Wéris, Belgium - 22nd August 2011
By: Toolakha
Today we all went to Wéris to visit the dolmen. We first went to the dolmen with the cover stone. Then we parked our car in the center of Wéris. From there on we walked through the forest to see Pierre Haina, the White Menhir.
On our climb walk through the forest we came across many different kind of beautiful fungus. We had to take a picture here to show you all. Then we climbed further to see the famous "Pierre Haina".
According to the legend Pierre Haina, the Stone of the Ancients the rock seals an entrance to the center of the earth.
From up here we had a nice view on the surroundings and even the walk back down was great. Once again we have had a lovely day.
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Posted Aug 25, 2011, 5:48 pm
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Rotterdam, The Netherlands - 24th August 2011
By: Toolakha
Surprise!!!!!!
Today Toolakha found a surpise in her mailbox (or actually it was deliverd at one of her neighbours). A package from my mummy in the States. She surprised Toolakha with a box full of cows. Toolakha was very delighted with her unexpected gifts. And I was happy to hear from my mummy for although I am having a lot of fun over here, I do miss home...am I getting homesick? I have been travelling so much lately...maybe I should start planning to go home soon.
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Posted Aug 25, 2011, 6:26 pm Last edited Aug 25, 2011, 6:29 pm by Toolakha
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Amsterdam, The Netherlands - 10th September 2011
By: Toolakha
Today we went to Amsterdam to meet Toolakha's penpal and my former host Kalliope and her friend. The German friends had planned a little trip to the capital city of The Netherlands. So Toolakha, Munen and I took the train from Rotterdam to Amsterdam to spend the day with them.
It was great to see Kalliope again and Toolakha and Kalliope recognized each other instantly although it was the first time they meet. We all had made reservations to visit the Royal Palace but we had to pick up the tickets first. So we walked through town and on Dam Square we came across a barrel organ festival so naturally I wanted my picture taken with some draaiorgels or barrel organs.
Our walkabout also took us to the flower market where they were selling lots of colourful flowers, plants and even souvenirs. Then after we picked up the tickets we went for a drink at Rembrandtplein.
We did do a lot more this day...a visit to the Jewish Historical Museum, a visit to the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, we went for a walk through the Vondelpark and we had dinner at a Greek restaurant at Leidseplein.
Somehow the day seemed to pass by quickly and we all had a wonderful time. We simply forgot to take more pictures but we took in all the new impressions. It was a wonderful sunny day in the company of some wonderful people. Thanks all for this beautiful day.
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Posted Sep 20, 2011, 7:12 pm Last edited Sep 20, 2011, 7:16 pm by Toolakha
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Bomal , Belgium - 12th September 2011
By: Toolakha
Today Toolakha and her mum decided to walk/hike all the way up to the \"Calvaire\", the Way of the Cross in Bomal. And they dragged Haiku and me along.
Bomal is a village in the municipality of Durbuy, Belgium. It is located at the confluence of the rivers Ourthe and Aisne. It was a pretty steep hike, up to 210 metres (or 688 ' and 11.71 "). But we all managed and up at the cross we had a great view of the area.
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Posted Sep 20, 2011, 7:52 pm
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Sint Niklaas, Belgium - 13th September 2011
By: Toolakha
We are in Sint-Niklaas now. Toolakha's mum has been to a boarding school in Sint-Niklaas when she was a young girl. Two of her aunts were nuns at that time who were also staying in Sint Niklaas. So mum was curious to see if after all these years she could still recognize where she had stayed. So we walked in her footsteps of more than 50 years ago.
We first arrived at the Grote Markt where we had a good view on the town hall. And if we turned a little to the right we had a view on the Church of Saint Nicholas, the church hall and the Ciperage (former prison). We then walked towards the hospital where mum's aunt has been working. Then we walked to find the house of some friends of mum's family and finally we went into the parc where the Walburg Castle is situated. Mum used to go there to listen to the bell tower. It was interesting to see where Toolakha's mum had been to when she was a young girl.
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Posted Sep 20, 2011, 8:30 pm
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Gent, Belgium - 14th September 2011
By: Toolakha
A visit to the city of Ghent was next on our list. We walked across town and found the building called Rabot here.
Then we walked towards the Gravensteen castle.This is a beautifully renovated castle in the city centre. It was a pleasure to walk around the estate and see all of it, the main hall, the chapel, the dungeons. Haiku and I even felt like two princesses sitting in the royal chair.
After the castle we passed the statue of the Wise Man and the Brewer of Ghent, Jacob van Artevelde who is pointing in the direction of England. From here on we continued our route towards the Belfry of Ghent. We climbed all he way up to the bell tower (and were able to skip some floors going up for we used the elevator ). Then we walked down and came across the gilded dragon which once used to be on top of the tower. Then we were a bit exhausted so we relaxed with a cup of coffee.
Finally we visited the Great Béguinage or Saint Elisabeth béguinage. We were amazed at how huge this béguinage was. Still it was very tranquil and peaceful out here so it was a great way to end our trip.
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Posted Sep 20, 2011, 9:44 pm
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Rotterdam, The Netherlands - 19th September 2011
By: Toolakha
Going home.....today I am going home....I have had a great time with Toolakha and Munen and their friends and family. I am definitely going to miss Haiku, but I guess it's about time I go home...I miss my mummy.
So Toolakha has packed all my things in my suitcase, my teddybear, and my guardian angel souvenir from Ireland. She also gave refreshments like mummy did when she send me on my way. So I now have a few tins of coca cola and a hamburger to satisfy my appetite on the way home. When we visited the Efteling I have bought my mummy a Laaf....(a gnome) and I'll be bringing him along too, as well as a nice scarf and an orange wuppie to keep me company. Hope mummy likes it.
I hope my trip back home won't take me as long as it did for me to reach Germany and then Holland. I'm now on my way.........
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Posted Sep 20, 2011, 9:55 pm
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Round Rock, Texas, US - 2nd October 2011
By: picupurcross
Henrietta is finally home! Since she's been traveling for almost a year, she's happy to back with her family but so thankful for all she's seen and done and for the friends she's made along the way!
Her two hosts, Kalliope and Toolakha, have been wonderful and she has thoroughly enjoyed visiting their countries and getting to know their families. She arrived home ready to show off all the lovely gifts and souvenirs that Toolakha helped her pick out.
Looking forward to a much needed rest, Henrietta will be staying home for a while... just in time to enjoy the holidays.
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Posted Oct 2, 2011, 8:47 pm Last edited Oct 2, 2011, 8:49 pm by picupurcross
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Texas, USA - 28th December 2011
By: picupurcross
Henrietta enjoyed a lovely Christmas at home with her family and now she's ready for a new adventure "down under!"
She left Round Rock this morning to visit her new friend ravenmist and is looking forward to seeing the sights and experiencing all that Australia has to offer.
Have fun and safe travels, Little One!
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Posted Dec 31, 2011, 1:41 am Last edited Dec 31, 2011, 1:43 am by picupurcross
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Wyong, NSW, Australia - 6th January 2012
By: ravenmist
I just arrived at Jen's house in Australia! The postie was very gentle with me and I stayed nice and dry despite the rain.
Tomorrow we are going to visit Jen's family and I can even go on a boat! I also get to meet LOTS of family pets (Momma there's so many!)
Next week I'm going on a train to Sydney and to a birthday party with games and toys!
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Posted Jan 6, 2012, 4:55 am Last edited Jan 6, 2012, 5:15 am by ravenmist
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