... It is in middle of the City from Essen. Now, I´m going home. I´m soooo tied.

Love, your Claire Squirrel

:stare:
Fridoline the mole


Posted Feb 17, 2012, 5:14 pm
Dear Mom!!

Greetings from a wonderful place send Claire Squirrel. I love it here!!!

:D
Fridoline the mole


Posted Feb 22, 2012, 2:38 pm
Dear everybody at home!!

Yesterday I played bowling. It was funny!! On weekend we will give a big goodbye party for my new friend Toki, because he will travel to Japan. I will miss him.

Love, Claire Squirrel

:thinking:
Fridoline the mole


Posted Feb 26, 2012, 12:06 pm
Dear Mom.

It was party time. Yesterday we celebrated an good bye party for Toki, because he will left us. He will travel to Japan soon. Also we went out for dinner in a restaurant  with him. It was a fantastic party. Tomorrow he will left us. I will be miss my new friend.

Love Claire Squirrel.

:(
Fridoline the mole


Posted Mar 3, 2012, 2:18 pm
Dear Mom.

Today I was in the shopping mile. It was great!! So many things.... I saw.  Now, it is weekend time. Let see what I will do next!!!!

Love Claire Squirrel

B)
Fridoline the mole


Posted Mar 6, 2012, 10:29 am
Dear Mom.

Yesterday I played with my friend in the wintergarden. It was a big fun. After this I was very tired and I sleeped very well in my little bed. Let us surprice what I will do next.

Many regards from me, Claire Squirrel

:D
Fridoline the mole


Posted Mar 10, 2012, 1:01 pm
Dear Mom.

Today I´m in the nature - all the day. I like it very much. Next time I will start a big sight seeing tour. Mary is very nice to me. I can do so many things I  can never dream before. It is so fantastically, that I will stay another week or more here. Let Mary and me know when my trip to Scandinavia will start.

Love, Claire Squirrel

:cyclops:
Fridoline the mole


Posted Mar 12, 2012, 1:22 pm
Dear Mommy!

Yesterday evening I worked in the kitchen. I made some biscuits. They tasted very very good, because I made. Oh, I love it here!!!

Love Claire Squirrel


:p
Fridoline the mole


Posted Mar 18, 2012, 2:44 pm
Dear Mom.

This week I only relaxed, because my host haven´t so much time for me and the other ToyVoayagers.

Lot of Greetings from Essen, Germany wish you Claire.
Fridoline the mole


Posted Mar 27, 2012, 2:57 pm
Dear friends at home.

Today I make a little City tour. It was interest. The sun was shining, so it was a wonderful walk.

Regards to all my friends, your Claire Squirrel.

B)
Fridoline the mole


Posted Apr 10, 2012, 2:37 pm
Dear friends at home.

It is time to say good bye.
My  journey will go on. It was a wonderful time in Essen and I was very happy here.

Lot of regards, your Claire Squierrel

;)
minnihiiru


Posted Jun 14, 2012, 6:45 pm
Claire Squirrel has arrived to Finland safely.We are going to make some  great plans to look around,as the weather gets nicer with each day :)
minnihiiru


Posted Jun 14, 2012, 6:49 pm
Today we took a train to Helsinki,because Mari was going to do some shopping and we thought it would be cool to look around in some famous places which all tourist go to see.
http://www.snap.ee/static/user_thumbs/kiisumari/kevad/t760_P4223114.jpgIt's Helsinki Cathedral
and then we walked to Market Square as we wished to see sea and noticed some boats there.

http://www.snap.ee/static/user_thumbs/kiisumari/kevad/t760_P4223115.jpg
minnihiiru


Posted Sep 28, 2012, 6:40 pm
Hello mommy!
As summer has not been the warmest here,we haven't got time to go beach,actually the weather has been quite bad.But slowly summer starts to get into winter and now we are into picking berries and making hay.Our host got 2 chickens for birthday from her friend.Somehow chickens need to alive winter,so we helped host.In the picture you see us only sitting,but we did help too ; )

http://www.snap.ee/static/user_thumbs/kiisumari/suvi/t760_P8183306.jpg
http://www.snap.ee/static/user_thumbs/kiisumari/suvi/t760_P8183307.jpg
minnihiiru


Posted Nov 26, 2012, 6:15 pm
Today we decided to look Rakvere's main tourist attractions and also see some nature.As afternoon was not too warm and not too cold either,was perfect to do it.
We got our way to the oldest street in Rakvere,which is called Pikk tänav(Pikk Street).It was for the main street in Rakvere five centuries,where were bank,shops,restaurants and guesthouses.Nowadays it's famous for it handcraft fair,which is held every year beginning of June,when Rakvere as town celebrates itself  birthday.So in the Pikk Street you find old houses and so on.Some of them are renovated and some not.
http://www.snap.ee/static/user_thumbs/kiisumari/suvi/t760_P8223323.jpg
http://www.snap.ee/static/user_thumbs/kiisumari/suvi/t760_P8223324.jpg
for example these : )
Then we went to Rakvere's Vallimägi,which is popular place in summer,where are held concerts and in winter for sledging as the hill is the biggest in the whole  Rakvere.
http://www.snap.ee/static/user_thumbs/kiisumari/suvi/t760_P8223329.jpg
There in far you see the castle and the hills which are green and empty of people are full of smiling happy people who slide down the hill when ground is covered with snow.
http://www.snap.ee/static/user_thumbs/kiisumari/suvi/t760_P8223332.jpg
http://www.snap.ee/static/user_thumbs/kiisumari/suvi/t760_P8223333.jpg
http://www.snap.ee/static/user_thumbs/kiisumari/suvi/t760_P8223334.jpg
our cool company of TVs Jelle,Franz-Ferdinand,Mr BigBrain,Bombus and me

then we started to get closer to the castle
http://www.snap.ee/static/user_thumbs/kiisumari/suvi/t760_P8223342.jpg
http://www.snap.ee/static/user_thumbs/kiisumari/suvi/t760_P8223345.jpg
http://www.snap.ee/static/user_thumbs/kiisumari/suvi/t760_P8223348.jpg
The castle was build in middle-age,during the wars it has been destroyed,but it got restored about 10 years ago and it's really popular place to visit around tourists and of course local people do visit too.

For sure if we don't count castle the next tourist main site is scuplture Tarvas(the animal Bos primigenius),which was built for Rakvere's 700.birthday.During last 10 years the sculpture has stood in the highest point of Rakvere.The sculpture is 7.1 m long and 3.5 m  high and weighs 7000 kg.Even Rakvere's local basketball team is called Rakvere Tarvas =P
http://www.snap.ee/static/user_thumbs/kiisumari/suvi/t760_P8223356.jpg
http://www.snap.ee/static/user_thumbs/kiisumari/suvi/t760_P8223350.jpg
the white building is church and the yellow one art gallery and that you understand we were in higher point you see red roof of some houses
http://www.snap.ee/static/user_thumbs/kiisumari/suvi/t760_P8223351.jpg
We had really nice hours walking around and seeing more of Rakvere.I hope to see also modern centre city and some more of Rakvere.But hostmum told me that we are gonna move to Finland,because she gonna work there during the autumn and winter.

Write you soon mommy,
Claire

minnihiiru


Posted Jun 16, 2013, 7:01 pm
Christmas is on the way and it's the last time to send Christmas cards and this the amount of cards our host sent this year.
http://www.snap.ee/static/user_thumbs/kiisumari/jouluhetked/t760_PC073407.jpg
http://www.snap.ee/static/user_thumbs/kiisumari/jouluhetked/t760_PC073408.jpg
http://www.snap.ee/static/user_thumbs/kiisumari/jouluhetked/t760_PC073411.jpg
http://www.snap.ee/static/user_thumbs/kiisumari/jouluhetked/t760_PC073412.jpg
I hope you'll have nice Christmas waiting time,mommy!
minnihiiru


Posted Jun 16, 2013, 7:16 pm
Our host is working as an aupair in Finland and for Christmas holidays she travelled her childhood home in Estonia and I travelled too with other TV Mr.BigBrain.We had an pleasure trip.

In Estonia they have tradition to go graveyard on Christmas Eve and put candles for their dear dead people.So our host went graveyard with his mother.There were so many candles and it was so beautiful.
http://www.snap.ee/static/user_thumbs/kiisumari/jouluhetked/t760_PC243427.jpg
Back from graveyard we ate a delicious Christmas dinner with whole family.
http://www.snap.ee/static/user_thumbs/kiisumari/jouluhetked/t760_PC243432.jpg
http://www.snap.ee/static/user_thumbs/kiisumari/jouluhetked/t760_PC243433.jpg
After dinner we exchanged presents and in their family you have to sing,read the poem or do something else in order to get your presents.So it takes time when everyone gets their presents.But it's time to enjoy each other company and silence of Christmas time.
http://www.snap.ee/static/user_thumbs/kiisumari/jouluhetked/t760_PC243434.jpg
http://www.snap.ee/static/user_thumbs/kiisumari/jouluhetked/t760_PC243435.jpg

Merry Christmas!Häid jõule!
minnihiiru


Posted Jun 16, 2013, 7:25 pm
Our host has Finnish friend who she has already known for 4 years decided to come visit my host during this holidays in her childhood home,so we went capital Tallinn to pick her up from ship port as she came by the ship and this way you also see picture of the ship we used to travel also.
http://www.snap.ee/static/user_thumbs/kiisumari/jouluhetked/t760_PC273440.jpg
http://www.snap.ee/static/user_thumbs/kiisumari/jouluhetked/t760_PC273441.jpg
http://www.snap.ee/static/user_thumbs/kiisumari/jouluhetked/t760_PC273443.jpg
minnihiiru


Posted Jun 16, 2013, 7:39 pm
It's time to say goodbye and continue my journey.I had great to see Estonian summer,celebrate Christmas,see colourful autumn and long winter in Finland.I loved it !

I can't wait to see you,mommy!
nuriayasmin
nuriayasmin70@gmail.com

Posted Jun 22, 2013, 3:12 am
I'm back home!! It was a great journey.

Back