tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79904065583396799132024-02-06T18:12:02.614-08:00The Amsterdam Andrea BlogAndreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043689556865574879noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7990406558339679913.post-91491859345531138582010-05-12T05:20:00.000-07:002010-05-18T10:37:02.107-07:00A Year in ReviewI guess it is really true what they say, time flies when you are having fun, and fun…well that doesn’t even begin to describe the past year. Since Krakow, I’ve been on many, many adventures. I fell in love - with a country - sailed the Mediterranean on a wooden ship, danced at a beach wedding and pirate disco, cliff jumped into the blue waters of Oludeniz and paraglided down to it’s beaches, watched the Dervishes whirl, been scrubbed and kneaded in a hammam, crossed a busy city intersection with a sheep, played backgammon in the lazy heat of the Taksim backstreets, celebrated Ramadan under the minarets of the Blue Mosque, been welcomed into the home of some of the warmest people I’ve ever met on my travels, slept in a cave (hotel), and floated over fairy chimneys watching the sun awake – all of this just in Turkey! I’ve witnessed a traditional cheese auction, spent some much needed time with friends & family in the fresh Pennsylvania country air, enjoyed the quintessential New York day complete with lunch at Tavern on the Green & carriage ride through Central Park, and laughed at the unusual attractions of the infamous Brooklyn institution, Coney Island. I’ve ran 10 miles 'dam to dam,' drank the finest Hungarian wines at the Buda castle, the purest beer at Oktoberfest, and watched guys surf in the center of Munich. I’ve floated in the Dead Sea, overlooked the Promised Land in the valley of Moses, hiked the mile long siq to the breathtaking site of the Treasury, and lived like a Bedouin in the desert - earning myself an Arabic name, Sharuq meaning “sunlight.” I’ve walked in the footsteps of Jesus and the Prophet Muhammad, laid my hands on the Wailing Wall, made the pilgrimage to Bethlehem, passing through a security wall separating two cultures, two religions, two people laying claim to the same land, and lived the Tel Aviv night, and beach, life. I’ve seen Christmas lights in orange trees in Athens and Dubrovnik, I’ve watched snow fall in Prague, Istanbul, and Amsterdam, I’ve visited the Christmas markets of Belgrade and Zagreb, bathed in beer in Ostrava, been to a bone church, and danced in the New Year in Morocco. I’ve shopped at the posh boutiques of Antwerp, welcomed a new baby cousin, Caroline, and celebrated 90 years of my Gram's remarkable life. I’ve dined on midnight satay in Singapore, hunted for Easter eggs in the pubs of the Norfolk broads, driven the Montenegrin coast, crossed the most spectacular bridge in Bosnia, and saw the shrine of The Three Kings in Cologne. And best of all, I’ve been able to share my life in Amsterdam with some of my loved ones; the girls who have made this experience so completely fantastic, Tracey & Maria, my best friends, Kim and Peabody, my fellow hometown girl, Rita, who set into motion the events that lead me where I am today, and my cousin, Kate, who joined me for the orange spectacle that is Queen’s Day. Recounting my experiences, I am reminded, yet again, just how truly blessed and fortunate I really am! Next on the agenda? Copenhagen, Barcelona, Paris, a visit from my good friend JA, and India!!<br /><div></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><div><br /><div><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:78%;">Turkish Mediterranean </span></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472216699892886050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_VOmVAQmhrgIRNtGO0bdGraHhxkpVgNPCC4U3TAHg7jIdTcROnhj3NDsx9SNS17CJNoUZ54fThz4r0AAP0riof0RYf4bIupP4jluoRwgLXth3y6BrT4u67XCQ6RcBmiwyBI4uXyXfGE/s400/DSC07150.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:78%;"></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:78%;">Oludeniz</span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffsR1kKnHSGaIaBpLks7r0UBu2PBCPENHr5I_Ap9aZ83_lbdIT8N2KHIiNxth1nM6GjMjhcnDGmnxv6D5JCLdkAkC8o7NZOrajSUurQipID89dKSkhc42hjjRbJrzj3D9klpDAPdZuEQ/s1600/DSC07322.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472216709320051506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffsR1kKnHSGaIaBpLks7r0UBu2PBCPENHr5I_Ap9aZ83_lbdIT8N2KHIiNxth1nM6GjMjhcnDGmnxv6D5JCLdkAkC8o7NZOrajSUurQipID89dKSkhc42hjjRbJrzj3D9klpDAPdZuEQ/s400/DSC07322.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472558192453126242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcuWWlLoCbTG1RIcNiYk2Eso9B-5Q6vVC_vBoCftSeZyVx-XiyHE8_luZiPtxvaIUkiU9PwjbNvL4XqYtW600h1VkC-LzFUigFTy3pQ0UNaEsD_dN_vRVqHeyowAaj1vIJ5gsIa3cQNw/s400/DSC07257.JPG" border="0" /> <div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Whirling Dervishes</span></em> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472216717039155234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLeb_Q2f8k3lrs5k5IoRPlvj23vBcTFM0b7xOSliuASVM0-8sd6OESCjMWqrXSF1Dxl_2h33HTr_pL8mnc2M82BzIR-glkoJ1e5qvwNJNzXwvX5c4xTbZJagKnhgGdGjSmlmms43jwAZo/s400/DSC07751.jpg" border="0" /></div><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Taksim - Istanbul</span></em> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn_qfy_M9vLlrksnqsDAt27zuIjScGC48pPMkG5ZEbZg9q9RVmJ8UW3vwebLHKS8WWR9wOWI3kGDrSz6uqIr7-p3cMaaRyKESDxrOkzHCPv2SIp36zkNMM3nw8zxAL5i5EJVDRV-V6SME/s1600/DSC01599.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472215668155824626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn_qfy_M9vLlrksnqsDAt27zuIjScGC48pPMkG5ZEbZg9q9RVmJ8UW3vwebLHKS8WWR9wOWI3kGDrSz6uqIr7-p3cMaaRyKESDxrOkzHCPv2SIp36zkNMM3nw8zxAL5i5EJVDRV-V6SME/s400/DSC01599.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Cappadocia</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:78%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472216196259958482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRR7D9967hYABGZV9HUH96fSHNxGbZHstR0cYZIFYuXZiKecCIK-D3mLkIW23QgkJ-4-dmfzWrLOmlmAzzjsJbc9VL1Dl_ZM0GtAweLrFtGAZMK2nZobisX2yrqgvS4-Qu7MVll_EkoA/s400/DSC02251.jpg" border="0" /></span></em></p></div></div><div><div></div><div><br /></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></div><div><br /></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Alkmaar Kaasmarkt</span></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472551532786345890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixpQB4Vwa3kLLMR01oJB7OnCbgmWH3HXpeUEuHc0lQndjlHnktxOGCmXSDge6NMDCbeoXPCCdJlx7nKNupKRp30WJ4O0-pcERHbsKhAyypakyIVeCvLLHJ_1LkaNry9URnPibaotjebg/s400/Cheese+running.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em></em></span></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>Pine Creek, Pennsylvania</em></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472551554854357618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMHPkGjXGZleVx1xLznz0BI0V5EHn4eubEPKcbfppcRoJ8SWfqWr0MHSEHp02OO8QThC0X6zeDpDX73QbeNzqRMNnwoluyb1nrfWM8-bDfTJ41w3sForzUtk2pXBBF1A5b1Bpr8Uj76Y/s400/Pine+Creek.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Tavern on the Green with Maria</span></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472551545354215426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPS9e2MauikD1huSRFR41u09A9h77szXYFg59JlwUIVydXg_TW0iNxzl52ajvZBfWYrWd5paG_bwWNY_hS1fXi5CjuEuAPqR1E7TICKu3CmWDwjozEbEcwtnScNUR0Th9901LiXgNmi1s/s400/Tavern+on+the+Green.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>Coney Island</em></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472553733456962130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30EhISD9emC9Fin3D3KGCpvX_vs-vJ9Eebjb5bRp4HlqQM0zj6zFGJILY6JXxtLJkV24xRrztz8QXZQQe4TlOMKPWyGympTwC0Bkad_kLBk-xJLNjUhymqKEV48BdUsOhdnmyLPybSJY/s400/Coney+Island.JPG" border="0" /> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Ready to Run, Dam to Dam</span></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472221407821387506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvd2wUQVcZIFMrOYrDYwtCeWJhBKxLwVphkptAY-GnnxGsr3gXJdkv3Xo_qSowJOBYT-CxtXahL_5-uFZgC7KJZKppSL_uQx-dQqoByIZj02qhWFNTMGiruLOtdmE1KCDmmHtnJkki8c/s400/DSC02703.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Oktoberfest with Kim & Peabod</span></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472221414719659810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02kS_aOg3Ex7ZQ2cItHiejdPuUhvh4t58WvKq3TqMXURi4n421idCimMVEsy9vLyN5VMkEG6aiNp8rZFZqf1TxMPQ7_55qKGXoxmQRHP-qOhg9uMA2awX-6ICNuaWfJoNn39158VwHLM/s400/DSC03204.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472221422800402082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4oyrS7qiQEzIJp4atXcpLroSGkVb8pLhR2pjETR0sNqCe3R7OgYK3oNJioVF1uaeZrc2aca_Pe1IAhyphenhyphen9nDe-YdpVzqG6HTNqZCKDr2kFdOtTBM027jmurN5dk0SyeoZhLkOMitktYxTY/s400/DSC03359.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Munich Sufers</span></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472221429010270386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipOyNhfJkCx-gnk6DTCiPc_s0jXAiO5rcPA6FsFU3xp-I3yoiLE8P2WemGzENRNe6VWp9xhGijVTyg2PPSLA7Ehw0BRkYwW6ABU4xSyIQM-N0grL6qj3fKZ0KuFh76NgVNBLfXmD99-IA/s400/DSC03679.jpg" border="0" /></p></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">The Dead Sea with Tracey</span></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472223120965230194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaIPmu9JbE326Q_9Twqldk8GotkYYE0ll1U_YObel6c3chd0YhdXtiRJf2d1M3PnPPujICZlagBJljGSOP9wgXL4W3WydPw8vfRUNCGfea6ZEX8t_XZ-kEjKIXqgMGr576L2XHeTlf5oU/s400/DSC03996.jpg" border="0" /></p><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em></em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>The Siq, Petra</em></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472223131391860898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVf-IX6K1uh42Is4vha_P71WT9UgNROIoRtvN_G1MiLBN2Jwxn6aSewbXwFsdpD1ThspXxVbkeA2sUw4nrZSjm2x2pf6y5te8vHpXnIL7gwtBqCxWLUT79W4BO5YO9ab-FAmU4KdKuRM/s400/DSC04272.jpg" border="0" /></div><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">The Treasury, Petra</span></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472223131932901410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_eyP1Kmpfw1ZZrAMWEkOMpL_iIlWhPDrqzzhWktYb9OCeOUtCIx9UEdAeDreYmKElmqmag0_u9SJzhjbOb8Sfbyodjcosyz3mIagr0LgCfn9kBlzOQRoNnVU8Q3JKYh108c10uiWjZ4/s400/DSC04323.jpg" border="0" /></p><div><br /></div><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Sunset Camp, Wadi Rum, Jordan</span></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472223144302380754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzhiUBA8BaQ2u-JIPUxqKuQKzlEYRiJn_pC6GVO5pfhnXd5caDJCMVy5PGC0-fDY8vbkBlaqC7X4deCIrDi91am2FbYnVuyB_Xurry4CC6P0C5OwocLcRNj26aH5YVlPjTt48STc8wgk/s400/DSC05056.jpg" border="0" /></p><div><br /></div><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></p><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Western (Wailing) Wall, Jerusalem</span> </em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472223147762349378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-duXd9CeuXN8quwyBbx_kgrW10c1dM1Rwd-mFf714X7Olxf1J_PWGGxN4RmXutdqqNKftxHqSNHpNE8GCjPCUS1BYYPYJDLrAl2woDHOvX_raJ6kMwjeMkUq1qrZx7tYr_whKijW3j5o/s400/DSC05479.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>Muslim Quarter, Jerusalem, a crossroads of religion</em></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472223879188482802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJOoyX0kUulQ67e5BwRNWRqK1mvNzhiBxJm-8QhwpKzac_rSqf3iT_ArO0oKHj5hkKgf4GDZeJinmkBLpI8JdcZlxjWqSHg8Fgz5ozupREx6VLVGP3NLeFELZCiqODPGzmA8P6GmLAS8/s400/DSC05897.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>Security Wall entering Palestinian controlled Bethlehem</em></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472223894260204978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhoKj32ugeUNKZ_s8TcY3lk9rVHyhV_vgdG7ROJFdsaaBSfFPJ1XA5z_JIDFUzU7QSwQFDkdVPSfq-T7N_HBiTSYbuI0mpHEeab4ytGJG8PWcR26_y89W6TXUeBEk_0wbYKhVTKYohsM/s400/DSC06199.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472223888658268290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtZVHPGslrOmvFqhoXmp1eEbEmpqTjtYXE16iDeGwmz_66YUPlG2DfeBRdaz_czh8BkRVMjKaf285DY8-9MhUAAYsGuWSYrT32eU5fWRwY1vDQ2zA-GwqJphkS3fPovYhyphenhyphenqvQluJlVag/s400/DSC06198.jpg" border="0" /></p></div><div></div><div></div><div><div><br /></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Dubrovnik city walls</span></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472226265165712914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicx7CkFlvlACwp4fs6uECcsDdqzwhj1gtb5is9to-MOat4fGOwGxJGEgCfph5UXlrQOn0MJ1y6VNqWHVZJgHK12QBQgjBlRNCY-Itz0fjkve4dh2Mif0naI_s5_iWk5Kq8bwBm-N4_hjo/s400/Dubrovnik.jpg" border="0" /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Christmas market, Prague</span></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472226269084131010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0eRzU1hz2AbEBPDpO_jEsj4_MWH2ao4c7_Kv25sMXxI4m_cigq-KGahO3bjPN-j-YrIXNlWNRNQiWAXqDMdF2uzz4a7wplVeudt97eUYx_B1AnQ0M1a_t10Ov0CUy_FJJX1db7Chth-c/s400/Prague.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Sedlec Ossuary, Kutna Hora, Czech Republic</span></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472553741892755186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkO0Z1oICpW3OO0l8kUHugHRk4-8Ih7KOPiZD5jDRBW9dM2-6tlwTuhixGlag2Awwj4g1FipTkXvl4lG0fXPS3HrfLn6KyKx2pSyZflu4u60XEEqB2vwVLMEUTrvEM1CXY9vNSBw-PjE/s400/Kutna+Hora.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em></em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>Blue Mosque, Istanbul</em></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472226275008601026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01rj7BEyDffHXNHombSR3gGVpi6g3j8NJ93oOF7qgrLP7Z7sG7OTuOaspyBBjfwLlX_KrL6GNFs9ENShI936FgNWR1K_g5ZzRLtyfHjbLTuqqEXd-P4016CYkcG6xKLD6wRxULfenjpk/s400/Istanbul.jpg" border="0" /></div><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>Snowy Amsterdam</em></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472226281547131314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPKKy6wewfN22-p5lySAciiEGpY-EhCuMp_hL6BUZ7B2IyDus6aLDs2CFmDsHGN_w_fP7ezF-PX4q2PrYCw4mN7yO3wfk7uBhnIZTTfLTYPIoDYDYYnFJ0fQ4TBxNgEkXnshGyojYAeY/s400/Amsterdam.jpg" border="0" /></p><div></div><div><br /></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">New Cemetery, Belgrade<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472226289469755154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhooek4SlcZmTkyIo-JNQsrlyNnzUWKWEdL1y1sYM9GJZiHO_X-hoec7O314xxZfbL2SFOdwzkbQBOoTqQxpAk4yIGy6UsbTpXLggV3FvrSFvNhH5tRJbi5NqokbX-Cp8meflzRLXpd33g/s400/Belgrade.jpg" border="0" /></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Dolac market, Zagreb</span></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472234731605421954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-qkxIEIdLa34VhnV1aG79se_isnSB3GGHjMnWocmO86CSah_rQs-F6csOg4_fxZBn6BRSHE3EL-Gp1hQyVoax3Algb3M31bx8xefp7KpWN9JBJsojxldxnAzsIqaeY3c3C4ZV6rdcrY/s400/Zagreb.jpg" border="0" /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Agadir, Morocco</span></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472234742868287538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKB2uLlGuuPDQhVHkHWPdgogpnvW6G9yO3PwnJtOkBJjInlUhyphenhyphenUAfRKsS6XcvHH8_xq7mhsLuEvuT7IwTwvOMIGgfJX1cX9QqMq799rqZ7XdFOpwUb0UxfkjET0jgFhoEQPUgL9MfRv0/s400/Morocco+2.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472234736515890626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3t12LeAiZY5UrIhliqzWHTQRCHU7Q2k11bQCXgS1nSzn6k_vhlUa-yDfZLXrt6eOBfOT8B-7RUQi3OD29NmbkyNv8Os7OFWnK2sjNH_l8Wv-w5MXZMR54o9bp3EAEJuDVx9qPIvymWnY/s400/Morocco.jpg" border="0" /></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>Grote Markt, Antwerp</em></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472551523725454306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYx9cH7L1ac3GgxllHBmLFqPKqiRz2fyiHxF0Pi5hZPpolRFkxFogq5sr2_EmVEDzhF80ejPhfLjtEBdDI_elEYUurEBNBrs9TURcy4WaymLlGYlzWUf9oYAqb-YWflxeOo2aI6MWiOVk/s400/Antwerp.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em></em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>90 Years Young, My Beautiful Gram</em></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472234745517647202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_ejef7ZiL4-ESwpEBhjMZt0qG1sMWys0xI8agVSLvzmAvxsNZPjJ8Z61zLjCafnZW4mNnTJiUq19sKn5BfhkRUFm_709Qyqm5iILuCAvm1X8tM6DM7-c7AUHrnw22_s7CaO4v2JNWN4/s400/Gram.jpg" border="0" /></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>Singapore</em></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472234755463905346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRoT8vlB8IXOzVlyXwlN8D9EIVAbUh_BjqGTdAA3hUGoDcczkYxmLihrwj4NjayEjsiHd53TcyG5MMix_0sVlWHG7wGJtx6mDb14dtKPB8D_3EcE3Wckx8gGqmcMP0jqPKcEAh0sNnOo/s400/Singapore+2.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472238408673745122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiv2Au8rmkTdiIKl6UaCzdzAS8AzwFPF8JSmFe_NY5K0GfPBX_OlBgcWPZI893czmrHE5sQkntAHyC7CFE9UxHUtjF3HxZH_VnArPRnE1J2fKgIAmHnhP8XPl7Xnr-UKHOpedX_kLe3Bs/s400/Singapore.jpg" border="0" /></p></div></div><div></div><div></div><div><div><br /></div><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>Boating on the Norfolk Broads</em></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472238410932283186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSIbRCob3DGfz-uU6k-4lB3hEktUTRv_D__LZbFW5DDDPGgJs0h5dd44JZYA1VKkbm3135snyad-G_wioU987QgbIB4xAwrwEyy1X_IdpJfQf5a6rcF2ZwqGtg9VU_QTIZK0bWLJ0Z20/s400/Norfolk.jpg" border="0" /></p><div></div><div><br /></div><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Kotor, Montengro</span></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472238419055531522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 272px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiALGhYlPQE8019EkRZB4gXwLDyLtmQX4dao9UugxcAuWzNUag2yOB-VDDdSNvgye0UTqxmWTt08Dn_3g4ieAEvLWVVhzKjVlsDnpgEqYofB74k6xTeVtGBEadjrgvTn8dpyq80zQ2zLnY/s400/Montenegro.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Mostar, Bosnia</span></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472238424153026322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGSltsOTpIHle9hvylshy5zHDXNtusYoJ1x5dzzSceEF-6QTYPT3ljFM4VJLAvluofYwyY_hPzet8_NhBSp4Ndn4RInZqLCSgEq4jI_S2xu3xP_IdtDvAMQM7pjZUE4fNP_z43jr5ciw/s400/Mostar.jpg" border="0" /></p><div></div><div><br /></div><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Maria and Tracey, the best friends an Amsterdam girl could ask for!</span></em><em><span style="font-size:78%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472242676490529490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcs0ZbALHYXxQgsl-wBnj7cbSDg5pQ1OcSxJmo8ekwhLHUuaSGMigj63a8v6qYhBR7eDwIfkUlUQQoCqyFhkWMkNFkjGImqLgC1fe9d_M1FoK4VlwGouLK-oKXcFwAtN0j_bo0e5REIGU/s400/Tra+and+Ma.jpg" border="0" /></span></em></p><div></div><div><br /></div><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>Me and Rita, continuing encounters around the globe...</em></span><span style="font-size:78%;"><em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472242093525397602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHxqkFJHcg7_mQe4E1KGAdxzJhj1Gg3KAGaa0apkAgxn8YfGelNmBrXcw7L-ViouS9PPIKcXxHAzCwOk2sezdnhJFV7UAIno6ZE67yL6QLlmyYi7l5VrqEwOku2sRuN4GKjwhAupO9H4/s400/Rita.jpg" border="0" /></em></span></p><div></div><div><br /></div><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>Kim and Peabod, old friends but the same crazy fun</em></span><span style="font-size:78%;"><em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472242081580702194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8YpQktrZUCbYytuAJsQgs0iBzjKgGJ1cwdLrSm38dvdqAcd4Qs5mmY8Ts3vxrNXDsTeMN_J_ylMDfZt7HMGisH0QHCWf5ur0LYD0gqgIaq457mAoSP9ezK679WoO-00K7TE7YOmgxqc/s400/DSC02875.jpg" border="0" /></em></span></p><div></div><div><br /></div><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>Me and Kate, Queen's Day 2010</em></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472238427922245826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4PkhqoFvdIOfAXtzMixgb_KPwjKxwIFnpaoyCVV-mZIH-hVaxv1WHKEcbgvQLg-hF4k8es-hzYYHbAv3ybQehEXC3dplCgEUNIxokExnuwCKoeCgVnZGMHTEmD8PYDY3MvACZoMnCiU/s400/Kate+Q%27s+Day.jpg" border="0" /></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043689556865574879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7990406558339679913.post-31614866952475929452009-06-01T09:47:00.000-07:002009-11-06T09:58:37.464-08:00After Auschwitz, I continued on to Krakow. The drive through the Polish villages took a while, but was quite worth it to get a glimpse of suburban side. After finally finding my old town hotel <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKC7ci8JuONhyxbXwhfq8K2EIOulnrvuHoTyFM9j1YmPQEnZVKy5JlPLRBnXW2raUfOn3VvBXnmP5KFsJEIWyrkJoTK1i6xpbanGIkaXGjn5t63pCOQ69vyHJbtTSWZZhtksGQ0XZyM1s/s1600-h/Wawel+castle+and+cathedral.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401049356032036546" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKC7ci8JuONhyxbXwhfq8K2EIOulnrvuHoTyFM9j1YmPQEnZVKy5JlPLRBnXW2raUfOn3VvBXnmP5KFsJEIWyrkJoTK1i6xpbanGIkaXGjn5t63pCOQ69vyHJbtTSWZZhtksGQ0XZyM1s/s320/Wawel+castle+and+cathedral.jpg" border="0" /></a>and ditching the car, I was able to do a little walking to get a sense of the city, which was one of few Polish cities to remain relatively undamaged during WWII. It was nice to stroll and admire the original architecture, not rebuilt versions like you’ll find in Warsaw and other cities. On the drive in I got a beautiful glimpse of the castle so I walked back to the same spot to take a photo and enjoy some much-needed coffee on a dreary spring day, from a floating café on the Vistula river. The next morning I got an early start so ventured off to the Wawel Castle, and explored some of the exhibits in the complex. I particularly enjoyed seeing the 16th & 17th century suits of armor, shields, swords, and other medieval weapons (sadly, no photos allowed!) and of course the statue of Krakow’s infamous citizen, Karol Józef Wojtyła more commonly known as Pope John Paul II. Note to readers without children, do not fall for the “dragon’s den” it’s only steep climb down the inside of the castle <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYrKdVzYFlmBvXF8_T2y25WiqdrCiRSWfvcjDYUqZfkIZlenG8gA9LHr1n9gw-gcFQCfI8i5uyHFCn-wjXrTYIhYkNmTDKP_3IJPBAqYBIsypDHe25g3iWmAL6kb0UkKvrtH0ehYu2XU/s1600-h/Plac+Bohater%C3%B3w+Getta,+memorial+to+those+relcoated+to+the+ghetto.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401049654083871698" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYrKdVzYFlmBvXF8_T2y25WiqdrCiRSWfvcjDYUqZfkIZlenG8gA9LHr1n9gw-gcFQCfI8i5uyHFCn-wjXrTYIhYkNmTDKP_3IJPBAqYBIsypDHe25g3iWmAL6kb0UkKvrtH0ehYu2XU/s320/Plac+Bohater%C3%B3w+Getta,+memorial+to+those+relcoated+to+the+ghetto.jpg" border="0" /></a>walls that ends in a cave and exit to the castle near the fire breathing steel dragon statue.<br />After the castle I walked on to Kazimierz and then on to Podgorze, the old Jewish districts. When Nazi Germany invaded, the Jewish population was forced into a walled zone known as the ghetto before being later sent to the concentration camps. The only pharmacy that stayed in the ghetto belonged to a Catholic who administered medicines to the ghetto residents, often free of charge. Tadeusz Pankiewicz and his staff also <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-5BI4wB8grM5mQmes4Z2EK4lkcgUHVKw4AFJB7PxMWIURmfy5Du2qRsfjvFYs7fDD9EKhb2zDLrzi0kmNVMxR1Bojm7BDh_esb4f8Yh5o5mR1z3i6yhIRpJ5RTdHkbi0U1m4w27XXi0/s1600-h/DSC00120.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401049342143867362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-5BI4wB8grM5mQmes4Z2EK4lkcgUHVKw4AFJB7PxMWIURmfy5Du2qRsfjvFYs7fDD9EKhb2zDLrzi0kmNVMxR1Bojm7BDh_esb4f8Yh5o5mR1z3i6yhIRpJ5RTdHkbi0U1m4w27XXi0/s320/DSC00120.jpg" border="0" /></a>smuggled in food, information, and hid Jews facing deportation and so he saved countless Jews from the Holocaust. Just in front of the pharmacy is a memorial of 70 chairs that represent the furniture and remnants of other <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ61srM8crQi9ePX3IYrgECDVhb7hODyArnXK4BNfmOTLsY8eeaSd5FV7AcTplQHynlQs4yeoonhHtkFbRktM-EA-ju3PM3zDn20fTRk3PsycFD5yK7cz4TW10DDkGGGJVpUP1ve7OpQE/s1600-h/Schindler+factory.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401050714257893794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ61srM8crQi9ePX3IYrgECDVhb7hODyArnXK4BNfmOTLsY8eeaSd5FV7AcTplQHynlQs4yeoonhHtkFbRktM-EA-ju3PM3zDn20fTRk3PsycFD5yK7cz4TW10DDkGGGJVpUP1ve7OpQE/s320/Schindler+factory.jpg" border="0" /></a>belongings that were discarded by the ghetto’s Jews as they were deported to death camps.<br />Another infamous name, Oskar Schindler, a German businessman, came to Krakow specifically to get labor for his enamelware plant from the Ghetto. Although it was initially only a business decision, eventually he sympathized with the Jews and took measures to protect as many as he could, personally intervening when 300 of his workers <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_manh1l0YyPI1MR08mKD-CvwShgFRyMAFGPu07fBJUXlZSWGVNF6-u1mewmI1mway697Y20rASSoxcmhG6v9VFW-lkEVADAF0_5qHINoGyzJbeF9OEH1B2KsXfGx6mxDyUF3ZWMshac/s1600-h/Tasty+pierogies,+Russian+style.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401049662544066002" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_manh1l0YyPI1MR08mKD-CvwShgFRyMAFGPu07fBJUXlZSWGVNF6-u1mewmI1mway697Y20rASSoxcmhG6v9VFW-lkEVADAF0_5qHINoGyzJbeF9OEH1B2KsXfGx6mxDyUF3ZWMshac/s320/Tasty+pierogies,+Russian+style.jpg" border="0" /></a>were deported to Auschwitz.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPmFtxA0TX5iMtecIiNChI1soKsTHYhLykewwZYYWP9w0DJ83N8HHnaIx1steXArQBe-5U778XNBbzDKXYP51AyyupOq-mr93-ZaGdJvuP97TSPT9kAWENLDDNHkXx-gFxibmebCrqmo/s1600-h/Oskar+Schindler%27s+enamelware+factory.jpg"></a>My last stop in Krakow was back to Rynek Glowny, the largest medieval town square in Europe, for a shop around the craft stalls in the Sukiennice or Cloth Market and a tasty, delicious, beautiful meal of pierogies and apple strudel at Wesele.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043689556865574879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7990406558339679913.post-57366333286255983812009-05-31T06:02:00.000-07:002009-11-06T06:27:54.706-08:00Auschwitz (Oświęcim)<div><div>I’ve always wanted to visit Auschwitz, the largest WWII Nazi concentration and extermination camp, to better understand the sufferings and losses endured during the holocaust but since it is in the rural south of Poland, I never felt quite <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkOQYhuflpL-TWMWwz99mXFtBzb-VwIeUtWtXymNTMokPDvv7ApLqU2PASymAw96rJRnFsUeTLB779udL-3yxhpRSl_6IuvcEpFSBFolNxBTbYK5o7GKeCntgHZYFNsVvTyPFFlORYXk/s1600-h/DSC09890.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400994712564695346" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkOQYhuflpL-TWMWwz99mXFtBzb-VwIeUtWtXymNTMokPDvv7ApLqU2PASymAw96rJRnFsUeTLB779udL-3yxhpRSl_6IuvcEpFSBFolNxBTbYK5o7GKeCntgHZYFNsVvTyPFFlORYXk/s320/DSC09890.JPG" border="0" /></a>right about making a trip solely for this purpose. So it was a happy coincidence when I had to make a work trip to Chorzow, Poland only 45 minutes away from Oświęcim, the Polish town later renamed by the Germans. I tried to emotionally prepare myself by reading as much as I could about the horrors that took place there, but there was no way to every fully ready to experience pure evil & hatred in such startling reality. My tour started at the lower camp, which was surprisingly small and pretty even, with neatly arranged red brick buildings that seemed much more reminisce of a college campus than a place of torture. Just after we walked through the barbed wire fences and gate with the motto, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKxIDjQVSktn_16jugnb66sqMjZjUaHUpd3lLO5ETBCHs9T89ASUrLgTfeb32Ep5qGCDHMh-P14tcdxDLC57MnHriqGXiWHb-WMzaQsNe7eCpZaYAukqnRt7evCvAy5Ucg2SDdzgS_cs/s1600-h/Barracks+in+Auschwitz+I.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400993292928593458" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKxIDjQVSktn_16jugnb66sqMjZjUaHUpd3lLO5ETBCHs9T89ASUrLgTfeb32Ep5qGCDHMh-P14tcdxDLC57MnHriqGXiWHb-WMzaQsNe7eCpZaYAukqnRt7evCvAy5Ucg2SDdzgS_cs/s320/Barracks+in+Auschwitz+I.JPG" border="0" /></a>Arbeit macht frie, a cruel irony, roughly translating to “Work shall set you free,” we saw the spot where an orchestra played. Our guide explained this served two purposes, to keep the inmates in step so they could be easily counted and also to give outsiders the impression that this was truly a happy work camp. It is shocking that villagers, let alone world leaders, had absolutely no clue of the crimes being committed in their backyard. We visited several barracks in Auschwitz I, the walls adorned with photographs of victims and learned that many people – strong, young people – who came here did not survive 1 year. Inmate supervisors were <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8b5Z4ltmbeLH_Vhyo98J4hmatSMREamB1RmHQVZzA_u9m_tyTe7RnY9PqYCLbcFIkaOJHQmTM9Haxm0tter8j31s4zn7TJkwfOLC2M6OZD0yRb0fpchK_V6VAnJ0L3dYx6dxcAgs2fs/s1600-h/Offerings+left+in+memory+opf+the+70,000+who+died+in+Auschwitz+I.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400993310841759842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8b5Z4ltmbeLH_Vhyo98J4hmatSMREamB1RmHQVZzA_u9m_tyTe7RnY9PqYCLbcFIkaOJHQmTM9Haxm0tter8j31s4zn7TJkwfOLC2M6OZD0yRb0fpchK_V6VAnJ0L3dYx6dxcAgs2fs/s320/Offerings+left+in+memory+opf+the+70,000+who+died+in+Auschwitz+I.JPG" border="0" /></a>threatened with their lives if their prisoners violated any rules, so often their actions against other prisoners was just as atrocious as the Nazis’. I fought tears near the execution wall and broke down completely when we visited the starvation and standing cells, a 1.5m space where four inmates would be forced together, standing for days. If anyone escaped from Auschwitz, 10 prisoners would be tortured or killed as retribution. Display cases in the barracks contained endless piles of items taken from prisoners, suitcases with names & addresses written on the outside, eyeglasses, shoes - one case just of children’s, and human hair. The Nazi’s recycled everything they took from their victims, for example Jewish hair was used as insulation in Nazi soldiers’ blankets. After the war, the camp commandant Rudolf Höss – who disguised himself as a farmer to escape punishment – was sentenced to death by hanging on the Auschwitz I grounds, across from the house where he lived with his family. Next to the gallows we saw the gas chamber, where pellets the size of an aspirin would be dropped through tiny holes in the ceiling to kill up to 1,000 people at a time. Immediately next door was a crematorium for easy disposal of the bodies. Feeling very somber <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurehzox26xFidcunTjTRQrNG_jC539w7DJbinJeM4gp8lf2Nbx87h3hXQ8n8hAIhWMeYT2YW_j7E8xu2cAAoUpx5j8-7W1JUDdAafOahWm9xQ6utqphyphenhyphenz_2zZp_QGD7OFb_zo6lfgxUw/s1600-h/DSC09954.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400997150763529042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurehzox26xFidcunTjTRQrNG_jC539w7DJbinJeM4gp8lf2Nbx87h3hXQ8n8hAIhWMeYT2YW_j7E8xu2cAAoUpx5j8-7W1JUDdAafOahWm9xQ6utqphyphenhyphenz_2zZp_QGD7OFb_zo6lfgxUw/s320/DSC09954.JPG" border="0" /></a>and saddened, we boarded a bus for Birkenau, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbhC4XgB7IrdtHfsXyNKBDMA-Y3XK4Ge4fVfzakbB_6x8DtXETUcH2Cfqxqy3Y9fZWD7CJFsZxZ3hygHd5b1IpvNrfvX-ZzS_nt5SCmRr1nqvJWdKE5QupHfY2GMh_gFI3iKysyLEtaU/s1600-h/DSC09957.JPG"></a>Auschwitz II, 3km away. This was the image of a concentration camp I was expecting, a massive barbed wire perimeter, huge wooden barracks, elevated guard stands, and of course the railway tracks that transported so many Jews to their death. It was here that over 1 million souls were taken, a drastic comparison to the 70,000 lost in Auschwitz I. I was immediately struck at how cold & windy it was, even on a June day, I could not fathom how anyone survived a winter in this place. The huge wooden barracks, which were originally <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RiWswS2Ob-eqIfeFWUjw8JCTT-aio16E7PELlAusLx6BYdqcwBCdmKDvrHpXNELkrvLeHqMtmMwnDZySDzfQjQI43nCMS5G-K5cjwVYaarwoDrUQgMvMbNXuD26O1TpF-0TNtM_Dnpw/s1600-h/DSC09930.JPG"></a>designed as horse stables for 75 animals, slept over 1,000 inmates on wooden slab <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0g8W5RjE_0HIGKQv3rsq2BHNzGSz1rUFIbaXHGbpo1n62_pzzP29KC-To6LMF3JYJdXyon67VFfYRYcLHft4e7GNstWCY_k92qMrUZ41C3KgI8R1tEg-rEWwWGnb8y8Kbieai6AEI9o/s1600-h/DSC09930.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400996978869177746" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0g8W5RjE_0HIGKQv3rsq2BHNzGSz1rUFIbaXHGbpo1n62_pzzP29KC-To6LMF3JYJdXyon67VFfYRYcLHft4e7GNstWCY_k92qMrUZ41C3KgI8R1tEg-rEWwWGnb8y8Kbieai6AEI9o/s320/DSC09930.JPG" border="0" /></a>bunk beds. The toilets were a communal bench that did not have adequate drainage as such many suffered from disease. Our guide showed us the train platform where the selection process took place. Many believed they were coming to a work camp, which is why <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAz9hCgDvijuD0Uwn3lgk1DLofrUi0PVLlWeAtePE7ifG2JNlgaXw-D-yEMzWR9tFZDl88yYyRJLXVJctmBFF6B1ugkYc7L-GUbGzl4RINj_7TYmEzP-JXDM_9X7-fYy_hGxzdcJOLwA/s1600-h/Birkenau's+main+purpose+was+extermination.JPG"></a>their arrivals were often so orderly and obedient. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3I4QZGLzH5HRRl_rInU7d7Dks1U7oqLgvJye-7FvilyowWf-G7AImYmjEZgccidYdQwvcn-2kkc0We1zk9zFQ_pYtfrVN-FkneaKQahbqTOvw-POyQ-eXha-TypOZQ_Ah6G073e3wxE/s1600-h/Brikenau+barracks,+originally+they+were+horse+stables.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400993298525149794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3I4QZGLzH5HRRl_rInU7d7Dks1U7oqLgvJye-7FvilyowWf-G7AImYmjEZgccidYdQwvcn-2kkc0We1zk9zFQ_pYtfrVN-FkneaKQahbqTOvw-POyQ-eXha-TypOZQ_Ah6G073e3wxE/s320/Brikenau+barracks,+originally+they+were+horse+stables.JPG" border="0" /></a>They were told that to avoid lice & disease in the camp they would first need to be showered so to leave their suitcases, with their names written, on the platform so that their possessions could be transferred to their barracks. One older Jewish woman even tried to tip a Nazi soldier who helped her with her bags they so believed their instructions. After the doctors separated the sick, elderly, children, & women with children from those who were able to work, each group would then be divided by sex. Believing they were only going off to the showers many did not protest. Inmates were assigned to take all the gold teeth off the bodies after the gassings, for them this was also a death sentence as eventually they would be killed to prevent them from telling the others what was happening.<br />When finally the Soviets came to liberate the camp, the Nazis bombed the gas chambers <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWNIJlig932yA4xaSxO3T25TPOZ5u8oj859F0xG_uKk49qT55JOTZb6cO46O6D8oir-UhPQQNAzgzGcEZewfcjjEFXhW8adLX5ok5o9n7ui-RtMuGrmwXJkMolO5VnAoZMUv7_DUaOSg/s1600-h/Remnants+of+gas+chamber,+bombed+by+the+Nazis+to+cover+up+what+they+had+done.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400994725677142018" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWNIJlig932yA4xaSxO3T25TPOZ5u8oj859F0xG_uKk49qT55JOTZb6cO46O6D8oir-UhPQQNAzgzGcEZewfcjjEFXhW8adLX5ok5o9n7ui-RtMuGrmwXJkMolO5VnAoZMUv7_DUaOSg/s320/Remnants+of+gas+chamber,+bombed+by+the+Nazis+to+cover+up+what+they+had+done.JPG" border="0" /></a>to cover up their crimes and evacuated the prisoners who could leave on a death march to Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in Germany. Only 1/3 of the 60k prisoners made it.<br />On the bus back, some people in our group who had remained very somber and quiet throughout the tour started to chat and we learned that an elderly Frenchwoman in our group had actually lost her mother in Auschwitz. Of course the entire experience there was extremely impactful but realizing that there are still victims of this incredible tragedy still living today made it all the more relevant to me. I can only hope that the past will set us free...free of prejudice, free of hate.<br /><em>But where there is hope, there is life. – Anne Frank</em></div></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043689556865574879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7990406558339679913.post-1576273624710448702009-05-24T12:40:00.000-07:002009-09-21T13:13:12.482-07:00Champagne<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4LritftYonzfnuL4qaHkIOdJgkexL5NTUUvhllr_dqCPPjcliDApoxXMn3NPnzwItaPnXC62KK7tsAJOqSMOjV3wjeUgfdQ4JzBWrtKl0E6up2X_VlzFa4a0wtBSnin6tTeFNjqwPmI/s1600-h/Mercier+Champagne+House.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384010872781530530" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4LritftYonzfnuL4qaHkIOdJgkexL5NTUUvhllr_dqCPPjcliDApoxXMn3NPnzwItaPnXC62KK7tsAJOqSMOjV3wjeUgfdQ4JzBWrtKl0E6up2X_VlzFa4a0wtBSnin6tTeFNjqwPmI/s320/Mercier+Champagne+House.jpg" border="0" /></a>Who’s life is so fabulous she can holiday in Champagne? That’s right ladies & gents, I have reached a new level of sophistication in my 30-something, Euroized life!<br />Maria, Tracey, and I decided to take advantage of a long Dutch holiday weekend by heading off to the French countryside. Getting there was nowhere near as fun as our spontaneous Paris weekend due to the atrocious traffic and shoddy Google directions…not surprising that even a computer program can’t figure out the interwoven little villages that make up this region, especially as every single one contains a Rue de’ Ingles and <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6FYhNyvonEFqShG5f-4sgFA-3zP77GydF_j7yWJmuzO5zcVUbqq2NsPUcB75u86H0XV5detdWCzIzVdF5x_YzjkLaqVWOoxeRqWitK-Yg-nCNmR3cFBHCyvDo3U7FqTJzrsCAZVp49mg/s1600-h/Tasting+our+waiter%27s+brew.jpg"></a>t<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjIlIt-UgHO6q43fkv2xZO89Gat1nJ2aZnpZsZjyd4dbweT-o3oVxgVNuSfhia3LTvq4Ce9I-G3k7hsKSEmHRqhRDZbPwzR3fax2dyFSzVbOTYsaep8y2maFmqneh6DbsJj1yMZvC4_b0/s1600-h/DSC09630.jpg"></a>oken stone church….but what fun we lacked on the drive was certainly made up for once there! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRHdkHDuKJCcfJoixkfG7dc8AtccGuqeT9uDHJ4ZcBuuAtLPf7nOE61FPQnOPhRKd7U3IIlW9NknT-uG7yCM6AyzIfnAAy6UxLRGhRi0gWehwfZ7g8iKcOSwpo0EUYBnGDiZvWZu8aDo/s1600-h/Gite+Cerise.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384015206067993714" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRHdkHDuKJCcfJoixkfG7dc8AtccGuqeT9uDHJ4ZcBuuAtLPf7nOE61FPQnOPhRKd7U3IIlW9NknT-uG7yCM6AyzIfnAAy6UxLRGhRi0gWehwfZ7g8iKcOSwpo0EUYBnGDiZvWZu8aDo/s320/Gite+Cerise.jpg" border="0" /></a>Our lodging for this rather authentic weekend was a rustic apartment in a proper country “manor.” Our hosts at Manoir Maffrecourt, Brits Sandra & Grant, patiently awaited our arrival even though it was after midnight and easily 2 hours later than planned – not the last time we would get horribly lost this weekend! Our tour of the offered amenities was rather brief, a house dog named Hector, and the 24 hour self-service bar where a fantastic array of Dampierre (local) champagne, homemade apple cider, local wines & beers were available to us. It was like Big Ed’s garage but with a mini-fridge of bubbly for the taking! Once we coordinated our sleeping arrangements -- me being the weekend organizer and driver in the private bedroom, and Tracey, Maria, and a very handy pillow ‘sausage’ to keep everyone in their own space took the pull out daybed in the living room – we sampled a few bottles of the much earned Dampierre. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTkYCRDfpcleFoKczBB6EG45KvNjxahbHntf2GAZ_GbRQwnY5XkLpEaoIRmRCX4k8kb-NCcO3F05AUmsRUdRzgwPKGLAWSaEN2CjFXgSFDgGWw138SzjCDvblkxhtfO-OHW6d1hGl8rqk/s1600-h/Mercier+caves.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384012239777129090" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTkYCRDfpcleFoKczBB6EG45KvNjxahbHntf2GAZ_GbRQwnY5XkLpEaoIRmRCX4k8kb-NCcO3F05AUmsRUdRzgwPKGLAWSaEN2CjFXgSFDgGWw138SzjCDvblkxhtfO-OHW6d1hGl8rqk/s320/Mercier+caves.jpg" border="0" /></a>One glass in we knew that not only had we made the right choice in going to Champagne for the weekend, but that we were also quite possibly the luckiest people ever to have found such a gem of genuine accommodation.<br />The next morning we awoke to splendid sunshine and the honking of the local bread truck, where our thoughtful hosts bought us some fresh baguette and croissants, which they delivered with tasty homemade rhubarb jam. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwa-eV4Ekg0voNIHP9OgBr9mXJnJq9HRRlRaTBs4WrPYq5seFaQaizI3zKmEMw681KhVJOmKxu7Cw5F4qP3VHwNA6I0UAp74qmRBy9-DoBloJq8Ga58zNWLQrV9aJ5U1wrIUo6zbBBlMw/s1600-h/The+man.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384012254969855890" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwa-eV4Ekg0voNIHP9OgBr9mXJnJq9HRRlRaTBs4WrPYq5seFaQaizI3zKmEMw681KhVJOmKxu7Cw5F4qP3VHwNA6I0UAp74qmRBy9-DoBloJq8Ga58zNWLQrV9aJ5U1wrIUo6zbBBlMw/s320/The+man.jpg" border="0" /></a>As we got ready for the day, a swallow made it’s way into our apartment (Gite Cerise) and much to the girl’s discomfort could not see itself back out, all while leaving a trail of droppings in it’s wake. Thanks to our very kind, and<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh89fNUr4AMOkKrQtuYxB8pwV7qrXh_PD_uhS5Eggs8pjxeRM3vWhwpWbU6YozsCQMI6F1CFG2yj0wB1OkwqD4aXGnoql7Ib93_WIW_e8fvyvtxdU3_D0_0iQUyXHM-QswdKWXxY64NJA/s1600-h/Mercier+caves.jpg"></a> very patient, hosts the crisis was quickly resolved and we were able to eagerly set off and see the Champagne region. In our first stop, Epernay, we did a nice tour of the Mercier cellars and strolled down the Avenue de Champagne to gawk at the infamous Moet (makers of the super-expensive Dom Pierre, in honor of the monk who inventing the blessed bubbly) house. Maria & Tracey took the plunge and bought some very blinged out bottles but I decided to conserve my cash for the local, not to <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1Gj0gan8oGEdHULZM2Nf3FOdZyVGlD9tbBWzDtlpckLnaztT2Ck9qUVXFKFT20zLGb_bQfdiY17fWtgNo1bh8nE9zxFPBM0QNe1O4fqD2buZJsIxdn3i4dlWVTLbP8mTOKFxcTCVraw/s1600-h/Me+and+Maria+overlooking+Avize.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384012233241730210" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1Gj0gan8oGEdHULZM2Nf3FOdZyVGlD9tbBWzDtlpckLnaztT2Ck9qUVXFKFT20zLGb_bQfdiY17fWtgNo1bh8nE9zxFPBM0QNe1O4fqD2buZJsIxdn3i4dlWVTLbP8mTOKFxcTCVraw/s320/Me+and+Maria+overlooking+Avize.jpg" border="0" /></a>mention cheaper, finds.<br />As we drove on the Route de Champagne, we realized – much to our dismay - that the champagne houses were only open for tastings during a very small window of the day, and of course, we had arrived too late. But the venture wasn’t all in vein; we saw some incredibly quaint villages, including Avize, which had a beautiful hillside view over the vineyards. When the black clouds rolled in and rain drops the size of golf balls started to fall, we retreated to the dry warmth of the Michelin starred Aux Armes de <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhPlPH8Me2z3PXKEEzhY8bHE73WWc4Vv1IY2orz4YlseY9ldBKH6hVe3yQ3Ig-s7pbfNvm5KrQ34s6cZL8WOFHVG2fO3Ttshyphenhyphen8NiJj6ege5MpgXJ1bMr2AtHiBuLh1m2yS4NAZV2joE8/s1600-h/Menard+Fils+himself.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384010861846765778" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhPlPH8Me2z3PXKEEzhY8bHE73WWc4Vv1IY2orz4YlseY9ldBKH6hVe3yQ3Ig-s7pbfNvm5KrQ34s6cZL8WOFHVG2fO3Ttshyphenhyphen8NiJj6ege5MpgXJ1bMr2AtHiBuLh1m2yS4NAZV2joE8/s320/Menard+Fils+himself.jpg" border="0" /></a>Champagne in L’Epine. Three glorious gastronomical hours, 6 different types of cheeses, and 8 bottles of champagne brewed by our waiter himself (just like Hollywood, everyone’s a champagne maker!) later we started the trek back to Manoir Maffrecourt. Predictably we got tragically lost– those country lanes were very confusing!! – and nearly peed ourselves when upon arrival in the wee hours of the morning, Maria, a true NYC girl, protected us from bats and other creatures of the night with the “electro-magnetic waves” from her iPhone and an umbrella!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDpCsgQcPVF-itZ2V9Z512xmjEGBuGzYRjduAktJJ39vTo5zo3dagv72WRhZBsmivFsvWiyHUnmU-roQkaA_NMCpONeN28OKYyDOBHG0NG0pnxzEe2p-pMHXKs8bMyTaGcv-jGFpoIB-Q/s1600-h/HOLY+COW.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384010855022994674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDpCsgQcPVF-itZ2V9Z512xmjEGBuGzYRjduAktJJ39vTo5zo3dagv72WRhZBsmivFsvWiyHUnmU-roQkaA_NMCpONeN28OKYyDOBHG0NG0pnxzEe2p-pMHXKs8bMyTaGcv-jGFpoIB-Q/s320/HOLY+COW.jpg" border="0" /></a>We again awoke to some lovely sun, and more fresh bread this time delivered by our very own pajama clad Maria with curls sticking every which way. On the agenda this day? A bike ride to St. Menehould and lots, and lots of champagne drinking. The 10k ride might have been slightly easier if not for the massive hills and country highway! traffic, but at least there was a good bit of country scenery and friendly cows…even some of the Christian faith…along the way. We rewarded our aerobic feat with a lovely lunch at the Cheval Rouge, Maria sampled the local delicacy pig’s feet while <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQNXS2do2sJ4-SgRSGM3SoTQcwg0zlJvnsZc7IV9wIdOg8ZsVa9-NZJczNcAqyfLz7s6ZJLlRIxBZLIKejje4HMCCIp_aZpMTtHuNKURhE_VFxARgA7bokQY1v7c0elnlhZgzBCv7MHc/s1600-h/The+calendar+girls...and+me.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384010881642584066" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQNXS2do2sJ4-SgRSGM3SoTQcwg0zlJvnsZc7IV9wIdOg8ZsVa9-NZJczNcAqyfLz7s6ZJLlRIxBZLIKejje4HMCCIp_aZpMTtHuNKURhE_VFxARgA7bokQY1v7c0elnlhZgzBCv7MHc/s320/The+calendar+girls...and+me.jpg" border="0" /></a>Tracey & I went a much more conservative direction with a goat cheese salad. Back at the Manoir we were true ladies of leisure, soaking up the sunshine, sipping the bubbles, reading gossip magazines, and talking general nonsense. Sandra prepared a delicious traditional, home cooked dinner while Grant supplied <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oPFVg66NloY1a_2KQFzTSkV2-6eRQWwW5VAMlwsk3Ui6ZnbVt4tuhNlARurZt2FrYV9rnJRHAJ-penxZL45SY_UU20GCEBovK9fzBVbzj9TNaR31sqgjUTyCpocK3y7Z9vfhCI4p1lM/s1600-h/Over+14,000+graves+for+those+who+died+in+1918-1919.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384012250337700306" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oPFVg66NloY1a_2KQFzTSkV2-6eRQWwW5VAMlwsk3Ui6ZnbVt4tuhNlARurZt2FrYV9rnJRHAJ-penxZL45SY_UU20GCEBovK9fzBVbzj9TNaR31sqgjUTyCpocK3y7Z9vfhCI4p1lM/s320/Over+14,000+graves+for+those+who+died+in+1918-1919.jpg" border="0" /></a>the ‘dessert’ of home-brewed liquor.<br />The sun was again shining the next morning but as our heads were a slight bit sore, we didn’t seem to appreciate it quite as much as the other days. It wasn’t long until we were back in fighting form and off to visit the American Cemetery in Muese-Argonne. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7JawbQWakNxkQUYHcofl8vJ8gZ3KOfRoaqSmPh-ARM4dqVlD3wEs8-hER8vvKLqt3EYpJt52XliojyaQd82_onlFJB3TzBP4TFmOeSnuQpmeu8kGcAlLDwYom9e3WgSsQr9yfFeaMcmU/s1600-h/Over+14,000+graves+for+those+who+died+in+1918-1919.jpg"></a>On the way we came across a very impressive WWI memorial in Varennes, which we found was donated to the citizens of that <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfXbyOYDWfRvH2Bz_8HhJoTQ1shrbc2vfpLn38WqZO3Q0Bo0JezfV2GcOKxtRumE8oLmwafLq6_2VA5cbWwcvqXDr5dvuLoCVN1RV6diSIRm0qZeL6OYt_YWm0kfLu7082LO8xsrllgA/s1600-h/A+proper+champagne+tasting.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384010851135120850" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfXbyOYDWfRvH2Bz_8HhJoTQ1shrbc2vfpLn38WqZO3Q0Bo0JezfV2GcOKxtRumE8oLmwafLq6_2VA5cbWwcvqXDr5dvuLoCVN1RV6diSIRm0qZeL6OYt_YWm0kfLu7082LO8xsrllgA/s320/A+proper+champagne+tasting.jpg" border="0" /></a>village from the State of Pennsylvania…very interesting! Of course it took a few hours, but eventually we found the cemetery where over 14,000 Americans were killed in WWI, 1918-1919.<br />On the way home we again found ourselves on the Route de Champagne and this time, a house that was open for tastings in the village of Bouzy (how appropriate!) no less.<br />It was a classic ending to another superb trip with some very fabulous friends.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043689556865574879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7990406558339679913.post-12616937557522569402009-05-03T13:23:00.000-07:002009-09-09T14:00:30.851-07:00Bratislava / Brno / PragueAfter Sofia, our shows traveled on to other parts of E. Europe and so did I. In my first stop, Bratislava (Slovakia), I took advantage of the amazing weather by walking up to the castle, some nice views of the New/”UFO” bridge & St. Martin’s cathedral but not much to see in the buildings, and around the winding streets around Michael’s Gate. In the old city area I <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmFhokSSra9UfHnf7ib-u3zNx7lJQfKMe28CCiQraRD8iuF6urzc-VnpemeR71OLVyT3TSnEp3sHSFSW5yUwsbmAIGyIWb67YTDd_EjqV3eWjDJ8w9fiog7RHylrsBXTJguiwF3YVITU/s1600-h/DSC08326.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379569507246930066" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmFhokSSra9UfHnf7ib-u3zNx7lJQfKMe28CCiQraRD8iuF6urzc-VnpemeR71OLVyT3TSnEp3sHSFSW5yUwsbmAIGyIWb67YTDd_EjqV3eWjDJ8w9fiog7RHylrsBXTJguiwF3YVITU/s320/DSC08326.jpg" border="0" /></a>discovered streets full of shops, restaurants, all with outdoor terraces alive & buzzing with the unmistakable spring feel in the air, and more quirky E. European statues, like the Paparazzi, Cumil “The Watcher” man in a manhole, and Schoener Naci, a Bratislava citizen who used to walk the streets in his finest, greeting people as they passed by.<br />My hotel was also a highlight of this short stay in Slovakia, there were touch panels in the people elevator - very futuristic - and a vehicle elevator to get to the parking garage. Once again, I was easily amused.<br />From Bratislava I drove into the Czech Republic. It was European Labor Day and the weather was perfect for the holiday, although I was working it was nice to have a day driving through the countryside surrounded by the bright yellow “mustard” flower fields. My destination was Prague but as I was passing by Brno, I thought I would stop off to <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9Dk3ni1-mLhzliXopLS0XMb25nvgOBacYXX4uHD7LJ0_Z6YhMDGFdMPSPw_UYkUJ8YAzYG6LJogBYtWJosFj8CyUbLJETATfZqFLpE0azw7Yw7t1ELZ2HgCdJs8Fo8f2zWzlBhMsIUI/s1600-h/DSC08442.jpg"></a>explore the country’s second largest city. The police check point coming into the city and then lack of activity, people, open shops, etc. in the centre struck me as odd initially but I dismissed it as being a holiday and morning time, but when I realized the town was virtually deserted after the few hours spent visiting the Cathedral of SS <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Z3NhJSlj4qrKq8ZctTPPYuk9NBqG4PYTwxwMi8VmEPA-wKtx4ZwopI76Uu_dx59R6cgIgRVkS7Ysm3qo7inRopyA771_nqTi5w0m2ld5gA7q6KfVzrOe64SEez2se5AQTIGLDnmrhQw/s1600-h/Ok,+time+to+go....jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379569516842415058" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Z3NhJSlj4qrKq8ZctTPPYuk9NBqG4PYTwxwMi8VmEPA-wKtx4ZwopI76Uu_dx59R6cgIgRVkS7Ysm3qo7inRopyA771_nqTi5w0m2ld5gA7q6KfVzrOe64SEez2se5AQTIGLDnmrhQw/s320/Ok,+time+to+go....jpg" border="0" /></a>Peter and Paul, the Town Hall Tower, and the Parnas Fountain, it started to feel very eerie. As I walked down the Masarykova towards the Namesti Svobody<strong><em> </em></strong>(main square), out of the corner of my eye I saw a massive police <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQDMJSLJpna_ZYJvnPax1cigZrrvDMB42hjg2vjdSJlOm23gOiU4YVs2izw9iKEulTIF3AN2ktPBjKVmJ0yfwh3kjPdS_WmwzE9_ITo6KenxfENVhFpWcdN0fsOq_JEjRoipCDItrtRM/s1600-h/Police+tank+on+Masarykova.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379569527690447954" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQDMJSLJpna_ZYJvnPax1cigZrrvDMB42hjg2vjdSJlOm23gOiU4YVs2izw9iKEulTIF3AN2ktPBjKVmJ0yfwh3kjPdS_WmwzE9_ITo6KenxfENVhFpWcdN0fsOq_JEjRoipCDItrtRM/s320/Police+tank+on+Masarykova.jpg" border="0" /></a>TANK roll past me. Then as I looked around I realized that the street was covered with police in riot gear. Many thoughts ran through my mind… bank robbery, terrorism…then relief as I realized it was trendy to be American again thanks to Obama and that the cops were extremely relaxed & jovial. Curiosity, of course, got the better of me so I had to ask a TV crew to shed some light on <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrajyY-J46lduaX6QKjovTBGdHwry1rXNy5vC83_DwcC1H71xpb5icdemJsSGk8O2UMwDjoZvTepLLY7c1HWchCelXH5ZuZkyD9t8jky-llWrACDhT03nyyezS2qBdQhnhSieuH2iyxdk/s1600-h/DSC08439.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379574316072993090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrajyY-J46lduaX6QKjovTBGdHwry1rXNy5vC83_DwcC1H71xpb5icdemJsSGk8O2UMwDjoZvTepLLY7c1HWchCelXH5ZuZkyD9t8jky-llWrACDhT03nyyezS2qBdQhnhSieuH2iyxdk/s320/DSC08439.jpg" border="0" /></a>what was happening. Finally I learned that a white supremacist march of 1,000 “skinheads” was <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqwBCsUlNm_9f0H5edc-RYMRUhAZ0qFVxJjiFDT-WCZeRS7qAXb3PkLaMPwwk6Mt2PjT_3qAmvDqVlrRwvDm3pKEiZrS0jCwv92eDYwBvUseQ9_rEyMM7nd5mwLBgijv_mXUnYY68rA4/s1600-h/DSC08504.jpg"></a>taking place in just a few hours. I considered the photos I could get if I stayed around but better judgment took over and I got the &*^% out of there!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_qkbr7aig28Kqc98jP764oOXkDevP-W4Wa7-hhqYqjokMVboCmoKEfcyW0ZI8jds3sxQuIbTfdxtm4TlXLYdTxUMea8zFaYrsbYuJkp6qtDp0m0fYEhupWansk7O6w423CnylMoXoJw/s1600-h/DSC08504.jpg"></a>A few hours later I was safe & sound in Prague once again enjoying the<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6yFKorgypXW-Yf2qOLqxr2Zgm0dlCmGS2dHuMbN2Umr2rFLRMQ9UIOF7EwTsuhKlWEdIKZ8yycJ7XJtyMSijYgmOApG1R8qKCEC0eTXQGbxza0YnOA9tvhCkC34Er5VIaUE8quhn028/s1600-h/Demonstration+on+Manesuv+most.jpg"></a> many splendors the city has to offer – a mellow, eclectic vibe, beautiful architecture, bridges & spire topped buildings, and tasty food! I caught some sort of peaceful <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hlIq5hxXTNnmYW6a75rELZcj0rX13Tz4eFRRda5qQqY8yva7KvFQaLtvnQALoxAhNra6KOAGwflFLtkRkmLLmDQn5NdzH9LbcKPBVEmjlyxnJ7CoIFU9GPEsmD89iDrFPmrz9CbmQw4/s1600-h/John+Lennon+wall.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379572535073446738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hlIq5hxXTNnmYW6a75rELZcj0rX13Tz4eFRRda5qQqY8yva7KvFQaLtvnQALoxAhNra6KOAGwflFLtkRkmLLmDQn5NdzH9LbcKPBVEmjlyxnJ7CoIFU9GPEsmD89iDrFPmrz9CbmQw4/s320/John+Lennon+wall.jpg" border="0" /></a>demonstration/parade of human flowers on the<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1PSrjnTMQeTG2Njgq3pUJROSsvwTwmkHJQtE5YCaCR1FcbgkwDf9tVes99dWwpWZAyx5UCOOg7bEb5gIxCeCmYKzJ2x9I9NtrsgSXIRX0BOstOF_pOpDE7_xqr_wGTevzj0EiB_a4zw/s1600-h/DSC08442.jpg"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGTmA-UiC6Wkp2e5DmQUrffQCWInJ8SpRc2ZyFP3zxRYA5x-oTOc0kriNmJRxBxuDm0t4wSy-T0nzzC-9BwL6Pk5mi8cvkdO3n_ekYcm0MQl9LrrvYup3sHpH-4nqD23abFNOgQCE2WU/s1600-h/Painting+Manesuv+most.jpg"></a>Manesuv most (bridge), strolled by the (John) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDTY_QyJ7nDyQfKl9-WJT7G7pbBIv0x8po-nO0BFE3kxc8Fpv9i2PXu0HcVzUN1SvWseeLPntWcNxjyNoa46glbNaGtYV0s1iSjc0RcQ26I0UQwnyieY3g7VMHsJuZbHW-o5aI0oyMag/s1600-h/John+Lennon+wall.jpg"></a>Lennon Wall – a Czech symbol of love & peace, and went into the famous astronomical clock tower where I looked down on Old Town Square.<br />All things considered, it was a very eventful and enjoyable week in the former Czechoslovakia!Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043689556865574879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7990406558339679913.post-25741216102873220542009-04-19T03:45:00.000-07:002009-09-01T05:04:21.620-07:00Easter "take 2" – Orthodox celebration in SofiaI really enjoyed Bulgaria the second time around, even despite being horribly ripped off by yet another taxi (it would be a lot easier if licensed and unlicensed weren’t identical yellow!). I was there again for work and while there wasn’t much free time I made the most of what time I had. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPs55IOjVMq8NPdiK_7e7cEQDeh_AF1v9aEmV-v4AEstU3ogfqYtwZb4zQ4xRxNvy10QbXOITkEBQ0pIRVobSWiDrBMiyfvI0sGU11bMiBXusr0OVjEDKJN8kuvaPc5-ryhgu1JjDjZBs/s1600-h/DSC07676.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376449222557845634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPs55IOjVMq8NPdiK_7e7cEQDeh_AF1v9aEmV-v4AEstU3ogfqYtwZb4zQ4xRxNvy10QbXOITkEBQ0pIRVobSWiDrBMiyfvI0sGU11bMiBXusr0OVjEDKJN8kuvaPc5-ryhgu1JjDjZBs/s320/DSC07676.jpg" border="0" /></a>After a publicity appearance at a public school, a completely run down and depressing building, but one filled with so much energy and light from the very enthusiastic & happy children learning there, I went off to the downtown area. There I discovered new sites like the Archaeology Museum (a sign at the entrance informed me no handguns allowed) where I saw incredible artifacts from the 3rd century, the Presidency where I watched the hourly changing of the guard, and the Sveti Georgi Rotunda, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YuOQVT4njyCb9aqhp3gLazJm5q0QqScVX1FfSqyZ05b_SlcD6-6MNZxfhH6k8Q51eHSVo-DbAHFDAGDEPhD2ICKtQgFvlCV0uJNm5mAeeSLNEfvn6lIp9R_GN_0kEL55_iapHd0VLCI/s1600-h/Sveti+Georgi+Rotunda.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376449960367773346" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YuOQVT4njyCb9aqhp3gLazJm5q0QqScVX1FfSqyZ05b_SlcD6-6MNZxfhH6k8Q51eHSVo-DbAHFDAGDEPhD2ICKtQgFvlCV0uJNm5mAeeSLNEfvn6lIp9R_GN_0kEL55_iapHd0VLCI/s320/Sveti+Georgi+Rotunda.jpg" border="0" /></a>the oldest building in Sofia.<br />After a tasty pizza lunch, I walked down by Sveta Nedelya, en route to see the Banya Bashi Mosque, the only working mosque in the city, and the Mineral Baths built in the early 1900s. I ventured on to the City Garden, and strolled through the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9MBz65c2qj19HLLFXUh5Q_IPTEVhUtI9vE5GvdcuTUDl6zN-4XD1dk3eCxyRB0mLBekkWZpaOKkhmmwbgGvIbbLT7egoIV05w73X-P27uZJPmf365ttdBxN7p82WyqTN1SQhBRkTEvQ/s1600-h/Hand+carved+wood+crafts.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376449232777188866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9MBz65c2qj19HLLFXUh5Q_IPTEVhUtI9vE5GvdcuTUDl6zN-4XD1dk3eCxyRB0mLBekkWZpaOKkhmmwbgGvIbbLT7egoIV05w73X-P27uZJPmf365ttdBxN7p82WyqTN1SQhBRkTEvQ/s320/Hand+carved+wood+crafts.jpg" border="0" /></a>Easter craft market admiring the intricately hand painted eggs and had some fun looking at the quirky statues and old men playing chess <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12ZjbB2cWHnSMbRzHta6Q82pH0RVgVUnkkRqTGa6PgQQQKhyphenhyphenjP2YOdVBsLwWpP_wZL79RmM7xUGlQzfjpMqpbhtDIl1BXatmkfiWvV6ON0yhogpDY5mBjKK2rF8b_8cKb0FMotZZTGoY/s1600-h/Serious+chess+players.jpg"></a>nearby. I rounded out the day with a little shopping and ice cream on Vitosha Blvd.<br />Work consumed most of the rest of the week, but the best parts of this trip were still to come! Outside our venue I met a sweet elderly couple who were selling hand-made pinwheels on the plaza, after a few purchases and comical hand gestures I <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTZV4hFEHHXVeR87HovFcNxxqeMoqR7cRC8WS5oRdqc_SY8iZhW1_bfwtfqottAjUo7wkdFF-zfhvhufOihq3mxUhzui1MCiFzxDnARR1ew37s7XeAkalwiMcyd2jAW5KenOzu35_AmU/s1600-h/DSC07823.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376449940693439442" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTZV4hFEHHXVeR87HovFcNxxqeMoqR7cRC8WS5oRdqc_SY8iZhW1_bfwtfqottAjUo7wkdFF-zfhvhufOihq3mxUhzui1MCiFzxDnARR1ew37s7XeAkalwiMcyd2jAW5KenOzu35_AmU/s320/DSC07823.jpg" border="0" /></a>learned they used to have a magic act, very coincidental since I was there with our magic show.<br />On (Orthodox) Good Friday I went inside the Aleksander Nevski church and watched as a line of people reaching out the door slowly progressed toward a table in the center, which they passed under after kissing the Priest’s hand and then left flower offerings at the crucifix. I read somewhere that the table symbolizes Jesus’ coffin and passing under it brings health & fertility, but somewhere else it said the act was symbolic of Jesus’ passing into the tomb. In either case it was a very unique and interesting tradition to watch.<br />Saturday I attended the Pascha (Easter) vigil with our local partners. At the church we joined hundreds of other worshippers in a candlelit procession around the church, reenacting the journey of the myrrhbearers to the tomb of Jesus, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEvdU00R0S6xTYlCjs292nfkSHItFmhsarIxZkoJVmEaj3SPsk7WLBcN7c7htVi3GPko6y-jxV-4uZQy27u-ATeCjgF047qoYDUlvTAy8-nOy3fFPBs_eAxz9Pv9nLVzSK0NYnAS-png/s1600-h/My+new+Bulgarian+friends.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376449951994741202" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEvdU00R0S6xTYlCjs292nfkSHItFmhsarIxZkoJVmEaj3SPsk7WLBcN7c7htVi3GPko6y-jxV-4uZQy27u-ATeCjgF047qoYDUlvTAy8-nOy3fFPBs_eAxz9Pv9nLVzSK0NYnAS-png/s320/My+new+Bulgarian+friends.jpg" border="0" /></a>while a deep chanting, coming from a remarkably ordinary man inside the church, floated over the crowd. The liturgy very ceremonial lead by the ornately dressed bearded Priest. Of course I didn’t really understand much of what was said, and as it was standing room only in the incense laden church I didn’t stay too long, but to take part in such a real cultural/religious celebration, far removed from the typical tourist haunts, was unbelievably beautiful and truly moving. Unfortunately I did not have my trusty camera along to document the experience, but at least it’s an experience I will not soon forget.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043689556865574879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7990406558339679913.post-4632506427519093282009-04-12T14:50:00.000-07:002009-08-13T14:58:41.762-07:00Easter with the PopeRome is such an amazing city, full of some of the most incredible history in the world and fantastic food to boot! And of course, it is THE place to be on Easter, the holiest of holy days. There was a stressed shopping spree squeezed in between our site-seeing, thanks to Alitalia failing to load our entire flight’s luggage, but we tried hard not to let it ruin our good time. The first day we toured the Vatican and got to see the Sistine Chapel where we <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCspHKclCHGUdomSJX4atjbNwLORnFTLEcjvXM1QL7J07WIaTTflBFDonCyt-4zOgQ6SeRu9TJMwtQqPOFQvx798aLe0C60N983rkdsMfMEKtjwFVpjspX7B3T-mbW4v8045UgyfVb0eA/s1600-h/DSC07340.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369570550095153762" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCspHKclCHGUdomSJX4atjbNwLORnFTLEcjvXM1QL7J07WIaTTflBFDonCyt-4zOgQ6SeRu9TJMwtQqPOFQvx798aLe0C60N983rkdsMfMEKtjwFVpjspX7B3T-mbW4v8045UgyfVb0eA/s320/DSC07340.jpg" border="0" /></a>were repeated shooshed and shuffled about, with our necks craning upward so we could see what the big “Michelangelo” fuss was about. It was quite a nice roof I must say! After we finished there we went to St. Peter’s Square and watched Good Friday Mass on LCD screens outside the basilica. Of course I’ve seen the Pope (or Ho Fa as I like to call him) televised before, but to know all this was going on only a few hundred feet away was quite moving. We hung around a bit and watched all the colorful clergy, from all nationalities and walks of life, depart the church. After sundown, we headed to the Colosseum to see the Ho Fa lead the candlelit “Way of the Cross” procession. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvqOEMIj-YZzy05ZWhUAkCG7Ug6XD3SrD2AqxBp-xhX073lH1fGgRlBJ6Pjay9ex3Ar07hsrPuPTdfT98vIrgn2raZWxp3fYDlplCBW9JO0lvxl6KtY-SNAATupSriHZTcifCtmIX_Ww/s1600-h/DSC07205.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369570213458356674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvqOEMIj-YZzy05ZWhUAkCG7Ug6XD3SrD2AqxBp-xhX073lH1fGgRlBJ6Pjay9ex3Ar07hsrPuPTdfT98vIrgn2raZWxp3fYDlplCBW9JO0lvxl6KtY-SNAATupSriHZTcifCtmIX_Ww/s320/DSC07205.jpg" border="0" /></a>Unfortunately we got locked in the Parco di Traiano with some other American tourists– took a little while to figure out the entrance was still open! - and missed the actual procession, but there were still thousands and thousands of people congregated to hear the Pope’s blessings. I didn’t understand a thing but it was unbelievable to see such unity and all the twinkling lights surrounding the Colosseum.<br />Saturday morning we went to the Villa Borghese and admired the Renaissance sculptures & paintings. When we had our fill of the arts, we took a very lovely stroll through the park and meandered through Piazza del Popolo. After a nice pizza lunch, we worked our way up the Spanish Steps then went on to enjoy a tasty gelato at the beautiful Trevi Fountain and finally on to appreciate the unbelievable 2nd century <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTXKHCLBI_cuAEyWSMO1iy5NIpQx80QhWQGr3-BcTH5TvlZ-zlHw8QCcoJXgE3TyL5DxnmsbOBaM5cNGj5IztKKvNxVkZEIGBQsO0wuuAgMRxSPZpeKTZOA8tohSKNjeSMZBKOLrIh1w/s1600-h/DSC07261.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369570225600406242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTXKHCLBI_cuAEyWSMO1iy5NIpQx80QhWQGr3-BcTH5TvlZ-zlHw8QCcoJXgE3TyL5DxnmsbOBaM5cNGj5IztKKvNxVkZEIGBQsO0wuuAgMRxSPZpeKTZOA8tohSKNjeSMZBKOLrIh1w/s320/DSC07261.jpg" border="0" /></a>architecture of the massively impressive temple to the gods, the Pantheon.<br />We were completely wiped out by the end of Holy Saturday, which was good for Tracey and I since we had given up our biggest indulgence, vino, for Lent and knew that just one short sleep away we would finally be able to indulge once more!<br />We were like 2 kids on Christmas waking up on Sunday, except for that it was Easter and the Pope Benedict’s mass and a wine lunch awaited!!! St. Peter’s Square was quite crowded, but thankfully not nearly as bad as we assumed from the packed subway cars. Again I did<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJMxVNP_6eakI1aEg3XxrnqXj3d_c5w9_TuTWMm5UP5V8xnIF-g2rkixahISK6PPsJ8i1na_O7vq9qUA4WU02Swa0UzCwd9LJ0rOVyQ68s25Qz3qR173pTqBKpe4CugNNiCtCfbz5_Yw/s1600-h/DSC07288.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369570542245660210" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJMxVNP_6eakI1aEg3XxrnqXj3d_c5w9_TuTWMm5UP5V8xnIF-g2rkixahISK6PPsJ8i1na_O7vq9qUA4WU02Swa0UzCwd9LJ0rOVyQ68s25Qz3qR173pTqBKpe4CugNNiCtCfbz5_Yw/s320/DSC07288.jpg" border="0" /></a> not understand much of what went on, but it was truly unbelievable to see the Ho Fa in person, even if he was about a mile away!<br />We followed the swarm of people, again all sorts of clergy amongst them, down Via della Conciliazione and over the Ponte Vittorio Emanuele bridge. Eventually we made our way to the Nuova Square where we had another delicious pizza lunch and our first refreshing sips of the anticipated (since Ash Wednesday, that is) vino! Luckily my pick of Prosecco hit the spot perfectly, but Tracey had to trade in her house red wine for something a little more pleasing to the palate, but it wasn’t long until we were riding that bike once again.<br />Later that day we toured the Colosseum, which was not quite as expected on the inside, but still very interesting and then ventured into the Treviste area for some relaxing people watching & dinner. <div><div><div><div><div>Needless to say my first Easter abroad was very eventful, very fun, and very, very holy! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369570792620312146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnZQoiGv4b5fMIyQdmRFrnUd2M74OImQgwvNrBajJgBXKqcu5d0e15q9FFCfC9L1ArkZPT2imcEjlsu5Ewlof7vY87tz_CiU0NJUJW96_2QcltKwcoDrHoBBtdZlCL0L8K86fiUV_xws/s320/DSC07443.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043689556865574879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7990406558339679913.post-13887667268939729812009-03-14T04:55:00.000-07:002009-08-11T05:10:05.760-07:00Les Arcs Ski TripBy no means am I an expert skier, but when I have been dying to ski the Alps. Kvos and my friend Charles were also up for some winter fun so off we went to Milan where Kvos picked us up and 7 very long, but picturesque & chatty, hours later <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTQDPJM7Ybv9wxp-0xKPG3gEb9_1hlduXxKwUA0wIC0KymVG_n6R-ArVRgDEbWqz_dATinD7Y1sNs8y0oD4JQe5szU7uHE8Du8Pv28uegIfMNVDKhFzbZ2JQxbiGlaS2t0m6-9jJAleg/s1600-h/DSC06348.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368674277565616626" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTQDPJM7Ybv9wxp-0xKPG3gEb9_1hlduXxKwUA0wIC0KymVG_n6R-ArVRgDEbWqz_dATinD7Y1sNs8y0oD4JQe5szU7uHE8Du8Pv28uegIfMNVDKhFzbZ2JQxbiGlaS2t0m6-9jJAleg/s320/DSC06348.jpg" border="0" /></a>we arrived at our destination - Les Arcs, 1950 meters up. After we settled into our hotel/apartment in Prince Des Cimes we set off to see our tiny village and fill our growling bellies. The exploration took all of 10 minutes but it was freezing so we stopped for some hot chocolate at the local bar and then went on to get some <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7uVRoACGs3mXNXDk00qYWIwpw7JX05SmoeXNIYShUox_-hu1use3wRHNLm2d-GaFLSi9pyMA02FDWvOI85RM7XNCufm0CsRdKeZt7p4vyX2OLFkrBReSv_rac4ToHzHqt6FpL9Y0MJ8k/s1600-h/DSC06342.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368673951735533106" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7uVRoACGs3mXNXDk00qYWIwpw7JX05SmoeXNIYShUox_-hu1use3wRHNLm2d-GaFLSi9pyMA02FDWvOI85RM7XNCufm0CsRdKeZt7p4vyX2OLFkrBReSv_rac4ToHzHqt6FpL9Y0MJ8k/s320/DSC06342.jpg" border="0" /></a>yummy raclette. The mess left by the melted triangle of cheese wasn’t very attractive but it sure was tasty on potatoes, veggies, and bread!<br />Early the next morning we enjoyed croissants from the bakery next door and got hit the slopes. Kvos wasn’t feeling the ski vibe but Charles & I had a great time zooming down the open mountain. It was quite unlike anywhere I’ve ever skied. The slopes were so wide and open that several times <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjSCsZ9sSeb7743_vZOonoVRcKtFvIFIowJX_JksN3TYDM2hCUqpctdAK9sjkNr8H1QLpySzIn9B9lC1RI-IDd2ND6zeY97Nf_T4Xyj1K3NtA69oafvKZWwer4gKpZJPKNi6_w0UfR6U/s1600-h/DSC06396.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368673759685314242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjSCsZ9sSeb7743_vZOonoVRcKtFvIFIowJX_JksN3TYDM2hCUqpctdAK9sjkNr8H1QLpySzIn9B9lC1RI-IDd2ND6zeY97Nf_T4Xyj1K3NtA69oafvKZWwer4gKpZJPKNi6_w0UfR6U/s320/DSC06396.jpg" border="0" /></a>you had the feeling of skiing alone, despite the crowded lift lines. After several runs, our confidence was soaring so we decided to trek across the mountain to try some new slopes. All was fine & well until the lift ride up the final peice, it was terrifying, and by terrifying, I <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR03soO2VUlmjsy7dyMIEjs4OJFrBFoiS58KdtoaNGe0gFFEq5E2GBIsMWP58QOdt_4aMYNi8U62aOcsKmdEoCrMw8HpDVe5wBU1Tu2rB9ZHq6lPDV7WBDKl6S-P9zu8kZ-W8B5WsB-iY/s1600-h/DSC06429.jpg"></a>mean pee in your pants and cry for your Mom, fall to your death with just one false move, frighteningly terrifying. Thankfully there was only really one tricky part on the way down, where a corner literally dropped off the face of the world, but we <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSDevi9Jua6RI-n0r4voO4BGEvb2iAs4jmgoyjA6MgP4YhaJ6bKANMt_C02UFVxzvWZls9K4xmFCs5ldgZK7ttdTzWBV7uI-S0KrRBsmZA43thNtlQ0ogFkSNA1NTEGgBHtlN6-Saqnc/s1600-h/DSC06393.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368673757901849730" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSDevi9Jua6RI-n0r4voO4BGEvb2iAs4jmgoyjA6MgP4YhaJ6bKANMt_C02UFVxzvWZls9K4xmFCs5ldgZK7ttdTzWBV7uI-S0KrRBsmZA43thNtlQ0ogFkSNA1NTEGgBHtlN6-Saqnc/s320/DSC06393.jpg" border="0" /></a>managed to navigate around it successfully. We stopped for a refresher shortly after that part and got to see para-skiiers dropping down from the sky. We knew it was time to quit when we both starting taking falls on our tried & true runs so back to our apartment we went to warm our aching bones. After the long day skiing, it was rather calming watching the skiers go by on the lift just outside our window. There wasn’t much more to our trip besides another tasty French-style breakfast, a 5 hour drive back to Italia, a pizza stop in the city of Navarro and 2 hour flight home. It was a lot of work for one day skiing, but it was still well worth it!Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043689556865574879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7990406558339679913.post-79528329522475414732009-03-10T05:06:00.000-07:002009-09-05T09:52:47.902-07:00365 days, 23 countries, 1 very happy girl….<div align="left">Most days my heart almost bursts from happiness. I have all that I could ever ask at this point in life; the love & support of my amazing family and friends back home, new life-long friendships here, an exciting & fulfilling job, and, of course, the opportunity to travel the world and the means to do so. I am living my dream. I only wish that I could share the joys and wonders of the past year with my loved ones directly. It seems very unfair that I - just one person - get to have all the fun, but at least I’m having enough for everyone!<br /></div><div align="center"><br /><em><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>The Road Not Taken<br />Robert Frost<br /></strong><br />TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,<br />And sorry I could not travel both<br />And be one traveler, long I stood<br />And looked down one as far as I could<br />To where it bent in the undergrowth;</span></em></div><div align="center"><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em>Then took the other, as just as fair,<br />And having perhaps the better claim,<br />Because it was grassy and wanted wear;<br />Though as for that the passing there<br />Had worn them really about the same,</em></span></div><div align="center"><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em>And both that morning equally lay<br />In leaves no step had trodden black.<br />Oh, I kept the first for another day!<br />Yet knowing how way leads on to way,<br />I doubted if I should ever come back.</em></span></div><div align="center"><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em>I shall be telling this with a sigh<br />Somewhere ages and ages hence:<br />Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—<br />I took the one less traveled by,<br />And that has made all the difference.</em></span></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043689556865574879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7990406558339679913.post-57526648155652110292009-03-08T08:10:00.000-07:002009-09-05T09:53:37.213-07:00Wroclaw (vrat-slav), Poland<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Db27JFuG1yDICzQ_SP6O2XE0TLNZQdk_zqUM0JMcMj8TQxN8dtL5___4dANEpEb_HLgYIGf4yRtTZeVrbIbbtLLTZYKEE6DWcZxMPAt52L7gnw0JY7003MaM57hStUHUdXrHnY_PHfw/s1600-h/DSC06227.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343490862195000866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Db27JFuG1yDICzQ_SP6O2XE0TLNZQdk_zqUM0JMcMj8TQxN8dtL5___4dANEpEb_HLgYIGf4yRtTZeVrbIbbtLLTZYKEE6DWcZxMPAt52L7gnw0JY7003MaM57hStUHUdXrHnY_PHfw/s320/DSC06227.jpg" border="0" /></a>Wroclaw was one of very few European cities I really wasn’t looking forward to visiting. I expected a boring town with no character…thankfully I could not have been more wrong! Wroclaw is a pleasant little city, with a thriving student population, and several unique, historical oddities. The arena we played had once hosted <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiW66ySiul16xHzF6OtRmVuFv1wy6CfRoKZa9ex02vr4N5GPSXmF2niGi2qTHgUkBEpFxbghbYeh1ypo_ohDdIbcrmLkatJDK0q9OopF45tpLXZ21AumAhUf_MdbktkUc_p7WxdaUpRPs/s1600-h/DSC06074.jpg"></a>Nazi rallies lead by Hitler himself!<br />I literally stumbled over my first surprise; at the corner of ul. Pilsudskiego and u. Swidnicka is a <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVG9xgbsn4esPYG5iyd1RUt6aqZE4XRSvF9dogfyJcZzhrBapr7TLbkiG64_nDwJfJG9Shb-Z9i_rYk2w0LUu8kOxdSF4trqu7TAEW9ZOBzurkhtHoAxUFbS1m7MzVrMpj-f_oGCnYlY/s1600-h/DSC06138.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343490492552873282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVG9xgbsn4esPYG5iyd1RUt6aqZE4XRSvF9dogfyJcZzhrBapr7TLbkiG64_nDwJfJG9Shb-Z9i_rYk2w0LUu8kOxdSF4trqu7TAEW9ZOBzurkhtHoAxUFbS1m7MzVrMpj-f_oGCnYlY/s320/DSC06138.jpg" border="0" /></a>sculpture of 7 bronze statues descending into the pavement on the east side of the street and ascending on the west side. I’ve since found that this is called the Passage Sculpture and was created to commemorate the installation of martial law in 1981 to end Soviet oppression.<br />As I ventured into old town, I was awestruck by the vibrant Town Hall in Rynek, the main market square. Most of the old town area was destroyed in WWII, but like Warsaw, has since been rebuilt to model its original appearance. The Polish towns that I have visited are so colorful, it says a lot for the resilience of the Polish spirit considering the many sufferings these people have endured over the centuries.<br />In the corner of Rynek I found the Hansel and Gretel houses, two charming buildings linked by a archway dating back to 1728. Originally it lead to the nearby Church of St. Elizabeth’s cemetery, which explains why the Latin inscription reads “Death is th<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9CE9LO8wqsX6_xeGSlLN75562ebEv2ND8wZj4CGURWaWbr7C706BrxHiI7zO0bKCqdoSwZbt6wkYu9DpkZhs7jZlEQwaprgjQixNfRpp23yRslGy0vRVLUCSqSGiCH-4y5fXQBDnLTvo/s1600-h/DSC06110.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343491275468367938" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9CE9LO8wqsX6_xeGSlLN75562ebEv2ND8wZj4CGURWaWbr7C706BrxHiI7zO0bKCqdoSwZbt6wkYu9DpkZhs7jZlEQwaprgjQixNfRpp23yRslGy0vRVLUCSqSGiCH-4y5fXQBDnLTvo/s320/DSC06110.jpg" border="0" /></a>e Gateway to Life.”<br />As I left the square, I noticed a row of decorative marble balls lining the street, the lead ball being pushed by a pair of cute gnome statues. Later, after I had <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Wr6IptyH2gJB5tT78z3gPDNj-v1DuINp5Ka287tmW7PwI47e92MHdwab7w44MgjjLSgLNIFrLeRGcQYeVtkyVjF091s6DC0uRaOSHK2ABm13SXrGxNpXs2MQabigXUN6F3qTOmaMsuU/s1600-h/DSC06229.jpg"></a>my giggle and a photo, I learned that <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigUtD1pxyHUekLzn5xpg0L3KDW6BNt7RkvwDikaGso1WQazEUub56SO4RtMip7wlQiHWYAxxDnOYy8m0LwGukp5mm7lfV78LyKGO_65XBAkF64CqwUmK7l2QC4sTW7Zk2FP2uzQzqOy0k/s1600-h/DSC06194.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343492151699360930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigUtD1pxyHUekLzn5xpg0L3KDW6BNt7RkvwDikaGso1WQazEUub56SO4RtMip7wlQiHWYAxxDnOYy8m0LwGukp5mm7lfV78LyKGO_65XBAkF64CqwUmK7l2QC4sTW7Zk2FP2uzQzqOy0k/s320/DSC06194.jpg" border="0" /></a>these unusual dwarf statues were all over the old town area. The dwarve's connection to Wroclaw began with Orange Alternative movement, when graffiti of happy dwarves were painted over anti-communist slogans on city walls in a peaceful, alternative protest to communism. Today there are more than 40 statues, which made for an extremely fun, and educational, day of dwarf hunting for the amateur travel photographer. And the cultural/fun – pierogi eater, sleepyhead, etc. -- background of each statue was very entertaining.<br />Maybe I am just easily amused, but those little statues really changed<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jp0MW5doD9gxDwS5t_ROWXKaSk6rSSGrNzzp-FPPKUJ2ZCGoG8yPDmT_N8eyCCUo82M75Kfa6aEFXolc7QT3X62kl301d0nU7U0IwazbV5VuYaiT0pmAb7YGUt1LPXK3CoXQc3TA7c8/s1600-h/DSC06205.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343491107780106530" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jp0MW5doD9gxDwS5t_ROWXKaSk6rSSGrNzzp-FPPKUJ2ZCGoG8yPDmT_N8eyCCUo82M75Kfa6aEFXolc7QT3X62kl301d0nU7U0IwazbV5VuYaiT0pmAb7YGUt1LPXK3CoXQc3TA7c8/s320/DSC06205.jpg" border="0" /></a> my entire outlook on Wroclaw. Had it not been for them I would not have discovered how beautiful or interesting this city is…and most importantly, I would not be looking forward to returning as much as I am now.<br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043689556865574879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7990406558339679913.post-34813096193594689882009-03-01T13:58:00.000-08:002009-09-05T09:55:31.408-07:00Spontaneous ParisWhen Tracey and I re-united with our other halves, Maria and Tash, a plan was hatched for the four of us to do a weekend getaway together, but our hopes of it <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZcFc_0zRM3hNN1vb-OZRAvO3hXKvDXCZXSpuPcelrbWKpOyyqOILIn1UusADs9aLzshKtMmvhS3rJ54p0QWnZFIwxrLBiDrq684Nm1IA1JXhRc5ixGLk8DjQOwkRvfF5AWdgVsREp4U/s1600-h/We're+in+Paris!!.jpg"></a>happening soon dwindled as we <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Uz3mZbJ3kUx8eujpaSfjjWvvoWDrwC0nOaUtqYTmnMddWxHyGO5-K2qEVwoxMQ8sdm-Ilq_N3nQJst8OebqlFQXi-ADSHQC0DXp1bu2weWrW8J4sSMpF7nlh3kCR8QyHXdJg2In1J2U/s1600-h/Fromage+stop.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340614465255684418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Uz3mZbJ3kUx8eujpaSfjjWvvoWDrwC0nOaUtqYTmnMddWxHyGO5-K2qEVwoxMQ8sdm-Ilq_N3nQJst8OebqlFQXi-ADSHQC0DXp1bu2weWrW8J4sSMpF7nlh3kCR8QyHXdJg2In1J2U/s320/Fromage+stop.jpg" border="0" /></a>compared schedules. But we realized it was only Friday of the weekend and we had no plans for Saturday, so online we went to book our hotel and the next morning we were off to Paris! We were on the biggest high from our spontaneity and the weekend really could not have been any more perfect. We left <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJO1kOxGz46Asamf5NeHhrLPbd8x0nkHMR77ZBnzPkRGNioSIwpduVanLIFWQ8DIuTlniEhsb0Ud2DJvr1VnN30ko_v04ivh2Qbamw3mTzjpfYcbMrJdhUifB_M_GAWq-AR9paM5jYpfA/s1600-h/DSC05876.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340616309528636146" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJO1kOxGz46Asamf5NeHhrLPbd8x0nkHMR77ZBnzPkRGNioSIwpduVanLIFWQ8DIuTlniEhsb0Ud2DJvr1VnN30ko_v04ivh2Qbamw3mTzjpfYcbMrJdhUifB_M_GAWq-AR9paM5jYpfA/s320/DSC05876.jpg" border="0" /></a>Amsterdam rain and headed toward the French sunshine, so warm that we were able to put the top down in Tash's sleek Audi (4 girls in a high-end convertible, total guy magnet) as we navigated our way through the Parisian streets. The hotel we booked was a real score, right in the heart of the Latin Quarter and very quaint; small but classy, just like us! Our first order of business after settling in, a brasserie for some French fromage and coffee. After we were well satiated we continued to wander through the cobble stone streets of the Latin Quarter, down to the Seine and over to the Louvre. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBgW9cjJZnHx71XMRbghE-uUUm36KDrf8E2TLGLzywnudT7ujmYO85bxBJp9jUcJtvBl496_fyFFqputo-M4VvDKIrwycqsD-SQla5JIfUelNv5DtJKAhFkzTaJHIhdrbzqq4VXhULGkY/s1600-h/Louvre.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340614472352668754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBgW9cjJZnHx71XMRbghE-uUUm36KDrf8E2TLGLzywnudT7ujmYO85bxBJp9jUcJtvBl496_fyFFqputo-M4VvDKIrwycqsD-SQla5JIfUelNv5DtJKAhFkzTaJHIhdrbzqq4VXhULGkY/s320/Louvre.jpg" border="0" /></a>All the sites were closed by the time we got out and about, but we were quite happy to just take in the Parisian vibe and stroll about. After our dinner we went to another brassiere – <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPZK7qmPEpcwES9EXZFYLt9cDW05zr0P7LQ4F5QfyzGnR4RVlHLkTAZpJknzHVryrjEgUcw50t_UOSDi3Nd6t5VfkA3jV9UY98B8llfuJMtbZY27Wi6PZL4i79FfPUPAdGvMn2Vlbuno/s1600-h/Le+Buci.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340613936433088802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPZK7qmPEpcwES9EXZFYLt9cDW05zr0P7LQ4F5QfyzGnR4RVlHLkTAZpJknzHVryrjEgUcw50t_UOSDi3Nd6t5VfkA3jV9UY98B8llfuJMtbZY27Wi6PZL4i79FfPUPAdGvMn2Vlbuno/s320/Le+Buci.jpg" border="0" /></a>Le Buci – and had the most delicious chocolate mousse ever. I hadn’t been much of a fan up until then, but anytime I see mousse on a menu I will be sure to be saving room. The next morning we woke early, eager to soak up as much of Paris as we could before leaving later that day, but <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYK05SWVxBa5rH3eMFerE1i_IqijkdFNTM6DTSD5g-_TbjzVejGzOw7VVUwoEYZ3Ng2V-g3BTfOKT1iKKB5xEHxViospHEVuUQGOPQGCd8MNl7Osfvcltscap-5nouoFQLnfOJyoUY9AI/s1600-h/Notre+Dame.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340613939484519010" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYK05SWVxBa5rH3eMFerE1i_IqijkdFNTM6DTSD5g-_TbjzVejGzOw7VVUwoEYZ3Ng2V-g3BTfOKT1iKKB5xEHxViospHEVuUQGOPQGCd8MNl7Osfvcltscap-5nouoFQLnfOJyoUY9AI/s320/Notre+Dame.jpg" border="0" /></a>sadly Paris wasn’t as interested in us and almost everything was closed! Luckily the brassiere from the previous day’s fromage stop was opened so we went and had a traditional French breakfast of baguettes, croissants, butter, jam, and coffee. Afterwards we headed on to visit Notre Dame cathedral, a very remarkable and impressive church. As it was Sunday there was a <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVireB7gbaXLUn90nvSGJ5TsZlU2ze1EDDvZf_2kI-IFzmK71ROZgvTBkC9hCaMFqlFM_bkolEYXW0RxD2-1FQGZFzFUZSFSJMIoBylkygbzpGibiTUcxroa6t_tHtGMWLySf0VCe4l_o/s1600-h/That+guy+is+holding+his+own+head.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340613949752623346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVireB7gbaXLUn90nvSGJ5TsZlU2ze1EDDvZf_2kI-IFzmK71ROZgvTBkC9hCaMFqlFM_bkolEYXW0RxD2-1FQGZFzFUZSFSJMIoBylkygbzpGibiTUcxroa6t_tHtGMWLySf0VCe4l_o/s320/That+guy+is+holding+his+own+head.jpg" border="0" /></a>mass being celebrated, which was really a treat to see. Before leaving our fair Pari(s), we stopped for lunch at yet another brassiere in our adopted neighborhood. I decided to go authentic and had the cheeseburger with FRENCH fries, topped off with a tasty crème brulee, which was still flaming when brought to the table. The car ride back was just as fun as the one there – lots of laughing and general silliness – it was a perfect end to an incredible weekend with some very good friends.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043689556865574879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7990406558339679913.post-48615811309889517122009-02-22T13:13:00.000-08:002009-09-05T09:57:50.394-07:00Venice CarnevaleVenice on it’s own is a completely incredible and interesting place, but to see it at carnevale is mind blowing….a photographers dream! There is no vehicular traffic in the city so we had to <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEEOdK3_Z5PfRh32ZJKHb3FEQ3QRDQNJzwHXz3V8nf62YbRWPxNdxpU4ft-yl6EP9Os3bFFIBytlSfW6AcSXpiVaRShySgj11ObovuNwmEMDlr_yDhA-GwnFfETByJOWsV26aVc082mY/s1600-h/DSC05388.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340604657519195650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEEOdK3_Z5PfRh32ZJKHb3FEQ3QRDQNJzwHXz3V8nf62YbRWPxNdxpU4ft-yl6EP9Os3bFFIBytlSfW6AcSXpiVaRShySgj11ObovuNwmEMDlr_yDhA-GwnFfETByJOWsV26aVc082mY/s320/DSC05388.jpg" border="0" /></a>travel like the Venetians from the airport, by water bus. As soon as we could see San Marco square we felt <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1cvd0bv8YFYqob7nEKSdKnM9mPy5sjHdu7Yx3amrrGe0Ch7doLg8ahjjsoWsxKLpH8XBNKvu0N6tA0jmLsDm30vsFkELoZNIzPU-UjGr4QFi6dKRxCH0lMZMn-zJrQSeRRz7og0hMbU/s1600-h/Our+neighbors+in+the+hotel.jpg"></a>the excitement in the air. People in 18th century costumes and masks were everywhere! It was a sea of color with an unmistakable air of regality. The masked people did not talk at all – not to <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-OLNih2bVMC3SFAIdoyGW0NX6N_tKB-jiiGRtkeJsqvmzPpJQFg-dUYh6UDyxh49HtWkWIQmwmFLlsMPJfjkZUkllcx4fN8bK_vnn4PJ7ysPOq9_OWKm5rM1nkaAE-ar7ngz1IpOleI/s1600-h/In+front+of+San+Marco.jpg"></a>each other and not to us, but were all too happy to stop and pose for every tourist with a camera. They glided through the winding canals on their way to fabulous balls, tipping their hats to other costumed <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nWIXrcrYRKNU2NKp23ebHGXmPJ_rkflo9MMBJjBx9MyWXnX46dJax6r6nLbDEsaJw21sBBLIqlUCczoNypjg3GROaH-W4eRFRnNu95PAbnfbvOiFjVNf4dTOQVE16rBVC5Po-yZX-iE/s1600-h/DSC05732.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340606929506171858" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nWIXrcrYRKNU2NKp23ebHGXmPJ_rkflo9MMBJjBx9MyWXnX46dJax6r6nLbDEsaJw21sBBLIqlUCczoNypjg3GROaH-W4eRFRnNu95PAbnfbvOiFjVNf4dTOQVE16rBVC5Po-yZX-iE/s320/DSC05732.jpg" border="0" /></a>passer-bys as if they were in 300 year old bubble and the rest of us were on the outside looking in. There wasn’t much formality to the pageantry, it was just individual prerogative to dress as you wished and stroll about. The splendor was slightly spoiled by some misguided tourists who got in the spirit by wearing afro wigs or other silly get-ups that was much more appropriate for Halloween than carnevale, but the spectacle created by the serious still out-shined. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340606470444802450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighmiANKi7U9rfzsa1SXreT9fTmrTBh97-I0xQvGbeUZxQUUb0IbTVnoQ9lUI9-y7AZ_v_G8PKyLB0eo28yYtFJrygXXQh7CJ4D8Nag47aiO4ynNOyc1ahMM93IjK8Qw1qUEG6hmR3WPA/s320/Rialto+Bridge.jpg" border="0" />In between all the people <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofW-hA1dMbhJEQdl7X8Ye-iq3Djg6jFyqEflbjaqarcuyMsCPitw7pQuQpTMXK9isi29SQYMTZR76xWzu5C5t9xV5tW2rU6SySZnYaYopt_OzF57TtLDnu6V0SlXTwmuSNnYwi_AwqBw/s1600-h/DSC05671.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340604672968954978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 278px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 209px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofW-hA1dMbhJEQdl7X8Ye-iq3Djg6jFyqEflbjaqarcuyMsCPitw7pQuQpTMXK9isi29SQYMTZR76xWzu5C5t9xV5tW2rU6SySZnYaYopt_OzF57TtLDnu6V0SlXTwmuSNnYwi_AwqBw/s320/DSC05671.jpg" border="0" /></a>watching, there was lots of pizza eating, bubbly Presseco in the San Marco Piazza (set us back a small fortune, but hey it was worth it), a romantic gondola ride for 3 single ladies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVVlpX4Ndjwti4ByJqtgjJORIKaTpl63I1VPG1hzpi_zDpcZ4HOIKXFwmCvyawzEQgeHsnQ5XL_I0hSlDRox0C7hyKV8t32pi68dA1JdIT4T1EzonX9o1tVtJHVMBizdNT9HYCiRlBos/s1600-h/DSC05671.jpg"></a>, and bag shopping on the Rialto bridge. We got into the spirit a little ourselves, managing to <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8tG2gyUodUNNvaqwH6kQS0K4Szu2fntgdm6_mErh86OFGVBKpguAfq2bTOw906rMtAslV6VfnXkHII810XYpwR2NK0IgLIRfz6tgbaxkrBDJCTgq_r16vj1T6JfNlxI6tREPXxjbMsY/s1600-h/Me+and+Tracey+in+the+spirit.jpg"></a>get through the maze of canals to the mask shop that created some of the costumes for the Tom <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODD3mnMhDPsFU8Ujw6XenoAxH6fHekieLlIKb5bzTLFe7DSI2fdjmc1S0OMoLeyqESNowrlDsUWrJN14Ck0ZCHv9o5kZVIrSQrkgnUKjPwDi5h_mD_AdSizOJQQW2QVR8L5m7wtUp9Xw/s1600-h/In+front+of+San+Marco.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340606156222798770" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODD3mnMhDPsFU8Ujw6XenoAxH6fHekieLlIKb5bzTLFe7DSI2fdjmc1S0OMoLeyqESNowrlDsUWrJN14Ck0ZCHv9o5kZVIrSQrkgnUKjPwDi5h_mD_AdSizOJQQW2QVR8L5m7wtUp9Xw/s320/In+front+of+San+Marco.jpg" border="0" /></a>Cruise & Nicole Kidman movie, “Eyes Wide Shut.” Predictably, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPv1ZdcOzKFCZjkp-yhZqLb6HtEP73km4G7c872uFTSPyA0WNoSeqrv6eqalmoGvGZ-d1NJFoEqlIAs1k_8Vli_ZciL_tK_hruVbK_1NdeGr_EzAgP41F4cxygLaS6HqpfyYDfXaMZQvA/s1600-h/Me+and+Tracey+in+the+spirit.jpg"></a>my mask wouldn’t stay on my odd-shaped head but it was good fun while it lasted. My favorite part of the trip was seeing the streets at 6am on the way to the airport. I didn’t want to leave the fairytale but the early morning aura of Venice carnevale was amazing to experience…there were still masked people about and a very befitting morning fog, but hardly any tourists reminding you that you had not actually been transported back to the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZ9kplJEBDkoOIpf2OwlRjlGkvw_TU11fWHb6hYLf3u8SKcU18W0Vg5Fvqt99NbCwOZFr6uI-9XBDCEqvcQTHS1VkoGUmxxxa1FySmGHVphMntpABWW51Xx_vmUH85u4gPfNNtC-ayfk/s1600-h/DSC05781.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340604677641954754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZ9kplJEBDkoOIpf2OwlRjlGkvw_TU11fWHb6hYLf3u8SKcU18W0Vg5Fvqt99NbCwOZFr6uI-9XBDCEqvcQTHS1VkoGUmxxxa1FySmGHVphMntpABWW51Xx_vmUH85u4gPfNNtC-ayfk/s320/DSC05781.jpg" border="0" /></a>1700s. I wish I had more undisturbed moments like that, but I will certainly hope to return to the Venice Carnevale again to absorb each and every one I can get.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043689556865574879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7990406558339679913.post-50754011011658791432009-02-19T13:55:00.000-08:002009-09-05T10:05:37.280-07:00Slovenia<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9l6WJ43PyrhmUlq7Eck_Lcbcwy8HRSjVyXuxrXjodYJF-zOHbfLZG-7gRgdLAXGDPhMBTgPb_9HnKBRzjLWBU3is-E_NisdvW7y6EK0piqTc1Udifd39p8ScqTdUfUEVclndmcGi_of4/s1600-h/DSC04864.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330595234242747122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9l6WJ43PyrhmUlq7Eck_Lcbcwy8HRSjVyXuxrXjodYJF-zOHbfLZG-7gRgdLAXGDPhMBTgPb_9HnKBRzjLWBU3is-E_NisdvW7y6EK0piqTc1Udifd39p8ScqTdUfUEVclndmcGi_of4/s320/DSC04864.jpg" border="0" /></a> The mystery is finally solved! Župančič, Zoo-pan-check is the correct spelling & pronunciation. As it turns out, I am a distant relative of a famous hockey player and t<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJHgwy1ztDwrDCFYCUzirAv-lokG28TxAiJKarKtIO-ISO85fM_nAZJl36h5hLwDJrpTUIx5lZw4PVyUUBxnZXcP99DX4rPQ57B8f1a-LLA5qNAUYQxXYma8zgckHkSwJDnVk7JyQUb8/s1600-h/DSC05217.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340610618619400130" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJHgwy1ztDwrDCFYCUzirAv-lokG28TxAiJKarKtIO-ISO85fM_nAZJl36h5hLwDJrpTUIx5lZw4PVyUUBxnZXcP99DX4rPQ57B8f1a-LLA5qNAUYQxXYma8zgckHkSwJDnVk7JyQUb8/s200/DSC05217.jpg" border="0" /></a>here is a <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRM4g8zCyK81PF4QGiJq3bKuhZn2guQtUWllLgjrVVXYTw9an3hXMHz4pYL7CwrY123lYveXd85vcWZDuWLbp8uq5xZVHC7pYbmO9ZVeEq3VeZnfbE2XaQSNfl2mNJVgTdymk8sHQ9JM/s1600-h/DSC05217.jpg"></a>street in the capital city, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQVdEKNxrBN0Q4X83yqbx75PHz1EVv2jFZl8uV8MmRFxHhz8AhsHhFWgSjl05q3oBr5U1Mw0SCIUgfGH3yqZtjXxlpztaHL_iM5kFwCUEAvtURorKMJUushrvUVKQnjSBrE00bxoVDWk/s1600-h/DSC05217.jpg"></a>Ljubljana, named for my family…or maybe it’s named for the actual meaning of the word, “mayor”? Whatever the case, it was a thrill to finally see some validation of my heritage and explore my roots. Now I know that we were/are some very important people who came from a friendly, welcoming, and incredibly beautiful country.<br />And what was the very first thing we saw after crossing the Slovene border? A tractor driving down the road, it felt just like home!<br />The village where we stayed, Ratece, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYeW-WuKr_1GPi2Ybs0q8KVs2M-3JH5h-BfrgOiAsAD2RfUd_bFya3pjO9tUSUA5AhAz2fOr5C9AAXZBnRquwXV66Em6bdLXqS1tZGORAYazK2rQEasg9_yvLzCsc141kA2SxWv3yLWII/s1600-h/DSC04905.jpg"></a>was like a movie set. Snow was piled up to our ears, old ladies greeted each other on the wooden bridge at the end of our lane, we awoke to the ringing bells of the local church, the picturesque Julian Alps filled the horizon, cross country skiers skied uphill mere feet from our balcony, and the cozy village restaurants served only delicious home cooking. Our neighbors in this unspoiled landscape? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytMfmpiDAQfiSQa-UMEh3JPjgg54OcVLa1qV_kdTrTf2eHRs78JyMtePViLLYpi6q4I9gp-ZQ8oLQjTDeCdK2ieYrNmUE2UuchLltxZQFUcWx8ZNiGg1l9A41LK2gwdrEy5dHgAnV7X0/s1600-h/DSC04924.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330591377502417074" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytMfmpiDAQfiSQa-UMEh3JPjgg54OcVLa1qV_kdTrTf2eHRs78JyMtePViLLYpi6q4I9gp-ZQ8oLQjTDeCdK2ieYrNmUE2UuchLltxZQFUcWx8ZNiGg1l9A41LK2gwdrEy5dHgAnV7X0/s320/DSC04924.jpg" border="0" /></a>Haystacks and Lipizzaner stallions….<br />The first full day of our stay, we went skiing at Kranskja Gora. The quaint ski town was almost as nice as ours but far more commercialized <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsUszOqOGcV3y_sPJm7Oq_dE9VQ5QXhSY1S0zlFR-lyeXn4L9djErKCRuJJEsglqye_A8mw23oMOcsAa6azaH5t-xFKh_bXeUpk4RcHny342vIFZe5-lD0MyuIsDUBtLiblOh-mlW0Nw/s1600-h/DSC04964.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330592265710268258" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsUszOqOGcV3y_sPJm7Oq_dE9VQ5QXhSY1S0zlFR-lyeXn4L9djErKCRuJJEsglqye_A8mw23oMOcsAa6azaH5t-xFKh_bXeUpk4RcHny342vIFZe5-lD0MyuIsDUBtLiblOh-mlW0Nw/s320/DSC04964.jpg" border="0" /></a>with big hotels, shops, and restaurants. In the evening, we rested our tired bones in the thermal healing waters that Slovenia is famous for with an alpine aromatic bath. Tracey & I shared the bath (in our swimsuits of course), giggling all the while, but it was still soothing & calming nonetheless and especially nice on a cold winter evening. <br />The next morning I had my first full body chocolate massage – yes, it smelled wonderful and no I did not try to lick myself. After I was properly relaxed with the lingering smell of cocoa on my skin, we took a road trip to the enchanting Lake Bled and Bled Castle. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330597129622452770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5UcdyBFEdhYS6vO-HVlwcWW0_kla5q1BEPsYUiqYLX1vH2H1dXIuH_nTyf_B8nS6xjcty0XFAoSe1B2EdUQdCusd2QdA53s0zVGdI4EHPwv6qxjd_HFb4oJNAiB4A79rjIidsUMyuXHs/s400/DSC05013_edited.jpg" border="0" />The glacial lake contains the only island in Slovenia on which stands the Church to the Assumption. Tricky to get to in the best of weather, it definitely wasn’t happening for us in late February! On the rocky cliff high above is Bled Castle with spectac<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSy5nOtgVWBFFz8hdsR6p1iXieaNm3-wVbKJ_QStZlEOTZ3lTGT0dZtG5h8Jo3mkqkKzYFtVeGiVohxvHgKw0Qe_GeAS-S-x32Rbk317B9LPAokUDox7-yr0DzZGSd82wd5yzD_9LTVE/s1600-h/DSC05252.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330592270118459570" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSy5nOtgVWBFFz8hdsR6p1iXieaNm3-wVbKJ_QStZlEOTZ3lTGT0dZtG5h8Jo3mkqkKzYFtVeGiVohxvHgKw0Qe_GeAS-S-x32Rbk317B9LPAokUDox7-yr0DzZGSd82wd5yzD_9LTVE/s320/DSC05252.jpg" border="0" /></a>ular views and an amazing 5 star restaurant where the day of pampering continued with a scrumptious steak lunch, the only thing that was missing was a some local vino but as the responsible driver I had to put that indulgence on hold until we got home.<br />We intended to spend our last day on another excursion <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWGPff4LdD6t_dPWR-gvtr6Ek2f_W3WMZufbjNSlAulF-tTuBIFag8sRRt10gTfqxnD9Qeb6-2k57DTzAiukqPUxFl-ooSIQeYVSn-PpHckrHZlE4_kdyiLfzXspZdUrTJh9BTFKm7EU/s1600-h/DSC05176.jpg"></a>to Ljubljana, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRC7Ls_pws6rIlszKna99_dyeatjZ8MUKQbqm2IyolyTitRFwq4y168rGgTx1I7j9u3azzL1ncbUevgCm5MeAV8p4qyvTxMMbm9Ek5PHbyJ9_1fnVpjAgVsP69hi1lFWJYSwOKWeIZZpI/s1600-h/DSC05226.jpg"></a>but since our rental car was “100% frozen” (official diagnosis provided by the local tow-truck driver) most of our day was spent waiting for our SUV to thaw. It was disappointing to lose so much time, but it was hard to be too upset with the beautiful, serene scenery all around.<br />There were only a few hours of daylight left by the time we arrived Ljubljana, the name derived from the word “beloved,” after visiting I can see it was so for very good reason, but we had enough time to get the vibe and see the major sites. I really enjoyed seeing the ornate door of the S<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi464CDF7IrInFkyVwAZld8oUo9Ngb02h02NrQLI3o2xo5aqXUUE0oiF7cLRupmgocQfzXp1q4hyphenhyphenuJwQtz_m7bNTZ0K382JOtQx2ZNxx8-38CKFHM_n6ydDNd1oTLE2-dtGXB960BRdflQ/s1600-h/DSCN6824.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330591380026827906" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi464CDF7IrInFkyVwAZld8oUo9Ngb02h02NrQLI3o2xo5aqXUUE0oiF7cLRupmgocQfzXp1q4hyphenhyphenuJwQtz_m7bNTZ0K382JOtQx2ZNxx8-38CKFHM_n6ydDNd1oTLE2-dtGXB960BRdflQ/s320/DSCN6824.JPG" border="0" /></a>aint Nicolas Cathedral, strolling along the old town promenade of the Ljubljanica River, and tasting a krof (fruit filled, powdered donut) near the Triple Bridge.<br />I was sorry there wasn’t more time to enjoy Slovenia, but now I know it really is just as beautiful and interesting as I imagined. I should have no trouble persuading others to join me for another visit in the future, preferably summer next time.<br />Now it’s off to Venice and the second half of a truly amazing holiday!Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043689556865574879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7990406558339679913.post-27611095974983407542009-02-15T08:08:00.000-08:002009-09-05T10:07:37.335-07:00Vilnius, LithuaniaAlthough I am always excited to visit new places, I was unusually enthusiastic about going to Vilnius. I thought it was simply because it was another country I had never expected to visit, but as I later learned that I <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF62mrM8v50l2K7XCkNu2vMx9dAdqxD59HzqaXu8USIHfMHVygD4WRaS0Sz9xa0CB60E48tvclPdOihmkkTnaA3u4daht2EVCQkHa12_NoBJHEFNNhY0fPuVqZPxLHz-LMkY7fFO6yb3k/s1600-h/Overlooking+Old+Town.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319740430746561778" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF62mrM8v50l2K7XCkNu2vMx9dAdqxD59HzqaXu8USIHfMHVygD4WRaS0Sz9xa0CB60E48tvclPdOihmkkTnaA3u4daht2EVCQkHa12_NoBJHEFNNhY0fPuVqZPxLHz-LMkY7fFO6yb3k/s320/Overlooking+Old+Town.jpg" border="0" /></a>actually have some Lithuanian ancestry thanks to my Great-Grandfather!<br />Not surprisingly, I found Lithuania/Lietuva a bit quirky (so very familiar to me) and filled with nice people, beautiful architecture, and tasty food.<br />February isn’t the height of the tourist season, and with temps averaging -3 degrees and only 2 hrs of sunlight per day it is for good reason, but it was nice not having any crowds to battle in order to see the city or experience real Lithuanian culture.<br />Our first day there, my work friends and I strolled <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb56k8-tUkVVzuSORryQdAU7Cxny12kbah8yiIbUQajNWYKZi8k0c9EG0qq3BAJnj3FrpQGlgr2xOI0RurMtMN-vX2n-32ByY7mpNBDhKE5apVz-ksK8TKcIwNf8DymHglMgWqUdlYmIk/s1600-h/Vilnius+Cathedral.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319743567623041858" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb56k8-tUkVVzuSORryQdAU7Cxny12kbah8yiIbUQajNWYKZi8k0c9EG0qq3BAJnj3FrpQGlgr2xOI0RurMtMN-vX2n-32ByY7mpNBDhKE5apVz-ksK8TKcIwNf8DymHglMgWqUdlYmIk/s320/Vilnius+Cathedral.jpg" border="0" /></a>down the Gediminas Prospektas, the main street of Vilnius, a diverse street of banks, government institutions, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3_CCX3iKmuf9P5JsvTgn527mFqVDslVxb2536lPBvcteTh2jdx74uDL531waFLiTnvZiKLWaWTIQuPDdTS-yLpRyyvmewdWrsT97SUVbbLnKnGd1qKUnBV0Yukeyi5r_YuQQJUkdWlQ/s1600-h/Vilnius+Cathedral.jpg"></a>theaters, the national library, and other shopping and dining options towards Vilnius Cathedral and the central meeting point of the city. There is a tile near the belfry marked with the word “stebuklas” or <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHWIusq8IYwEuNJx8CdkvRSw1sCvrxyUnodFm9pwFpLlzqMZbknf5PSzP9XdTbzXAXjcGoOdp38UlwXsU9RcusERw0jiSSA4zx4F0RnCl_EQtkbwtxTtirsFFQRFnUdw_5wq_LSdg8V0/s1600-h/Stebulklas+(miracle)+tile+in+Cathedral+Square.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319743939642322514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 228px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 191px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHWIusq8IYwEuNJx8CdkvRSw1sCvrxyUnodFm9pwFpLlzqMZbknf5PSzP9XdTbzXAXjcGoOdp38UlwXsU9RcusERw0jiSSA4zx4F0RnCl_EQtkbwtxTtirsFFQRFnUdw_5wq_LSdg8V0/s320/Stebulklas+(miracle)+tile+in+Cathedral+Square.jpg" border="0" /></a>miracle, which marks the spot where the 1989<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qIA75TiuZibrtYxaEN_xrHl_Ov85vdGC4okXs9Mt6gqeNlsXewohKa6Q0JsV8-uu_aFmU4N2QOEqN31VhTRnRw47oJjdh13bAmHaRpTtWJ3gabBkFIWtDkxUaCmRBqIBzpBFN-C80kQ/s1600-h/Stebulklas+(miracle)+tile+in+Cathedral+Square.jpg"></a> human chain of 2 million Lithuanians protesting Soviet occupation ended. It’s said that if you stand on the tile and turn around clockwise you will be granted a wish…my wish is that I had known this before I found the tile!<br />Our next stop was the Gediminas Tower - named for the 14th century Grand Duke or High King of Lithuania <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeqlNePCVfLQQssuCHltUpkxBy_AHR4z0uTvAt5kBRC0Rb8d_Qy8WLLmUklka51G_DHhyphenhyphenHJnO7Jpvk_AYeZZ0lqZQ3kVOxwLMloNv8avEnMT2ypy4FbfLHt3hIqpjpEc7OOxSigJ9ngQ/s1600-h/Gediminas+Tower+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319740604425657970" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 235px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeqlNePCVfLQQssuCHltUpkxBy_AHR4z0uTvAt5kBRC0Rb8d_Qy8WLLmUklka51G_DHhyphenhyphenHJnO7Jpvk_AYeZZ0lqZQ3kVOxwLMloNv8avEnMT2ypy4FbfLHt3hIqpjpEc7OOxSigJ9ngQ/s320/Gediminas+Tower+1.jpg" border="0" /></a>- the only remaining part of the upper Vilnius castle. This tower is a historic symbol of the country and is even depicted on the national currency, the lita. From that vantage point, 48 m above the city, we could see The Hill of Three Crosses, where legend has it Franciscan monks who were trying to spread Christianity were tortured to death and thrown into the Vilnia River.<br />Around 4pm the sun was down so we decided to pop into a coffee shop to warm up and then proceeded on to a wine bar (hey, you got to do what you got to do to stay warm!) to kill some time before dinner. We sampled traditional Lithuanian atmosphere –live chickens greeted us at the door! -- and food at Cili Kaimas. My adventurous undertaking was the aptly named “cili kaimas” or baked meat dumplings. They looked a lot like pierogies yet tasted a bit like lasagna, in short they were incredibly delicious!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXFCg7Zq_PijvL_aeTeOKYinLEt-sI4Y26JbfwvskIxWYtA91iy0fVEj6ArB0ELyMK7NC6IoZ5E7K5Jd7dw62HTFxxtMyGd-E4IGVxxt_csTj17czFgaz2SW798zXXH1K9fXm9w7rOkA/s1600-h/Crucifix+inside+St.+Anne%27s+Church.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319740440803909954" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXFCg7Zq_PijvL_aeTeOKYinLEt-sI4Y26JbfwvskIxWYtA91iy0fVEj6ArB0ELyMK7NC6IoZ5E7K5Jd7dw62HTFxxtMyGd-E4IGVxxt_csTj17czFgaz2SW798zXXH1K9fXm9w7rOkA/s320/Crucifix+inside+St.+Anne%27s+Church.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>The following day I strolled around the Old Town area some more, enjoying the winding cobbled stone streets, and taking in the unique atmosphere. It was freezing! so there were many stops for coffee and pizza, but I also managed to fit in a stop at the 15th century St. Anne’s Church, which is virtually unchanged since that time. The interior seemed a little dilapidated but the fact that it is still in it’s nearly original form made it all the more interesting and unique. After this trip to Vilnius, I am rather proud to claim myself as part Lithuanian!Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043689556865574879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7990406558339679913.post-39338092957363287612009-01-26T08:20:00.000-08:002009-09-05T10:10:14.622-07:00Malta, part 2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBe58qDvtdhVCwhafmKmbb8iJDyePnHDscehvGYpU4NsMqdxST0JQ9SP9EY5XLo3iKx1SwtYnnI1gmE0pb9r1KEFyXfWTS-MHDYOLU2KGPZXuJwuDIdOdrNa4Zkene-LXhzqwGtxC5Ecw/s1600-h/DSC04557.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315291311828838818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBe58qDvtdhVCwhafmKmbb8iJDyePnHDscehvGYpU4NsMqdxST0JQ9SP9EY5XLo3iKx1SwtYnnI1gmE0pb9r1KEFyXfWTS-MHDYOLU2KGPZXuJwuDIdOdrNa4Zkene-LXhzqwGtxC5Ecw/s320/DSC04557.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div>It was nice to visit Malta again, this trip I had much more time to site see, (mostly) better weather, I found the Maltese falcon, and had a very pleasent ride home in a police car! After dinner one night, I decided to call it an early evening while the rest of my work friends stayed out, but no taxis were arriving at the stop, which was conveniently located right next to a remote police station. When I asked the officers there if they had a number I could call they kindly offered me a ride instead. It was all very funny, I was jut sorry none of my work colleagues were at the hotel to see me arrive…ooh, the story I would have given!<br />In my free time from work, I visited the National Museum of Archaeology <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjHr_gPV4j39EGDOAYZouAB5yB-zgFEzS7t80RmZBe2wK_qwaucf3QQPrKACfKJzLInrIk47O0dQIzN0AqeRl45v6DdQsdb6Fc3u-RoAmevgJ9K8FqkXnJ97as6Y6Et_c894Zn4TSnMk/s1600-h/DSC04543.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315290679831420674" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjHr_gPV4j39EGDOAYZouAB5yB-zgFEzS7t80RmZBe2wK_qwaucf3QQPrKACfKJzLInrIk47O0dQIzN0AqeRl45v6DdQsdb6Fc3u-RoAmevgJ9K8FqkXnJ97as6Y6Et_c894Zn4TSnMk/s320/DSC04543.jpg" border="0" /></a>and was quite intrigued by the pre-historic art, which was mainly phallic shaped or portraying a very shapely female form. The most interesting piece on exhibit was the Sleeping Lady. It’s believed to represent death or eternal sleep. It is no bigger than the palm of your hand, but it dates back as far as 3000 B.C.!<br />On the other free day, my friend C<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26PjZHudLv-PHhcHk8AYp5E5Asf42HPPz6RBMpdyRcJF2lgoPOJ2VcHcVSU1CR-M42nRZcxlU1zLJJ3FNSVZhrdE6_wi1rM9hGxK1uQ2ouvd7b9qr4aANDnQTTjKGj3wB6jqui435xLg/s1600-h/DSC04566.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315290685107454658" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26PjZHudLv-PHhcHk8AYp5E5Asf42HPPz6RBMpdyRcJF2lgoPOJ2VcHcVSU1CR-M42nRZcxlU1zLJJ3FNSVZhrdE6_wi1rM9hGxK1uQ2ouvd7b9qr4aANDnQTTjKGj3wB6jqui435xLg/s320/DSC04566.jpg" border="0" /></a>harles and I took a site seeing bus tour around the island. I was surprised by just how many different, interesting areas there were to explore. Unfortunately we didn’t have enough time to make many stops, but we did manage time for a cozy lunch in the medieval, walled city of Mdina, which comes from the Arabic word for fortified place. Today it is known as the silent city, but it was once the capital of the country due to it’s <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMDgBu04dedf-zEf27R45V2Kn8tRtRYXU92nDD_MTZ1Hb7eizliULbmu8qY4tnXbLmsoJCSjz0oB-JFmrTXgWjQrceRfeIA2_xHu13dXqeRl6M6uhivEzN62a_Kp4nAwwuPtJh2daI2A/s1600-h/DSC04571.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315291142232896194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMDgBu04dedf-zEf27R45V2Kn8tRtRYXU92nDD_MTZ1Hb7eizliULbmu8qY4tnXbLmsoJCSjz0oB-JFmrTXgWjQrceRfeIA2_xHu13dXqeRl6M6uhivEzN62a_Kp4nAwwuPtJh2daI2A/s320/DSC04571.jpg" border="0" /></a>strategic position at the highest point of the island and the farthest from the sea. Eventually, as trading and thus the need to be closer to the sea grew in importance, the capital was officially moved to Valletta and everyone moved out of pretty Mdina...hence the silent city. Now it is a tourist destination, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1-iTLw8cOzcRM83Ilei-TBb7w1PC2AQumLz2_EKqv9xK3ngKqT8io1e2eaqF9VPdJNH-ZlQLd-tordhWqtqnS45Pp0hL7gtG0936xKN5NxsQpUK_Hh77vn7BwpHn8MDjI0Wp83RH9IY/s1600-h/DSC04577.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315290979620459986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1-iTLw8cOzcRM83Ilei-TBb7w1PC2AQumLz2_EKqv9xK3ngKqT8io1e2eaqF9VPdJNH-ZlQLd-tordhWqtqnS45Pp0hL7gtG0936xKN5NxsQpUK_Hh77vn7BwpHn8MDjI0Wp83RH9IY/s320/DSC04577.jpg" border="0" /></a>probably really incredible in the summer time when all the shops and restaurants are open, but not so much on a chilly, rainy, and generally nasty winter day! Although the weather wasn’t very cooperative, we did enjoy our very short time there. We shopped for Mdina glass and had some tasty pizza and chocolate cake at the lovely Fontanella Tea Garden café, positioned inside the city walls with amazing views over the countryside.<br />The more I come back to Malta, the more I like it – I just hope next time I will have the good fortune to visit in the summertime! </div></div></div></div></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043689556865574879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7990406558339679913.post-5978804464359545562009-01-02T06:19:00.000-08:002009-09-05T10:12:10.682-07:00Sweden for the New YearI didn’t have to work over the New Year’s holiday so my friend from work, Rixt, and I decided to take advantage of the long weekend and check <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQzDhMw0vmrEHyvMue9r9D6dACFd9_j0s8GaXKLZ9gqjFzsO2Ue5-wgYMxsvBNZOvsXKRpK74DJPgsBY8GThaP62QIWq1V7NahJf8Z3OOxl6fHbE_SY0YKvjWL5Db25Puwi_DEerbeck/s1600-h/DSC04275.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310807134837911154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQzDhMw0vmrEHyvMue9r9D6dACFd9_j0s8GaXKLZ9gqjFzsO2Ue5-wgYMxsvBNZOvsXKRpK74DJPgsBY8GThaP62QIWq1V7NahJf8Z3OOxl6fHbE_SY0YKvjWL5Db25Puwi_DEerbeck/s320/DSC04275.jpg" border="0" /></a>out Stockholm since neither of us had ever been but had heard plenty of good things.<br />It was just as we imagined, really, really cold!, but also very beautiful and clean. Our hotel was just at the end of the main shopping <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGY53Nupb0nRESgg4Uc6cy-SjNCG98s2PDkax_dwnvauW5vLJZjG6nO2maN0bXLfhUrie-m-EQdkl8QTjpOmyHdqUCuBvl7kndbP0aI5AiP7HR2ugHqVtFFEY-lVkUo_PIki8rl-79nC4/s1600-h/DSC04298.jpg"></a>street so we <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggE_UIKX4OlKFEc8Najf9J0IlZXj_vfLjRJELJBx_ZmDCNr2wA2xKONQKRKGd2BO2jo4GEhUnBNJ1c5i15-fJfHeF82dvB_DURsRxe9FK_nkVGXSf8bqZVYw0chn5P_-eP0GOmYjFXWoU/s1600-h/DSC04434.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310811684632115250" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggE_UIKX4OlKFEc8Najf9J0IlZXj_vfLjRJELJBx_ZmDCNr2wA2xKONQKRKGd2BO2jo4GEhUnBNJ1c5i15-fJfHeF82dvB_DURsRxe9FK_nkVGXSf8bqZVYw0chn5P_-eP0GOmYjFXWoU/s320/DSC04434.jpg" border="0" /></a>spent our first day basically strolling around and checking out the quaint souvenir shops, restaurants, and various other boutiques throughout the winding, cobbled stone streets of Gamla Stan (old town) area. Stockholm is built on 14 islands so there were amazing waterfront views basically everywhere you looked. It took quite a while to walk the 3 km because we literally had to stop every 30 minutes at some of the thousands of coffee shops around the city to warm up!<br />The first night we discovered the world’s largest Christmas tree and had a very authentic dinner of Swedish meatballs, the best ever!, at the Pelikan, a 100 year old beer hall.<br />On New Year’s Eve we went to the Vasa museum,<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIWQP9bYBEu73vrXFZXvNXX9LaQWykdsfbmAzs9Xij-3gU54LpAfWWaQPQTxVxUd_FOFq6wZnH_qr7zwwOhjJq5G72vFP3YsPBnrfM-x8ExhXGGuo0VBmE_dY1DoOnV_nGHA3Bowmbj0/s1600-h/DSC04375.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310807289347478258" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIWQP9bYBEu73vrXFZXvNXX9LaQWykdsfbmAzs9Xij-3gU54LpAfWWaQPQTxVxUd_FOFq6wZnH_qr7zwwOhjJq5G72vFP3YsPBnrfM-x8ExhXGGuo0VBmE_dY1DoOnV_nGHA3Bowmbj0/s320/DSC04375.jpg" border="0" /></a> an indoor exhibit of the world’s oldest war ship that sunk on her maiden voyage in 1628! The ship was entirely intact and completely restored after its rescue from the bottom of the ocean in 1961, 333 years later. After a few hours of gazing at this amazing piece of history, we ventured on to Skansen, displaying actual period homes, churches, barns, windmills, etc. from various regions of Sweden and the indigenous wildlife to the country such as moose and reindeers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmWJFah_i3SwQqXDUtlNxcwHW2bS7J6xSXkDdgnbZb3HumSV_gOQH21N_vphYBiZbzhzbhgkEVSuWPAbJbLoRWCAtas35ZZiU6C1RIHcFKK2dqbH4S8R6N7yIlF7qP0h87uVgEN_MPec/s1600-h/DSC04421.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310807587048790930" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmWJFah_i3SwQqXDUtlNxcwHW2bS7J6xSXkDdgnbZb3HumSV_gOQH21N_vphYBiZbzhzbhgkEVSuWPAbJbLoRWCAtas35ZZiU6C1RIHcFKK2dqbH4S8R6N7yIlF7qP0h87uVgEN_MPec/s320/DSC04421.jpg" border="0" /></a>….what could be more festive?<br />NYE night, we tried in vein to find a nice restaurant for dinner in old town, but as we had no booking we were reduced to an extremely dodging Mongolian bbq, but it accomplished our need for nourishment before ringing in 2009 with the Disney On Ice crew that was in town. Although their hotel party was quite a trek from the city centre, we had the best views of the most spectacular fireworks display I’ve ever witnessed – the entire Stockholm skyline was ablaze for no less than 30 consecutive minutes.<br />Since pretty much everything in Stockholm was closed on New Year’s Day, we took an excursion to, what we expected would be the sleepy town of, Stigtomta. To our delight, we found that the city had a massive lake where tons of people <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeL618E5rMxAoqIkXVORsMoc9x4OoER0m6KWv6wFqB89Np38w5iN6JKhOHteRejwxrsj-DegiztJ6-Roalybm9E4WThGkQpkI0DoMYnSAPNnl4ffd_Y2gZgoP88J9Ac6jKkaA7KSl6Qxw/s1600-h/DSC04448.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310806703576897938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeL618E5rMxAoqIkXVORsMoc9x4OoER0m6KWv6wFqB89Np38w5iN6JKhOHteRejwxrsj-DegiztJ6-Roalybm9E4WThGkQpkI0DoMYnSAPNnl4ffd_Y2gZgoP88J9Ac6jKkaA7KSl6Qxw/s320/DSC04448.jpg" border="0" /></a>were spending the day ice skating. It was incredible watching people skating off as far as the eye could see. Of course all of the cute shops in the very quaint village were closed for the holiday, but the trip was well worth it just to see how Swedes enjoy a typical day of winter recreation.<br />I class the first visit to Sweden as a major success and the ringing in of ’09 as possibly the most pleasant I’ve ever had!Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043689556865574879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7990406558339679913.post-31796235097807310082008-12-28T14:11:00.000-08:002009-02-02T14:32:10.053-08:00A Budapest ChristmasFor the first time in my life, I spent Christmas apart from <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYiGb_w_KWEiMK97oPEjkTdZDN-qQcnn8k0OxtNdNeTlTdhy6oUYUYfyDl5txgRl6nu2X6TLMq5vnqnvSMG0Cs5V8Eh7gpRZ_i0BQTWGNRqIQAlf3BalhNmFc_BDf6C4IHGCeXg34fi80/s1600-h/DSC04230.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298328801270120978" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYiGb_w_KWEiMK97oPEjkTdZDN-qQcnn8k0OxtNdNeTlTdhy6oUYUYfyDl5txgRl6nu2X6TLMq5vnqnvSMG0Cs5V8Eh7gpRZ_i0BQTWGNRqIQAlf3BalhNmFc_BDf6C4IHGCeXg34fi80/s320/DSC04230.jpg" border="0" /></a>my parents. Although it was difficult to be working on the biggest family day of the year, I could imagine far worse situations to be in. I was fortunate enough to be with a terrific group of colleagues & friends and in the lovely city of Budapest no less!<br />There was a bit more leisure time this trip and I wisely spent it shopping! My friend Paddy was in need of some last minute presents so we spent the first night at the Westend City Centre mall. Nothing says holiday spirit like some frantic retail <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuSBy51IoIIZ9vpV59Q6m2CHzhD4esDOWT8BO9SvUnn8hC7eXQmDO4vP4INo_VuEnwyeDVyOseoS-0diLAiw0gPi5FXhW0FhpUZ11Z0664IKHMoiqBINzmRU1Dydh2qgirc-XzcouDeQ/s1600-h/DSC04225.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298329276466925762" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuSBy51IoIIZ9vpV59Q6m2CHzhD4esDOWT8BO9SvUnn8hC7eXQmDO4vP4INo_VuEnwyeDVyOseoS-0diLAiw0gPi5FXhW0FhpUZ11Z0664IKHMoiqBINzmRU1Dydh2qgirc-XzcouDeQ/s320/DSC04225.jpg" border="0" /></a>chaos… the Hungarians gave it their best, but I fear that nowhere else in the world is as materialistic around the holidays as Americans!<br />Our show opened Christmas Eve morning and much to our delight we found that the Christmas angels had worked hard through the night to bring us a decorated tree with not so good, but very traditional chocolate Christmas sweets on and under it (Hungarian tradition is that the kids go to sleep and awake to the tree from the angels in <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyNjjzDCXhqX1SKi67jp86Ojbhyphenhyphen1NzYac63GiUmjibK15n4XhzY7xVi2MtRCXWS2FcpPEVyA8kpxfH8adXQ6jzqTRcogWAsoWUGACB1qUaIPmuS93KR6OJrTSi3JpZ9xO2SP85JMINAcg/s1600-h/DSC04243.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298329774548542274" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyNjjzDCXhqX1SKi67jp86Ojbhyphenhyphen1NzYac63GiUmjibK15n4XhzY7xVi2MtRCXWS2FcpPEVyA8kpxfH8adXQ6jzqTRcogWAsoWUGACB1qUaIPmuS93KR6OJrTSi3JpZ9xO2SP85JMINAcg/s320/DSC04243.jpg" border="0" /></a>the morning).<br />The afternoon and evening were ours to enjoy so I walked to the Christmas market at Vörösmarty Square to have a look at the local crafts and foods. I was thoroughly impressed with the offerings, which were by far the best of any of the markets I had been to this season. My timing was unfortunate since everything was just about to close, but I had some time to enjoy the festivity and just as I arrived the flurries started, which really lifted my already holly-jolly spirits.<br />I spent Christmas Eve night with my work friends at the Marriott Hotel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA75KhbgoYfNnrjW2w0p7w3dcOZzUq0a0aWW78xQ1w5ga0kAP2KzLipIzkdmQzmyh2ZYrNdws2P8cWZH_-fFiXa-AxY3HYtucgjAV5ApfU5RKsLkY-X1RBt5CR8Df0yFefF_597nfOn5Q/s1600-h/DSC04240.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298328805367321970" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA75KhbgoYfNnrjW2w0p7w3dcOZzUq0a0aWW78xQ1w5ga0kAP2KzLipIzkdmQzmyh2ZYrNdws2P8cWZH_-fFiXa-AxY3HYtucgjAV5ApfU5RKsLkY-X1RBt5CR8Df0yFefF_597nfOn5Q/s320/DSC04240.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFowqp10UXH_oJZGkmg1E59xsATLyFEM0bwbAfnAg9uQDZu4ZJgmlcA8n2949KaBp7VL8z_YXj9W4GTfv3e5OzsewJFdrgM8BvLvoELBJZikH2WpFvMNi0IFwYGHGAOw2yJS4_j9oZ8Mw/s1600-h/DSC04243.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ue1t_awJAR76b7Z_QavL5ycdNRU5H5uIsMxEzl2iSKFNp1SRTcD4zljfgAhy5aeODadx1EOF-nU8B-jaek5c94Wc2B2FpuoZTF9yvZrWnyjFYhRNcx9TTxhWPh5It7PduYvDS7J2A1w/s1600-h/DSC04240.JPG"></a>overlooking the Danube river and a beautiful view of Budapest castle. Of course nothing will ever compare to being home with loved ones on Christmas, but my Budapest Christmas wasn’t such a bad alternatives all things considered!Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043689556865574879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7990406558339679913.post-84118299111105944262008-12-20T13:29:00.000-08:002009-02-02T13:39:49.103-08:00Prague, Czech Republic<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntsoR__e_REHRDssao-J3VIh_QZzbU27SPSv55VK20hTTVzuc2Q8ApfZ7oETsWRWXCiz8lfX7wXkA0nguF4TXVWelontzOybRdhySB6UpuGOY1Lv6JEqVSpPTyYSIhETnnOP_mchmMiw/s1600-h/DSC04051.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298316293497382290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntsoR__e_REHRDssao-J3VIh_QZzbU27SPSv55VK20hTTVzuc2Q8ApfZ7oETsWRWXCiz8lfX7wXkA0nguF4TXVWelontzOybRdhySB6UpuGOY1Lv6JEqVSpPTyYSIhETnnOP_mchmMiw/s320/DSC04051.jpg" border="0" /></a>Having the opportunity to visit this “gem of Eastern Europe” again was very exciting since my first trip was far too quick and long ago!<br />Almost as soon as I landed, I immediately remembered the funky, cool vibe I experienced during my first visit. This feeling can only be described as uniquely Czech…an old man horn band with giant flowers in their hats, an almost-comical looking nativity scene with oversized doll-like depiction of the holy family, or my personal favorite, the mechanical “Peeing Man” statues. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298315824336932370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1QizGhY7Ms4dump_VXI0nKq6EriuHadncbDVZtLiL7xPHBA3g4nGhSssPFxex7vKxOqlD5KUiX-YRbFs19qrNHa2fXeyazCM5TWPPzlASnENyCQkWjJsygAdyVaWPREtK59EOBS8AoY/s320/DSC04170.jpg" border="0" /><br />What I missed the first time around (because clearly my eyes were closed), was the overwhelming <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1yfgvf6hNonoAm6z9nIAMJ4uRYpOx7njuFyxADqFd76cA3dkvr2vRdZRNDeZme4bk3l2Ap52gRqXZ5dwgY48ofkL_Vs_jFkVB_7aQD6tiQezPV8wCx5G4IGcRg3HAHTcpgEN5tP9hQv4/s1600-h/Charles+Bridge.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298315721526522450" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1yfgvf6hNonoAm6z9nIAMJ4uRYpOx7njuFyxADqFd76cA3dkvr2vRdZRNDeZme4bk3l2Ap52gRqXZ5dwgY48ofkL_Vs_jFkVB_7aQD6tiQezPV8wCx5G4IGcRg3HAHTcpgEN5tP9hQv4/s320/Charles+Bridge.jpg" border="0" /></a>romanticism of this city. The gothic architecture blanketed in a mystical yet cozy fog with street car style trams and the Prague castle overlooking everything from the banks of the Vltava river gave an unmistakable feel of being right in the middle of a 1950s European spy movie.<br />Sadly work took up most of my <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyaCvzi2jIRULNxHBJZ96RXsmiDlKZKNoARg0baGWk5wQzIMMTcjFiLmfpOwwFoXqfI42nnD6IzdDtsi45LZivBDN998HIZ1kgu7qxUZMfuwcVGp99ASvB5BcZeRv2P0N5LUdRdtRnt-Q/s1600-h/Cock+Tower.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298316132827469346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyaCvzi2jIRULNxHBJZ96RXsmiDlKZKNoARg0baGWk5wQzIMMTcjFiLmfpOwwFoXqfI42nnD6IzdDtsi45LZivBDN998HIZ1kgu7qxUZMfuwcVGp99ASvB5BcZeRv2P0N5LUdRdtRnt-Q/s320/Cock+Tower.jpg" border="0" /></a>time but I did have a chance to stroll along the Charles bridge and admire the dozens of incredible 18th century statues that line the sides. And although I’m still waiting for the payoff, I got in a good luck touch on the John of Nepomuk statue, the national saint of the Czech Republic who was thrown off that bridge for not revealing the queen’s confessions. Afterwards I walked over to have a look at the medieval astronomical clock, then on to the Old Town Square to check out, and by check out I mean eat my way around, the Christmas Market. Although there were many sweets to be had, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXcjjJVP4D7k9Olu9JHm9sdjoMF_kBtJh7oLoDpr0kf6NsOpDLyeNF4KQIdj26czrwisyfRc3hL2kbQQWzy7n-vsCVzCXZaLAJvFfqtCT_Qc3ITGnIgajyHL5M816AzEuTdKu5b2bY1M/s1600-h/DSC04126.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298315725560115570" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXcjjJVP4D7k9Olu9JHm9sdjoMF_kBtJh7oLoDpr0kf6NsOpDLyeNF4KQIdj26czrwisyfRc3hL2kbQQWzy7n-vsCVzCXZaLAJvFfqtCT_Qc3ITGnIgajyHL5M816AzEuTdKu5b2bY1M/s320/DSC04126.jpg" border="0" /></a>the real treat of the market was the festive dancing we saw performed by some Czech teens in traditional costume.<br />My only complaint about this trip to Prague was that it was not long enough, but I will be back in the spring so I have a lot more exploring to look forward to!Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043689556865574879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7990406558339679913.post-66317295638364113382008-12-13T06:16:00.000-08:002009-01-20T02:02:30.488-08:00Kosice, Slovakia<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47R78j_QR37d9FdOwYtqUO2W6YQ-7TalCqEItUGw1RoLMlKIYDjpe2HUp5BCEXkl4HQFDpsklugUo71NoqmE4iylZN6z6lKsAtqsuK4jjuppX9Z84vdtkWnPBwKxmlSy5BJyKFCw9eeQ/s1600-h/DSC03998.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293293101614558386" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47R78j_QR37d9FdOwYtqUO2W6YQ-7TalCqEItUGw1RoLMlKIYDjpe2HUp5BCEXkl4HQFDpsklugUo71NoqmE4iylZN6z6lKsAtqsuK4jjuppX9Z84vdtkWnPBwKxmlSy5BJyKFCw9eeQ/s320/DSC03998.jpg" border="0" /></a>My first impression of Kosice was not very positive; the movie The Shining comes to mind when I think of how eerily quiet my hotel was both inside and out. I was immediately depressed thinking of spending the next three nights there, but<br />I willed myself to get a good nights sleep and give the place another shot in the morning. Things got off to a better start when I learned that I was actually just a short walk away from the centre and continued to improve when I actually started seeing how cute, quaint, and charming the city is. Although Kosice (pronounced Ko- Sheet- Say) is the second biggest city <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuw3WfeIVFACf75xxE37UQyDWfelEwDJeqt-s6D0SsxZH-bdfT_HeSAcInF4yI6X2Vxk7mCys07G6EdMUCKUzwxjHdg6C-84eOez0UBjbMskHP5TWN7hZcQZnhBYFdWsEJV-5eQ-Q51A8/s1600-h/DSC03995.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293309446324135730" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuw3WfeIVFACf75xxE37UQyDWfelEwDJeqt-s6D0SsxZH-bdfT_HeSAcInF4yI6X2Vxk7mCys07G6EdMUCKUzwxjHdg6C-84eOez0UBjbMskHP5TWN7hZcQZnhBYFdWsEJV-5eQ-Q51A8/s320/DSC03995.jpg" border="0" /></a>in Slovakia, the lack of major roadways, the gothic architecture, and general coziness of shops & restaurants – many in hidden alleyways and below street level in almost cave-like atmospheres – very much provided a village-type feel. I was especially excited to find a very festive <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzRe1eKM7dzj51ES8nFS6IoSv1OLDKMv9pBJQp-dn6kwfqLd5cOfHizVVz_AjnPHDDYmmtBQj6kE1E-HyJPjohOabXudyLoUrtFvjS1VRFSd8bgVp7GxPB9L_Ip_39vjwFsESyByY5xE/s1600-h/DSC03985.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293009707906174818" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzRe1eKM7dzj51ES8nFS6IoSv1OLDKMv9pBJQp-dn6kwfqLd5cOfHizVVz_AjnPHDDYmmtBQj6kE1E-HyJPjohOabXudyLoUrtFvjS1VRFSd8bgVp7GxPB9L_Ip_39vjwFsESyByY5xE/s320/DSC03985.jpg" border="0" /></a>Christmas market on the pedestrian road behind the Cathedral of St. Elizabeth (which might just be the first cathedral I've found named after a female saint!).<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ErsT4f7tpn4Uc8A-7UJ0Y51YlIiSu3QVn1ege-fCdZdzyysae8kIdZA-XSP002eAnspUNDiuVIsSVRPUe-NcoZJp7gC12uoZbulC946PZANwmwVKJIn7gWIVtjB_NDSXPObHsErqa_Y/s1600-h/DSC03997.jpg"></a>This Christmas Market had some local crafts, but was heavily focused on grilled <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcLDDfQbRz8TK_hu5GTDi93Meq95dgt8z5uftAjItlnmAj9nJkBe5tXRDOxSqV_Cg7ML9v1JvD6iAJOhJObu3fujsM4fcbcOleU1du_M32hEfsFmVUvXAgCqrTCmTN2lxh1UqKUrL6X0/s1600-h/DSC04006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293293100839281906" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcLDDfQbRz8TK_hu5GTDi93Meq95dgt8z5uftAjItlnmAj9nJkBe5tXRDOxSqV_Cg7ML9v1JvD6iAJOhJObu3fujsM4fcbcOleU1du_M32hEfsFmVUvXAgCqrTCmTN2lxh1UqKUrL6X0/s320/DSC04006.jpg" border="0" /></a>meats, mulled-wine, and sweets. I was very tempted to try it all, especially the glu-wyn, but as I was on the clock I had to content myself with some puff-dough balls with powdered sugar and chocolate sauce instead.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043689556865574879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7990406558339679913.post-1523656331641135272008-11-30T05:04:00.000-08:002009-01-19T06:16:27.430-08:00A Pennsylvania Thanksmas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYD4XZnzpcqhv_RckhFWfrKa3wcGVZ9kYe6yw6uCA3JUe0XEyZVOgZBmzg28YrNE8ydE3MRMawjsnPqplM9Dj7fCczLVwBPJizrmesmr72pOR7rUgCwdSYHRQfvOTLqukZS01zDAEz9g/s1600-h/Turkey+cupcake..genius!.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293008054604515474" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYD4XZnzpcqhv_RckhFWfrKa3wcGVZ9kYe6yw6uCA3JUe0XEyZVOgZBmzg28YrNE8ydE3MRMawjsnPqplM9Dj7fCczLVwBPJizrmesmr72pOR7rUgCwdSYHRQfvOTLqukZS01zDAEz9g/s320/Turkey+cupcake..genius!.jpg" border="0" /></a>Since I would not be coming home for Christmas this year, my family and I decided to use my Thanksgiving trip to create a hybrid holiday were we decorated the tree while watching the Macy’s parade, exchanged presents over our turkey dinners, and made yet another attempt at creating the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3VrfPQKetHW65Rf_9vXA_5SFAf4ToJc-d3yUGZtLZr3FvT30RgNJ0WovkY7VLT-dQD4JEb90q9msyYy6eHZvjRAVa_1GpbSa7Bsosxbdhj1Xwd931HAZoroMPYKAvokJgBkZxykv2i6w/s1600-h/Gram+%26+I+finally+get+it+right.jpg"></a>perfect gingerbread house <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3qnSepT-qkm1zPRSg0TJX01LsCwufeeAUxnpQDjcTFIWyKIweQXZ2WwUYleBYt5C-CE1UITBs58YtxibUtzqJ621kRE2osPOsxZ4H31-Ct_ciOlZpzKPteQE3NL6zwfIcxUjgDkVtsI/s1600-h/Gram+%26+I+finally+get+it+right.jpg"></a>(third <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVbPZf223C-58O-AwFztPIslo3z3CHWqOenuUFXX9JVWjobE8yarjnG9ltcS0JOFkcjYslPeoZ8qYle96LF2RGr00vJIWwdwpYRvoQocH-ciqNeD7BIz6rXK-S4OwW1Xg3WeQpNMt3-0/s1600-h/Gram+%26+I+finally+get+it+right.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293007647241199234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVbPZf223C-58O-AwFztPIslo3z3CHWqOenuUFXX9JVWjobE8yarjnG9ltcS0JOFkcjYslPeoZ8qYle96LF2RGr00vJIWwdwpYRvoQocH-ciqNeD7BIz6rXK-S4OwW1Xg3WeQpNMt3-0/s320/Gram+%26+I+finally+get+it+right.jpg" border="0" /></a>time really is a charm!) over pumpkin pie. It’s quite amazing how stress-free and enjoyable the holiday season can be when you have already bought and distributed your gifts a month <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdxvP0l2k6XSJxNrmhhEfRjO2OEZxIDOp8GyhIan29rPvqIDLKUL-g7Q0bMHo0Ar5BXd-BBK_cydOarqbwra_xh1wwb0QSPOerQIrFkDy4l7NTQM6SZUUxFDtFU7c3RMpPOkR7sE_fOM/s1600-h/Taite+%26+her+Finnish+doll.jpg"></a>before Christmas Day! All things considered, the first ever Suponcic Thanksmas turned <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1Oy6mQvTXBBx-_VfC3-5Dme5L8vqA30HWdZUga_fPHyg4eCLC562pzC0cx4ln-xOy2GwJQL_3R7wYqpGqY9AItm_Xh_3BGKngnmCz5FYluTrR9Pzb1_KEUJhpK9nfIL1yLIS6K91Nlc/s1600-h/The+Monster+Truck+is+no+match+for+Max.jpg"></a>out to be a great holiday, although it could have only been better if my <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVOtjr29SeiMm_Wb3ER-UuhuEQDHl5LR3MoWfq7EeRnvgOYgcvFVnMPj0hHoczoo1Uk14XCy3F7YjR3WOXlIQBW4kRP2RXfRS3-6f_VWuJvrB4XMXjemwkVHXOXjBi0KOmxVcLyP78bYo/s1600-h/The+Monster+Truck+is+no+match+for+Max.jpg"></a>brother was able to get home for it and – as is always the case – I had just a little more time to spend with family and friends.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043689556865574879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7990406558339679913.post-29183631247374040742008-11-21T05:16:00.000-08:002009-01-20T00:37:15.851-08:00AthensI had been to Greece a few years ago on an island hopping vacation, but I was very excited to go back and finally visit the most famous tourist site in Athens that I had neglected to see on my first trip – the Acropolis, which I learned actually means “city on the edge.” For purposes of defense, ancient civilizations built the nucleus of their cities, the citadel, on higher ground hence the steep hike you have to take to see the iconic image everyone thinks of when you say “acropolis” -- the Parthenon, a temple to the Greek goddess Athena. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292993729090293362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRv5F9ACh6dHssMHnW1VkQ_1Djw7H6qLvbtfyKe-CNmjWBQWjCQKENNublleHGva5_R2epIoQpM2I8J0mf0_KEZjpydGzc02VStiryt-jEjSPzUXhcPC5PEjtlO4Z1R8nqhAQTRDo2F1E/s320/DSC03814.jpg" border="0" /><br />My hotel wasn’t too far and the weather was a very mild 65 degrees, so I walked there. On the way I saw many areas that I remembered exploring on my first visit, and I was immediately struck by how much slower the pace was without the tourist influx. The Acropolis complex was <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jSCcW-F_oFoIJR_m0AvT2eSoJVygsXZ3r_v5J2kljElx920HA2bdG_0pOkVjIQ3n5C9vu5FB9ldNaDeI3MrgQNlOUfTFo_ijDM0OogV22jOvCS5RbNKefIVFrm5UTUz67RWqhF9J-iY/s1600-h/DSC03820.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGgMO8a6DofLUUgepUI4vMwjXJvJNV3JYDFNl7pJUZje15znvvzHM3BQ5UYPYy27pQwS4GfSMB-qYztys3nNedJ7BTSTMmfK41lUY8CxOmiDVJpR-scF291_iW0dnvWumSasL6OsfCSA/s1600-h/DSC03820.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293000540468366386" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGgMO8a6DofLUUgepUI4vMwjXJvJNV3JYDFNl7pJUZje15znvvzHM3BQ5UYPYy27pQwS4GfSMB-qYztys3nNedJ7BTSTMmfK41lUY8CxOmiDVJpR-scF291_iW0dnvWumSasL6OsfCSA/s320/DSC03820.jpg" border="0" /></a>virtually empty by the time I got there so I was really able to take my time and look around at my leisure. On the way up to the Parthenon there are all sorts of ruins of old theaters, sculptures, cathedrals, etc. to look at, but of course none of that was anything compared to the temple itself. The view alone was magnificent but combined<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdR9yRQsti5xTz8EqwNosWZtzu3HrdV_RjEJmKc-NF5RTpZSHkohLRFIfcQQ6nTjzdu8MVo_56sLMbkR7zbHW3B21-1dzfhzgFNyu-mqguf7h7Hs3bV2Jt9v3esbOGfSy7dml0miQnebw/s1600-h/DSC03822.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293001041721424802" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdR9yRQsti5xTz8EqwNosWZtzu3HrdV_RjEJmKc-NF5RTpZSHkohLRFIfcQQ6nTjzdu8MVo_56sLMbkR7zbHW3B21-1dzfhzgFNyu-mqguf7h7Hs3bV2Jt9v3esbOGfSy7dml0miQnebw/s320/DSC03822.jpg" border="0" /></a> with the realization that I was standing in the same spot, and looking at the same structures, as ancient - as in 5 B.C. anciet - Grecians it was really something to behold.<br />This time around I felt I also got to see the true Athenian personality, and I have to say it wasn’t very welcoming! People were not as warm, friendly, or helpful as I remembered – everyone from the hotel staff to restaurant waiters had an air of no-nonsense abruptness about them. I guess the Athenian hospitality goes on hibernation for the winter. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFT0rl5w5_mKI0EScPGq8l4Liv9Mkj_a3bg2dUhLl-mx4I43ccMeNcLrv_35kJYpTfvP_E00BevhbEVnmo0je8XSb3ZVPWguFcXB4ZVrjjr7T5WVcGufZnebmjQn_0T6h4pxTreHhmlvA/s1600-h/DSC03828.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293001044359073026" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFT0rl5w5_mKI0EScPGq8l4Liv9Mkj_a3bg2dUhLl-mx4I43ccMeNcLrv_35kJYpTfvP_E00BevhbEVnmo0je8XSb3ZVPWguFcXB4ZVrjjr7T5WVcGufZnebmjQn_0T6h4pxTreHhmlvA/s320/DSC03828.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The first night in town, we went out to fantastic Italian (go figure!) dinner with our local partners. Between wrapping up the day’s work and the horrendous Athens traffic it was already 10pm by the time we sat down to our meals. Apparently this was not uncommon for a regular Wednesday night because all throughout our meal people, some even with small children, were just being seated. Some were only getting their meals as we were enjoying our ouzo at midnight!<br />There is no doubt that Greece is definitely one of the more unique countries in Europe.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043689556865574879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7990406558339679913.post-88230604767599670662008-11-16T07:24:00.000-08:002008-12-29T08:01:09.443-08:00Sinterklaas DaySinterklaas Day, or St. Nicholas Day, is a unqiue Dutch tradition. Sinterklaas is always dressed as the bishop he once was, but he isn't thought of religiously, instead as a kind, old man, whose feast day is observed by exchanging gifts and making <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzobj3896ddgRKg8WOtd17hsqem2ykWOQSVZDfbsHOmbzvv4CHvtumXqjgH36qGAsuFTAvnh-qf4TYfVC7UrfDQzGXccqYTV0uH16Fn3e-EBiwamjGp0-Ja-R9n1ox_rzi2yXX3pTMX0/s1600-h/DSC03797.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285241536481881490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzobj3896ddgRKg8WOtd17hsqem2ykWOQSVZDfbsHOmbzvv4CHvtumXqjgH36qGAsuFTAvnh-qf4TYfVC7UrfDQzGXccqYTV0uH16Fn3e-EBiwamjGp0-Ja-R9n1ox_rzi2yXX3pTMX0/s320/DSC03797.jpg" border="0" /></a>good-natured fun of each other.<br /><div><div>Sinterklaas lives in Spain and there spends most of the year recording the behavior of Dutch kids while his helper, Black Piet...so called because of the chimney soot he gets on himself visiting homes...stocks up presents. In mid-November, "Sinterklaas season" kicks off when the patron saint of sailors, merchants, and of course, children, arrives to a harbor town in the Netherlands where he is greeted by the Mayor and all the townspeople and then h<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Mc6_DeQnouKG0t3bpAZqs14yVNc8deDf9wdfucuCtd__b92PZmf-Zud09Lr3dVSOdiLfqUEIugE5i3muzdwnpcXpCNCWghyphenhyphenEOH4sMvrE9B5YGq7XrBMxvsAuwksVXZ4_pfBypnHJooQ/s1600-h/DSC03782.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285242078018522898" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Mc6_DeQnouKG0t3bpAZqs14yVNc8deDf9wdfucuCtd__b92PZmf-Zud09Lr3dVSOdiLfqUEIugE5i3muzdwnpcXpCNCWghyphenhyphenEOH4sMvrE9B5YGq7XrBMxvsAuwksVXZ4_pfBypnHJooQ/s320/DSC03782.jpg" border="0" /></a>e parades through the town on his white horse handing out gingerbread cookie treats to everyone. </div><div>In Amsterdam, Sinterklaas helpers -- the Black Piets -- repell from the walls of department stores! </div><div>Children leave carrots in their shoes for Sinterklaas's horse and when Black Piet visits, they get a small gift or some candy in exchange. </div><div>All gifts given on Sinterklaas Day must be wrapped in a creative way and have a poem for <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxziL3gBYppXznZcV-jKzJ9s5P8DOH9_ilYVeQWEHxLBqztlLNcznp01kw6MmBPnwYmUlcT6TEJk80qL1Zr9HblGFjWyYB0PeNdP90OrBlcq6SmCOrz6k8Jl3hZv7pu8qxUOAiH9jiP4/s1600-h/DSC03733.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285241528563024994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxziL3gBYppXznZcV-jKzJ9s5P8DOH9_ilYVeQWEHxLBqztlLNcznp01kw6MmBPnwYmUlcT6TEJk80qL1Zr9HblGFjWyYB0PeNdP90OrBlcq6SmCOrz6k8Jl3hZv7pu8qxUOAiH9jiP4/s320/DSC03733.jpg" border="0" /></a>the recipient attached. The giver is supposed to remain anonymous as all presents technically come from Sinterklaas.<br />It's like an early Christmas Eve, as most people get out of work early and a big dinner is served with chocolate letters - the first initial of each person's name - marking their place setting. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043689556865574879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7990406558339679913.post-74297896888227905632008-11-14T05:46:00.000-08:002008-12-29T07:23:22.077-08:00MaltaAll I knew of Malta is that it is an island in between Italy and Africa, so it was quite a pleasent <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-t6Rwb5c5axrCjQYA_vdGURAbkg_xhaamzsaYK-H1PZak038eSrIcX3lm40ieqsErCBWPAWRgQsz6_kOEfpOyFPJ-WHX1WV-kt92_9I5QUaJCJoZnmxE0sNLnoAu_7PJrCAyQR3XVX0/s1600-h/DSC03671.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285231413594475842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-t6Rwb5c5axrCjQYA_vdGURAbkg_xhaamzsaYK-H1PZak038eSrIcX3lm40ieqsErCBWPAWRgQsz6_kOEfpOyFPJ-WHX1WV-kt92_9I5QUaJCJoZnmxE0sNLnoAu_7PJrCAyQR3XVX0/s320/DSC03671.jpg" border="0" /></a>surprise when I heard I would be working there. One of the first things I learned is that this used to be a British colony so there are several English influences, such as driving on the left side of the road and English is the second national language.<br />I was excited by all the ocean views as we drove from the airport to my hotel, but I was surprised that all the buildings were the same bland, beige color. It was obvious that I wasn't really visting at the best time of year, the only tourists there were no less than 70 years old and there were several dreary<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCr_t8SRz8VdUa5-h65AWcK0slZJE8g0z9V-5_xF5E_uWCUzSnE6iEevZCGTaLhyphenhyphenZLDjZkjuljwZfm-pnVyeRqzmyH1i15-zq07Ymrsp8a5UciT1wRCWyWhVFVXqg00CtP2qh3rqEWdE/s1600-h/DSC03599.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285228958510000866" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 259px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 187px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCr_t8SRz8VdUa5-h65AWcK0slZJE8g0z9V-5_xF5E_uWCUzSnE6iEevZCGTaLhyphenhyphenZLDjZkjuljwZfm-pnVyeRqzmyH1i15-zq07Ymrsp8a5UciT1wRCWyWhVFVXqg00CtP2qh3rqEWdE/s320/DSC03599.jpg" border="0" /></a> storms. It was nice and warm overall though, and I could see that when it's sunny it is a very pretty place although I wouldn't exactly call it tropical.<br /><div><div>The first morning, I took one of the iconic 1950s-style, yellow buses for 50 cents from my hotel in St. Julians to the capital city of Valletta, approximately 30 minutes away. It was interesting to see<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMi2ASL-iSQ0Klkn1ffenNAJWcfnmRWte692g3YuCafKyYXof3fWd1OIqKxtXd-b9JyjEmLaw8o1oZz5niESW59_R9C1VDp6xw4WtZASl4mqbtLdhNfo8zfhQs3IgGkdtWLkxOdUzB6w/s1600-h/DSC03611.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285228962652572450" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMi2ASL-iSQ0Klkn1ffenNAJWcfnmRWte692g3YuCafKyYXof3fWd1OIqKxtXd-b9JyjEmLaw8o1oZz5niESW59_R9C1VDp6xw4WtZASl4mqbtLdhNfo8zfhQs3IgGkdtWLkxOdUzB6w/s320/DSC03611.jpg" border="0" /></a> all the cathedrals <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrHlAOVf5XAiDHVFXHPtYzktQePxkN2Hnja5kULJnFMvWBO0Ry5aZLWemLNW-X0x2Frv5uPRUxAL8xfuCdHFZpCyAfUPuNPD16Omn_COTucGzCerOCaS5wXNFMWQkb9-NiZ9YT-7T7BRM/s1600-h/DSC03671.jpg"></a>on the ride and once in Valletta, and of courses all the long hilly streets from which you can see all the way down to the harbor. There wasn't a lot of time to see things on this trip, but I did manage the Church of St. Paul's Shipwreck, which dates from the 16th century and celebrates St. Paul's AD60 shipwreck in Malta, which lead to the introduction of Christianity to the Maltese. Inside the church are bones from the saint's wrist, and the column on which he was said to have been beheaded in Rome. </div><div>That evening I walked down to the Spinola Bay inlet and had my first taste of a traditional Maltese dish, rabbi in garlic. It wasn't too bad, but I <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIfSxauWlK_K54mVUIMPCvC7bJT8MtOOGMzJYSyZoVB4PY6fcBn_0b3T4UGvB7rQHIDzJAZESzlfBxPVLNkDyLMChXM5spOVwXPLmvX4k5RbZ_xssSnuR4IiaWpbJpuSANcR_1zRk2Aw/s1600-h/DSC03723.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285230496015244146" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIfSxauWlK_K54mVUIMPCvC7bJT8MtOOGMzJYSyZoVB4PY6fcBn_0b3T4UGvB7rQHIDzJAZESzlfBxPVLNkDyLMChXM5spOVwXPLmvX4k5RbZ_xssSnuR4IiaWpbJpuSANcR_1zRk2Aw/s320/DSC03723.jpg" border="0" /></a>didn't really appreciate having to eat it with my hands as the waitress instructed but when in Malta...</div><div>On my way to the airport the next day I got a glimpse of the very interesting Malta countryside and the 3000 year old city of Mdina. I didn't have the time to explore this trip, but I will definitely when I come back in January!<br /></div><br /><div></div></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043689556865574879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7990406558339679913.post-49282188570761510492008-11-10T03:25:00.000-08:002009-07-01T12:53:54.987-07:00Helsinki (Finland) & Tallinn (Estonia)Kopervos, my friend in Milan, and I decided to take a weekend trip together, so we <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilku4CW24Wy_q7of0cYyNHrvXNgh5UFbGugL5NymIFDNeUQVcwZ3uRtwQndVk585BH0hiZKkxJDMGt2Wpd-BEJMyLbH7duceRWw6SLjm00M87jzrLLWgDPCzQML2tpKXkqWJ7TuZY4sc/s1600-h/DSC03420.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285183465312172370" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilku4CW24Wy_q7of0cYyNHrvXNgh5UFbGugL5NymIFDNeUQVcwZ3uRtwQndVk585BH0hiZKkxJDMGt2Wpd-BEJMyLbH7duceRWw6SLjm00M87jzrLLWgDPCzQML2tpKXkqWJ7TuZY4sc/s320/DSC03420.jpg" border="0" /></a>looked at the map of Europe and selected our next destination, Helsinki, Finland. I had been very eager to visit Scandinava so I was so excited to finally be going. It was only early November but we were disappointed not to see snow considering how far north, and close to Russia (even moreso than when I visited Latvia) we were, but we certainly had the same cold to experience!<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Our first stop was the main shopping strip on Pohjoisesplanadi. Our first discovery was the country's oldest department store, Stockmann, which had ever Finnish souvenir imaginable! We got completely lost admiring all the porcelin and woodcrafts. On<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5evP4dlmcbPR-KY95hiACz7V1721OuL4jF8TsBnmtbAh_DS4Q66R3ReHBfweJ698GuBqhPBbr3MXV9OVDG9YCV2h72Bqju2Mut2zpX-kCpMmM-2am2IcHFs5a45RNvIt5nLiVV4tAcew/s1600-h/DSC03567.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285203677594388290" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5evP4dlmcbPR-KY95hiACz7V1721OuL4jF8TsBnmtbAh_DS4Q66R3ReHBfweJ698GuBqhPBbr3MXV9OVDG9YCV2h72Bqju2Mut2zpX-kCpMmM-2am2IcHFs5a45RNvIt5nLiVV4tAcew/s320/DSC03567.jpg" border="0" /></a> the way to Kauppatori, the market square, where vendors sold fish, produce, fruits, and handicrafts such as reindeer antler bottle openers and all sorts of winter accessories, wool gloves, ponchos, fur hats, etc., we saw the mermaid statue fountain, Manta, which we read is commonly regarded as the symbol of Helsinki. </div><div><div>After the market, we went to Senaatintori, the central square that is modeled after Russia's St. Petersburg, to see the Tuomiokirkko (photo above), Lutheran cathedral, and famous Helsinki meeting point of the steps in front.<br />It wasn't yet noon and the city didn't seem to be offering much more for us -- I get the impression that Christmastime and summer are the best to visit Finland -- so we decided to check into the ferry we had heard about that went over to Estonia. We were thrilled to find that we were just in time for the afternoon service so we bought our tickets and set sail across the Gulf of Finland. </div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjtmMguranGO90_vx4N7yUhx_smEfq9KhtVqaZFyojsjYjcxLOZ_m6AlPyGJA24sWyUm9ThrH9BcCillucOt08gx44WGwjSBd4sHjrFajDDx9qt-i7r9Q3_NrPgdJ5aAgCrWGQoQn7uo/s1600-h/DSC03437.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285188432563717426" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 265px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 207px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjtmMguranGO90_vx4N7yUhx_smEfq9KhtVqaZFyojsjYjcxLOZ_m6AlPyGJA24sWyUm9ThrH9BcCillucOt08gx44WGwjSBd4sHjrFajDDx9qt-i7r9Q3_NrPgdJ5aAgCrWGQoQn7uo/s320/DSC03437.jpg" border="0" /></a>2 hours later we deboarded in the charming city of Tallinn. We only visited old town and the whole time it very much felt like we were in a medieval village.<br />We strolled the quaint, cobble stone streets looking at all the tourist shops and outdoor vendor stalls. Kopervos was looking at the wool ponchos, but quickly realized they weren't the form fitting type she was hoping for. We made our way to the city wall for views that reached way down to the harbor, saw the Russian Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral,<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNN4c7uS5E6-HHjI6KM_JlwFN6x2BCc-xSlj30VK523pP9_XNG0f1ftE8neA_R17ZzdYeeX0hXgtU0YmRiN1vxFaKIt-s3PBdWkyqsDa4aF0LVn04JGnC1BnAII4RA1aN6b8_I75Trns/s1600-h/DSC03555.jpg"></a> and found the Olde Hansa<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1pryxTL1c_yHz_cpOYfCRzaCmZEJPMEjUTjtKfHYDlRidLN-tx-oH2BMineuIO4k7Xc0o3w6au1CVI_fWuB6MwTRKubHlIE6-jxCcb7cl-98L9icXyQeJfL7QfTO9_Hxlv5x_tlH_krs/s1600-h/DSC03509.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285202626815285890" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1pryxTL1c_yHz_cpOYfCRzaCmZEJPMEjUTjtKfHYDlRidLN-tx-oH2BMineuIO4k7Xc0o3w6au1CVI_fWuB6MwTRKubHlIE6-jxCcb7cl-98L9icXyQeJfL7QfTO9_Hxlv5x_tlH_krs/s320/DSC03509.jpg" border="0" /></a> restaurant the authentic period restaurant serving such interesting foods as bear, elk, and wild boar sausages with sauerkraut, forest berry, and horse radish cottage cheese, with beautiful medieval style live music setting just the right mood in this cozy restaurant. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPx2sLnhtg9svGcROWgUtsNRBva_QqSUXDox6jTVRzjS5X2aCnVkFEQ9OknH0hIr4YnZVomuPeX-MGTk0Lk4spd_nvhk0HpKlUAmAtbKDNDOKh-rK_CIpsvCynRmkLgnFQ3s-onGlBSCg/s1600-h/DSC03549.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285202745393684146" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPx2sLnhtg9svGcROWgUtsNRBva_QqSUXDox6jTVRzjS5X2aCnVkFEQ9OknH0hIr4YnZVomuPeX-MGTk0Lk4spd_nvhk0HpKlUAmAtbKDNDOKh-rK_CIpsvCynRmkLgnFQ3s-onGlBSCg/s320/DSC03549.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>Sunday in Helsinki was all about shopping, we spent the morning at the Arabia porcelin factory outlet where I picked up a set of beautiful iittala tea cups and saucers. We went back to Stockmann to pick up some of the intricate handicrafts we had seen the day before. </div><div>All in all it was a great weekend spent exploring some great places with a really great friend!<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285203129868084562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuf6obK1W2lIfuXTXH8K2yaTShtuHDRkmY3b24mb4PqKBQImAf0pLCupke2BRp5rzy_T_MzyMhLOVYVsSlHv8hzUc7v1qfs2Hm0smj907C8OJ4iifWTzysCPl73IqfGnP5H6t0PSSxdWM/s320/DSC03583.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043689556865574879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7990406558339679913.post-43630536174268533192008-10-31T13:42:00.000-07:002009-08-11T13:49:00.030-07:00Riga, LatviaThe Baltic countries weren’t a high priority for personal travels so I was very excited to learn I’d get to visit both Latvia and Lithuania for work this winter. To get the planning underway I visited the city of Riga in Latvia. After adjusting to the much colder climate, I noticed how modern, clean, and overall really nice the city <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhzly2Po0A4dQAjH-tn6ycx2AANCW6Ry8U2-xUhekpG8dRjj-0RjQKumDN2HW_7B9l83JylCgTKeaoFELLgAuHDePaeBefiL33pSqp8qUbWpTD00u9EoaHURDLI0-1RHNMCPXbIWdURU/s1600-h/DSC03351.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280834627205877730" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhzly2Po0A4dQAjH-tn6ycx2AANCW6Ry8U2-xUhekpG8dRjj-0RjQKumDN2HW_7B9l83JylCgTKeaoFELLgAuHDePaeBefiL33pSqp8qUbWpTD00u9EoaHURDLI0-1RHNMCPXbIWdURU/s320/DSC03351.jpg" border="0" /></a>seemed. I got in early evening so the first night was just an early dinner, where I tried a local dish of potato pancake, with our partner Juris. We talked about Latvia’s proximity to Russia and the various influences it brings, as well as those of Germany and Poland who also occupied Latvia at different points throughout history – all of which could be detected in Juris’s very unique accent. He explained that Latvians were very proud of their independence and such symbols of that freedom like their currency, the Lat. He went on to tell me that while each Baltic country has it’s own language; to communicate between they will often speak Russian, which was a requirement of all school curriculums for many years. Today children are taught English, another sign of the fall of the iron curtain.<br />The next day after our morning meeting, I had some time to explore the Old Town and some of the sights. The first stop on this exploration was a <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Fhn3IBtw4oF6tPpmVao2eWM50krt1YyQlA6mL0Lx3liAlZYYxDmFxyzNc94pgvzqBJF69ijo4xJEqi2F9VL-9IHjxEMmnBJfdPkB6QC2YvOOJ_syLrocjkSmGlVLAplLH6XZRt3FVJ8/s1600-h/DSC03346.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280834405739587474" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Fhn3IBtw4oF6tPpmVao2eWM50krt1YyQlA6mL0Lx3liAlZYYxDmFxyzNc94pgvzqBJF69ijo4xJEqi2F9VL-9IHjxEMmnBJfdPkB6QC2YvOOJ_syLrocjkSmGlVLAplLH6XZRt3FVJ8/s320/DSC03346.jpg" border="0" /></a>ceremonial changing of the guard by the Freedom Monument, where during the Soviet years it was a crime, punishable with deportation to Siberia, for people to leave flowers at the base. Today it’s littered with offerings, another symbol of the Latvian people’s triumph over oppression.<br />Afterwards I strolled around the cobbled stone streets enjoying the medieval architecture, and stopped at one of the many pastry and coffee nooks <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPmlAqD6e00rp4Po-b9klPYQrENtMqCKn8glYWFRPyrLAn3Cxn38tvQbToC4cXioftAs-FnqZrZB2mGidBvPZdVeYvhew9LtR-Cfpym-SQvQE5pSSw0N6xDyLpQi_naL0O1I36caWin0/s1600-h/DSC03365.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280834411225463554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPmlAqD6e00rp4Po-b9klPYQrENtMqCKn8glYWFRPyrLAn3Cxn38tvQbToC4cXioftAs-FnqZrZB2mGidBvPZdVeYvhew9LtR-Cfpym-SQvQE5pSSw0N6xDyLpQi_naL0O1I36caWin0/s320/DSC03365.jpg" border="0" /></a>throughout the city for a warm up. Once suitably refreshed with some honeyed pastry and cappuccino, I went by the street vendors selling amber jewelry, a gem the country has been well known for across Europe since the 12th century. I then ventured past the House of Black Magic, or House of Rigas Black Balsams, a potent local liquor, to my final destination, the shopping mall! Happy to report that during my retail therapy session, I acquired a pair of fur lined black leather boots that should keep my treasured feet nice and toasty all winter long. I contemplated crashing the fashion week party in my hotel’s bar as my last bit of fun in the Baltic's, but opted for an early bedtime instead due to lack of appropriate wardrobe…despite the brand new boots in my happy possession, that is!Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043689556865574879noreply@blogger.com0