tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54526124073487732222024-02-07T04:38:56.013+01:00Wandering PassageLife as an expat in Germany; the food, travel, lifestyle, landscape, experiences and the details that make it unique.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04015487256004732990noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452612407348773222.post-45253339684716557852014-12-09T16:08:00.002+01:002014-12-09T16:08:29.038+01:00Final Road TripOur final road trip or big adventure anyway was in October and we saw a lot including family.<br />
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First stop: Zermatt, Switzerland and the Matterhorn<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zermatt, Switzerland</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe slightly underdressed for walking around mountains</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Matterhorn</td></tr>
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Second stop: Verona, Italy<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adige River</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Verona in the old city</td></tr>
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Day trips: Lake Garda & Bolzano<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boats on Lake Garda - Garda</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sirmione</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northern tip of Sirmione</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bougainvillea<br /><br /></td></tr>
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Third stop: Venice<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gondola</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Gondolas</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDR0WD-j4qet3UI7BilTkvW23wbFz3dTOT1cbu6s1N8LOANemIl6-Isd7VPOxtFA3v-49hCyUZzEWAMbsNbJB8MJPiJW7VShuR5cf6v-es4iHWBPJNV0wzjOmBVy5EWMajIsXbU2FN24/s1600/IMG_5309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDR0WD-j4qet3UI7BilTkvW23wbFz3dTOT1cbu6s1N8LOANemIl6-Isd7VPOxtFA3v-49hCyUZzEWAMbsNbJB8MJPiJW7VShuR5cf6v-es4iHWBPJNV0wzjOmBVy5EWMajIsXbU2FN24/s1600/IMG_5309.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">San Zaccaria Church</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xvK3ChNf68zl-JvR4ObpqTaPebYdBgAkcLUh-0JwjVvsPWydlQvs1yVog2kixQ1p2p2uo9AMjvdhVS5N4LLkRVeImXqHiyJZ71-JQ7jBRd-xRcD4-dAwlzoPM8q0BoO9U3c3bFPTqn8/s1600/IMG_5312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xvK3ChNf68zl-JvR4ObpqTaPebYdBgAkcLUh-0JwjVvsPWydlQvs1yVog2kixQ1p2p2uo9AMjvdhVS5N4LLkRVeImXqHiyJZ71-JQ7jBRd-xRcD4-dAwlzoPM8q0BoO9U3c3bFPTqn8/s1600/IMG_5312.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge over canal</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iwz_SU7cTMA/VIb6Nn13j_I/AAAAAAAADxE/9vu_y43US9g/s1600/IMG_5317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iwz_SU7cTMA/VIb6Nn13j_I/AAAAAAAADxE/9vu_y43US9g/s1600/IMG_5317.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the Grand Canal</td></tr>
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Fourth stop: Austria and <a href="http://www.neuschwanstein.de/">Neuschwanstein Castle</a>, Germany<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rest stop</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6QAgo4MUE1pHZTWeB4qgcqym0fLWHAJo3Uk_hZssQQNuH8tm04iEsRQ5X3e7xAobnfEk83v4JpjSGyDZoHpkBye4SoVFq97nxy5e3eu_4-CoSxgTtUX8aVRk-n1lK6bKn4l_sHU4jwPM/s1600/IMG_5348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6QAgo4MUE1pHZTWeB4qgcqym0fLWHAJo3Uk_hZssQQNuH8tm04iEsRQ5X3e7xAobnfEk83v4JpjSGyDZoHpkBye4SoVFq97nxy5e3eu_4-CoSxgTtUX8aVRk-n1lK6bKn4l_sHU4jwPM/s1600/IMG_5348.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stop for a walk in Austria</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4w46nRd-VPI/VIb6_qJSyOI/AAAAAAAADxg/FSZklAab-Zo/s1600/IMG_5353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4w46nRd-VPI/VIb6_qJSyOI/AAAAAAAADxg/FSZklAab-Zo/s1600/IMG_5353.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">no words</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OHk1ZXdFBqA/VIb6oQ51opI/AAAAAAAADxY/j3ibO3rNEb4/s1600/IMG_5393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OHk1ZXdFBqA/VIb6oQ51opI/AAAAAAAADxY/j3ibO3rNEb4/s1600/IMG_5393.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Castle</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OBeQZERdhbM/VIb7JaH47iI/AAAAAAAADxo/7w3mjhuobDk/s1600/IMG_5409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OBeQZERdhbM/VIb7JaH47iI/AAAAAAAADxo/7w3mjhuobDk/s1600/IMG_5409.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neuschwanstein Castle</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HHl1NmqU97c/VIb7ZpU8inI/AAAAAAAADxw/59E1QdIafC4/s1600/IMG_5415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HHl1NmqU97c/VIb7ZpU8inI/AAAAAAAADxw/59E1QdIafC4/s1600/IMG_5415.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neuschwanstein Castle Courtyard</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5lm9XSvy1uc/VIb7hV2H0MI/AAAAAAAADx4/1_LdVVfrLJs/s1600/IMG_5398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5lm9XSvy1uc/VIb7hV2H0MI/AAAAAAAADx4/1_LdVVfrLJs/s1600/IMG_5398.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neuschwanstein Castle</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGrhtTyNXViw_r688_8lWfYKkFQLkWNn00ymVFYNvxWUGy3AkHDzIcpVkOdnJZueUa6hwAiViUh60eaDM6c87RVDwtVWpeSBFxETNCt3sO_F0CAZaNA58reVCs6FZiXYWCmmwKnu8HME/s1600/IMG_5440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGrhtTyNXViw_r688_8lWfYKkFQLkWNn00ymVFYNvxWUGy3AkHDzIcpVkOdnJZueUa6hwAiViUh60eaDM6c87RVDwtVWpeSBFxETNCt3sO_F0CAZaNA58reVCs6FZiXYWCmmwKnu8HME/s1600/IMG_5440.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the <a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/at/tannenhof.en-us.html?aid=355028;sid=fdf6f17cfd319dbedeec7dfcf829bbb7;dcid=4">Hotel Tannenhof</a>- Reutte, Austria</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2px2CbBucztRH3tux8Ppg_ro0EwcZa0KMh2Xhux0MadvDIO9DNaQG_8rXKrCTg-O3VI0sVtmoQjB4Hn2Bzez1GeNTJXn2H52AuLdM-RviOIgWC2wyZJzi6u-9btA5xJ6vDGGBUAQd9g/s1600/IMG_5454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2px2CbBucztRH3tux8Ppg_ro0EwcZa0KMh2Xhux0MadvDIO9DNaQG_8rXKrCTg-O3VI0sVtmoQjB4Hn2Bzez1GeNTJXn2H52AuLdM-RviOIgWC2wyZJzi6u-9btA5xJ6vDGGBUAQd9g/s1600/IMG_5454.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">River Lech - incredibly blue green</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L714MIWbtfk/VIb8FktMQzI/AAAAAAAADyY/eTllqbOq7BE/s1600/IMG_5483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L714MIWbtfk/VIb8FktMQzI/AAAAAAAADyY/eTllqbOq7BE/s1600/IMG_5483.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best entertainment ever - rocks & water</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfa4-nlG6evHW12E-YZuiETNVjLx6H18pZwVHaBHU19pMQ6P1pWJ-t18O-ELXADZpTbP4mAXrH3tmOABZV25thn3B_lolFokAkS4hN9glHTHtueSLY5UpuUtDyuOyJ2ig_dbyMghS-_M/s1600/IMG_5489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfa4-nlG6evHW12E-YZuiETNVjLx6H18pZwVHaBHU19pMQ6P1pWJ-t18O-ELXADZpTbP4mAXrH3tmOABZV25thn3B_lolFokAkS4hN9glHTHtueSLY5UpuUtDyuOyJ2ig_dbyMghS-_M/s1600/IMG_5489.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lech River</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04015487256004732990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452612407348773222.post-7312238499056500932014-12-04T14:51:00.001+01:002014-12-04T14:52:05.030+01:00Where To Eat In FrankfurtWOW! (choke) It has been entirely too long since I've shared a story, a few words or pictures. Where did the time go! And now here we are staring down the last weeks as expats, incredible how time can be so fluid. <br />
<br />
Notice, I am not giving an excuse for my lack of entries, simply because I do not have good one. Procrastination is an art form in my world...unfortunately. <br />
<br />
So, lets get to it. Frankfurt restaurant recommendations! I love food and want to share some of our favorite places to eat in Frankfurt. Of course, having a two year old entails some limitations to an evening out for dinner. But our favorites.......<br />
<br />
(**) kid friendly :)<br />
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German/European -<br />
<a href="http://www.eckhaus-frankfurt.de/">Eckhaus</a> - Nordend/Bornheim<br />
**<a href="http://www.ginkgo-frankfurt.de/">Gingko</a> - Nordend/Bornheim<br />
<a href="http://www.salzkammerffm.de/">Salzkammer</a> - city center <br />
<a href="http://www.moksha-frankfurt.de/">Moksha</a> - Nordend<br />
**<a href="http://www.harveys-ffm.de/index.html">Harvey's</a> - Nordend<br />
**<a href="http://www.paulaner-am-dom.de/en/home.html">Paulaner am Dom</a> - city center<br />
<a href="http://www.mirador-restaurant.de/">Mirador </a>- Nordend<br />
<br />
Indian -<br />
**<a href="http://www.meramasala.de/?file=kop1.">Mera Masala</a> - Bornheim<br />
<a href="http://www.delhi-tandoori.de/">Delhi Tandoori</a> - city center<br />
**<a href="http://restaurant-diya.de/">Diya</a> - Bornheim<br />
<br />
Thai -<br />
**<a href="http://www.kohsamui24.net/">Koh Samui </a>- city center (may be my favorite)<br />
<a href="http://www.aroydee.de/">Ayrodee</a> (imbiss) - city center<br />
<br />
Italian/Mediterranean -<br />
**<a href="http://www.rucola-frankfurt.de/Rucola_Frankfurt/Startseite.html">Rucola</a> - (Nordend)<br />
**<a href="http://www.restaurant-unico.net/">L'Unico</a> - Westend<br />
<a href="http://www.la-divina.de/">La Divina</a> - Westend<br />
<a href="http://garibaldi-frankfurt.de/">Ristorante Garibaldi </a>- city center<br />
<a href="http://www.ristorante-gallo-nero.de/">Gallo Nero</a> - city center<br />
<br />
Cafes -<br />
<a href="http://www.kleines-cafe-schneider-frankfurt.de/">Kleines Cafe Schneider</a> - Nordend<br />
<a href="http://www.cafecaramel.de/">Cafe Caramel</a> - Nordend<br />
**<a href="http://www.glauburg-cafe.de/">Glauburg Cafe</a> - Nordend<br />
**<a href="http://www.strandcafe-frankfurt.de/">Strand Cafe</a> - Nordend<br />
<a href="http://www.relax-frankfurt./">Relax </a>- Nordend<br />
**<a href="http://www.frohsein-in-frankfurt.de/">Frohsein </a>- city center<br />
<a href="http://www.cafekarin.de/">Cafe Karin </a>- city center<br />
<br />
Brunch -<br />
<a href="http://www.moksha-frankfurt.de/">Moksha </a>- Nordend<br />
**<a href="http://www.frohsein-in-frankfurt.de/">Frohsein</a> - city center<br />
<a href="http://www.restaurant-druckwasserwerk.de/restaurant/">Druckwasserwerk</a> - Hauptbahnhof<br />
<a href="http://www.cafekarin.de/">Cafe Karin</a> - city center<br />
<a href="http://www.walden-frankfurt.com/website/walden.php?lang=deu&site=news_aktuell&start=1">Walden</a> - city center<br />
<a href="http://www.cafecaramel.de/">Cafe Caramel</a> - city center<br />
<br />
Imbiss - Falafel -<br />
**<a href="https://plus.google.com/111702259482320265224/about?gl=us&hl=en">Aroma</a> - Nordend<br />
<br />
Miscellaneous -<br />
<a href="http://www.vipho.de/">Vipho </a>- Nordend<br />
<a href="http://www.myurbankitchen.de/">Urban Kitchen</a> - city center<br />
<br />
Beer Garden -<br />
**<a href="http://www.dauth-schneider.de/">Dauth Schneider</a> - Sachsenhausen<br />
<br />
Wine Bar -<br />
<a href="http://www.weinbar-piccolo.de/">Piccolo</a> - Nordend (a favorite spot ;)<br />
<br />
Backery -<br />
<a href="https://plus.google.com/112414476930303078633/about?gl=us&hl=en">Kronberger </a>- Nordend<br />
<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/rauschs-konditorei-und-b%C3%A4ckerei-frankfurt">Rausch's Konditorei & Backerei </a>- Nordend<br />
<a href="http://www.baguette-jeanette.de/infos.htm">Baugette Jeanette</a> - Bornheim<br />
**<a href="http://www.ihre-bio-baeckerei.de/#/seite/filialen/134/134/">Kaiser Bio Backerei </a>- Nordend<br />
<br />
There are still so many places to try and so little time. <br />
<br />
We will be moving back to Michigan in 16 days!!! (Gulp, sob, smile, sob) So many emotions and feelings, but we are all looking forward to the next chapter. And...Hannah's first Christmas with family!!!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04015487256004732990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452612407348773222.post-66662932564154814362014-06-23T14:48:00.000+02:002014-06-23T14:48:32.346+02:00Barcelona II<i>Shadow of the Wind</i> walking tour - I had to do it since I love the book and had just read it a few months before visiting Barcelona. Before leaving I snapped a picture of the map in the back of my copy of the book and on my last day in this splendid mysterious and gothic city I walked the imagined footsteps of Daniel and saw the buildings behind the inspirations for <i>Shadow of the Wind. </i>I only missed Nuria Moport's apartment - very important, but I had no choice as Hannah had had enough of my wandering around and fleeting moments of being lost. Still so glad that I did this ltt<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZVnn8WKHE-ZHCvksvTEcqfO4fvZVMJBZsnKMNZbQYfo2AFl4oMsCPcX7b_i9zw-byxrhsDdpIuXoGoJ1n-lOyAV1GyE-4WzhbTxWhg3l1J731dveC1bPpDQP0pNBuUeBEomMlkSq0Hk4/s1600/20140505_162128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZVnn8WKHE-ZHCvksvTEcqfO4fvZVMJBZsnKMNZbQYfo2AFl4oMsCPcX7b_i9zw-byxrhsDdpIuXoGoJ1n-lOyAV1GyE-4WzhbTxWhg3l1J731dveC1bPpDQP0pNBuUeBEomMlkSq0Hk4/s1600/20140505_162128.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuNEJ3Ez8q0v2ScOgxNo4JiVdTA1HdL39im4rRBd7CpZ4rzcJb6NPE6JGBjvTFXaRfYWxoBUz1ULw5zGDFYZqBdARmg8JiAuT2dA5I9q21XGKsJE_V-dF87JTH3U2H4frdvrdClYSo40/s1600/20140505_162157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuNEJ3Ez8q0v2ScOgxNo4JiVdTA1HdL39im4rRBd7CpZ4rzcJb6NPE6JGBjvTFXaRfYWxoBUz1ULw5zGDFYZqBdARmg8JiAuT2dA5I9q21XGKsJE_V-dF87JTH3U2H4frdvrdClYSo40/s1600/20140505_162157.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HFwMsom5e6s/U6gem7ZU23I/AAAAAAAADQk/udmBzV3A-us/s1600/IMG_4847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HFwMsom5e6s/U6gem7ZU23I/AAAAAAAADQk/udmBzV3A-us/s1600/IMG_4847.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.casabatllo.es/en/">Casa Batlló</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H_QnPpNevN0/U6gel2XyE1I/AAAAAAAADQc/BacPs1y8QTw/s1600/IMG_4853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H_QnPpNevN0/U6gel2XyE1I/AAAAAAAADQc/BacPs1y8QTw/s1600/IMG_4853.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daniel's home & bookshop</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nx8j5uzuXZIEtChtSncnx54sDyFd2_3OrYYHLQ2lBTAhd1h7XsI1EG86ferZAMA48fe949Illz1Rlty2_drN_tu7RM065HtGu5f-BnPZ6uHd2ppCTPcpmc2B7IdE5zOjdD_4BVeiCgc/s1600/IMG_4859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nx8j5uzuXZIEtChtSncnx54sDyFd2_3OrYYHLQ2lBTAhd1h7XsI1EG86ferZAMA48fe949Illz1Rlty2_drN_tu7RM065HtGu5f-BnPZ6uHd2ppCTPcpmc2B7IdE5zOjdD_4BVeiCgc/s1600/IMG_4859.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cemetery of Forgotten Books (a dark damp creepy little alley)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6icAAa3Zzu07bH7HDgoduNUiwtG1T_KwPkCNBRE4ECWUHtSDdcNSP3bpfK4nhGa1bx0WdCFk3ErxRKK2CmSkF4iGqriHSLZYROlu6AcAWw9dxt1efs_0CjEq1R8nbAoucT9vImnwCzUY/s1600/IMG_4861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6icAAa3Zzu07bH7HDgoduNUiwtG1T_KwPkCNBRE4ECWUHtSDdcNSP3bpfK4nhGa1bx0WdCFk3ErxRKK2CmSkF4iGqriHSLZYROlu6AcAWw9dxt1efs_0CjEq1R8nbAoucT9vImnwCzUY/s1600/IMG_4861.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plaza Real, Barceló's Apartment</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghcBUzmyCKEVt5aAX_9-ekOADyMZmOde93k7WiJpUoG7z5FF8p6H5fqqZymCcUK-y0xDMtZ-kThI54UzilXvHU5AAmSRC-4hooJRtQCQ84xyPLKHbvVLz4ULdBkljZtHr8UNSNiKdpwCo/s1600/IMG_4875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghcBUzmyCKEVt5aAX_9-ekOADyMZmOde93k7WiJpUoG7z5FF8p6H5fqqZymCcUK-y0xDMtZ-kThI54UzilXvHU5AAmSRC-4hooJRtQCQ84xyPLKHbvVLz4ULdBkljZtHr8UNSNiKdpwCo/s1600/IMG_4875.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Els Quartre Gats - a real restaurant that I unfortunately did not try</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AoijJ4A6omQ/U6ge_V0xpZI/AAAAAAAADRE/2TBaBltAR5g/s1600/IMG_4778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AoijJ4A6omQ/U6ge_V0xpZI/AAAAAAAADRE/2TBaBltAR5g/s1600/IMG_4778.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcelona_Cathedral">Barcelona Cathedral</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7KZXha2znSUn-K4DZ_3yFDtd-piKR6jq8GkQZ1jee9A2vE9W7XNkBJmgXTZqGJDOmPUEfX1iZJSP9Sui-kIxBbqPGOrODJXO58awgCQ7JJBNosvMhO6DQ8PuNOlbc4rLii9EiiF23zqY/s1600/IMG_4829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7KZXha2znSUn-K4DZ_3yFDtd-piKR6jq8GkQZ1jee9A2vE9W7XNkBJmgXTZqGJDOmPUEfX1iZJSP9Sui-kIxBbqPGOrODJXO58awgCQ7JJBNosvMhO6DQ8PuNOlbc4rLii9EiiF23zqY/s1600/IMG_4829.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">old house on Avenida del Tibidabo - maybe the inspiration for the Aldaya mansion</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04015487256004732990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452612407348773222.post-54433528471789462232014-06-16T11:37:00.001+02:002014-06-16T11:37:15.616+02:00Barcelona, SpainWe traveled to Barcelona at the beginning of May (where did the time go!) and truly enjoyed our time there - so did our taste buds :)<br />
<br />
Fresh paella, Iberico ham for the carnivores, tasty cheese and delicious local wines. There was so much to see and do, we did almost everything we wanted to and still just uncovered the surface. We visited some more far flung sites than maybe most would have but I had my motives, which I will reveal in my next blog entry. <br />
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Unfortunately, I missed the night life, but that is what happens when you bring along your two year old. Hannah was a traveling champ as usual and a huge fan of the Iberico ham and the Spanish chocolate milk (me too!). I was trying to hoard some of the brown & yellow boxes of delicious <a href="http://cacaolat.es/en/historia/">Cacaolat</a>, but as it turns out I knew where they were and all were consumed before we had to pack to return home. Good intentions! <br />
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We rented an apartment between the city center and the El Poblenou neighborhood which turned out to be one of our favorite areas with its laid back Rambla del Poblenou full of restaurants and shops. The apartment was about a 10 minute walk from the beach and a 10 minute walk from the great park <a href="http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/Parc-de-la-Ciutadella/_xMCfM9AMDl_lKCezjRpMoBg5Hm_T8C3asFGD3oAEunc">Parc de la Ciutadella </a> which is also home to the zoo Parc Zoològic de Barcelona. A perfect location for a rental. <br />
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The public transportation was easy, clean, frequent and great for getting around the city. We bought the <a href="http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/transport/barcelona-metro.html">T10 card</a> and used it quite a bit. Travis was traveling a bit further out of the city for the Barcelona Formula 1 races and found the metro useful. From the BCN airport we hopped on an <a href="http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/airport/transport/barcelona-airport-bus-aerobus.html">Aero Bus</a> to get into the city center. The Aerobus is a bit faster as it only makes a handful of stops. <br />
<br />
There was so much to see, but I must admit that I was eager to see the beach. The beach was nice with a great promenade and many bars, cafes and restaurants to choose from along the way. I was very happy to be on the beach, seeing the ocean and listening to the waves. However, the man made beaches do not compare to the shores of Lake Michigan and the dusty residue left by the imported sand was unexpected. <br />
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Of course, we saw much more than the beach including <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.palaumusica.cat/en">Palau de la Música Catalana</a> </span>(need tickets in advance)<span style="color: blue;">, </span>Barcelona Cathedral, Montjuic, Magic Fountain (which we missed seeing the evening light & music show), Tibidabo, markets, Ciutadella Park, </span></span><a href="http://www.parkguell.cat/en/">Park Güell</a>, the <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antoni_Gaud%C3%AD">Antoni Gaudí</a> </span></span>architectural points of interest and strolling down the many ramblas. I only saw a few of the Gaudi sites, but would like to see more one day. There was so much to do and only so much time. A half day could have been dedicated to Park Güell, but I was ill prepared. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hv-U1-9I0fg/U560Ow-58PI/AAAAAAAADM8/0-iK6dzY9VM/s1600/IMG_4766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hv-U1-9I0fg/U560Ow-58PI/AAAAAAAADM8/0-iK6dzY9VM/s1600/IMG_4766.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.palaumusica.cat/en" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; text-align: start;">Palau de la Música Catalana</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAhDS-buqmph5pWYl7h2Oo14-H1qAORFbjWm6o-cuW-RZcaGuPdTlFcLCn87sDN7F6P7HORmJdLpmo13Uk1Ybq_ob0ajgnOBj_9F1dXn6j4TUYHCEcAMso4BKdPn2V4bUVCSp7x19PBU/s1600/_MG_4783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAhDS-buqmph5pWYl7h2Oo14-H1qAORFbjWm6o-cuW-RZcaGuPdTlFcLCn87sDN7F6P7HORmJdLpmo13Uk1Ybq_ob0ajgnOBj_9F1dXn6j4TUYHCEcAMso4BKdPn2V4bUVCSp7x19PBU/s1600/_MG_4783.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fountain in <a href="http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/Parc-de-la-Ciutadella/_xMCfM9AMDl_lKCezjRpMoBg5Hm_T8C3asFGD3oAEunc" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">Parc de la Ciutadella </a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B9p2Ms0Jdm4/U560M7j9DWI/AAAAAAAADM0/HjUWfN4GnrA/s1600/IMG_4793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B9p2Ms0Jdm4/U560M7j9DWI/AAAAAAAADM0/HjUWfN4GnrA/s1600/IMG_4793.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HAPPY!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixd0lU6gDtpaYUYcxwvOK4JiV0Aqxa2wBI1-Y8GKnrLSX1E7tIvhujdqOld023Adixm2EikH6RDY3h87eNgEjDr8h8Sk5Ksvp0MD_FFvAepVtVO4tG3eEWutGPlbALvN4f8NmjjJU8TLA/s1600/IMG_4800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixd0lU6gDtpaYUYcxwvOK4JiV0Aqxa2wBI1-Y8GKnrLSX1E7tIvhujdqOld023Adixm2EikH6RDY3h87eNgEjDr8h8Sk5Ksvp0MD_FFvAepVtVO4tG3eEWutGPlbALvN4f8NmjjJU8TLA/s1600/IMG_4800.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fountain in <a href="http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/Parc-de-la-Ciutadella/_xMCfM9AMDl_lKCezjRpMoBg5Hm_T8C3asFGD3oAEunc" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">Parc de la Ciutadella </a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jxtkV8ItgDw/U560c1Kg3EI/AAAAAAAADNE/e9DJoyPfp-s/s1600/IMG_4808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jxtkV8ItgDw/U560c1Kg3EI/AAAAAAAADNE/e9DJoyPfp-s/s1600/IMG_4808.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Tibidabo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-coQv0zBlgjs/U560lLIPMUI/AAAAAAAADNM/Rydx1gvRFh0/s1600/IMG_4825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-coQv0zBlgjs/U560lLIPMUI/AAAAAAAADNM/Rydx1gvRFh0/s1600/IMG_4825.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sagrat_Cor" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; text-align: start;">Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0PdSTgCJ83orPYLraO8mx9BCzbIDS1LwTsmFgMp1S1LiZ-NW9LNgg5QjD256qGuXlkaKHJdiSecPyrdAT9SrA0cp9bhG_kyAhAkFUh37YTsCJOZhK-aKxmzbQUcj08wyXs0gxJnDJVrE/s1600/IMG_4813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0PdSTgCJ83orPYLraO8mx9BCzbIDS1LwTsmFgMp1S1LiZ-NW9LNgg5QjD256qGuXlkaKHJdiSecPyrdAT9SrA0cp9bhG_kyAhAkFUh37YTsCJOZhK-aKxmzbQUcj08wyXs0gxJnDJVrE/s1600/IMG_4813.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Sagrat Cor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnWB5tyQBTDmrzexo67jRDakca4OJ0OCOiz-wT7qt2RLXofoTAezCh9a9B7KAAYFhmNQRr2916Jy2N33iIrlLavqTg9iYJqHgmB99cxRbKmcaImxscqnS9AcseCVIaTSw-ep2Bc3TIUo/s1600/IMG_4837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnWB5tyQBTDmrzexo67jRDakca4OJ0OCOiz-wT7qt2RLXofoTAezCh9a9B7KAAYFhmNQRr2916Jy2N33iIrlLavqTg9iYJqHgmB99cxRbKmcaImxscqnS9AcseCVIaTSw-ep2Bc3TIUo/s1600/IMG_4837.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.parkguell.cat/en/" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">Park Güell</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OvrS-bOpNBk/U5609Kw5E3I/AAAAAAAADNc/ul_kWTHYw3E/s1600/IMG_4842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OvrS-bOpNBk/U5609Kw5E3I/AAAAAAAADNc/ul_kWTHYw3E/s1600/IMG_4842.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.parkguell.cat/en/" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">Park Güell</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04015487256004732990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452612407348773222.post-64632709971789782042014-05-27T16:17:00.001+02:002014-05-27T16:17:35.459+02:00ProvenceThe strong cool northwesterly mistral winds were blowing but we enjoyed ourselves immensely. Provence and the South of France were all at once breathtaking and relaxing. We rented a great gite in <a href="http://www.theluberon.com/rentals/ls/menerbes/6/le-murier">Menerbes</a> of the <a href="http://www.theluberon.com/rentals/ls/menerbes/6/le-murier">Luberon</a> region with friends called <a href="http://www.masdescedres.com/index.html">Mas Des Cedres</a>. The owners were lovely, the house and surroundings charming and perfectly suitable for children. *Tennis courts are like giant play pens - BONUS!!!<br />
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Although we went over the Easter holiday and it was beautiful I imagine that the summer months are amazing, but with that comes a million tourists and the unbearable traffic. So we missed the famous lavender fields in bloom, but we enjoyed a few tiny villages, incredible wine, olives and colorful markets. And sunshine of course.<br />
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The pace of life magically slowed as we neared our destination in Provence. Actually, the pace of life slowed as we drove into France from Germany - going from unlimited speed to a set 120 km/h will certainly slow you down. The Luberon region is famous for its melon - sadly we were too early for the season. At the southern end of the <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.roughguides.com/destinations/europe/france/rh%C3%B4ne-valley/">Rh<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">ô</span></span>ne Valley</a> </span>the Luberon has its own <span style="color: #252525;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">appellation </span></span>designation<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%C3%B4tes_du_Luberon_AOC"><span style="color: #351c75;"> </span>C<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">ô</span></span>tes du Luberon <u>AOC</u></a>. Wine is always in season - lucky us!<br />
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It is no wonder the South of France and Provence in particular are so world renowned, but I will let our pictures do the work to save me from babbling....<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>MENERBES</u></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>GORDES</u></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EwaM_3tkbFJve3MtZAMGZPs2P7EV8khbD40h_W5AiZoSr28uZcw9UEaV8DWAcGgIZMcEBiqNRelLR191ZWtpnXQXUcm7fLTjF01zv-F0unWrDZZwMA0GM78WwZeH_XvDVeONUFTfIfo/s1600/_MG_4605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EwaM_3tkbFJve3MtZAMGZPs2P7EV8khbD40h_W5AiZoSr28uZcw9UEaV8DWAcGgIZMcEBiqNRelLR191ZWtpnXQXUcm7fLTjF01zv-F0unWrDZZwMA0GM78WwZeH_XvDVeONUFTfIfo/s1600/_MG_4605.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>ROUSSILLON EN PROVENCE</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loving the Mistral Winds<u><br /></u></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>AIX EN PROVENCE</u></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathedrale Saint-Sauveur</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04015487256004732990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452612407348773222.post-64750092430080609722014-04-24T15:09:00.002+02:002014-04-24T15:09:39.487+02:00MALTASea breezes and sunshine, but Malta was so much more. After landing in Malta, we had an hour bus ride in which Hannah vomited all over me, the bus driver was doing us no favors and as we bounced along I took in our surroundings and prayed that Hannah was OK because what I saw outside the window had me worried. My brother joined us for this trip and I can only imagine what he was thinking we were getting him in too (besides traveling with a toddler!). Really it was not so bad, but alarmed mother mode was not helping my perception or smell. <div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCy9TzUmSoSQB2Eox5lAR-MtgasyEjMnw0QPaxkngmAah5LZBCYMVGOgEkthoTumjWQFPm7qmCqLacHvsaGTZL6sVExjfJZRebsTWKY-rt3GOVRHADzwpocmp0s_2_zpT3CSGY7TAlYH4/s1600/_MG_4279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCy9TzUmSoSQB2Eox5lAR-MtgasyEjMnw0QPaxkngmAah5LZBCYMVGOgEkthoTumjWQFPm7qmCqLacHvsaGTZL6sVExjfJZRebsTWKY-rt3GOVRHADzwpocmp0s_2_zpT3CSGY7TAlYH4/s1600/_MG_4279.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spinola Bay</td></tr>
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There was plenty of beauty to be found on Malta; in the vistas, architecture, people and culture. Island atmosphere, sunshine and warm temperatures tend to melt away worries. The food was delicious with a heavy Sicilian influence - pasta, seafood and pizza - can't go wrong with those dishes. In fact, my dearest two year old proved some unusual taste buds as she refused chicken nuggets and opted for calamari rings.<br /><div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkNnjx5TQx_6-zutysZWPGLcNPNuylDLMVLq3coCuCeFj-bPbFj4KjQsZ8DmNj9i4Lrb6EBuFA0e9yQuofMHf8bKgbpu-Y7ACm_YAsxhiVskY16v4mO0t8HbDwbITFjVLeVSM4tvtY0s/s1600/_MG_4232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkNnjx5TQx_6-zutysZWPGLcNPNuylDLMVLq3coCuCeFj-bPbFj4KjQsZ8DmNj9i4Lrb6EBuFA0e9yQuofMHf8bKgbpu-Y7ACm_YAsxhiVskY16v4mO0t8HbDwbITFjVLeVSM4tvtY0s/s1600/_MG_4232.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.salutingbattery.com/">Saluting Battery</a> </td></tr>
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There is so much history there - "<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.visitmalta.com/en/world-war-2" style="font-style: italic;">Malta holds the record for the heaviest, sustained bombing attack: some 154 days and nights and 6,700 tons of bombs.</a><i>" </i>For such a small land mass this is astounding. In fact, the whole island - around Valletta and The Grand Harbor - appears to be more of a </span>fortification. So there was plenty to see and explore.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7LA0VOAiRkqLBiEtPu9kbL-NOAaMJrKqCLHdBKtzcTa-UgYQL_lqdyTrztK8ud4CEw7HTgeOg7ckULW2LSHUiPsn82lItYacF0eVz44yslXrLiZOBH6cfWmBZecljxwqM2rmRkiGrjU/s1600/_MG_4306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7LA0VOAiRkqLBiEtPu9kbL-NOAaMJrKqCLHdBKtzcTa-UgYQL_lqdyTrztK8ud4CEw7HTgeOg7ckULW2LSHUiPsn82lItYacF0eVz44yslXrLiZOBH6cfWmBZecljxwqM2rmRkiGrjU/s1600/_MG_4306.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fort Manoel, Manoel Island, Malta</td></tr>
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After wandering around on our own the first day or two we decided to do something that we've never done. A <a href="http://www.maltasightseeing.com/EN/content/1">sightseeing bus tour</a> - two actually and a harbor cruise. We'd purchased a public bus ticket for one week for 6 euros, but it turns out it takes forever to get to a destination. So the bus tours suited our tight time frame. I would recommend this option to anyone visiting Malta with a short period of time and disinterest in driving on the "opposite" side of the road. Since Malta was under British rule until 1964 they drive on the left side of the road. Driving there seemed to contradict relaxing :) </div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDOzKDDKvya7-MnkCw50R4sn9mJKw0nivC_eWfI5SfDlJeebU7k9jBJJzmzj1iJ9Py8hS6YUwnULDoX31lH3bcSBGSYHFbDi_wNn1L6SkdRptXf36i5bLIcO2srWdVbQiuoocg5ulSNo/s1600/IMG_4355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDOzKDDKvya7-MnkCw50R4sn9mJKw0nivC_eWfI5SfDlJeebU7k9jBJJzmzj1iJ9Py8hS6YUwnULDoX31lH3bcSBGSYHFbDi_wNn1L6SkdRptXf36i5bLIcO2srWdVbQiuoocg5ulSNo/s1600/IMG_4355.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RNH_Bighi">Bighi Complex</a> (aka Bighi Hospital)<br /></td></tr>
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The two bus tours and harbor cruise took three days. In hindsight, on the Blue/North Tour I wish we would have stopped wandered walked around the cities of Mdina and Rabat although the Aviation Museum was interesting. The final day we took the South/Red Tour which was by far our favorite with highlights being the fishing village Marsaxlokk and the Blue Grotto. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zvgOsV8aIto/U1jC1ojuu7I/AAAAAAAACbg/4ZWnDfK2R74/s1600/_MG_4454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zvgOsV8aIto/U1jC1ojuu7I/AAAAAAAACbg/4ZWnDfK2R74/s1600/_MG_4454.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marsaxlokk Village</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marsaxlokk fishing boats</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cn-d99Bbfow/U1jDNQWNaaI/AAAAAAAACbw/EpfHHeUyGv4/s1600/_MG_4468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cn-d99Bbfow/U1jDNQWNaaI/AAAAAAAACbw/EpfHHeUyGv4/s1600/_MG_4468.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh Paint and Evil Eyes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OGmsikENDWM/U1jCW8twIII/AAAAAAAACbI/56pRcCNmIjQ/s1600/IMG_4473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OGmsikENDWM/U1jCW8twIII/AAAAAAAACbI/56pRcCNmIjQ/s1600/IMG_4473.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Near Blue Grotto<br /><br />WAVES...</td></tr>
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That was fun....Yes, I am standing behind this camera wet, very wet from the knee down, but worth it.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNLbYmGeAzg-QR_2DRsOf-k3Nal2yj1R78AcAbClCFWMePqgQC026lGVkkwPWCZaggiWLnClY1H_58TMzNi2WbdCShbTW7yhaGGZclcLckvejCmuRoJQuWTvd99P3Su_FxPpVsvs8QX0/s1600/_MG_4548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNLbYmGeAzg-QR_2DRsOf-k3Nal2yj1R78AcAbClCFWMePqgQC026lGVkkwPWCZaggiWLnClY1H_58TMzNi2WbdCShbTW7yhaGGZclcLckvejCmuRoJQuWTvd99P3Su_FxPpVsvs8QX0/s1600/_MG_4548.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying waves and sunshine</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C7RDDtRWrTc/U1jB4hr0zvI/AAAAAAAACao/6u3cCNPwXNg/s1600/IMG_4296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C7RDDtRWrTc/U1jB4hr0zvI/AAAAAAAACao/6u3cCNPwXNg/s1600/IMG_4296.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heaps of beach glass - Balluta Bay<br /></td></tr>
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We were really surprised by how cheap things were - food, drinks, dining out and entertainment was all very reasonable. As we walked through the grocery store I kept thinking to myself that this is an island and we naturally thought food would be more expensive considering the journey it takes to get there. We weren't complaining though. We really enjoyed the rental apartment we found through <a href="http://airbnb.com/">airbnb.com</a> too.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L6TNy-7SA9w/U1jBz6uibxI/AAAAAAAACag/ragex5T7aDE/s1600/IMG_4301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L6TNy-7SA9w/U1jBz6uibxI/AAAAAAAACag/ragex5T7aDE/s1600/IMG_4301.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Veranda view</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt08WD7dDUwdcnpL0ATNOHVtuPLD_FuzANd56tfqSDNGY66Aw2is8iNMRoL69JKLRZQrZMCx2TQ-nGQ_qsASz8m0IWP-jO_5oGtNmvNHzD9ARPHNAOeHIObjkXetryUVoElW8CKdMPZ2s/s1600/IMG_4400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt08WD7dDUwdcnpL0ATNOHVtuPLD_FuzANd56tfqSDNGY66Aw2is8iNMRoL69JKLRZQrZMCx2TQ-nGQ_qsASz8m0IWP-jO_5oGtNmvNHzD9ARPHNAOeHIObjkXetryUVoElW8CKdMPZ2s/s1600/IMG_4400.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maltese Windows - everywhere</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14gPUmT5vyhNEwAHG4s2JHukqjRDt5QiDhEVk8hFKFrqFe3H48wr41Ik6Os6QIcQ7xHvMSfj2EiP_FddPuGrNz3FKdQ5q54mWh6Gm6RsFVTR5expdt6PDd5CQVJ173NrWdUWLUQ_BzrE/s1600/IMG_4439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14gPUmT5vyhNEwAHG4s2JHukqjRDt5QiDhEVk8hFKFrqFe3H48wr41Ik6Os6QIcQ7xHvMSfj2EiP_FddPuGrNz3FKdQ5q54mWh6Gm6RsFVTR5expdt6PDd5CQVJ173NrWdUWLUQ_BzrE/s1600/IMG_4439.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside Valletta</td></tr>
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A great place to be - we really enjoyed Malta - grateful to have made it there. Enjoy!</div>
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Next up...Provence :)</div>
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Happy Travels!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04015487256004732990noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452612407348773222.post-83596001630393836242014-04-03T14:43:00.001+02:002014-04-03T14:43:10.100+02:00Sweet SalzburgI completely forgot to write about our short trip to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salzburg">Salzburg, Austria</a>. First of all, we loved the city, the food, the people, the sights and the snow which rarely falls on Frankfurt. Sounds blasphemous to speak of cold snowy weather as I look out on this gorgeous Spring day with temperatures near 70 degrees. Seems even more wrong to brag about our glorious weather here when my poor family and friends back in Michigan are still under the chilly grip of old man winter. I digress.....<br />
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Salzburg was our destination between Christmas and New Years Eve. We wanted to be in our own place on Christmas, stay in our pajamas all day, eat comfort food and watch Hannah unwrap her gifts. Starting our own traditions is so much fun. We also didn't want to miss the New Years Eve fireworks in Frankfurt from our upper terrace - always a spectacular view like being in a snow globe of fireworks. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DSbUKfnDdbk/UzwTkAS-qZI/AAAAAAAACTs/-2Z1Z8yhmIw/s1600/_MG_4079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DSbUKfnDdbk/UzwTkAS-qZI/AAAAAAAACTs/-2Z1Z8yhmIw/s1600/_MG_4079.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Alps from the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hohensalzburg_Castle">Hohensalzburg </a>Fortress</td></tr>
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We had an awesome room in Salzburg - one that gave us extra space and allowed for us to sit up after Hannah's bedtime instead of huddling in the dark and whispering. The incredible view of the fortress had us second guessing how much we actually paid. We arrived on the last evening of the Weihnachtsmarkt, which was quaint and similar to the German markets.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQAJNDgYDgWbdoZlORJhBufm7rOUu_43uax1M2vMeUbmC19LpGstebdCbTtNE-2DP0jCVyr261wAUbUmJa4uQOmjP2jXwIGGcikAaFDn7cl1uajUplbOGlQPOHQjEityxujGVrAcnNnw/s1600/_MG_4084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQAJNDgYDgWbdoZlORJhBufm7rOUu_43uax1M2vMeUbmC19LpGstebdCbTtNE-2DP0jCVyr261wAUbUmJa4uQOmjP2jXwIGGcikAaFDn7cl1uajUplbOGlQPOHQjEityxujGVrAcnNnw/s1600/_MG_4084.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Decorations in the <a href="http://www.salzburg.info/en/sights/fortress_palaces/hohensalzburg_fortress">Hohensalzburg Fortress</a> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yqRTDw_B3rg/UzwT4VoziBI/AAAAAAAACUE/RvLqfHCAYFE/s1600/_MG_4091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yqRTDw_B3rg/UzwT4VoziBI/AAAAAAAACUE/RvLqfHCAYFE/s1600/_MG_4091.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chapel in the Fortress</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EFpr_MnTr5Y/UzwT8vCh4GI/AAAAAAAACUU/Gh7r5FdJ5Wg/s1600/_MG_4137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EFpr_MnTr5Y/UzwT8vCh4GI/AAAAAAAACUU/Gh7r5FdJ5Wg/s1600/_MG_4137.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I kissed my love in the "Love Grotto" :)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Z1Nr1wMOjU/UzwT8bL7GRI/AAAAAAAACUM/GIAsdshYUu0/s1600/_MG_4174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Z1Nr1wMOjU/UzwT8bL7GRI/AAAAAAAACUM/GIAsdshYUu0/s1600/_MG_4174.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just into the Alps - in search of snow......</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOsayyUw3W4/UzwT8h4tT-I/AAAAAAAACUQ/gv91da7JfVQ/s1600/_MG_4179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOsayyUw3W4/UzwT8h4tT-I/AAAAAAAACUQ/gv91da7JfVQ/s1600/_MG_4179.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To take this little one sledding.....she hated it!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qPTnEbe0O9Y/UzwUBn9VQvI/AAAAAAAACUk/cjB1bNQyqZ4/s1600/_MG_4181-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qPTnEbe0O9Y/UzwUBn9VQvI/AAAAAAAACUk/cjB1bNQyqZ4/s1600/_MG_4181-2.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stunning view after our sledding attempt - made the hour drive worthwhile</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3O3CPELm0-HbsYcClgrKFub7GRh0okmZiX2QyL624xzCLrdZ3pnU3CXG1F7bU7PIZg9PU94WVkLzXBLOZWnHh3lpYQMCqYA5G-cjx-9ZMOARvdlJqAkQsy5palYAdjCUHt57kDqsfUI/s1600/IMG_2549-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3O3CPELm0-HbsYcClgrKFub7GRh0okmZiX2QyL624xzCLrdZ3pnU3CXG1F7bU7PIZg9PU94WVkLzXBLOZWnHh3lpYQMCqYA5G-cjx-9ZMOARvdlJqAkQsy5palYAdjCUHt57kDqsfUI/s1600/IMG_2549-2.jpg" height="272" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oldest Restaurant in Europe - <a href="http://www.stpeter-stiftskeller.at/en/the-restaurant/our-guests.html">St. Peter's Stiftskeller</a> </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22vk_jokHq8ej_-I_sz1Zwu5oYFXEb4DwLz7nMmlEzxHj2QO85aMX1jEDpaB2Qqd91X4H7q4IPJg2UrOa3KAnxZWWmHfP1b2owXjXIwf1skAdU3TbaR8vP3V_fism4lhjBzZsf312QsE/s1600/IMG_4074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22vk_jokHq8ej_-I_sz1Zwu5oYFXEb4DwLz7nMmlEzxHj2QO85aMX1jEDpaB2Qqd91X4H7q4IPJg2UrOa3KAnxZWWmHfP1b2owXjXIwf1skAdU3TbaR8vP3V_fism4lhjBzZsf312QsE/s1600/IMG_4074.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the fortress towards the Alps</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyIet-C6hPWxEck2XD0gWF5GYPe2pGYVzT2t8qHf1Vv3Wij6WjX-WL65rKBcAFrQw2sj9P74tCLU6qzqGZ2S81Ox23i0JRRn_HcVhuFhL24VCzf2hihp4x2sDehuiFngdQszuBZZRElg/s1600/IMG_4144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyIet-C6hPWxEck2XD0gWF5GYPe2pGYVzT2t8qHf1Vv3Wij6WjX-WL65rKBcAFrQw2sj9P74tCLU6qzqGZ2S81Ox23i0JRRn_HcVhuFhL24VCzf2hihp4x2sDehuiFngdQszuBZZRElg/s1600/IMG_4144.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fortress from across the Salzach River<br />Salzburg means Salt Castle</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B7kgNSMLVko/UzwTZ80v5FI/AAAAAAAACTc/74wHnhq6PR8/s1600/IMG_4153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B7kgNSMLVko/UzwTZ80v5FI/AAAAAAAACTc/74wHnhq6PR8/s1600/IMG_4153.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salzach River</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60DkOzHgR2J5gnMUmVIi3ajeUpJFdDvDczogY4Imvlkb0nvfonnjDPvwUl6_cUmqD7RXRzLK7Tus7YS3sb71K3OsmqpS3g9ohm4u7wF_f_h2xyXtONSnWCB085VpqCbaSPOm7ULRmUqk/s1600/IMG_4163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60DkOzHgR2J5gnMUmVIi3ajeUpJFdDvDczogY4Imvlkb0nvfonnjDPvwUl6_cUmqD7RXRzLK7Tus7YS3sb71K3OsmqpS3g9ohm4u7wF_f_h2xyXtONSnWCB085VpqCbaSPOm7ULRmUqk/s1600/IMG_4163.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bike Parking at the <a href="http://www.augustinerbier.at/">Augustiner Brewery</a><br />Gotta love it!<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There was so much to see in Salzburg. We only touched the tip of iceberg so to speak - as we didn't get to venture out of the city much, but when we did we were constantly saying to each other, "Oh, this would be great in the Spring." or "I want to come back!" maybe hopefully that is possible. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04015487256004732990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452612407348773222.post-19295326301360881942014-04-02T15:28:00.000+02:002014-04-02T15:28:02.514+02:00Home Sweet HomeI have been living in Frankfurt for two and half years now and still struggle to call it home. After finally leaving my home town that I could not wait to flee as a teenager, I know that I want to go back. Funny how life works. For now I am enjoying life in Germany. If I am really honest though- many times I find myself day dreaming about what I will do when we move back (SO many ideas), but then I pull myself back to the present, to the moment.<br />
<br />
I was very lucky to go home for a visit this winter (YAY!). I needed to see my family and friends and SNOW! Yes, Michiganders I know you are sick of hearing about snow, seeing it, shoveling it, cursing it, driving in it - not mention the polar vortex. But I was happy to see it. Hannah was mesmerized. And I have to teach my girl that she really is a Michigan girl at heart - sledding, snowball fights, snow angels, snowmen, all of it. However, she was reluctant to be in it, but happy to watch it from the window; watch Papa plow, watch Mom shovel and see Nanny's car get covered with fluffy flakes. <br />
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Thank you for having us Michigan :)<br />
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Thank you Old Man Winter for allowing safe travels and on time flights. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04015487256004732990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452612407348773222.post-81953188782098203582014-02-21T14:52:00.000+01:002014-02-21T14:53:53.093+01:00Reading ListWOW! It has certainly been awhile, just over three months to be exact. Maybe that is because my nose has been in the books literally. Whether for my own personal reading or reading to my daughter. I am in two book clubs (and honestly I am a slow reader). So here is what we've been reading;<br />
<br />
<i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Yacoubian-Building-A-Novel/dp/0060878134">The Yacoubian Building</a> </i>by Alaa Al Aswany<br />
<a href="http://www.garthstein.com/arr/"><i>The Art of Racing in the Rain</i> </a>by Garth Stein<br />
<i><a href="http://www.elizabethgilbert.com/books/the-signature-of-all-things/">The Signature of All Things</a></i> by Elizabeth Gilbert<br />
<a href="http://www.carlosruizzafon.co.uk/shadowofthewind.html"><i>The Shadow of the Wind</i> </a>by Carlos Ruis Zafon *Currently reading and can not put down.<br />
<i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Slap-Novel-Christos-Tsiolkas/dp/0143117149">The Slap</a></i> by <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Christos Tsiolkas</span></span><br />
<br />
I didn't realize they all began with "The" but I highly recommend every single book listed and certainly invite discussion about any book. <br />
<br />
As for my daughter, just a few she loves;<br />
<br />
<i><a href="http://www.gruffalo.com/world-of/books/gruffalo-books/">The Gruffalo</a> </i>by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler<br />
<i><a href="http://www.gruffalo.com/world-of/books/julia-and-axel-s-books/tabby-mctat/">Tabby McTat </a> </i>by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler<br />
<i><a href="http://books.google.de/books/about/I_Love_You_Stinky_Face.html?id=fhvLVxB1SUoC&redir_esc=y">I Love You Stinky Face</a> </i>by Lisa McCourt<i> </i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.debrafrasier.com/pages/books-events/on-the-day/index.php">On The Day You Were Born</a> </i>by Debra Frasier<br />
<i><a href="http://www.seussville.com/books/book_detail.php?isbn=9780394800165">Green Eggs & Ham</a> </i>by Dr. Seuss<br />
<i>Tomie dePaola's Nursery Rhymes </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
The German <a href="http://www.ravensburger.com/foreignrights/translation-rights/books-for-the-very-young/board-books-2-years/come-along-to-the-sea-30683/index.html">Ravensburger</a> search and find picture books are amazing and a household favorite. <i> </i><br />
<br />
Our favorite places to find books in Frankfurt;<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.oxfam.de/shops/frankfurt-buch">Oxfam Book Store</a><br />
<a href="http://www.oxfam.de/shops/frankfurt-bornheim">Oxfam Shop</a> (small selection of books)<br />
<a href="http://www.buchhandlung-tatzelwurm.de/">Tatzelwurm</a><br />
<a href="http://www.hugendubel.de/1/sh.filialen/filialfinder.html?address=60388">Hugendubel</a> *good selection of English and International books<br />
<br />
There is also the <a href="http://shop.british-bookshop.net/">British Book Shop</a> that I've not had the opportunity to visit yet. <br />
<br />
I'd love to hear what you are reading or any recommendations. Thanks to <a href="http://goodreads.com/">goodreads.com</a> my list of books to read is never ending. <br />
<br />
Happy Reading!<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04015487256004732990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452612407348773222.post-75655162843056799112013-11-18T17:24:00.002+01:002013-11-18T17:24:27.779+01:00North SeaTime and tenacity have gotten away from me. Past due on a post and most of all pictures. It is always the pictures that hold me up! I've been putting off going through the hundreds we snapped on a two week cruise on the <a href="http://www.ncl.com/cruises/14-Day-Norway,-Iceland,-&-Faroe-Islands-from-Copenhagen?embarkationport=4294963136&europe=8084&sailingfares=4294915656&sailingpriceperperson1=8249&ships=4294963170&stateroomcategorymeta=4294915593&subdestination=4294967166&destinations=4294934557&itineraryCode=STAR14CPHBGOAESLERTHOREYGRKDUBCPH">Norwegian Cruise Lines <i>Star</i></a> around the North Sea that we took the end of September *hurts to admit how long I've been procrastinating*....<br />
<br />
This was my first cruise experience and I must admit that I never really thought they were my cup of tea - turns out I was right - however, it was a great way to see some many places that I otherwise probably never would have had the opportunity because of travel logistics, money, time, etc. <br />
<br />
The seas were great, the cruise staff very wonderful, the sights amazing and our toddler AWFUL! For whatever reason Hannah did not eat or sleep well at all, which resulted in me feeling like a zombie. Many of the young children on the ship were having similar issues. She was a trooper when we really needed her to be and I am grateful for that much. <br />
<br />
So we visited......<br />
Bergen, Ålesund and Oslo Norway; Lerwick, Shetland Islands; <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tórshavn, Faroe Islands; </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">Reykjavík, Iceland; Helsingborg, Sweden; Copenhagen, Denmark.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">Never in my life did I think that I'd ever get to see all these places. I'd really like to return to Denmark and Norway. All the ports were beautiful and interesting in their own regards. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;"><br /></span></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKgNevEUX4T-iy3DNvQZ36HrcokRZExRfYLo4XI-530MNCCRAuqjlbSMmpPgnHSgemX5AOcuEnrJcfiKR7FEyJNxhFm593PVRl1XNbEPS76s-ZsS4ENICYM7bZBQAbuNnDtnogJ1vrwaw/s1600/_MG_3633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKgNevEUX4T-iy3DNvQZ36HrcokRZExRfYLo4XI-530MNCCRAuqjlbSMmpPgnHSgemX5AOcuEnrJcfiKR7FEyJNxhFm593PVRl1XNbEPS76s-ZsS4ENICYM7bZBQAbuNnDtnogJ1vrwaw/s1600/_MG_3633.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bergen-guide.com/">Bergen, Norway</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ATC2Y_JzzO58zSLBlaazjdowN4l6ZoCak1JcPVnnAp6N7uDxPHt9K2Y_DLRAghjAogW4oCWXHsaTaU6JMCDLRq0SpRj8sB8BC3TtuYafuDx8042pJbF7UY5kt3nJELC-B0fRMgwgpfY/s1600/_MG_3643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ATC2Y_JzzO58zSLBlaazjdowN4l6ZoCak1JcPVnnAp6N7uDxPHt9K2Y_DLRAghjAogW4oCWXHsaTaU6JMCDLRq0SpRj8sB8BC3TtuYafuDx8042pJbF7UY5kt3nJELC-B0fRMgwgpfY/s1600/_MG_3643.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Norwegian Wooden Scuplture</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lZNRL5Zw1Yk/UooY2Uy21iI/AAAAAAAABxs/f_LdfxLymPM/s1600/_MG_3650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lZNRL5Zw1Yk/UooY2Uy21iI/AAAAAAAABxs/f_LdfxLymPM/s1600/_MG_3650.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top of the <a href="http://www.floibanen.com/">funicular</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9evWosZK8xj1TIR9ODCX79B6VQ2xARa3Wymk5FNU4xJ5vwqRPBoeKfD_1-h0bQwEyso5LmXQw9xFd4TK4-JVtvJZkf1wdpLzR1k5myoxGN0X-4khUe2T9y7ht5pdsOfE9-px0O7NCaI/s1600/_MG_3665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9evWosZK8xj1TIR9ODCX79B6VQ2xARa3Wymk5FNU4xJ5vwqRPBoeKfD_1-h0bQwEyso5LmXQw9xFd4TK4-JVtvJZkf1wdpLzR1k5myoxGN0X-4khUe2T9y7ht5pdsOfE9-px0O7NCaI/s1600/_MG_3665.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bergen Fish Market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmyqn0JRqfTcQ3cHjdU7imxUUlpaFJbH16mFTxNqVe2L9eg2c8DG_B22IPJDIYbFkfvIxlMqliorcvThDg8DQSGZvJ9_FyzusOIy5ReBT5z5mluUbqMoafW1Y1xqpuomSay9d7PIUSsU/s1600/_MG_3686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmyqn0JRqfTcQ3cHjdU7imxUUlpaFJbH16mFTxNqVe2L9eg2c8DG_B22IPJDIYbFkfvIxlMqliorcvThDg8DQSGZvJ9_FyzusOIy5ReBT5z5mluUbqMoafW1Y1xqpuomSay9d7PIUSsU/s1600/_MG_3686.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/norway/bergen-and-the-western-fjords/alesund">Alesund, Norway</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VUwqU3IzuIk/UooZPkiElOI/AAAAAAAAByU/_To0Sj8AJbw/s1600/_MG_3693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VUwqU3IzuIk/UooZPkiElOI/AAAAAAAAByU/_To0Sj8AJbw/s1600/_MG_3693.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alesund, Norway (monstrosity of a ship to the left)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BccjMbQpavs/UooZbsuWuJI/AAAAAAAAByc/A_UHMosK7cs/s1600/_MG_3748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BccjMbQpavs/UooZbsuWuJI/AAAAAAAAByc/A_UHMosK7cs/s1600/_MG_3748.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canal, Alesund</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8zDcPGtIeO2BuQxNx4D3uyMiX8L_j1me8V2S5Y0Z-vMrXnaHjqZS3nbwFY3iUfHCAO2zrt4OQs9MGrOiOUdGo4xMll9s9cINB-gH4r9N3wns7YN9ALrxLetlgYcqB_lNoX5_W_EfeRs/s1600/_MG_3753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8zDcPGtIeO2BuQxNx4D3uyMiX8L_j1me8V2S5Y0Z-vMrXnaHjqZS3nbwFY3iUfHCAO2zrt4OQs9MGrOiOUdGo4xMll9s9cINB-gH4r9N3wns7YN9ALrxLetlgYcqB_lNoX5_W_EfeRs/s1600/_MG_3753.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fisherman Statue, Alesund</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MO_dHf0v32o/UooZjZLFU0I/AAAAAAAABys/ZjSRUPptyis/s1600/_MG_3775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MO_dHf0v32o/UooZjZLFU0I/AAAAAAAABys/ZjSRUPptyis/s1600/_MG_3775.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://visit.shetland.org/">Lerwick, Shetland Islands</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgam7BXngUjCS_RRRF3-ImYW8xQQLOtZUmqNOfEk3SEukWStTqz_-p8CnsqbgFCJpnBEaECwOjSB9dUIchJY9YYXPKCAXRtBr-SQ2kgSiTIBZwgxxvLyKLvus_ygE_pcwMNb2_XGu9n24g/s1600/_MG_3795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgam7BXngUjCS_RRRF3-ImYW8xQQLOtZUmqNOfEk3SEukWStTqz_-p8CnsqbgFCJpnBEaECwOjSB9dUIchJY9YYXPKCAXRtBr-SQ2kgSiTIBZwgxxvLyKLvus_ygE_pcwMNb2_XGu9n24g/s1600/_MG_3795.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walk to the The Knab, Lerwick</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn78GE2z2www7UgepM7PQSFW4MMjYt6d8e3_IHVNm5gHxTGMApUL7WZ7R4cz-3G7o2Het84ADaWdxSRDchnUjAK1ZTwJvnrzZ5gGmjFfbuONMBkb1oqRHKQVNZhussHlnBbEIOvJQCtrU/s1600/_MG_3808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn78GE2z2www7UgepM7PQSFW4MMjYt6d8e3_IHVNm5gHxTGMApUL7WZ7R4cz-3G7o2Het84ADaWdxSRDchnUjAK1ZTwJvnrzZ5gGmjFfbuONMBkb1oqRHKQVNZhussHlnBbEIOvJQCtrU/s1600/_MG_3808.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Knab, Lerwick</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nadJMmHjfS8/Uooe5FmFy1I/AAAAAAAABz8/eX1JIpPgspY/s1600/_MG_3817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nadJMmHjfS8/Uooe5FmFy1I/AAAAAAAABz8/eX1JIpPgspY/s1600/_MG_3817.jpg" height="260" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.torshavn.com/">Torshavn, Faroe Islands</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNv2JjaiLgST7mS0oFzR1JsMHeV_0DeuGvdBR9hmCOh68bK-lvGFKMdL_MZIPBHWLJC70QFIXBF6Qq3LmroeSjsZafhkV2wPlrTLpxEqRY37rA6McqqSxA3RdhQDFI1v_Wf6JtEXBNmY/s1600/_MG_3833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNv2JjaiLgST7mS0oFzR1JsMHeV_0DeuGvdBR9hmCOh68bK-lvGFKMdL_MZIPBHWLJC70QFIXBF6Qq3LmroeSjsZafhkV2wPlrTLpxEqRY37rA6McqqSxA3RdhQDFI1v_Wf6JtEXBNmY/s1600/_MG_3833.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Torshavn Harbor</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv81ZAGMjTG-q01jGSrarFjjR5a37FcDHHrX3OU4gnGScGNkMl8gQ8OZEtdL8SOyBLG5PEPFMOhQ6Ux5AiWvDxiBdfqcxN_motKqT2d-51gxzInx9hoDWGDHDmK1oV59hz2kBiLyez-ZQ/s1600/_MG_3841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv81ZAGMjTG-q01jGSrarFjjR5a37FcDHHrX3OU4gnGScGNkMl8gQ8OZEtdL8SOyBLG5PEPFMOhQ6Ux5AiWvDxiBdfqcxN_motKqT2d-51gxzInx9hoDWGDHDmK1oV59hz2kBiLyez-ZQ/s1600/_MG_3841.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Torshavn </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SDiwxA-5cw0/UoofHGoxnvI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/vLn5ZxpBa9U/s1600/_MG_3850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SDiwxA-5cw0/UoofHGoxnvI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/vLn5ZxpBa9U/s1600/_MG_3850.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliffs & Clouds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yv9pP8kmUp4/UooedCI9aZI/AAAAAAAABzM/pBHXxa2fGEY/s1600/IMG_3769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yv9pP8kmUp4/UooedCI9aZI/AAAAAAAABzM/pBHXxa2fGEY/s1600/IMG_3769.jpg" height="164" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gkOkfntbeS4/UoofG_f7k7I/AAAAAAAAB0U/4ZeKZ1T0mz4/s1600/_MG_3860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gkOkfntbeS4/UoofG_f7k7I/AAAAAAAAB0U/4ZeKZ1T0mz4/s1600/_MG_3860.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final Cliffs leaving Faroe Islands</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizoW-cXD3-lo21iFOxcBMpswfSau8-sibU5arG75rNOFp_VMJFYjL2hVl6_f_nmMc_6LfRDqeHtzGnysOsVAeQkWJ-ot84ErOWT-eINCsdnp3WwGrlHCYJYz6rysxOAzZ1xOIrDwVYH1M/s1600/_MG_3902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizoW-cXD3-lo21iFOxcBMpswfSau8-sibU5arG75rNOFp_VMJFYjL2hVl6_f_nmMc_6LfRDqeHtzGnysOsVAeQkWJ-ot84ErOWT-eINCsdnp3WwGrlHCYJYz6rysxOAzZ1xOIrDwVYH1M/s1600/_MG_3902.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.visitreykjavik.is/"><span style="text-align: start;">Reykjavi</span><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"><span style="font-size: small;">k, </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Iceland</span></span></span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OdDETCLIUWwHVBgiv8ilNmYDpZQvJqKGrHFdRiWASS1K_m-537HhvNF9_WDsb3zgFV7af-L7txFiwZ_eBEqb64unkdLwPALLFZvBqAH9Cl1DElH-Bn3azBDaoLGNmlLRQ3GLNbeXSqw/s1600/_MG_3931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OdDETCLIUWwHVBgiv8ilNmYDpZQvJqKGrHFdRiWASS1K_m-537HhvNF9_WDsb3zgFV7af-L7txFiwZ_eBEqb64unkdLwPALLFZvBqAH9Cl1DElH-Bn3azBDaoLGNmlLRQ3GLNbeXSqw/s1600/_MG_3931.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gullfoss, Iceland</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkq-zw8WKk5GEPrBca2DG4POUK9IIpxVFIS1G0szRbzwXX86bVwGm4Ua1bDxso7LsOZFpbQuTXBypjhY1KUxtkgjvgkGe-ZGZb4meo41U9Rz-SDUYbindSa7FdnFg8rImOxQ66NuaRTw/s1600/_MG_4007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkq-zw8WKk5GEPrBca2DG4POUK9IIpxVFIS1G0szRbzwXX86bVwGm4Ua1bDxso7LsOZFpbQuTXBypjhY1KUxtkgjvgkGe-ZGZb4meo41U9Rz-SDUYbindSa7FdnFg8rImOxQ66NuaRTw/s1600/_MG_4007.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.khm.uio.no/english/visit-us/viking-ship-museum/">Viking Museum; Oslo, Norway</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vubRj5XhZno/UooffIhcXjI/AAAAAAAAB1E/ep-F4GrNb24/s1600/_MG_4029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vubRj5XhZno/UooffIhcXjI/AAAAAAAAB1E/ep-F4GrNb24/s1600/_MG_4029.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.khm.uio.no/english/visit-us/viking-ship-museum/">Sculpture outside Viking Museum</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hzwAmeX0JeagGlqO4jhUb5DGAB6plFyYKJyfjyyoYuzbos51Yx2H2h3gLEQoN3UE_AjBzSmBj7nl42gSeboil-FzJAXp-3MDMz5eCEGVRYkGz0R3hhzAlyHco6C4acGlfY2SfLwZnQw/s1600/IMG_3917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hzwAmeX0JeagGlqO4jhUb5DGAB6plFyYKJyfjyyoYuzbos51Yx2H2h3gLEQoN3UE_AjBzSmBj7nl42gSeboil-FzJAXp-3MDMz5eCEGVRYkGz0R3hhzAlyHco6C4acGlfY2SfLwZnQw/s1600/IMG_3917.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geyser, Iceland</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H29p89ehLCI/Uooek3v-9oI/AAAAAAAABzc/jwDXIgsiAWo/s1600/IMG_3940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H29p89ehLCI/Uooek3v-9oI/AAAAAAAABzc/jwDXIgsiAWo/s1600/IMG_3940.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Volcanic Crater Lake, Iceland</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxd3_1v4dfhA-YmFoT9pwsjdDphrZfvJv6m3fVWckCmFhjAZVl1psfVaAqgmYibynHpOmkvpYCZQLANjuy3iKAVVkxbILZ3IJB0hwrI9f5_Tr8lCMUZcrVx8i5bTtaUKOuGELvm7xEgg/s1600/IMG_3974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxd3_1v4dfhA-YmFoT9pwsjdDphrZfvJv6m3fVWckCmFhjAZVl1psfVaAqgmYibynHpOmkvpYCZQLANjuy3iKAVVkxbILZ3IJB0hwrI9f5_Tr8lCMUZcrVx8i5bTtaUKOuGELvm7xEgg/s1600/IMG_3974.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sculpture in <span style="line-height: 16.5px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.visitnorway.com/en/Where-to-go/East/Oslo/What-to-do-in-Oslo/Attractions-in-Oslo/Vigelandsparken-sculpture-park/">Vigelandsparken Sculpture Park</a>, Oslo</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTWFQ0pO4x3t8w-vNx10M30dkinGsBLXOGOMJ7KYCHBRh7yo0lam-8tGs7eBPBzdfooXLcgZokR1z0m4ZkXWM23_HXwB6vu3wMPJeY0eqsrx7AWzmikAVNO6O-61eouuJfigPUHq81TY/s1600/IMG_4034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTWFQ0pO4x3t8w-vNx10M30dkinGsBLXOGOMJ7KYCHBRh7yo0lam-8tGs7eBPBzdfooXLcgZokR1z0m4ZkXWM23_HXwB6vu3wMPJeY0eqsrx7AWzmikAVNO6O-61eouuJfigPUHq81TY/s1600/IMG_4034.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oslo Harbor </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6YW9NvdQ2SzLlGQICaARUQkBqK-_4olLoXOzH7bMT85o4DX5DCANzOZLVYKxkaFyHDe4d1kSsjOpU7gwUUet86LFgdUQme8b5oVLDzXD7NsXsY4NidP7xU6XyQSj3U1GAWue_tQLCMhk/s1600/IMG_4060-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6YW9NvdQ2SzLlGQICaARUQkBqK-_4olLoXOzH7bMT85o4DX5DCANzOZLVYKxkaFyHDe4d1kSsjOpU7gwUUet86LFgdUQme8b5oVLDzXD7NsXsY4NidP7xU6XyQSj3U1GAWue_tQLCMhk/s1600/IMG_4060-2.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.helsingborg-helsingor.com/english/">Helsingborg, Sweden</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfVMAKQabYzFUEAzgvovh1OedQGZ7BUYrS71IsEy1abaqnn3h2uyTxZQj1vobjDPne0ucduA_nM4gByCgxxjjj3432RVgFzd8FFnImWTSgEOgS_v_LIqemVRGNMe5JNMxKZ3FA8y9VxA/s1600/_MG_4065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfVMAKQabYzFUEAzgvovh1OedQGZ7BUYrS71IsEy1abaqnn3h2uyTxZQj1vobjDPne0ucduA_nM4gByCgxxjjj3432RVgFzd8FFnImWTSgEOgS_v_LIqemVRGNMe5JNMxKZ3FA8y9VxA/s1600/_MG_4065.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g189541-Copenhagen_Zealand-Vacations.html">Copenhagen, Denmark</a></td></tr>
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</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04015487256004732990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452612407348773222.post-29424993269453408002013-08-21T13:45:00.002+02:002013-08-21T13:46:29.367+02:00In Search of WaterAs I've said before, one of the most difficult facts about living in Frankfurt is the lack of a big clean beautiful body of water specifically Lake Michigan. So last week we found ourselves two weeks deprived of the lake, checking the weekend weather forecast and booking a hotel near the North Sea. <br />
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Finally we narrowed it down to Belgium or The Netherlands, but the reviews of places in the Netherlands won our interest. We finally decided on Vlissingen, Zeeland very near Belgium and not too long of a drive....4 1/2 hours for two nights and one full day by the water - some might think we are crazy, but the added feel of a time crunch to see as much as possible in Europe trumps staying home regardless of the weather. <br />
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There is something magical about being by water. Fresh delicious fish and Belgian beer were other factors in determining our destination. The friendliness of the Dutch that we've experienced in the past is always a welcomed change. Everyone speaks English which makes a vacation that much more relaxing and after all that isn't that the point. <br />
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Hannah loved playing at the beach which provided endless entertainment if only the weather could have been a little better. The afternoon was great. Luckily, she didn't want to play in the water which seemed to have a thriving jellyfish population. <br />
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Vlissingen is lovely little seaport. The people are friendly and we found a great little hotel. We ate delicious food. Walked all over the little town and along the beach. Perfect little weekend getaway. <br />
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Thanks for reading :)<br />
Be Well! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04015487256004732990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452612407348773222.post-52341694853422425172013-08-15T12:37:00.005+02:002013-08-15T12:43:19.558+02:00Home and Back Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Nearly two weeks have past since my feet last touched the shores of Lake Michigan and the gypsy life has been rolled up stowed away for another year. Six weeks of vacation back home has me filled up with all that I miss so much; family, friends, the lake, Mexican food and the confidence that comes with being in your comfort zone of all that is familiar. <br />
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After weeks of traveling back and forth between South Haven and Traverse City, visiting with as many loved ones as possible, a wedding, a 60th birthday celebration for my awesome Dad, canoe trip, two great concerts and generally eating too much our life is throttled back to a slower gear here in Frankfurt. We've returned to a predictable routine anyway - sprinkled with what are starting to become regular tantrums - Hello Toddlerhood! <br />
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As hard as it is to say good-bye (and only continues to get more difficult as Hannah grows) it is nice to return once again to our own space. Living out of a suitcase can be a drag. Our scenario has its ups and downs, but I must admit that watching my baby point to the phone and say "More!" after talking to my parents or pointing to the computer after Skyping with Nana & Bumpa and saying "Bumpa, more" is a bit heartbreaking. At least she is learning and talking!<br />
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Life is back to park and playground hopping, bike rides, playgroups, trip planning and watching Hannah discover her world. Her latest "new thing" is mocking us as we walk up six flights of stairs carrying her, as we start breathing heavy she starts blowing air out imitating her out of breath parents - I guess if we can't laugh at that we are really in for it, eh! She also wants to go up and down the stairs by herself.... Generally, we don't have to be anywhere at a certain time which is good because 84 stairs for 17 month old can be time consuming. Not to mention every landing has something new to marvel at even on the third pass of the day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsWL1ArMWg7z-a__Hr4uTsqCoSjLumMe6P7X_xmCFDmhiBp2R6DHLfeRry1gyS1Hmq6SYmixt1GCapK4G9cizWm-CfbRIYAkFMQ-9OhIf3ExkX2kG10MEwnEWnkC9gQpTeZ8psevmzBs/s1600/20130813_155726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsWL1ArMWg7z-a__Hr4uTsqCoSjLumMe6P7X_xmCFDmhiBp2R6DHLfeRry1gyS1Hmq6SYmixt1GCapK4G9cizWm-CfbRIYAkFMQ-9OhIf3ExkX2kG10MEwnEWnkC9gQpTeZ8psevmzBs/s1600/20130813_155726.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lilly pad pond at the Palmengarten</td></tr>
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The parks are awesome here in Germany. I hope to go around and take pictures of all and post them. We have tons of options as far as playgrounds and parks go. <br />
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There are also several Floh Markts (flea markets) coming up soon. My two favorites are the <a href="http://www.kinderflohmarkt-frankfurt.de/">KinderKram</a> in Günthersburg Park on August 24 from 10am-4pm and the Mother's Corner Bazaar September 14 from 11am-1pm at the <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">Bürgerhaus Kirdorf, Stedter Weg 40, 61350</span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"> </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">Bad Homburg-Kirdorf. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">We look forward to visitors and trips and all that this next year holds for us. Still greatly enjoying the adventures of being an expat in Europe and life as parents navigating toddlerhood. </span></span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04015487256004732990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452612407348773222.post-14269423055644968772013-06-03T14:26:00.003+02:002013-06-03T14:26:38.146+02:00Lake Constance - The BodenseeRecently, over a long weekend we decided to travel to Lake Constance, on the Germany Switzerland border called the Bodensee or inland sea. The pictures that we had seen beforehand had us eager to visit. We wanted to travel somewhere with nicer weather as the Spring has been dreadful in Frankfurt, but for a long weekend being in the car for more than four hours seemed too much so we gambled on Lake Constance.<br />
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Hannah started walking the day before so she was less than keen on being contained in the car, but we made it there with relatively little protest. Of course, I feel like I am always packing up all of our belongings to go anywhere with "Mom's bag of tricks" which consists of anything that might hold her attention for a few moments. Bubbles are magic and I learned that from my dear mother-in-law who seems to always have a small bottle of wedding bubbles no matter where she is in the world....Clever! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bM6KTw5VxKw/UaxlWRp3CCI/AAAAAAAAA3s/ylU9ivX24cw/s1600/20130518_144236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bM6KTw5VxKw/UaxlWRp3CCI/AAAAAAAAA3s/ylU9ivX24cw/s1600/20130518_144236.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet hair!</td></tr>
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I must interject a bit of praise to the Europeans and their commitment to alternative energy sources. Germany has more solar panels than I imagined for such a grey landscape, but they are everywhere. I applaud the efforts and wish Americans would get on board. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-amhPeOzpl-g/UaxlVIcOtHI/AAAAAAAAA3o/7OTNz8kcuaw/s1600/20130518_135611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-amhPeOzpl-g/UaxlVIcOtHI/AAAAAAAAA3o/7OTNz8kcuaw/s1600/20130518_135611.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Solar barns, houses, and buildings. </td></tr>
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And then there is my favorite Springtime panorama....Mustard fields! The picture (from a moving car with my phone) does not do justice. The field are all over and the most incredible color of bright yellow. As much as I wanted to stop to get a picture, we didn't. Hopefully next Spring.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mustard Fields</td></tr>
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After about four hours of travel we arrived in <a href="http://en.friedrichshafen.info/">Friedrichshafen</a> on Lake Constance. The sun was shining, the cafes on the promenade were filling up, the beer was tasty and the views spectacular. A whole afternoon could easily be passed people watching and enjoying the local culinary and brewery flavors that is if you don't have a restless toddler eager to move in every direction. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTX8ZcL_jx9Wi4crjrivPeMkkN4sz6cSFef6lY59FuuEy8MsW4_D5KzlsfKoR_RGUkrAtz455fQPA9sbbQHJD5RuN2tqnlGb58qMTyA3BFa8pUo7OWiTbnR_tUcBjnIuL7fbZWrHGQMo/s1600/20130518_194005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTX8ZcL_jx9Wi4crjrivPeMkkN4sz6cSFef6lY59FuuEy8MsW4_D5KzlsfKoR_RGUkrAtz455fQPA9sbbQHJD5RuN2tqnlGb58qMTyA3BFa8pUo7OWiTbnR_tUcBjnIuL7fbZWrHGQMo/s1600/20130518_194005.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water, boats and mountains.</td></tr>
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On Sunday morning it rained, but we went down to see sailboat races in <a href="http://www.langenargen.de/static/01P/01P/281/1/l1/index.html">Langenargen</a>. Then we headed to the <a href="http://www.zeppelin-museum.de/home_en.0.html">Zeppelin Museum</a> in Friedrichshafen which was the same plan as everyone in the town it seemed. After lunch the sun began to shine and we walked all over the little town and along the lake to the Duke's estate. <br />
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Water, boats and mountains....Life doesn't get much better than that and we could have stayed there a long time. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J7L3wYTi2nw/UaxqKY9tW8I/AAAAAAAAA4M/IlojlTrnjn4/s1600/_MG_3331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J7L3wYTi2nw/UaxqKY9tW8I/AAAAAAAAA4M/IlojlTrnjn4/s1600/_MG_3331.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tasty Zeppelin Beer</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrab4ouqnJtrBIdCdhi2u4cGxjnbncyc3cyWB4E_M0BilR2H6loLhbgkLQflUyiW7I1gzemv7Ot5gUUNM4zqSRauTkx45kfzYjt1p2nyMl7IZzJhB9phXAaOPczPs5fqXDBiDkQg13ap8/s1600/_MG_3336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrab4ouqnJtrBIdCdhi2u4cGxjnbncyc3cyWB4E_M0BilR2H6loLhbgkLQflUyiW7I1gzemv7Ot5gUUNM4zqSRauTkx45kfzYjt1p2nyMl7IZzJhB9phXAaOPczPs5fqXDBiDkQg13ap8/s1600/_MG_3336.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Viewpoint Tower</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-taoVqJUnjeM/UaxqMBmB1xI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/Ck99bzVZsBc/s1600/_MG_3356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-taoVqJUnjeM/UaxqMBmB1xI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/Ck99bzVZsBc/s1600/_MG_3356.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Constance </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATp-FEGtLCg0TYDxZr8utQd0DZWx1LXcre6MbHT9MjDbAJDu0Jy0HJE0YgbylOJi2mkGvVfD8MPfHrhpxSHxqwBqREiEcP6NeLkiXh2_RkeDMUnavx1NkWoNd-foCk2hMPC-xpf4lcrg/s1600/_MG_3360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATp-FEGtLCg0TYDxZr8utQd0DZWx1LXcre6MbHT9MjDbAJDu0Jy0HJE0YgbylOJi2mkGvVfD8MPfHrhpxSHxqwBqREiEcP6NeLkiXh2_RkeDMUnavx1NkWoNd-foCk2hMPC-xpf4lcrg/s1600/_MG_3360.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Duke's Palace - at least what can be seen through the gate</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dWlUPDMB7eM/UaxqQavXvgI/AAAAAAAAA4g/hU3nmYtjaAg/s1600/_MG_3365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dWlUPDMB7eM/UaxqQavXvgI/AAAAAAAAA4g/hU3nmYtjaAg/s1600/_MG_3365.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sailboat & Rainbow</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04015487256004732990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452612407348773222.post-20814259859393575672013-05-28T17:00:00.001+02:002013-05-28T17:00:13.717+02:00More Greece Pictures<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2pM1hHaK6Shv5V7_uuO0w1Opsnz9kzJEsLagqeBd7Yz-zYvaMU1OdB2-hvtazm7YCFL-5mNt4L-43pTFCSHrY2UHKMzKgF5VyNDd2n-KF_rNwiqa0YAKqZTTB8lYPJShuW0YED-8mfBw/s1600/20130430_101015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2pM1hHaK6Shv5V7_uuO0w1Opsnz9kzJEsLagqeBd7Yz-zYvaMU1OdB2-hvtazm7YCFL-5mNt4L-43pTFCSHrY2UHKMzKgF5VyNDd2n-KF_rNwiqa0YAKqZTTB8lYPJShuW0YED-8mfBw/s1600/20130430_101015.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool as a cucumber!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1vF5gkA15xUxDfFqAd_y1Gw50TUHnJGmXALZiUGwI-dJ1VXFKrPqhtBJze03-T8PG0LdZZPwX-JvvnPQhWqOJiYw1PMWrinDnOYlNqqNfJaUYw_NhZOvvR2E84Is08SKxmwdu3Sxzuw/s1600/20130507_131041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1vF5gkA15xUxDfFqAd_y1Gw50TUHnJGmXALZiUGwI-dJ1VXFKrPqhtBJze03-T8PG0LdZZPwX-JvvnPQhWqOJiYw1PMWrinDnOYlNqqNfJaUYw_NhZOvvR2E84Is08SKxmwdu3Sxzuw/s1600/20130507_131041.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greek Memorial - this one is outside of a church, but they were everywhere along the roadside. <br />A bit like crosses in the USA. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDj1d4A5ebYZzk-58NK26szeXHUU1X43myxkISgzN3RxvD_KX2ecncB5sbKUtObrhXxSC8QPAUyXUPQCmHUGnqIoONv41PUNZiSKfkd1C7lnlRKKF_mTpDcJjy-mGaUyAJyc3kaZ_HgU/s1600/20130507_131048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDj1d4A5ebYZzk-58NK26szeXHUU1X43myxkISgzN3RxvD_KX2ecncB5sbKUtObrhXxSC8QPAUyXUPQCmHUGnqIoONv41PUNZiSKfkd1C7lnlRKKF_mTpDcJjy-mGaUyAJyc3kaZ_HgU/s1600/20130507_131048.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one had interesting tile work.<br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
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There are so many pictures that I wish I would have taken.....Lesson learned!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04015487256004732990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452612407348773222.post-27581435644460566432013-05-13T13:22:00.001+02:002013-05-13T13:22:12.031+02:00Greece - Sun & WaterTen days relaxing in Greece resulted in a serious vacation hangover! Now we are back at it - the daily grind in Frankfurt; learning to walk, coaxing out words ("Mom!") and daily food fights not to mention getting a lot of use out of our new bicycle and loving it. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6SoaLveVz0qr69vII4wsaH4UIVS4NttokWMQioTpa5J2gcdc8WpNO5vrec-Ge-Mn3NoW_sMn486JC7S2fd8dgqZOtoHF-fF164_FlZC8orfNqZ1GF5t0eJej1YltpyjQhRaO3X0eVII/s1600/20130428-_MG_2908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6SoaLveVz0qr69vII4wsaH4UIVS4NttokWMQioTpa5J2gcdc8WpNO5vrec-Ge-Mn3NoW_sMn486JC7S2fd8dgqZOtoHF-fF164_FlZC8orfNqZ1GF5t0eJej1YltpyjQhRaO3X0eVII/s1600/20130428-_MG_2908.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
But, Greece, WOW! Definitely a place that beckons one to take pause, rest, relax and enjoy the simple things in life. And to be in awe of the natural world. On so many of our excursions thus far we are running around, cramming in sites and soaking up history so this trip to Greece was very welcomed for the slow pace, fresh food and expert insider guides (we traveled with friends and stayed with their family). <br />
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Hard to believe that we were in Athens after only a three hour flight - pinch me! From there we headed to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sounion">Sounio </a>where we stayed at a very chic resort, <a href="http://www.capesounio.com/index.html#/cape-sounio">Cape Sounio Grecotel</a>, my first time at a place of this kind. Luckily it is not high tourism season so the rates were reasonable. These are not the places we normally stay, but they sure are conducive to relaxation. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DV0QObYd2RflfHtdHXc0TAlIx1C7HzNe9bO0sjX6DGbGeh6D8t9bLi_bU1oojSa2aAmEVlkW1K8DkD1SOcjfEG7hDLVAA5q8eEZFwzL1za4zyu0-NuRyOgDhcs3ogUpumVV-t_44CDQ/s1600/20130426-_MG_2866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DV0QObYd2RflfHtdHXc0TAlIx1C7HzNe9bO0sjX6DGbGeh6D8t9bLi_bU1oojSa2aAmEVlkW1K8DkD1SOcjfEG7hDLVAA5q8eEZFwzL1za4zyu0-NuRyOgDhcs3ogUpumVV-t_44CDQ/s1600/20130426-_MG_2866.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our hotel room.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bRWOz2xIKAre_pM603oAGGTjxGb5RmxiamBG5nQOOnufcFnd_4ot3dtYZQCScZCVi05x0shwE2KDvN-y5tUyiaSDliO4vaEzYVKn0ZuO8xnlOlutX1wZmkmbMaBpyKFA3aLbs1sGJqk/s1600/20130428-_MG_2924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bRWOz2xIKAre_pM603oAGGTjxGb5RmxiamBG5nQOOnufcFnd_4ot3dtYZQCScZCVi05x0shwE2KDvN-y5tUyiaSDliO4vaEzYVKn0ZuO8xnlOlutX1wZmkmbMaBpyKFA3aLbs1sGJqk/s1600/20130428-_MG_2924.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for sunset at the ruins.</td></tr>
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The resort offered a grand view of the ruins of the Temple of Poseidon, which were breathtaking to see up close and in person. It is not everyday that one can stand so close to ancient history. And at sunset, well, there are no words, but I did feel enchanted and at peace.<br />
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Fresh food. I must admit that I didn't know what to expect, whether I would like the food or not was a big question for me leading up to our departure. Everyone was quoting "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" when John Corbett's character is offered lamb because he is a vegetarian. Well, I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the very fresh and local food. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4AZYtc_n0o/UZC_QJLU80I/AAAAAAAAA1A/ObkxcYXBq6E/s1600/20130428-_MG_2938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4AZYtc_n0o/UZC_QJLU80I/AAAAAAAAA1A/ObkxcYXBq6E/s1600/20130428-_MG_2938.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruins of the Temple of Poseidon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K7krkm87HzM/UZC_RBrR10I/AAAAAAAAA1I/8j917VEtiaE/s1600/20130428-_MG_2987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K7krkm87HzM/UZC_RBrR10I/AAAAAAAAA1I/8j917VEtiaE/s1600/20130428-_MG_2987.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ruins and a lone olive tree.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7gfJuxEQJ29n9R5q3CBOdD9vdCDV_QAQhATTpdLNTXeJ6Xc43CxKycnKMl2NUjhznbj-q12S5tJjNbLA_Y2jHLSnqTkWsTei7Rxzdksiv4W-iQcXojxKUII8nR3ZAb8H9ZlrgsUCgq8/s1600/20130429-_MG_3010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7gfJuxEQJ29n9R5q3CBOdD9vdCDV_QAQhATTpdLNTXeJ6Xc43CxKycnKMl2NUjhznbj-q12S5tJjNbLA_Y2jHLSnqTkWsTei7Rxzdksiv4W-iQcXojxKUII8nR3ZAb8H9ZlrgsUCgq8/s1600/20130429-_MG_3010.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Solace.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtb_dnHNYHqFsP67LF_PlxUBwj3wljODRLq86EIxaFpMKQtxVs2W7dz3zBLS_9aHmUjPHm2dG4PkC4AfetsmOnpW9q2DU-3yeJC6qWSRKbLjlfGzvsX2Q2-5Tr_DOKxEDaoa7T63ThQ0/s1600/20130429-_MG_3063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtb_dnHNYHqFsP67LF_PlxUBwj3wljODRLq86EIxaFpMKQtxVs2W7dz3zBLS_9aHmUjPHm2dG4PkC4AfetsmOnpW9q2DU-3yeJC6qWSRKbLjlfGzvsX2Q2-5Tr_DOKxEDaoa7T63ThQ0/s1600/20130429-_MG_3063.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good night to the beautiful sun. </td></tr>
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After three nights in Sounio we headed to Volos to our friend's parents home. The family was wonderful and welcoming and great cooks too. They had a great little plot of land on the mountain side city where they grew so many things. I found myself wandering around admiring their gardens, studying the hens in the chicken coop and pining for my own plot of land and little farm. <br />
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We visited several little beaches and towns during our stay in Volos. Everywhere we went the water was insanely blue, the food was fresh and delicious and the views were unreal. Speaking of food...I was adventurous, so adventurous I surprised myself, but when in Rome...you know. Well when in Greece, I tried (and liked) octopus, mussels and the rice served with them was the best thing ever and we ate a ton of fresh fish. I know, I said I was a vegetarian - technically if you like labels I think you'd call me an ovo-lacto Pescetarian. I ate fresh and local and that is what is important to me. But octopus!!! Still surprised by that leap into the culinary unknown. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd3IYEMsGcERI57r8CNfgILOWy5ZsrEOZyf3tDQFDGX2cKYukyLcKPBkVeQUqZ_vDA7v8lCciobEk3v8KdZhZllxQVwAQOaCp0I82pBWkqb8a6ixIAj6u5b1lqjiY42NYRVUQSoVFxwrE/s1600/20130501-_MG_3127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd3IYEMsGcERI57r8CNfgILOWy5ZsrEOZyf3tDQFDGX2cKYukyLcKPBkVeQUqZ_vDA7v8lCciobEk3v8KdZhZllxQVwAQOaCp0I82pBWkqb8a6ixIAj6u5b1lqjiY42NYRVUQSoVFxwrE/s1600/20130501-_MG_3127.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKtO7H5KeNVQbZAwUoHVY3iJOmEWkCJt68NsDysEtETa7sI_56QC4lhTsZKQdvbJuhesNAyYbjErt8jXZQ5vHz5dAF-PXRFngu6GTEevBILMIbcDeO2MNBUD6MA-HXQq8tTJ4bv7r5-A/s1600/20130501-_MG_3135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKtO7H5KeNVQbZAwUoHVY3iJOmEWkCJt68NsDysEtETa7sI_56QC4lhTsZKQdvbJuhesNAyYbjErt8jXZQ5vHz5dAF-PXRFngu6GTEevBILMIbcDeO2MNBUD6MA-HXQq8tTJ4bv7r5-A/s1600/20130501-_MG_3135.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Road trip!</td></tr>
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One day we drove over Mount Pilion - a healthy verdant ecosystem - to the Aegean Sea side in a small village called Agios Ioannis (I still can not pronounce this correctly). We spent time at the beach and eating at a little seaside Tabepna (pronounced Taverna, yes like a tavern). The food was quite possibly the best of all the restaurants we ate at the whole trip. Simply blissful!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FTkmUnwpLh4/UZC_a_KYFTI/AAAAAAAAA1w/kklOrErbh6M/s1600/20130501-_MG_3136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FTkmUnwpLh4/UZC_a_KYFTI/AAAAAAAAA1w/kklOrErbh6M/s1600/20130501-_MG_3136.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge to paradise....maybe</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NjWu5cxjncg/UZC_iEtgx_I/AAAAAAAAA18/WZuipXKOn78/s1600/20130501-_MG_3144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NjWu5cxjncg/UZC_iEtgx_I/AAAAAAAAA18/WZuipXKOn78/s1600/20130501-_MG_3144.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Agios Ioannis on the Aegean Sea. Beach. Love it. </td></tr>
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We did find that relaxing at the beach and sun bathing are quite impossible with a toddler especially one who likes to eat rocks!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LZfcJyqExP7_tGrfVKg2c5r05fhIINFzuBTYjefCg9wo6JX6t2qiZnLC3AWdmdAuOhD3f49ULHa0nUDEe_1Xtg1rr-Nj581uHkvWJGJp37k6GHjAtUF9I0GHuCSeVq9TqiFtD5wKo7U/s1600/20130501-_MG_3149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LZfcJyqExP7_tGrfVKg2c5r05fhIINFzuBTYjefCg9wo6JX6t2qiZnLC3AWdmdAuOhD3f49ULHa0nUDEe_1Xtg1rr-Nj581uHkvWJGJp37k6GHjAtUF9I0GHuCSeVq9TqiFtD5wKo7U/s1600/20130501-_MG_3149.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taste testing the rocks of Agios Ioannis.</td></tr>
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We spent an afternoon walking around the isolated mountain town of Makrinitsa. Locals call this special village "The Balcony of Volos" because of the spectacular views over Volos.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94VT3Q74suT3_P34RF_V_Gad0UEWuCvLSOy800msH81cqAOWiNeHK7INinEyHCxBEY4FIOV9uLQfjoI4M75sFJxz_mn0jieB6vyAUqpibw93as3Ge0_XImWN1BRwoEoloQqCjLvHbtr0/s1600/20130503-_MG_3238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94VT3Q74suT3_P34RF_V_Gad0UEWuCvLSOy800msH81cqAOWiNeHK7INinEyHCxBEY4FIOV9uLQfjoI4M75sFJxz_mn0jieB6vyAUqpibw93as3Ge0_XImWN1BRwoEoloQqCjLvHbtr0/s1600/20130503-_MG_3238.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Makrinitsa - "The Balcony of Volos" </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSVwfVHGRzYLhdVZeBZPy2-M7_RH7bNB5t3waSMl06RqdxECPaYu1aoKEdlq7u9U3Xn3BYq3fcy4hy8FIwIQlV4kF9CW7-NK_OEikKEBr5WD8dxZz407y5kZ2gB87p7dAg044r2CmkrQ/s1600/20130503-_MG_3265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSVwfVHGRzYLhdVZeBZPy2-M7_RH7bNB5t3waSMl06RqdxECPaYu1aoKEdlq7u9U3Xn3BYq3fcy4hy8FIwIQlV4kF9CW7-NK_OEikKEBr5WD8dxZz407y5kZ2gB87p7dAg044r2CmkrQ/s1600/20130503-_MG_3265.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crazy roads - there are few if any cars and only on some of the roads.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9kqpxLyj4y4qTJAmZUJexVr8VXH-Qre-Z6YGb5eiCct_fRh_rEDsw_8BH-Ryb3bs1OU0F6Wp4BgL7wnrA87HmQhw-jvYeWmRUPfBv1gVWI79S07M8cRg90t5YN7P7ZFOChSE-1v2bWg/s1600/20130503-_MG_3279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9kqpxLyj4y4qTJAmZUJexVr8VXH-Qre-Z6YGb5eiCct_fRh_rEDsw_8BH-Ryb3bs1OU0F6Wp4BgL7wnrA87HmQhw-jvYeWmRUPfBv1gVWI79S07M8cRg90t5YN7P7ZFOChSE-1v2bWg/s1600/20130503-_MG_3279.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water running to the left is part of an intricate and interesting irrigation system.</td></tr>
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We were in Greece over Greek Orthodox Easter, which is a very big deal and loaded with tradition. Travis and I both participated in our own regard. On their 'Good Friday' night I joined in on the procession from the village church up the hill to another church and back down again. The procession is symbolic of the death of Jesus so it was like funeral procession. It was dark out and everyone was carrying long beeswax candle sticks - the experience was pretty cool and felt unifying even though I did not understand what people around me were talking about - I was happy to just be a part of the tradition. Then on Easter Sunday - we ate hard boiled eggs with the shells dyed red - only red in Greek Orthodox tradition. For the main event on Sunday the family was roasting a goat - ugh! - poor thing was...well, hard to look at so I tried to avoid it. My loving husband reassured me that the goat tasted like he lived a happy life. Well, Travis thoroughly enjoyed his Greek Easter participation followed by an afternoon siesta. <br />
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Our last full day of vacation we spent time in Afissos to celebrate our friend Jorgo's name day. In Greece rather than celebrate your birthday they celebrate your name day - what a great idea and you don't have to remember birth dates. The beach in Afissos is lovely. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXIGsXhsbtyvvcVPN83_KI8lY9NoksDiFB-FvrY3gr-1Ld034OtmtvI-lC4IOul7yEZEy6S3cUIptDmQ_s9O-hDvp1Dd-Byeiis1hv3ZonaWhk0bxXtxh3Z4BkwcwWFv4UGaOVmf-9c0/s1600/20130505-_MG_3303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXIGsXhsbtyvvcVPN83_KI8lY9NoksDiFB-FvrY3gr-1Ld034OtmtvI-lC4IOul7yEZEy6S3cUIptDmQ_s9O-hDvp1Dd-Byeiis1hv3ZonaWhk0bxXtxh3Z4BkwcwWFv4UGaOVmf-9c0/s1600/20130505-_MG_3303.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy baby!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv2iYBK1DYblLCRxRU7eJbOv68IJaDPxvDmydWnzT1TW5JgDjaikk4VeyAtPHtZtqPgzsQ0uNNJSNRrGlc3igBCUgAP4Z6Ce4dPQOcqUVWFjgAcmHnlsY5NgA2Ta8oOfg-lL4kdwyLytY/s1600/20130505-_MG_3312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv2iYBK1DYblLCRxRU7eJbOv68IJaDPxvDmydWnzT1TW5JgDjaikk4VeyAtPHtZtqPgzsQ0uNNJSNRrGlc3igBCUgAP4Z6Ce4dPQOcqUVWFjgAcmHnlsY5NgA2Ta8oOfg-lL4kdwyLytY/s1600/20130505-_MG_3312.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Afissos.</td></tr>
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Feeling filled up with gratitude for all these amazing travel opportunities, wonderful people we've met along the way and for Hannah being such a flexible happy traveler. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04015487256004732990noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452612407348773222.post-77350931033155017732013-04-17T15:18:00.001+02:002013-04-17T15:18:04.734+02:00Amsterdam Revisited....In Search of TulipsI had the opportunity to take a trip to Amsterdam and the surrounding area again this past weekend. A chance to see the tulips that I missed out on two weeks ago....or so I hoped. Plus, the tour was with a group that would also visit Delft and Volendam with a very knowledgeable and entertaining guide. Did I mention that it was also my first weekend away from my one year old daughter! A much needed break for Mom :)<br />
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Our first stop was Delft, but along the way we stopped or at least drove by some very old windmills.<br />
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Delft was a sweet little city famous for its blue and white ceramic wares. And Hello sunshine...Finally felt like Spring! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XYd5kFR9Jw7vlvD-Bo1no8GdSDA3Yxz5FK1BOCLEO95TBayjLnTOJnonAKrsymhlCOu5PGLCu0pvZSd93IJE30ctuOwTp1Fc8vwOWzejKma6LDu17kU3EBhedYDuYNN8jG-4H2NPMJI/s1600/IMG_2557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XYd5kFR9Jw7vlvD-Bo1no8GdSDA3Yxz5FK1BOCLEO95TBayjLnTOJnonAKrsymhlCOu5PGLCu0pvZSd93IJE30ctuOwTp1Fc8vwOWzejKma6LDu17kU3EBhedYDuYNN8jG-4H2NPMJI/s1600/IMG_2557.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Souvenir shop selling the famous blue & white wares</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7coWr_WQwJI/UW6RitST19I/AAAAAAAAAwQ/xvyGZlqOmZE/s1600/IMG_2560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7coWr_WQwJI/UW6RitST19I/AAAAAAAAAwQ/xvyGZlqOmZE/s1600/IMG_2560.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nieuwe_Kerk_(Delft)">Nieuwe Kerk</a> (New Church) Protestant Church in Delft Market Square</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3w8JGTCBxG0Xnv2mDTZjCtKUP-BRFyxOn3jnxCkLw-YbQjXuMXKI2fmOfRlkL9WeurBmyCEC9DpwSukHzhw1M9D7F6sHHKd2OboJWOxliq0ljyGrVuUl9wBXt9g8rg4PSFdKvokMXe8/s1600/IMG_2568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3w8JGTCBxG0Xnv2mDTZjCtKUP-BRFyxOn3jnxCkLw-YbQjXuMXKI2fmOfRlkL9WeurBmyCEC9DpwSukHzhw1M9D7F6sHHKd2OboJWOxliq0ljyGrVuUl9wBXt9g8rg4PSFdKvokMXe8/s1600/IMG_2568.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decorative and colorful wooden tulips (for sale everywhere) with Delft wares in the background</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MTCq_oJSy5g/UW6RmujdBvI/AAAAAAAAAwo/Lwes2WbVLmI/s1600/IMG_2572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MTCq_oJSy5g/UW6RmujdBvI/AAAAAAAAAwo/Lwes2WbVLmI/s1600/IMG_2572.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view from behind City Hall with bikes parked everywhere</td></tr>
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Next we headed to the <a href="http://www.keukenhof.nl/">Keukenhof Gardens</a> with our fingers crossed that the tulips would be in bloom. Well, since Spring didn't arrive in Europe until this week, the tulips were not really blooming. There were a couple early varieties showing colorful blooms and tons of Crocus. However, they had several indoor displays of flowers - one whole building full of tulips. Enough for me to take over 100 pictures of flowers ;)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYPMBuTc5aGQC2pKJo5CCThlOVsFs7srhtlEsq2lqk3K0pbajwu7OvOnUH0pDKJpYMLOYNBmcZi-cPHXwkI2QoDGrvjcGgeFgcty1M2VgdQHydxGeUcPNnOU-7o2CMmNS0XhRDnapjQ0/s1600/IMG_2597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYPMBuTc5aGQC2pKJo5CCThlOVsFs7srhtlEsq2lqk3K0pbajwu7OvOnUH0pDKJpYMLOYNBmcZi-cPHXwkI2QoDGrvjcGgeFgcty1M2VgdQHydxGeUcPNnOU-7o2CMmNS0XhRDnapjQ0/s1600/IMG_2597.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flower beds of green awaiting us</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-suI8P966T7tD7ixYRJRdaMMTibsqokQeURtdcb0OQJgsU6h6vbI_Lomo1KXc-oiwp_KLXw43q8A_1F0IxJLOZtbxLlgKpder_xk1sIj4DC2hD_z7m-OKLhLzS6nb7Y1enzW4jDIQ-cI/s1600/IMG_2602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-suI8P966T7tD7ixYRJRdaMMTibsqokQeURtdcb0OQJgsU6h6vbI_Lomo1KXc-oiwp_KLXw43q8A_1F0IxJLOZtbxLlgKpder_xk1sIj4DC2hD_z7m-OKLhLzS6nb7Y1enzW4jDIQ-cI/s1600/IMG_2602.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crocus making it feel like Spring</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQAam_gzlqrk524YoD2yk8D1sNWF0YRJZu441lafqGnbWhtr8sI736vQYAh7TD2ZyrEU-qtgcXAbYwUQfBCzrNLdDA5MzgRXmP4FcpqzSS2ECmYW8-km00mZyR9qITUHSTfE0hsW7KRk/s1600/IMG_2607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQAam_gzlqrk524YoD2yk8D1sNWF0YRJZu441lafqGnbWhtr8sI736vQYAh7TD2ZyrEU-qtgcXAbYwUQfBCzrNLdDA5MzgRXmP4FcpqzSS2ECmYW8-km00mZyR9qITUHSTfE0hsW7KRk/s1600/IMG_2607.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some early tulips</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xv0zbt49K6Y/UW6VXKWlznI/AAAAAAAAAxM/nh6-lQRdaQg/s1600/IMG_2625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xv0zbt49K6Y/UW6VXKWlznI/AAAAAAAAAxM/nh6-lQRdaQg/s1600/IMG_2625.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorites</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nFVlkRXnYao/UW6Vi1KLMsI/AAAAAAAAAxo/O91f3ggisyI/s1600/IMG_2639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nFVlkRXnYao/UW6Vi1KLMsI/AAAAAAAAAxo/O91f3ggisyI/s1600/IMG_2639.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colorful blooms abound....inside</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyrWURiEUef49r4P1-aKmkADORukot4uiY9sfNVA26ZvX-Z2JQurjyjr3q_MR1JqCBIZFMabhrEMneRPtOeCc0p9rPLvxyodIRoPo-GT65vPCli4PpBGxfDG-srD85wTxl61o5F2OqBk/s1600/IMG_2650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyrWURiEUef49r4P1-aKmkADORukot4uiY9sfNVA26ZvX-Z2JQurjyjr3q_MR1JqCBIZFMabhrEMneRPtOeCc0p9rPLvxyodIRoPo-GT65vPCli4PpBGxfDG-srD85wTxl61o5F2OqBk/s1600/IMG_2650.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy faces</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ykROKaTB6LHo69wUBsR7U_OEKlTIvAhEkd4Q9lCLpR9Mm8wuT3UPoDpacgeRqbQwJjb1eX0UN0yOzBiNsh71broB7fPstYqyjC6XpWWA2ZKNw1H2KA0KtxNOFo77kZw9H_1G9IGr2O0/s1600/IMG_2658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ykROKaTB6LHo69wUBsR7U_OEKlTIvAhEkd4Q9lCLpR9Mm8wuT3UPoDpacgeRqbQwJjb1eX0UN0yOzBiNsh71broB7fPstYqyjC6XpWWA2ZKNw1H2KA0KtxNOFo77kZw9H_1G9IGr2O0/s1600/IMG_2658.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The colors are so amazing!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7fY5ss2tE6sHFR9oOTt-eEOQXdG86yvrtJaUhFa6PAeiXdQpc_EgzyY6bQ7gzHvvpbs2GJI2ICN7CYula3AupqQMLQMQcqO4rWyL_rkBQkYzxA3Sznluvms1odaq8GQqsYrm-A0mrJQ/s1600/IMG_2700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7fY5ss2tE6sHFR9oOTt-eEOQXdG86yvrtJaUhFa6PAeiXdQpc_EgzyY6bQ7gzHvvpbs2GJI2ICN7CYula3AupqQMLQMQcqO4rWyL_rkBQkYzxA3Sznluvms1odaq8GQqsYrm-A0mrJQ/s1600/IMG_2700.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tulips, outside, in a bowl of course</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lCpC3zJ06sg/UW6VoSWmW0I/AAAAAAAAAyA/Vi457y8vIS4/s1600/IMG_2750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lCpC3zJ06sg/UW6VoSWmW0I/AAAAAAAAAyA/Vi457y8vIS4/s1600/IMG_2750.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Souvenir wooden clogs</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOuXDXLzVc1_-pTPGZjFTIgHWxBxW0j3h-qH1okj-t1X93lxMoo7tioJnrZ7DRHOVPE9K6a4o6EPYNMhn6cLY6kMs67QvoGIF5wQ_od81x7VqcB-RbTZWCqqeUIApvM8WBp-sT5koVoyo/s1600/IMG_2752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOuXDXLzVc1_-pTPGZjFTIgHWxBxW0j3h-qH1okj-t1X93lxMoo7tioJnrZ7DRHOVPE9K6a4o6EPYNMhn6cLY6kMs67QvoGIF5wQ_od81x7VqcB-RbTZWCqqeUIApvM8WBp-sT5koVoyo/s1600/IMG_2752.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My windmill shot (like the popular ones you can imagine) not so colorful</td></tr>
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Next onto the hotel, on the North Sea, in <a href="http://www.marinaseaport.nl/en/index.html">Ijmuiden</a>. What an interesting place, especially in the off season. We arrived at dusk and right before dinner so I unfortunately didn't get a chance to wander over to the WWII bunker tucked into the sand dunes. However, I did wake up early the next morning so I could walk over to the North Sea beach. Wish I had more time to explore this misty, sleepy seaside. The little cottages along the beach look so very interesting (<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.de/Tourism-g188596-Ijmuiden_North_Holland_Province-Vacations.html">Trip Advisor</a> has some better pictures as does Google).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13rVAIKDuBvp8kadqdTdANIROblhvDAabCMnXK_5NtMzkA6K4lA2LEHJSpjctzughvq1xL9nLaXKS9urn1iBiXbweFGZLiUYB1sacapdeqfPJ66VnX4klwtKCjIhyIRSmFLdHMRs9w3U/s1600/IMG_2770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13rVAIKDuBvp8kadqdTdANIROblhvDAabCMnXK_5NtMzkA6K4lA2LEHJSpjctzughvq1xL9nLaXKS9urn1iBiXbweFGZLiUYB1sacapdeqfPJ66VnX4klwtKCjIhyIRSmFLdHMRs9w3U/s1600/IMG_2770.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from hotel room, overlooking the harbor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ojUdAs9H0lr-ILLSTSGfkG7LF79zShh-Cmx5VvSw6Aq54FHQt2LPt4WgZTDL1Rbh9M1GSdn-bAbPOjP_RekqB12GFTw3nI0QVGrg1WtzpqRPay6dnDmi155KrkyLWYd2yFXI0y6CSiM/s1600/IMG_2773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ojUdAs9H0lr-ILLSTSGfkG7LF79zShh-Cmx5VvSw6Aq54FHQt2LPt4WgZTDL1Rbh9M1GSdn-bAbPOjP_RekqB12GFTw3nI0QVGrg1WtzpqRPay6dnDmi155KrkyLWYd2yFXI0y6CSiM/s1600/IMG_2773.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eerie & empty, the beach had about a dozen restaurants lining the dune</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GxlE6gUQ2Hs/UW6ZKsJpRUI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/5k7vJw4o9Wk/s1600/IMG_2775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GxlE6gUQ2Hs/UW6ZKsJpRUI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/5k7vJw4o9Wk/s1600/IMG_2775.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lonely empty beach in the off season</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVIpQpBZNDMtwrdPDHAe4fEn-A_dBdsAEJ5_pdPZU5ygq7pP_ZtfhINy0etuxvwq06YLJpVzfiF8GZV-VdeHZ0iilmY-hrkzt9x9QU5IApKPiGhJPCm4-4nQmZnoLxnhIk5m2flnt0ro/s1600/IMG_2783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVIpQpBZNDMtwrdPDHAe4fEn-A_dBdsAEJ5_pdPZU5ygq7pP_ZtfhINy0etuxvwq06YLJpVzfiF8GZV-VdeHZ0iilmY-hrkzt9x9QU5IApKPiGhJPCm4-4nQmZnoLxnhIk5m2flnt0ro/s1600/IMG_2783.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach parking for bikes - love this!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We left Ijmuiden at 8am and headed to Amsterdam....in the rain wondering if the sun would shine. Once in Amsterdam, I decided to wait in line for the <a href="http://www.annefrank.org/en/">Anne Frank House Museum</a>, which I highly recommend, but order tickets online in advance. The weather was overcast and wet (unlike the forecast reported) so no reason not to see this historical land mark. Afterwards I wandered around by myself (a sweet indulgence, concerned only with what I wanted, how rare!) and stopped into my favorite restaurant <a href="http://www.greenwoods.eu/singel/">Greenwoods</a> for a cappuccino Amsterdam is such a beautiful and friendly city. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S-WG0o7vH5M/UW6bDhVW2NI/AAAAAAAAAy4/dJ_rSaOD9cQ/s1600/IMG_2786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S-WG0o7vH5M/UW6bDhVW2NI/AAAAAAAAAy4/dJ_rSaOD9cQ/s1600/IMG_2786.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Anne Frank House Museum (very busy)</td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Jt8AYdRNzAqf5W4jc_gu6C9bIPZyTgJI_AZBFsEW2VgnooayibFEV-83BP7krNATKzWP-AgwIplY6xHBfZKv4nESO3Je87QBSfLqs8s6d8ZE4W4LjW7f-y0KpEJskGrJ9LHkOjI3548/s1600/IMG_2797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Jt8AYdRNzAqf5W4jc_gu6C9bIPZyTgJI_AZBFsEW2VgnooayibFEV-83BP7krNATKzWP-AgwIplY6xHBfZKv4nESO3Je87QBSfLqs8s6d8ZE4W4LjW7f-y0KpEJskGrJ9LHkOjI3548/s1600/IMG_2797.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prinsen Canal</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6yjqoGSHs8rcCUPUFACecFLfC-Kqv7H7lZMlaZK8rGnp8pthH3uD1S6AQj5xWm81m0zPcIfCGRad_D0uJS2rBDtP7NLBzroqzYIUIg6-0MpHSQwG-gYih1Vqj-AEGg_LswF3Hvn4nR8s/s1600/IMG_2809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6yjqoGSHs8rcCUPUFACecFLfC-Kqv7H7lZMlaZK8rGnp8pthH3uD1S6AQj5xWm81m0zPcIfCGRad_D0uJS2rBDtP7NLBzroqzYIUIg6-0MpHSQwG-gYih1Vqj-AEGg_LswF3Hvn4nR8s/s1600/IMG_2809.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite restaurants, Greenwoods, great food and energy</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZWpqt7P2y38AZDNT4OpZ_S2yIXwlySNk9Z9dLUworLsvMwbYZE3S1LqB3lm4zR1nhWmtG1QdclOEbeDX8jea4x2vwoiVK82-dxvxfhBnYiAEc1XxaYtqX3OTsN6cCr8clIHTKFvPckU/s1600/IMG_2823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZWpqt7P2y38AZDNT4OpZ_S2yIXwlySNk9Z9dLUworLsvMwbYZE3S1LqB3lm4zR1nhWmtG1QdclOEbeDX8jea4x2vwoiVK82-dxvxfhBnYiAEc1XxaYtqX3OTsN6cCr8clIHTKFvPckU/s1600/IMG_2823.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Condom Shop in the Red Light District </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SRiH1XK8t-4/UW6bJj_O-kI/AAAAAAAAAzI/RsTgVZkL3RQ/s1600/IMG_2820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SRiH1XK8t-4/UW6bJj_O-kI/AAAAAAAAAzI/RsTgVZkL3RQ/s1600/IMG_2820.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking toward the Central Railway Station </td></tr>
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<br />
After a few hours in Amsterdam we all met back up and headed to the home of Edam cheese, <a href="http://www.vvv-volendam.nl/nl/welcome/">Volendam</a> about a half hour away. This is a cute little seaside gem of a tourist trap. Here one can walk along the water and a smattering of tourist shops. I highly recommend making your way past the tourist shops and stopping into the antique/second hand clothing store, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Blijaandedijk">BLIJ! aan de dijk</a> located at Zuideinde 9. The town itself is quaint and small with a great seaside view. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EOntEHG6FiY/UW6eGpTClqI/AAAAAAAAAzY/Z3GMSjGeCMU/s1600/IMG_2848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EOntEHG6FiY/UW6eGpTClqI/AAAAAAAAAzY/Z3GMSjGeCMU/s1600/IMG_2848.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seaside (makes me long for Lake Michigan)</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fSk8o-69XuY/UW6eI1BMucI/AAAAAAAAAzg/d_ddsovASng/s1600/IMG_2852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fSk8o-69XuY/UW6eI1BMucI/AAAAAAAAAzg/d_ddsovASng/s1600/IMG_2852.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alley way with the sound of chickens clucking</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LvrrO_Gp1qk/UW6eKy6Hi_I/AAAAAAAAAzo/SlBVT_XhJRc/s1600/IMG_2858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LvrrO_Gp1qk/UW6eKy6Hi_I/AAAAAAAAAzo/SlBVT_XhJRc/s1600/IMG_2858.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tons of restaurants mixed in along the stores</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5JYFUF5Xv579Up-PPdHAZAL1wQ7x4w63Fcu_xptoznWvrDObvrpgx6cAtI51lNXuBWAZWtasL1Oa8MC8BefCgMq5szvx38oLS-o1XcQTSU8MMOhQFahIMVLklMWWOMY2M2v9zAVJkYU/s1600/IMG_2859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5JYFUF5Xv579Up-PPdHAZAL1wQ7x4w63Fcu_xptoznWvrDObvrpgx6cAtI51lNXuBWAZWtasL1Oa8MC8BefCgMq5szvx38oLS-o1XcQTSU8MMOhQFahIMVLklMWWOMY2M2v9zAVJkYU/s1600/IMG_2859.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boats galore of all shapes and sizes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A really great trip, well deserved and much needed vacation for this mom. So much to see and do as the time continues to fly by....<br />
<br />
Cheers!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04015487256004732990noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452612407348773222.post-58569105747905514352013-04-09T08:04:00.003+02:002013-04-09T08:05:57.840+02:00Staying ConnectedLiving in a foreign country where you don't know the language can sometimes feel like living in a bubble at least when it comes to knowing what is going on in the news locally. I normally found the evening news depressing back home, but still had many other sources of information. <br />
<br />
A couple sources for those of you living in Germany and wanting German news (in English!)......<br />
<br />
The Spiegel - a popular German magazine has a small condensed English version on their website<br />
<a href="http://www.spiegel.de/international/">http://www.spiegel.de/international/</a><br />
<br />
The Local - German news in English<br />
<a href="http://www.thelocal.de/">http://www.thelocal.de/</a><br />
<br />
DW<br />
<a href="http://www.dw.de/">http://www.dw.de/</a><br />
<br />
I'm still trying to read the German newspapers, watch films and listening to German radio in an effort to learn the language...honestly I naively thought learning German would be easier. HA!<br />
<br />
Cheers!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04015487256004732990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452612407348773222.post-2309039055273361012013-04-05T14:17:00.001+02:002013-04-09T07:52:23.933+02:00AmsterdamA long weekend in the world famous Amsterdam. Known for its canals, tulips, bikes, cheese, pancakes, the red light district and yes, decriminalized marijuana - all these reasons had people from all over the globe flocking there this past holiday weekend. Many who were hoping to see tulips, were undoubtedly let down with temperatures not nearly warm enough and yes, snow flurries on Saturday and Sunday morning - much to my dismay. Where is Spring anyway!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PxMvBY4qoZNJsi50Hv7-6ueGy5FEMUpvkgL9fE4-d12IukSPMc9G_WhVUXty6hnJqYvjyqgKatvdgO7PFUU8vx1MYW_m49THNT0LMG2gvPypOll9i3TwmsgeqQ8kbRJVqPmZPL7h514/s1600/IMG_2526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PxMvBY4qoZNJsi50Hv7-6ueGy5FEMUpvkgL9fE4-d12IukSPMc9G_WhVUXty6hnJqYvjyqgKatvdgO7PFUU8vx1MYW_m49THNT0LMG2gvPypOll9i3TwmsgeqQ8kbRJVqPmZPL7h514/s1600/IMG_2526.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bike Parking outside Central Station - A sight to be seen</td></tr>
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<br />
Regardless, we made the best of our time and crammed in as much as Hannah would allow ;) *Yes, there are lots of traveling with toddlers and the art of learning to readjust your expectations stories behind that smiling face. Live and learn. <br />
<br />
We arrived by train on Friday afternoon, bundled up and ready to experience Amsterdam and all it's glory. The city is beautiful, so much more European than Frankfurt, but then that is not hard to do. We promptly made dinner reservations for the whole weekend - since it was Easter weekend places were bound to be packed and well, Travis doesn't like it when I turn into<a href="http://youtu.be/18ya0-OZ58s"> Betty White</a> because I am hungry! <br />
<br />
Next we were off wandering around, in search of the infamous Dutch Pancake. We wandered along a meandering coffee shop filled shopping street taking in all the sights and yes, the pervasive aroma of Mary Jane. So very different than any place we have been. Pancakes were not hard to locate either - YAY!<br />
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On Saturday we rented bikes - to Hannah's dismay as it was pretty chilly and the cold air hitting her face seemed to be an instant switch for screaming. So the bikes didn't last very long and we found our way back to the hotel so that she could nap for two hours. *Expectation adjustment #1: yes, we are sitting in a quiet hotel room in Amsterdam reading, not out enjoying the sights - deal with it and be glad she is napping before taking her all over the city again and then sitting through a dinner. She really is a great traveler. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgWRmOx4qgX6UuxwLQKhPHrWxXML17-T0AYx05k78YVSw2ymj2Mfo8ATWtypxn-hQYyVN8ASlboLKjwPY_d_u85I2mivlZwu5j98nKVCrZMnSmDSlMatNcCp-Aoq4A0reJ9YleHTj2XY/s1600/_MG_2476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgWRmOx4qgX6UuxwLQKhPHrWxXML17-T0AYx05k78YVSw2ymj2Mfo8ATWtypxn-hQYyVN8ASlboLKjwPY_d_u85I2mivlZwu5j98nKVCrZMnSmDSlMatNcCp-Aoq4A0reJ9YleHTj2XY/s1600/_MG_2476.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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We crammed in as much as we could on Saturday with the luxury of our wheeled transportation and custom sound effects, thank you Hannah. All in all it wasn't so bad, when the wind stilled. We made it to the floating flower market and cheese store. Must sees. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjU7ZsGJekdlzrETI95Pa1Ilm4S1vy5GmvkYFktWyeYKn4w8RVioNovCNvoaOeKFffkecQVmGbX72Cmc6ZrMht3sNCYXRosU0E3SDItFsBTvwH8QESJ8XtdrnSo4paRghJSKwVE7RLPKo/s1600/_MG_2463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjU7ZsGJekdlzrETI95Pa1Ilm4S1vy5GmvkYFktWyeYKn4w8RVioNovCNvoaOeKFffkecQVmGbX72Cmc6ZrMht3sNCYXRosU0E3SDItFsBTvwH8QESJ8XtdrnSo4paRghJSKwVE7RLPKo/s1600/_MG_2463.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tulips and Flowers and more Tulips</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmC88ASu8gc3hYgfIITGGUW2sIsh0GRTG7VEmMnwloMZ1Rd5c_gfTQvHlqqjP5dzjV6UX697-S9b6GwFrHq-W7wass0yHr-Wt3oSRXyd9HJM-b4A-Zq1tTlSyTb5xrwg9EoV4V1jKXSI/s1600/_MG_2465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmC88ASu8gc3hYgfIITGGUW2sIsh0GRTG7VEmMnwloMZ1Rd5c_gfTQvHlqqjP5dzjV6UX697-S9b6GwFrHq-W7wass0yHr-Wt3oSRXyd9HJM-b4A-Zq1tTlSyTb5xrwg9EoV4V1jKXSI/s1600/_MG_2465.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flower Bulbs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5DJlG4TzjJk/UV6zGu2ShuI/AAAAAAAAAus/8ZPwLLuhO2M/s1600/_MG_2464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5DJlG4TzjJk/UV6zGu2ShuI/AAAAAAAAAus/8ZPwLLuhO2M/s1600/_MG_2464.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More bulbs....creating angst for Spring!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOaSDjrdoLGj9vGsGim8m6xsZs1lGwVmqPPjo2kFSZ51caulKdsLf8vJADHMaV_KV6fK2TymYM2y0eeRBJHiSkoMfHJ_Tsoe44hZ6tMfqWbs5jNK3FxbBPKymeYNnmPDk0mNVdrLHNgso/s1600/_MG_2469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOaSDjrdoLGj9vGsGim8m6xsZs1lGwVmqPPjo2kFSZ51caulKdsLf8vJADHMaV_KV6fK2TymYM2y0eeRBJHiSkoMfHJ_Tsoe44hZ6tMfqWbs5jNK3FxbBPKymeYNnmPDk0mNVdrLHNgso/s1600/_MG_2469.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheese - Gouda my favorite</td></tr>
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We also made it to the <a href="http://www.albertcuypmarkt.nl/">Albert Cuyp Market</a> - not my favorite. After returning the bikes we had dinner at the <a href="http://www.haesjeclaes.nl/">Haesje Claes</a> restaurant that had good reviews on Trip Adviser. Did I mention that everyone speaks English and the people are SO friendly. I loved it. A breath of warm fresh air coming from Frankfurt. <br />
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*Expectation adjustment #2: It is 8pm and we are sitting in the dark hotel room staring at each other as Hannah sleeps peacefully. OK, reading too and drinking the bottle of wine we picked up, but each thinking and feeling like WOW! here we are in Amsterdam, once in a life time trip, hanging out in the hotel room. Be glad she is sleeping and so peacefully in an unfamiliar place. It could be worse!<br />
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Sunday was equally as cold, less windy and significantly sunnier - YAY! We walked everywhere from the north of the city (?) near Central Station to the southern (?) area to Vondel Park, a great big park with a couple nice cafes. Then back again....for Hannah's nap. Although she can sleep in the back pack and did for an hour, a little more rest before dinner seemed ideal. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2p3QB90KDjikah8RjWTmaHtbP_x7jpvxLgOaUXGJD8UeawqoY7-hX4hfTsTYW2eMrFm2gNWQK3hRFFnayLtKX1HZGTdCrx74nBOgteisq4enMh9CQywnuCdBddFVjpQ2khTXfEnKtHNo/s1600/_MG_2487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2p3QB90KDjikah8RjWTmaHtbP_x7jpvxLgOaUXGJD8UeawqoY7-hX4hfTsTYW2eMrFm2gNWQK3hRFFnayLtKX1HZGTdCrx74nBOgteisq4enMh9CQywnuCdBddFVjpQ2khTXfEnKtHNo/s1600/_MG_2487.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amsterdam.info/museums/cheese-museum/">The Cheese Museum & Shop</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpc5LEBKzWwkSLJAN8IazcxqjumDiez6IFT7hgwTzGI2oa4SV-IaOJ7bIPxi2rYjzjun4NwmMrj5iEYFjbHgkIGHiwZe1-whVTNcfbbwLS2IJ35iW59Y_dhz6cldxuZEK4Db3aUDJw4Hk/s1600/_MG_2496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpc5LEBKzWwkSLJAN8IazcxqjumDiez6IFT7hgwTzGI2oa4SV-IaOJ7bIPxi2rYjzjun4NwmMrj5iEYFjbHgkIGHiwZe1-whVTNcfbbwLS2IJ35iW59Y_dhz6cldxuZEK4Db3aUDJw4Hk/s1600/_MG_2496.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amsterdamtulipmuseum.com/">The Tulip Museum & Shop</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDWamPezg9a6g0FfDmvAPYvwK5JRYqvZE_oQjgOZlPc9_Jp8Jrwo_HMzleql4sqMcOvXUYyfxvw-k35iIpxNxjeYrUKBM5nubrm_f-3uWGKlR3E7Nk1ezrPlMDzHBL4L2mNNBQE_7lI0/s1600/_MG_2500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDWamPezg9a6g0FfDmvAPYvwK5JRYqvZE_oQjgOZlPc9_Jp8Jrwo_HMzleql4sqMcOvXUYyfxvw-k35iIpxNxjeYrUKBM5nubrm_f-3uWGKlR3E7Nk1ezrPlMDzHBL4L2mNNBQE_7lI0/s1600/_MG_2500.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church near Vondel Park</td></tr>
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I recommend the Cheese Museum, the guys in there are very nice and the cheeses are well, delicious. Also, I very highly recommend eating at <a href="http://www.greenwoods.eu/singel/">Greenwood's</a> on the Singel Canal and at the <a href="http://www.debakkerswinkel.com/">De Bakkerswinkel</a> (a few locations). We visited the <a href="http://www.e-nemo.nl/en/?id=1">Nemo Science Museum for kids </a>- a very cool museum however, crazy busy with kids everywhere since it was a holiday. The building alone is something to see. If you have kids then I definitely recommend making a stop here. <br />
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We really enjoyed walking around the canals and looking at the architecture. There is never a bad time for a coffee and pancake :)</div>
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Cheers!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04015487256004732990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452612407348773222.post-59171838507072152172013-04-03T20:00:00.000+02:002013-04-05T12:55:50.297+02:00Language & LaughsOne has to be able to laugh at oneself and see the humor in life. Sometimes I find myself laughing out loud at myself.....like I did today after completing a Google translation for something that I've been seeing in the produce section at the local Rewe grocery store.<br />
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On all of the produce signs there is listed the name, price and country of origin. This time of year few things besides apples are from Germany. So buying local can be difficult, but this is very important to me so I do my best to buy local or at least from close neighbors. Most fruits and veggies are arriving from Spanien (Spain), Italien (Italy), Argentinien (Argentina), Peru, Süd Afrika (South Africa), etc. There are many labels, at least at Rewe that read Declaration of Etikett???<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivNURXL_609_uHhRfn2VN0Ro-bx_8ozFBfceUOi4YYTaJbgyZCD1ajGrOZgY621bfkPGrU4M1McDbpPaK2ny2GoKLSubeiXM9aBnVFEMHpO9rop4NzfTvWmmZAE52uKECAg5HA0QppBwU/s1600/20130404_161102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivNURXL_609_uHhRfn2VN0Ro-bx_8ozFBfceUOi4YYTaJbgyZCD1ajGrOZgY621bfkPGrU4M1McDbpPaK2ny2GoKLSubeiXM9aBnVFEMHpO9rop4NzfTvWmmZAE52uKECAg5HA0QppBwU/s1600/20130404_161102.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Organic (Bio) Lemons from Spanien (Spain)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sNaNe289QBQ/UV6s6xfJtlI/AAAAAAAAAt8/wCMfvdLNqqE/s1600/20130404_161044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sNaNe289QBQ/UV6s6xfJtlI/AAAAAAAAAt8/wCMfvdLNqqE/s1600/20130404_161044.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These Oranges appear to be from "Declaration of Etikett"???</td></tr>
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I had never heard of "Declaration of Etikett" before and this bothered me. So much of the produce had this where others listed a familiar country. Not to mention this "Declaration of Etikett" was growing everything from eggplants and potatoes to onions and lettuce and strawberries. I was baffled and needed to know where on the globe this place was that was growing so much - sounded exotic. <br />
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So, I consulted Google. No results. So then I found my way to Translate and typed in "Declaration of Etikett". Drum roll please......Etikett = Label. HAHAHA!!!! Yes, I laughed out loud at myself. This is not a place after all, but just a generic label for the rapidly overturning stock of produce from wherever the label reads. HA!<br />
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Well, there is my cultural language lesson of the week. Still giggling on the inside ; )<br />
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Cheers!<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04015487256004732990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452612407348773222.post-44373622360554121822013-03-18T11:05:00.002+01:002013-03-18T11:05:43.149+01:00Transient MusicJust when something starts to click, to feel comfortable, to feel right then it is gone. A fact of living in such an international community. Just like living in a seasonal community whether along the pristine shores of Lake Michigan, at the base of snowy mountain in Colorado or in a city like Frankfurt - people are always coming and going. <br />
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I'm not trying to be a downer. However, last week we found out that the children's music class that we've been attending and Hannah absolutely loves will be cut short after the next session because the teacher is moving again. Just as I was raving about this class to all my mom friends and getting them to sign up. I am so glad that we found this class with <a href="http://www.mehappychild.com/">Me Happy Child </a> and a great teacher, Giovanna. The program is based on <a href="http://www.musictogether.com/">Music Together</a> with classes all over the world. Giovanna said one of us could take over, but I think it is unlikely.<br />
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The program or curriculum is really great and I highly recommend it anyone with small children. I think Hannah would too if she could talk (she is getting there!). Both the websites for Me Happy Child and Music Together are full of information on the benefits of music for children. There are classes all over the world. The idea of starting a class is tempting, but time consuming. <br />
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So, now maybe we will search for a new music class or just continuing jamming out at home like we normally do. The transience can be frustrating, not just missing this class, but the people. We've been here for about 18 months and have already said hello and good-bye to so many people. I know it is most difficult for those living here long term and I have some friends that are permanent Frankfurters and find this very frustrating. I can only imagine. We will make the most of our time here and embrace all those that we have the privilege of getting to know. Some amazing people and experiences have come into our life living here.<br />
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Any music class recommendations???<br />
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Cheers!<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04015487256004732990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452612407348773222.post-86804244471604355602013-03-06T11:38:00.000+01:002013-03-06T18:11:01.127+01:00Maiden Ride<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtWB9TGMAQNNfI9rRsBrJopBd6fKL9lF1pd7KvJlzVjtqT0I1zKYDHsqlYLf1VV3rgb4F8LXmo3GqKqnXUPedZjgapWijfQmlZSWx8osIyKzLG7QKpdfK5yDQaooEWfgPiF_U8mHAakg8/s1600/20130305_180811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtWB9TGMAQNNfI9rRsBrJopBd6fKL9lF1pd7KvJlzVjtqT0I1zKYDHsqlYLf1VV3rgb4F8LXmo3GqKqnXUPedZjgapWijfQmlZSWx8osIyKzLG7QKpdfK5yDQaooEWfgPiF_U8mHAakg8/s1600/20130305_180811.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
She is her father's daughter - she loves to go fast!!! <br />
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Living in a "big" city has many perks like public transportation, which I use regularly, but Frankfurt is a great city for a bike, plus it is free. In the past I've bought monthly transportation passes from <a href="http://www.rmv.de/de/" target="_blank">RMV</a> for a little more than 60 euros per month at any of the main stations. The 9-Uhr-Pass is good after 9am and after 7pm and on weekends significant others can ride with your for free, plus it is transferable to another person. There is also a really handy app for smartphones that allows you to buy one way, round trip or day passes. <br />
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Thanks to Santa, Hannah and I have our very own bike that my husband refers to as our mini van. The <a href="http://www.workcycles.com/" target="_blank">WorkCycles</a> FR8 bike arrived the end of January and so far I love it. Travis picked out all the pieces and the Netherlands based company assembled and shipped our unique ride - including a brain bucket small enough for Hannah's head. At first, I was concerned by the immense weight (50lbs.) which is not something I am use too, but Frankfurt is pretty flat so this is really not a problem. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQUFbSs2bDN28ge_YWjPruEAnFQcSKDs5wIvMFL9Ddtw-QjwHskv_Hq7R-AuAbaWy4a_IsImaeeUYixpc1S6HtZ1BGT26AhUvlurcUtJZW7hFG2RYaizKIr1bIFcBLS72YR2KeNabskQ/s1600/IMG_1581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQUFbSs2bDN28ge_YWjPruEAnFQcSKDs5wIvMFL9Ddtw-QjwHskv_Hq7R-AuAbaWy4a_IsImaeeUYixpc1S6HtZ1BGT26AhUvlurcUtJZW7hFG2RYaizKIr1bIFcBLS72YR2KeNabskQ/s1600/IMG_1581.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>Yesterday we took our maiden voyage together. Hannah loved it - I'm assuming the view, speed and openness far surpass riding around in the Kinderwagon. We have plenty of room for groceries, bags, picnics and whatever we may need to haul around. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghP4D6unFXmc6bu8AqTHVzzFM_g97TKXONzxUy2tJSo3Nav1il40STQlvClOz6B6RPj6YeBrF4NSyMgTfeWBMr7v2rUwGn2bhsR1SvjH33vI4uDTtsPk-kRmeKEaXrUGg-D3WMDg73cLQ/s1600/IMG_1577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghP4D6unFXmc6bu8AqTHVzzFM_g97TKXONzxUy2tJSo3Nav1il40STQlvClOz6B6RPj6YeBrF4NSyMgTfeWBMr7v2rUwGn2bhsR1SvjH33vI4uDTtsPk-kRmeKEaXrUGg-D3WMDg73cLQ/s1600/IMG_1577.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>There will be less waiting around for buses, trams and subways, which is beneficial to my chronic lateness. More sun shinning on our faces and of course more exercise for me are always welcome. So many experiences and adventures lie ahead of us. In and around Frankfurt there are so many bike trails for us to explore. I think that Hannah will enjoy our journeys much more now.<br />
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Until next time.....<br />
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Be Well!<br />
<br />
Jess<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04015487256004732990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452612407348773222.post-12666922207577083132013-03-05T13:52:00.000+01:002013-03-05T13:52:14.372+01:00Tearful Must Experience<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2MtnfC7z3XQPDwGPkEIPNeUwdDZV0dYE2fuGYgXEA-D0Ar6g_xbeVHLLl5RvWvkYaCco63z1B_88LWE293o6MTJJmA8xbHIk19Skf-pOKNfoXuzqSqnRRgLccX_JxznN4OqbjeaSuJM/s1600/_MG_2234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2MtnfC7z3XQPDwGPkEIPNeUwdDZV0dYE2fuGYgXEA-D0Ar6g_xbeVHLLl5RvWvkYaCco63z1B_88LWE293o6MTJJmA8xbHIk19Skf-pOKNfoXuzqSqnRRgLccX_JxznN4OqbjeaSuJM/s1600/_MG_2234.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Work Makes You Free" Gate to Dachau Concentration Camp</td></tr>
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When you are in Germany there are tons of things to see and do - none more sobering than the obligatory Nazi concentration camp tour. <a href="http://www.dachau.de/tourism/dachau-concentration-camp-memorial-site.html?L=1" target="_blank">Dachau</a> concentration camp, also a city outside of Munich (I didn't know) is an expansive, eerie, and emotional landscape. <br />
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The day we visited was appropriately grey and gloomy with misty rain cutting through the cold to make the atmosphere nearly tangible. Dachau is a place that you visit because it is important to remember history the atrocities and the survivors as well as the dead. I found myself watery eyed and taking the lightest steps with the heaviest heart. To walk where so many struggled for their lives under horrific conditions is surreal. To know the story and think that it only happened 70 years ago. Growing up and learning about WWII and the Nazis in school as a child this seemed foreign impossible, and centuries before my time. Seeing with my own eyes a place of such immense terror like the <a href="http://www.holocaustresearchproject.org/othercamps/dachau.html" target="_blank">Dachau concentration camp</a> made the stories seem palpable and the reality hard to swallow.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3gJHbj1Z8ry9mHdPPTyqDgf4SuC2KDtEi5p6VqOAptJpdnt-LdU_AHFvEc5n6MQbB_vQQpzLIe8TeK0KGDUS2-6Z02DCIdOzrDiK8D25N84wT1VvcwwAZKjdyBtIoXFgKkpaqcSwoDA/s1600/_MG_2236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3gJHbj1Z8ry9mHdPPTyqDgf4SuC2KDtEi5p6VqOAptJpdnt-LdU_AHFvEc5n6MQbB_vQQpzLIe8TeK0KGDUS2-6Z02DCIdOzrDiK8D25N84wT1VvcwwAZKjdyBtIoXFgKkpaqcSwoDA/s1600/_MG_2236.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foundations of the living quarters </td></tr>
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I knew as soon as I walked through the gate into the absurdly quiet memorial that I would much prefer to see a castle, but knowing full well this is something that one must see. Needless to say the ride home was a quiet and somber drive as we chewed through our emotional experiences. It is important that these horrific places are preserved and remembered so that humanity can not repeat these tragic times. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04015487256004732990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452612407348773222.post-91157063832040235062013-02-07T12:11:00.000+01:002013-02-07T12:13:21.734+01:00Skiing The Zugspitze<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPEU1-A_IXrXip08pekiJ_erl-vfd10wnl6dUq1-53rhu6A-pluaPr8ZPGSzck1ipS8IHoaxTQqwh4F8T3k7n770A55-228rn-Z-AYHzkQKDdqtjZp-J2-CsNG25ye1P9pze1WBjCI5U/s1600/_MG_2226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPEU1-A_IXrXip08pekiJ_erl-vfd10wnl6dUq1-53rhu6A-pluaPr8ZPGSzck1ipS8IHoaxTQqwh4F8T3k7n770A55-228rn-Z-AYHzkQKDdqtjZp-J2-CsNG25ye1P9pze1WBjCI5U/s1600/_MG_2226.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
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Skiing...Finally, I've been looking forward to this moment for over a year, well two years really. The last time we skied/boarded was two years ago in Vail on a vacation that was way to short. So I've been living in Germany for almost a year and half now and the time to go skiing is now. </div>
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My parents visited over New Years and my Dad was also anxious to go skiing so we planned a trip to Garmisch Partenkirchen, Germany. The drive was about six hours and that was about all Hannah could handle - she is not a fan of the car seat to say the least. The sights were amazing, but for the beginning of January the weather left much to be desired. I was still anxious to get on the mountain and see what it is like compared to my experiences skiing in the US. Let's face it Michigan doesn't have anything comparable to the Rockies. I had seen the Alps when we visited Switzerland so I could only imagine what awaited us at the top of the gondola. </div>
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Grandma watched Hannah at the great little family run hotel, Hotel <a href="http://www.rheinischerhof-garmisch.de/" target="_blank">Rheinischer Hof </a>and the three of us headed to the mountain...in the rain. Luckily, by the time we got even half way up the mountain the rain was snow...Whew! Of course there was snow - lots of it - making it very hard to see. I quickly bought goggles that night as they were a necessity. </div>
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When you only ski once a year - you feel it! Thank God for saunas! We skied for two days and really enjoyed it considering the lack of visibility at the top of the mountain and the rainy muddy runs towards the bottom. I definitely want to ski again, probably won't happen this year, but I've received many recommendations for destinations from friends. </div>
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The experiences are once in a life time - to be skiing in the Alps, never thought I'd really get to say that ever. There are definitely differences from the States. Way more surface lifts, which are really a pain especially when I haven't used them since childhood. Happy to report no spills on the tow rope, t-bar or poma lifts. Even as I approached the tow rope I thought for sure a hilarious scene would unfold involving me twisted and tangled blocking traffic. Something prevailed...maybe pure raw talent...HA! </div>
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I may have not crashed on any of the lifts (thank goodness it's not genetic - sorry Mom!). However, in my playful family we make a sport of dusting each other with snow. Let me preface this with....I think the snow is different here in Europe. As I approached my dear Dad who was stopped I thought perfect opportunity, seconds later I was practically doing a cartwheel behind him - after I sprayed him of course - then we were both on the ground and my ski bumped his head.....sorry......still hear about that from him. I felt horrible and needless to say my intentional stunts are coming to an end. </div>
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We had a wonderful time, delicious Bavarian food & beer, great skiing. Who could ask for more. </div>
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Always a beautiful blue sky on the last day of your vacation when you are packing up to leave! </div>
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Grateful to have had the experience with my family.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04015487256004732990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452612407348773222.post-50464545655983419012013-01-22T11:53:00.000+01:002013-01-22T11:53:02.449+01:00Folklore at Work = Trip to Dentist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbM5VmbjumLjU9wG3UopFnEk7ra6-NZNeWV8fRhmHBdprltT9LzaNkTTT1ZKfIhEvvJzgD3pe9GHXPeNmye0S6HtS6NuhK662FM7TW5uc84ynPd66jolRDz_dz3tR2nZFf5QuJ8Xjhos/s1600/20130122_111225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbM5VmbjumLjU9wG3UopFnEk7ra6-NZNeWV8fRhmHBdprltT9LzaNkTTT1ZKfIhEvvJzgD3pe9GHXPeNmye0S6HtS6NuhK662FM7TW5uc84ynPd66jolRDz_dz3tR2nZFf5QuJ8Xjhos/s1600/20130122_111225.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
You are probably thinking...."Why is there a picture of dental impressions?" Well first, I think they are pretty cool, they are my impressions, and they have given me a new appreciation for my teeth of which I previously maintained low opinions.<br />
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While I was pregnant, I heard of some old midwifery folklore - For every child a woman bears she loses a tooth. My immediate reaction was determination to keep my teeth in my head. I made sure I was ingesting enough calcium and vitamin D not just with prenatal vitamins, but diet as well as sunshine. The later being scarce in Frankfurt from November to April. But I don't like going to the dentist - there is always something wrong - generally a cavity which requires filling. <br />
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So, a few months ago, when a tooth started bothering me I had a foreboding feeling that a root canal was in my future. Was I surprised? No. But why did the folklore have to become true in a foreign country where I was unfamiliar with dental practices. Because nature waits for no one. Time to buck up!<br />
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Well, on the recommendation of a friend, I made an appointment with <a href="http://www.zahn-docs.de/index.html" target="_blank">Dr. Schmitz </a>- no this is not an advertisement, but I highly recommend this dental practice (Zahn Praxis) in the Frankfurt city center near Goetheplatz. The whole staff happily spoke English with me and made sure that I was comfortable and had all my questions answered. Dr. Schmitz determined that I needed a root canal and crown. Argh!<br />
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After four appointments, I have a no pain and a tooth with a porcelain crown that is as good as new. The out of pocket costs are similar to the US. Got to love insurance. We didn't have to pay to have a baby or a midwife making home visits, but by golly I paid to have my tooth drilled, cleaned, impressed, and finally sealed up with a crown. I am pretty sure the costs are similar to the US after talking with my Dad. And maybe I could have found a cheaper dentist or gone to an Eastern European country like some do because it is cheaper, but I would not change it for anything. Peace of mind is priceless - especially when it comes to health care.<br />
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Dr. Schmitz even let me keep the impressions of my teeth. I guess I did pay for them so why not. I am thankful for the dental practice that I've found here in Frankfurt. <br />
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What other folklore is out there waiting for me to discover - literally? <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04015487256004732990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452612407348773222.post-27350089225526671812013-01-16T11:42:00.002+01:002013-01-16T11:42:58.087+01:00Hello 2013!!!As we welcome the new year, I must take a look back on the last year as so much has happened in our life and the lives of our families and friends. The most obvious biggest change and blessing to our lives is our baby who is turning into a very expressive, "talkative", energetic and independent child. She has a mind of her own and strong will to back it up. We have friends who have welcomed new family members with births and marriages - the silver lining of an eventful year. We have friends and family who have left this earthly plane for a more heavenly one and may their souls rest in peace. I've learned that mourning from a distance is far different beast - without memorabilia, photographs, family, visitations, funerals and the general comfort of being with others during the grieving process. However, peace can be found for us all - my peace came with music. For me, 2012 has been the year that shows just how much can and does happen in twelve months. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWIwrD36Y_alsHnS-mGi4fuBzgmO1vHGHhRgjRn6PyytL_DCajqM2ZmuxYCPDzBTaoVrAMS2kQbi-CLHoCX5MCHTn6GcubvFzEWpIzRruRxI9QywY8W3UHhADVOyF9qjwtKWeGGnb0Ko/s1600/_MG_2206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWIwrD36Y_alsHnS-mGi4fuBzgmO1vHGHhRgjRn6PyytL_DCajqM2ZmuxYCPDzBTaoVrAMS2kQbi-CLHoCX5MCHTn6GcubvFzEWpIzRruRxI9QywY8W3UHhADVOyF9qjwtKWeGGnb0Ko/s1600/_MG_2206.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a>So, with all of that in mind, I've decided to give each new year one word to describe my hope for those 365 days. The word I give to 2013 is ENJOYMENT - to really enjoy something one must be present physically, mentally and emotionally; which might involve slowing down and savoring a delicious dinner, limited time with friends and family, and my daughters laugh. Well, nothing can grab ones attention like the laugh of child...pure joy. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlP0J3XRrp8zF7evL-8eqhx-QSsGbug9Q1taY5bw4-6j9SxMgZ0G_3jTyzLaF953LJlOuKn9pciUy_tAWl_8l8sZ4ua26lkDasyjI7TNgBD3Met5LyG33m0M0xzlfpUdakbp9xhwPjZeU/s1600/_MG_2205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlP0J3XRrp8zF7evL-8eqhx-QSsGbug9Q1taY5bw4-6j9SxMgZ0G_3jTyzLaF953LJlOuKn9pciUy_tAWl_8l8sZ4ua26lkDasyjI7TNgBD3Met5LyG33m0M0xzlfpUdakbp9xhwPjZeU/s1600/_MG_2205.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a><br />
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I was feeling very lucky as we rang in the New Year with my parents and dear friends. As I may have stated before I was looking forward to seeing the fireworks that everyone lights off at midnight. Well, I was not disappointed in the least. The display, which we watched with champagne from our balcony was spectacular. Since we are the sixth floor, we were eye level with the exploding color show and the smoky side affects. It was like standing inside a fireworks snow globe. And the babies slept through the hour long chorus of explosions and loud blasts. * Side note in Germany people do not say "Frohes Neue Jahr / Happy New Year" until after midnight. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDE-CFvSxgJ7Nc9OLzDZ7BJGBvOEKVkTVEAy1QpVY32l_HFx0cCXpomH14h7jaMbFE4COqUFj2uYoVnnFsssLbOEx52yZeUTtYQppSdRCPENFnsjVdCMBnGpgzclw7X-j1kR-yF8dG5SA/s1600/_MG_2214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDE-CFvSxgJ7Nc9OLzDZ7BJGBvOEKVkTVEAy1QpVY32l_HFx0cCXpomH14h7jaMbFE4COqUFj2uYoVnnFsssLbOEx52yZeUTtYQppSdRCPENFnsjVdCMBnGpgzclw7X-j1kR-yF8dG5SA/s1600/_MG_2214.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a>There are 349 days left in 2013 and I plan to experience and gain as much joy and enjoyment as possible. <br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">What is your word for the new year?</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04015487256004732990noreply@blogger.com0