tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31073920001327918712024-03-13T09:18:17.515-04:00Kenya! Holy Smokes! Never Saw That Coming!!!Schutzbank/Fleischer's family adventure in KenyaMichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921757348227011616noreply@blogger.comBlogger96125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107392000132791871.post-32045991341520834102015-06-03T01:45:00.000-04:002015-06-03T01:45:38.157-04:00Au Revior!Alright one last post as I wait in line to check in at de Gaulle.<br />
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I had most of today since my flight's not until 7:45p so I took advantage of it to check out some of the major sites. I really had my heart set on Musée d'Orsay but this how the line looked:</div>
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Needless to say I thought I'd hang around with this group rather than wait around...<br />
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At the time I didn't know w<span style="font-family: inherit;">hat was u</span>p with all the pomp and circumstance so I just kept on biking around. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is the famous lock bridge, <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Pont des Arts </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">- where you and your partner attach a lock and throw away the key. But now the government is trying to <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/02/world/europe/paris-bridges-locks-of-love-taken-down.html?_r=0">end the practice</a> since all the weight is comprising the structure. The policemen closed off access so the workers could start removing the locks. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Also the Français didn't seem to take too kindly to this ad...</span><br />
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Next I made my way back to the Arc de Triomphe - there is something fascinating about it as such a symbol of the French nation, the highs and lows -- Napoleon built it to commemorate his victories, Nazi's marched underneath it, and Tour de France races around it. Today it looked very different then when I rode by yesterday, the circle surrounding it is usually a mass of 8 lanes or so of traffic but today it was empty and those fancy cavalry riders where just outside of it on the Champs-Élysées.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">empty traffic circle surrounding the Arc de Triomphe</td></tr>
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Turns out there was a state visit about to begin. After a couple minutes of waiting the French President, Francois Hollande arrived, followed shortly by the Spanish King Felipe IV.<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Anyway --- a pretty neat way to end the trip.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921757348227011616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107392000132791871.post-77732235430581581812015-06-02T02:53:00.001-04:002015-06-02T03:26:56.679-04:00Parsian ironySome more exploring was in the cards yesterday. Just outside the core of Paris is a more modern area of the city called La Defense. Within Paris itself there are no skyscrapers (well there is <a href="http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tour_Montparnasse">one</a>) so many are located in this area. Also here is a huge arch that contrasts nicely with the Arc de Triomphe. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1VUbkxXUfqTX9FfEbA_JLjGlAUnW3fsBZDVtzLQlhAzfs5sbTHfQfhSpKxnO_aPzvn9fhxV3hg8XLt3KKHjcQs1HPY0kUequ8EgXEHOCgkh_dskzIQVZ1Z2cEI0uaI9KpDkt-hBSU7o/s640/blogger-image-286036613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1VUbkxXUfqTX9FfEbA_JLjGlAUnW3fsBZDVtzLQlhAzfs5sbTHfQfhSpKxnO_aPzvn9fhxV3hg8XLt3KKHjcQs1HPY0kUequ8EgXEHOCgkh_dskzIQVZ1Z2cEI0uaI9KpDkt-hBSU7o/s640/blogger-image-286036613.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Huge Grande Arche in La Defense</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On my way back to the city center I biked through a huge park. At some point I turned a corner and there were numerous ladies of night, all in various stages of undress - even though it was broad daylight at 4p in the afternoon right on the main road through the park. Then about 100 yards away was the most sedate, manicured gardens. In here a policeman blew his whistle at me and furiously told me no bike riding. Of course I thought 'do you have any idea what is going on just around the corner!'</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOtk2hD0SgMCvgO52HbBS1kDO1rr8MMrdOr4MX-SkASvJ5X177R1OiZqv1cPtfOlaGgeVULnByFy7cAQGN0-mY1mUfYhjk881xBlXMelYzJnL10PzVDKNztWMWLccl0CBYt4mlqGPHqM/s640/blogger-image-891928048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOtk2hD0SgMCvgO52HbBS1kDO1rr8MMrdOr4MX-SkASvJ5X177R1OiZqv1cPtfOlaGgeVULnByFy7cAQGN0-mY1mUfYhjk881xBlXMelYzJnL10PzVDKNztWMWLccl0CBYt4mlqGPHqM/s640/blogger-image-891928048.jpg"></a></div></div>No I didn't take pictures of the other activities in the park!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qnqkOQTpoo5Y5_KCsU4L2n7AKtwFG2G3kztGc6TiZRg9zmB1FerSqKD0NxTw58F9qXz8LhkHtcYy123HTg2_SIX58m7cprRCYJ3zBG_BcyhRkkSX3EfIVvxA2BqRrZNu8IwckFQv8vo/s640/blogger-image--271361726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qnqkOQTpoo5Y5_KCsU4L2n7AKtwFG2G3kztGc6TiZRg9zmB1FerSqKD0NxTw58F9qXz8LhkHtcYy123HTg2_SIX58m7cprRCYJ3zBG_BcyhRkkSX3EfIVvxA2BqRrZNu8IwckFQv8vo/s640/blogger-image--271361726.jpg"></a></div>Gorgeous Parsian architecture pops up in the most unexpected places</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGd2EPj9rHBTkB-Mrv1RLddOdV0tAA3nq57TzuRabDSc15j4I452DO7hu5xezlTvq-e1tsOHQO-HI-dNxn-oYhfK70jH3qox30tT-9bQArxxCwZLy55-rvaKMHRt8S5IRCxWRrR04AsY/s640/blogger-image-729348596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGd2EPj9rHBTkB-Mrv1RLddOdV0tAA3nq57TzuRabDSc15j4I452DO7hu5xezlTvq-e1tsOHQO-HI-dNxn-oYhfK70jH3qox30tT-9bQArxxCwZLy55-rvaKMHRt8S5IRCxWRrR04AsY/s640/blogger-image-729348596.jpg"></a></div>Viva la France!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixnKyz-wPZ3Tpt3AMmH0zEYvxI4zpxBo87tSfnbDJMQEWbg2-7_T9wtDmNNor13kmFVU8Qvj_NPsiMmwTXqsvQ5D5VSKRrCmUzwx28OPB4SdPy34qekz0vBFKrKaqEWnLQ9IKYl2YvL7g/s640/blogger-image--1183112026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixnKyz-wPZ3Tpt3AMmH0zEYvxI4zpxBo87tSfnbDJMQEWbg2-7_T9wtDmNNor13kmFVU8Qvj_NPsiMmwTXqsvQ5D5VSKRrCmUzwx28OPB4SdPy34qekz0vBFKrKaqEWnLQ9IKYl2YvL7g/s640/blogger-image--1183112026.jpg"></a></div>Final dinner with Lonnie and friend Sarah - escargot, roast duck, fois gras, and crime brûlée and a Emile Pernot digestif to end the meal in style. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921757348227011616noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107392000132791871.post-89886459586171151332015-05-31T09:42:00.001-04:002015-05-31T09:42:12.284-04:00Exploring ParisThe past day or two has been a nice relaxed blend of eating and touring. Yesterday Kev and I went to the Montmartre Museum which is near Lonnie's neighborhood - lots of paintings and history from the revolutionary and Moulin Rouge periods. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQzrcW6FV_Kj9NSOIf7GQ24zYw8AOrC6cmWUyJXEIGslbSRsoDtkkRgAaXnvvSgLbElY8ZSgardsq-7i7efImtmovCpwYh_EAgYv1nbGBaSnewdeyqcI24hYYjwwf2uSfiUnCZSrXKtw/s640/blogger-image--1917714231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQzrcW6FV_Kj9NSOIf7GQ24zYw8AOrC6cmWUyJXEIGslbSRsoDtkkRgAaXnvvSgLbElY8ZSgardsq-7i7efImtmovCpwYh_EAgYv1nbGBaSnewdeyqcI24hYYjwwf2uSfiUnCZSrXKtw/s640/blogger-image--1917714231.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl34dlSixlmVydMIfktJTm5hZz54fqloPgY07V2PETcLsKGHc2r2nPwNvDh8z3z5LD__i2b_GM4bL5U-d4H-yFbSgzXgjvLIcT-3JqEf5BVOfDoFhr2G6Rryt92LQzP-FLlaRoGdVesC0/s640/blogger-image-1350942160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl34dlSixlmVydMIfktJTm5hZz54fqloPgY07V2PETcLsKGHc2r2nPwNvDh8z3z5LD__i2b_GM4bL5U-d4H-yFbSgzXgjvLIcT-3JqEf5BVOfDoFhr2G6Rryt92LQzP-FLlaRoGdVesC0/s640/blogger-image-1350942160.jpg"></a></div>The grounds of Montmartre Museum</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And spent quality time shopping and checking out neighborhoods. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ35ni2i3-TdWqWHTcJUyhhDHOxzTaOYVM0Sy5Kcb2MAyN4M3CUW81d3Keb9OUAS-L93QVi-WIC03pFsACTeA87_FGn_99VvozLHEuKCL2sCKl3McBw0RBgjcuopA6mJejWydlL8Fbd3I/s640/blogger-image--266473636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ35ni2i3-TdWqWHTcJUyhhDHOxzTaOYVM0Sy5Kcb2MAyN4M3CUW81d3Keb9OUAS-L93QVi-WIC03pFsACTeA87_FGn_99VvozLHEuKCL2sCKl3McBw0RBgjcuopA6mJejWydlL8Fbd3I/s640/blogger-image--266473636.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Waiting patiently for a baguette</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCKehZumvvyTyAacJA_nVB3S6KupWcC0ODKxh9id1OzGhDLunPM1uUwc0cpvrVPusLXZHjoKaGrtTO9aS_YOacvgh-whxtXrHDzFQZuTfcqvJI-nAI8pbHcDElQtEAtcmpWe7p7xlulk/s640/blogger-image-2089418408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCKehZumvvyTyAacJA_nVB3S6KupWcC0ODKxh9id1OzGhDLunPM1uUwc0cpvrVPusLXZHjoKaGrtTO9aS_YOacvgh-whxtXrHDzFQZuTfcqvJI-nAI8pbHcDElQtEAtcmpWe7p7xlulk/s640/blogger-image-2089418408.jpg"></a></div>They actually taste as good as they look</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5cf8qCrRT4ndLYprHJLhWUFjw2ZQuZG6g0e4LmkVJGtZq18NuvD5NZ6VS8BzLCG_bzBboJtQ49mxOI-fDpfVvz0NX8LDRKbkDFRF0q1wMMje5KEVty2onjYMhu11sV4bklEE7AuqOEZU/s640/blogger-image--200304870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5cf8qCrRT4ndLYprHJLhWUFjw2ZQuZG6g0e4LmkVJGtZq18NuvD5NZ6VS8BzLCG_bzBboJtQ49mxOI-fDpfVvz0NX8LDRKbkDFRF0q1wMMje5KEVty2onjYMhu11sV4bklEE7AuqOEZU/s640/blogger-image--200304870.jpg"></a></div>Rented a bike and tooled around the city for a bit</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisBizWXOk1G9D1G8JS_QEnYG1fRKcz0jTeo4U1PKWlxvKyqUgeNDBsX_yND8UhPGi23h4ARkc_XDnX3EJsBpLmW7OJy00KbL0J5Yz1REbTV21v1q7VOdXhabDz0pFdPvdmzHCv2JTuGks/s640/blogger-image-290248312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisBizWXOk1G9D1G8JS_QEnYG1fRKcz0jTeo4U1PKWlxvKyqUgeNDBsX_yND8UhPGi23h4ARkc_XDnX3EJsBpLmW7OJy00KbL0J5Yz1REbTV21v1q7VOdXhabDz0pFdPvdmzHCv2JTuGks/s640/blogger-image-290248312.jpg"></a></div>At a Market, Lonnie and I got paella, some Lebanese food, and roast lamb. </div></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921757348227011616noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107392000132791871.post-38331150884308060122015-05-30T07:29:00.001-04:002015-05-30T07:29:12.141-04:00Good food, good friends, good sights!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Friends of Lonnie's told us going to an auction house would a neat experience, so yesterday afternoon we thought we'd check it out. We walked in and felt a bit out of place - most people were dressed to nines but it was a unique experience. At one point we even saw a Renior sold for about 67k euros. There were many different rooms with assorted collectibles up for auction, from period clothes to furniture to comic books.</div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTsqa-fELalXbGE-vIgUJ6sA7Gl6qJrxu2kd4Q8ZcobpGgjbi3a8MDqFZeR6kvxzhJP_cVmgGPTYzZSWqyVPy17Me-y8tOLl9GiG8aKTp4X1Byqqmj1OluRgvD29E_3-Xu6oEnky4Pqo/s640/blogger-image-1580223755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTsqa-fELalXbGE-vIgUJ6sA7Gl6qJrxu2kd4Q8ZcobpGgjbi3a8MDqFZeR6kvxzhJP_cVmgGPTYzZSWqyVPy17Me-y8tOLl9GiG8aKTp4X1Byqqmj1OluRgvD29E_3-Xu6oEnky4Pqo/s640/blogger-image-1580223755.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Auction house action </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Earlier in the day, Kev and I walked around the neighborhood and checked out the local shops and purchased this nice spread for lunch. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwvNweBZFS6_odcLBkW3VPcsJtsebgR9TrXNTFD6y8bn7wIA3Cdcq9tSiQDySdf5uJpmVWY1OM42KBLaWAEo5rLjvqKHCyeT_cJ6TAaa0KtpqhBYA9Jcppr7Mf9dblWZGFBkAPJVHGfM/s640/blogger-image-973589215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwvNweBZFS6_odcLBkW3VPcsJtsebgR9TrXNTFD6y8bn7wIA3Cdcq9tSiQDySdf5uJpmVWY1OM42KBLaWAEo5rLjvqKHCyeT_cJ6TAaa0KtpqhBYA9Jcppr7Mf9dblWZGFBkAPJVHGfM/s640/blogger-image-973589215.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Later we met up with Lonnie and had drinks and dinner with some of his friends. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQoVdsyv7HTFavzk5OgfcIPpwIMON1li7Beql2YdMDiDRDeL8rFDaCx_eO1NPOZW_wmANKGJkA8VdN7BGiiC1FFd8rJtcpKLFRoQ9UTKpZscnlnLR_RD-xyVNHvNxBGoB-TvJnWyVa1I/s640/blogger-image--172332667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQoVdsyv7HTFavzk5OgfcIPpwIMON1li7Beql2YdMDiDRDeL8rFDaCx_eO1NPOZW_wmANKGJkA8VdN7BGiiC1FFd8rJtcpKLFRoQ9UTKpZscnlnLR_RD-xyVNHvNxBGoB-TvJnWyVa1I/s640/blogger-image--172332667.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Drinks and f<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">oie gras with one of Lonnie's fellow professors</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifll1iihYwQvKcbonvwWq7By2Rr5NjwtRtF_tY8FMKIZAwuT2GjLwWC7Dh_BdmZtQvK7i3MTjoGBAHC-J5TEQGxJ-xLcL1wjLXeZP6xJ5KbK3nP-7lmAecYP7nznfzl2xshb63ObVuiPI/s640/blogger-image--1895558719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifll1iihYwQvKcbonvwWq7By2Rr5NjwtRtF_tY8FMKIZAwuT2GjLwWC7Dh_BdmZtQvK7i3MTjoGBAHC-J5TEQGxJ-xLcL1wjLXeZP6xJ5KbK3nP-7lmAecYP7nznfzl2xshb63ObVuiPI/s640/blogger-image--1895558719.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Vietnamese dinner</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">This morning I got out a bit earlier, rented a bike and found a market to sample and did a bit of exploring. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DLFBKz5v_Ulk3palzKqmA6URRFybTcci76oJf91pjoyuEOQpERcvCvD2J_b74gqY3Mr6ZvYKOXNkzKDhUOcNCA-emyiC282NNcn-2tpYvnhNKFkyLNhVCC-LUQFfPeMJI2tfKVKFitM/s640/blogger-image--1374120982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DLFBKz5v_Ulk3palzKqmA6URRFybTcci76oJf91pjoyuEOQpERcvCvD2J_b74gqY3Mr6ZvYKOXNkzKDhUOcNCA-emyiC282NNcn-2tpYvnhNKFkyLNhVCC-LUQFfPeMJI2tfKVKFitM/s640/blogger-image--1374120982.jpg"></a></div>Teaching kids about cheese making at a market </span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouIKKeDJN19bqBPkYwc9HLclelDHY302tRR7bZ2TqNeNXdU32t-4jHcAIoZSPZcrwFv0WKTdBozdnrx56mjh0P3CfbN9eZrNFT8vEBk74VNVBaG4lbuZLrqL8iY51NK-igWPl0ncvJYk/s640/blogger-image-740717504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouIKKeDJN19bqBPkYwc9HLclelDHY302tRR7bZ2TqNeNXdU32t-4jHcAIoZSPZcrwFv0WKTdBozdnrx56mjh0P3CfbN9eZrNFT8vEBk74VNVBaG4lbuZLrqL8iY51NK-igWPl0ncvJYk/s640/blogger-image-740717504.jpg"></a></div>Came across this artist doing his craft </div><br></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921757348227011616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107392000132791871.post-33606138329618493722015-05-28T21:17:00.001-04:002015-05-28T21:17:12.807-04:00Extra time in Paris<p style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Got very lucky on my flight out to Paris... When I arrived at EWR, an earlier Paris flight was still at the gate and since I didn't check any baggage they let me on. Saved about four hours as I got to Lonnie's at 10a this morning instead of after 2p. Since Lonnie's working during the week, Kev and I went to a cafe and had a long walk along the Seine and took short boat tour. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIzXhDW9epP9DSgAx__j_j_WTE3BOaT1GLfhkAf28d-FvJEDD4NxFZmw77L5wFKX1DhEWrRN4iy0NB3-uy37Y-5xsz6JXOtlicVKwRcB4E2hdUfKz0665H_WQLSkM48M7-wpWkKm2j_0/s640/blogger-image-928963122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIzXhDW9epP9DSgAx__j_j_WTE3BOaT1GLfhkAf28d-FvJEDD4NxFZmw77L5wFKX1DhEWrRN4iy0NB3-uy37Y-5xsz6JXOtlicVKwRcB4E2hdUfKz0665H_WQLSkM48M7-wpWkKm2j_0/s640/blogger-image-928963122.jpg"></a></div>Kev on Patio @ Lonnie's flat<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdYUoL7xsGqdd-fzLerHjtGeZBqRl0L20JnBjtcNeU-iVVl6l0mrjErImQOACN5e1jD9f3HIY2BlvKRdGqnDuLzecmltOrhIlc9vUcBuLmo1qjk7VPtLZ89XmshZ1Tf9kWg-8yaWIYD0/s640/blogger-image--2142943200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdYUoL7xsGqdd-fzLerHjtGeZBqRl0L20JnBjtcNeU-iVVl6l0mrjErImQOACN5e1jD9f3HIY2BlvKRdGqnDuLzecmltOrhIlc9vUcBuLmo1qjk7VPtLZ89XmshZ1Tf9kWg-8yaWIYD0/s640/blogger-image--2142943200.jpg"></a></div>River boats along the Seine <br><div><br></div><div><p></p><p style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Later, after Lonnie's work we met up with his friends and had a great dinner in a local restaurant. His friends are friends with the chef and we were treated right. I had perfectly cooked fish with fennel and the wine was flowing. We chatted about the FIFA soccer scandal and I was curious whether Europeans thought the US was getting involved where it wasn't America's business, but they favored the recent actions as they believed the organization is hopelessly corrupt. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhG0Xvi5grPWlnhPpjZTiqKYSZ0yakLDR2oHZSeW4wtbrUb_PmMpFy1QTMxE1fRfir92lHWdb_kgGCbbzNxYnb2WzacNsMXq14m4rWNOG6psHiFr8k4pykOy6OwyP3DlpIv8271pHTt0/s640/blogger-image--880869234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhG0Xvi5grPWlnhPpjZTiqKYSZ0yakLDR2oHZSeW4wtbrUb_PmMpFy1QTMxE1fRfir92lHWdb_kgGCbbzNxYnb2WzacNsMXq14m4rWNOG6psHiFr8k4pykOy6OwyP3DlpIv8271pHTt0/s640/blogger-image--880869234.jpg"></a></div>Getting ready for a good meal!<br><p></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times;"><br></p></div></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921757348227011616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107392000132791871.post-968323268363358752014-08-04T09:31:00.001-04:002014-08-05T07:35:02.303-04:00Barcelona!Barcelona is probably the biggest city we have been in on our trip and it has been a blast. After being in smaller towns and villages for a couple weeks we've been enjoying the hustle and bustle of Barcelona. A day after we arrived Carole and Stu and Uncle Kenny came - it has been fun seeing them after being away for many months. We departed on Sunday on a Mediterranean cruise.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DfqVMdPnLUm2XWmbpwc66CehuGRoZHKxUQtmOxVti4i2wtckP_kwMznhK6plZJNRXqKA_0KOmzUGUJPcotbHzvR5dLe9Gj3ALDK67sG1TNa-417FEt5qysBzYZgcU71mTG8vGfhWVpo/s1600/beach+barcelona.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DfqVMdPnLUm2XWmbpwc66CehuGRoZHKxUQtmOxVti4i2wtckP_kwMznhK6plZJNRXqKA_0KOmzUGUJPcotbHzvR5dLe9Gj3ALDK67sG1TNa-417FEt5qysBzYZgcU71mTG8vGfhWVpo/s1600/beach+barcelona.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">on our first day we went to<br />
the beach right in the city</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJCo88WKU-Y2XfjJNzb5tmd-tinKSeE4RLNYTjPaNYfy6PnUBg8Ku1lMmXHZ8sRuCUJZNkMaDU5jNZiPoZC6sByQqj48TIknUtjv9DF68z5R2Sh7XpKHmteAJzsdgS5MYU6pQSc16wjc/s1600/ruby+way+gaudi+cathedral.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJCo88WKU-Y2XfjJNzb5tmd-tinKSeE4RLNYTjPaNYfy6PnUBg8Ku1lMmXHZ8sRuCUJZNkMaDU5jNZiPoZC6sByQqj48TIknUtjv9DF68z5R2Sh7XpKHmteAJzsdgS5MYU6pQSc16wjc/s1600/ruby+way+gaudi+cathedral.JPG" height="200" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the inside of Gaudi's church<br />
was breathtaking</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07DHu5Bg0XWTyVBcjIFmE8lquwidCudXigtgN6IWMyfQGp8CDP_EqAM6jIdsA38Yl_E3A5Fha6mZ4ZCvz3CXyWlKD9dsl-i2scjnbo-FV9e0bOITUdtHuP4CeY5Toxf7MlpRH6UDg6nI/s1600/gaudi+catherdral+at+night.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07DHu5Bg0XWTyVBcjIFmE8lquwidCudXigtgN6IWMyfQGp8CDP_EqAM6jIdsA38Yl_E3A5Fha6mZ4ZCvz3CXyWlKD9dsl-i2scjnbo-FV9e0bOITUdtHuP4CeY5Toxf7MlpRH6UDg6nI/s1600/gaudi+catherdral+at+night.JPG" height="200" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gaudi's church lit up<br />
at night - it won't be complete<br />
until 2026</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHus9tjOKRkvfeJq4eozCRl4d3mKN8i2jFwSGvsln_1Dq4gf6MevDgyhLv6Ax4pB4OlPNU95iuv2gHSSY44LanD44dwXBl5_QvCRw-k3hp4vv1K5snZ07i7bJz0xZMDays9-2dclIcQ8/s1600/DSC_0999+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHus9tjOKRkvfeJq4eozCRl4d3mKN8i2jFwSGvsln_1Dq4gf6MevDgyhLv6Ax4pB4OlPNU95iuv2gHSSY44LanD44dwXBl5_QvCRw-k3hp4vv1K5snZ07i7bJz0xZMDays9-2dclIcQ8/s1600/DSC_0999+(2).JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">taking a break!</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/AVvXsEh0RULGOBSNfzLeyjgGoEamLjxVFLfs_lBREfM0CdF-1pAKxBb3FXPuxtEwhZsEQYrwwUbuyspMDFKIQWFvvjyto9KL1UWqluitqVTZURTjAafrLoEib3gtuVaP-EL9v371uIQoq17wC-c/s1600/barcelona+bike+ride.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0RULGOBSNfzLeyjgGoEamLjxVFLfs_lBREfM0CdF-1pAKxBb3FXPuxtEwhZsEQYrwwUbuyspMDFKIQWFvvjyto9KL1UWqluitqVTZURTjAafrLoEib3gtuVaP-EL9v371uIQoq17wC-c/s1600/barcelona+bike+ride.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">on our anniversary Rhonda and I took a bike tour</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/AVvXsEjPxTL8DjvDZk4etdQzQqfMYrQs4u3zZwpHS-VIsK_4LpaSzJRyknD-v_PQtVNgJW8_dypME9jKSZpVV5Rp3QqPdeS_p8Ks4ltAk_UHgGBYHWsYYImeClfhXGch_Racv4PxunoZNqJO9zw/s1600/with+jamon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxTL8DjvDZk4etdQzQqfMYrQs4u3zZwpHS-VIsK_4LpaSzJRyknD-v_PQtVNgJW8_dypME9jKSZpVV5Rp3QqPdeS_p8Ks4ltAk_UHgGBYHWsYYImeClfhXGch_Racv4PxunoZNqJO9zw/s1600/with+jamon.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ahh - the jamon is so good</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/AVvXsEh7SQlcTgxg49wyCeM8QOOMh13ShLRTIobvnbYd87dN-BMxQbqeuF7njRJXWUoDXA0_VaK-ZhGLsgi6UJc-Mu8WRleHWELl8KLyB37wDYPYMY3yH_EmEOWJHrsJppPtnLMmax5GY_u8n6U/s1600/on+blacony+on+anniversary.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7SQlcTgxg49wyCeM8QOOMh13ShLRTIobvnbYd87dN-BMxQbqeuF7njRJXWUoDXA0_VaK-ZhGLsgi6UJc-Mu8WRleHWELl8KLyB37wDYPYMY3yH_EmEOWJHrsJppPtnLMmax5GY_u8n6U/s1600/on+blacony+on+anniversary.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">happy 10 year anniversary!</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/AVvXsEhpPlkQmxSQ2DlaGxT0U_7zccmcJ-SJZYTHjXdwi7qxHMo8C_EmMinjOd7BvVzkT_scGbPhdEzXazB7umo2fldtzbZG8MZ4cBluf7xoU4snPO09xGBQmnSSzPYiSZfHluGcW190FjGzmSA/s1600/gaudi+house.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPlkQmxSQ2DlaGxT0U_7zccmcJ-SJZYTHjXdwi7qxHMo8C_EmMinjOd7BvVzkT_scGbPhdEzXazB7umo2fldtzbZG8MZ4cBluf7xoU4snPO09xGBQmnSSzPYiSZfHluGcW190FjGzmSA/s1600/gaudi+house.JPG" height="200" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gaudi designed house</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/AVvXsEhoBqkXPcepHJFwzNzuL2qGGNMX1iPGnlOBJnx4ztiTIRDhl_UOfJqKWuuDZfYIs-Ot_fd8rQ0DNqKJyQX7qJA0yKOljJEyYAwqH5gV2Zgabdp5TObUERx6-Sl_FrkyQRevJ6NqAJ1Pgvc/s1600/family+at+gaudi+park+overlooking+barcelona.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBqkXPcepHJFwzNzuL2qGGNMX1iPGnlOBJnx4ztiTIRDhl_UOfJqKWuuDZfYIs-Ot_fd8rQ0DNqKJyQX7qJA0yKOljJEyYAwqH5gV2Zgabdp5TObUERx6-Sl_FrkyQRevJ6NqAJ1Pgvc/s1600/family+at+gaudi+park+overlooking+barcelona.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">in Gaudi designed park</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/AVvXsEjt20E1err7hQZomII0zzosySaiaM_xsP8YFGUg8UoaxyxrAFKzWWwgREIK66SxbR12YC6EHbmixNvAnKGcStqr1M5jD3rc7giGrvxptwAR33OFRCFdLKC10eg7fGBd-o1T9RT6F3cvVSA/s1600/puppets.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt20E1err7hQZomII0zzosySaiaM_xsP8YFGUg8UoaxyxrAFKzWWwgREIK66SxbR12YC6EHbmixNvAnKGcStqr1M5jD3rc7giGrvxptwAR33OFRCFdLKC10eg7fGBd-o1T9RT6F3cvVSA/s1600/puppets.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lovin' the puppet show!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEh59Z4Ahyphenhyphen27Y4nmwDzF0PEB2O0x2oxDrBKSAL-30HTH1c8Ah9SJMleicVsVBgO93yCToRscmK2GwXvwHcBWlffC7ZNn_xvMuKTh-kCocltW-b38UGPfxTlwMUszlAH0gzswsvBAorD4DEo/s1600/ruby+way+magic+fountain.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59Z4Ahyphenhyphen27Y4nmwDzF0PEB2O0x2oxDrBKSAL-30HTH1c8Ah9SJMleicVsVBgO93yCToRscmK2GwXvwHcBWlffC7ZNn_xvMuKTh-kCocltW-b38UGPfxTlwMUszlAH0gzswsvBAorD4DEo/s1600/ruby+way+magic+fountain.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">late night at the magic fountain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921757348227011616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107392000132791871.post-85233529894105290112014-07-29T18:32:00.000-04:002014-07-30T08:35:50.294-04:00Taking It Easy in Seville<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/AVvXsEiAOiAGbXoAR6wKnr9RP12pkwYV4ZCEGCDd07nY089L1SkHCVbuuzorthhf4o6SttmrfX9Phf3JCBamakezeScifbGz_IBb65V4DOAXwTENfD7IrGPIch0tqqbMy1jFPAQqn5EtEgEhnDg/s1600/seville+street.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAOiAGbXoAR6wKnr9RP12pkwYV4ZCEGCDd07nY089L1SkHCVbuuzorthhf4o6SttmrfX9Phf3JCBamakezeScifbGz_IBb65V4DOAXwTENfD7IrGPIch0tqqbMy1jFPAQqn5EtEgEhnDg/s1600/seville+street.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seville's main thoroughfare</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTlBGzKcL3FWyl-NmYzmOxf2Hr-u69zEWd4X51o69FPmg5x0_1PpB8Pn4jGiIWzB9Z1E2HKuzuAvv64l4E2tboeSNXOmEYnW73V2kndcr6PfhfVrOVD5KwvQI4SLHD-X93ZaoMv6_p-wQ/s1600/sightseeing+bus.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/AVvXsEjTlBGzKcL3FWyl-NmYzmOxf2Hr-u69zEWd4X51o69FPmg5x0_1PpB8Pn4jGiIWzB9Z1E2HKuzuAvv64l4E2tboeSNXOmEYnW73V2kndcr6PfhfVrOVD5KwvQI4SLHD-X93ZaoMv6_p-wQ/s1600/sightseeing+bus.JPG" height="200" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids love the<br />
sightseeing bus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Besides it’s monumental cathedral and vibrant flamenco dancing, Seville is probably best known for its furnace like heat in July and August. Thus we knew we had to take it slow and not run around the city all day. One of the things I love to do in new cities is just walk around and get a feel for the energy and vitality of a place – but with the combination of the heat and two kids with boundless energy for everything EXCEPT walking around cities this was going to be difficult.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBT9_nWS-VY305o_oLlgX9Jx52v7vUZ33imfaMCAiBLXwyONVeDEvoX1M6IzmbOZszFY0-FvNrdCRH7tOe9dAafF2waUg4brUaVRYXjrSgfeRvTrwR6ZxPjb5uSYRNfgUCPo82Q_VPesg/s1600/columbus'+tomb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBT9_nWS-VY305o_oLlgX9Jx52v7vUZ33imfaMCAiBLXwyONVeDEvoX1M6IzmbOZszFY0-FvNrdCRH7tOe9dAafF2waUg4brUaVRYXjrSgfeRvTrwR6ZxPjb5uSYRNfgUCPo82Q_VPesg/s1600/columbus'+tomb.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Columbus' tomb in<br />
Seville's cathedral</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Solution for Seville day #1 was to take a sightseeing bus. The kids loved it and we got a sense of the sights and layout of Seville. Later on we meandered through Seville's gargantuan cathedral.<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/AVvXsEgABqs3wViEoip51i1MXg-UkotT9-QPiN2ZznfhDZWI4PTMYd09Sbic2DZnj7HAkbvIk1Qd6xfp2gvXT3axRJC-2nruuGvFXi3xxUg2BZ2eqEd7YM_TFbRpwYXrOI6TB_b31HjAnshyphenhyphen_ds/s1600/cathedral.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABqs3wViEoip51i1MXg-UkotT9-QPiN2ZznfhDZWI4PTMYd09Sbic2DZnj7HAkbvIk1Qd6xfp2gvXT3axRJC-2nruuGvFXi3xxUg2BZ2eqEd7YM_TFbRpwYXrOI6TB_b31HjAnshyphenhyphen_ds/s1600/cathedral.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">inside of Seville's cathedral</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLbLvdqZUUPbdJvW-Af5moHjXWyMfVjHY2mGm0rKB__6rXUsyyClloaUeUbZ9P0k5mM2-H9XsdsFQs9GaUvd2hCv41qoA-7-9_WmND1vPU-MpdPYt0KSd9nFCF3oCii4o6SuPU_U6DzXQ/s1600/playing+in+the+fountains.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLbLvdqZUUPbdJvW-Af5moHjXWyMfVjHY2mGm0rKB__6rXUsyyClloaUeUbZ9P0k5mM2-H9XsdsFQs9GaUvd2hCv41qoA-7-9_WmND1vPU-MpdPYt0KSd9nFCF3oCii4o6SuPU_U6DzXQ/s1600/playing+in+the+fountains.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">no better way to beat the 100 degree<br />
heat than playing in the fountains</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
For Seville we booked an apartment via the Internet with not too much research just a couple weeks ago. We got fairly lucky as the apartment was located right on one of the main plazas of the city. The feel of the neighborhood is just like the East Village, so we felt right at home. The other similarity was the apartment's tiny size– probably about a third of the size of our former place on E 8th Street.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdu4d4hSxS4ePCudsLgvgAyHr2xea01TohCf6tXjdNHYS5P__E4ljot0mGtMuImb3drNj8CprtBQl82v5DdgfB4vz4rJFeeVmJcPi_0cYWLMBZtpPA_ZGbAtBOS0AB1sgsSIEZUWj_kU/s1600/flamenco.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdu4d4hSxS4ePCudsLgvgAyHr2xea01TohCf6tXjdNHYS5P__E4ljot0mGtMuImb3drNj8CprtBQl82v5DdgfB4vz4rJFeeVmJcPi_0cYWLMBZtpPA_ZGbAtBOS0AB1sgsSIEZUWj_kU/s1600/flamenco.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">flamenco show</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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/AVvXsEgSKnoUhErTrKwI54pnIuMBw8kk9NzDpuB3fa2ND7IKA1tHrU9I0I3Pf0jBkSn2UFtEwQUovh3VUT1VfDOw2L5PtEUXr9xGwqN8wbpcaz6C0kryN-9ouKGw6nGliEtkUkr8cB38geR0xa0/s1600/gardens+maze.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/AVvXsEgSKnoUhErTrKwI54pnIuMBw8kk9NzDpuB3fa2ND7IKA1tHrU9I0I3Pf0jBkSn2UFtEwQUovh3VUT1VfDOw2L5PtEUXr9xGwqN8wbpcaz6C0kryN-9ouKGw6nGliEtkUkr8cB38geR0xa0/s1600/gardens+maze.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Royal gardens labyrinth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For Day #2 we strolled through the old Jewish Quarter which led to a lot of conversations about being Jewish and its history of persecution. Later in the evening we enjoyed a mesmerizing flamenco show. <br />
<br />
On Day #3 we visited the old Spanish royal palace and gardens and then let the kids dictate the rest of the day. Rhonda and I took turns being with the kids and taking off for strolls around the city in the evening.<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/AVvXsEhCHCQj5_B4hKqZtuJORIMH3ZOiGmQ_LuDlboPjoHeR9jscz3cPbWmJ_ybcxfHH6H6uA6mHpWRhDKY8a4rdIxGgMpZOYIwqah22xP6yrIZsoGneMJJK9aWRtyXjP3keWYU-iE09wTPqjSc/s1600/best+ice+cream.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHCQj5_B4hKqZtuJORIMH3ZOiGmQ_LuDlboPjoHeR9jscz3cPbWmJ_ybcxfHH6H6uA6mHpWRhDKY8a4rdIxGgMpZOYIwqah22xP6yrIZsoGneMJJK9aWRtyXjP3keWYU-iE09wTPqjSc/s1600/best+ice+cream.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This ice cream was unanimously voted the best on<br />
our European tour! So good we went back three<br />
times in three days!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921757348227011616noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107392000132791871.post-3534786751250319182014-07-29T02:58:00.000-04:002014-07-29T02:58:14.397-04:00Alhambra and GranadaAfter Ronda, Spain we had a quick day planned for Granada. Granada’s is famous for the Alhambra – a large fortress and palace built by the Moors 700 years ago.<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/AVvXsEjvD7gabRsWuSWddSwmeV19ocr7XojW52lSt-n2TI8quiK8vkzplQsES7dc7zgK6EDiKtEglekeELdDHujOEd4DEatceGdOdhFB0lZt3NSPJKJbNCnEPRGKGS4y0_4AAIUClC2Ri0eGJ4U/s1600/alhambra+at+night.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvD7gabRsWuSWddSwmeV19ocr7XojW52lSt-n2TI8quiK8vkzplQsES7dc7zgK6EDiKtEglekeELdDHujOEd4DEatceGdOdhFB0lZt3NSPJKJbNCnEPRGKGS4y0_4AAIUClC2Ri0eGJ4U/s1600/alhambra+at+night.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alhambra at dusk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJcjz0JuV0RjqyOkszL2a5eR2v4Tud3G_2cWGIoaiHmlb-5m9OenugAD6PMeojA8sHLrBOQcK5GHD4HB4twd316Te3bUmK4c_vC6vvkWCtPybsX1Rlw8KZQ3x8g3Z3gWs81fbQzfHyCM/s1600/flamenco.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/AVvXsEjVJcjz0JuV0RjqyOkszL2a5eR2v4Tud3G_2cWGIoaiHmlb-5m9OenugAD6PMeojA8sHLrBOQcK5GHD4HB4twd316Te3bUmK4c_vC6vvkWCtPybsX1Rlw8KZQ3x8g3Z3gWs81fbQzfHyCM/s1600/flamenco.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>We arrived in Granada early in the evening and we were struck by the beauty of the old Arabic quarter called the Albaycin – a maze of alleyways and winding cobblestone streets. For our evening in town we decided to see a flamenco performance. The energy of vibrancy of the show was amazing. Later in the evening we hiked up to a viewpoint to catch a nighttime view of the Alhambra.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitd2MSrMqjPO8k2ljfpNDhaqIZxnqae_6E_1bn1DMAbOksUmosQOHLU1W-LwgUfi-zFjT2Z7573lyT8gSV-j6YCfEbW1qPTSAswzLz7V2RUrowW_sbe-3e9uyai1hr3_hIrV2oaGGRyNg/s1600/alhambra2.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/AVvXsEitd2MSrMqjPO8k2ljfpNDhaqIZxnqae_6E_1bn1DMAbOksUmosQOHLU1W-LwgUfi-zFjT2Z7573lyT8gSV-j6YCfEbW1qPTSAswzLz7V2RUrowW_sbe-3e9uyai1hr3_hIrV2oaGGRyNg/s1600/alhambra2.JPG" height="200" width="132" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiDd-902s41mbsD3QcBoFYph93ZZTuyC-2HeNuX9SMoI-hPQS90hSuoUFtMX9yafjGGMdQOdd_1PhWhqQk5wJpP1RAsYptqaoRQ41aVXlLYpLGC2NJu5bkchgmuSjCVQ69ag8rZVsaJw/s1600/alhambra.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/AVvXsEjiiDd-902s41mbsD3QcBoFYph93ZZTuyC-2HeNuX9SMoI-hPQS90hSuoUFtMX9yafjGGMdQOdd_1PhWhqQk5wJpP1RAsYptqaoRQ41aVXlLYpLGC2NJu5bkchgmuSjCVQ69ag8rZVsaJw/s1600/alhambra.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a>The next morning we had to be at the Alhambra early. Since it is so popular we bought tickets in advance to guarantee we would not miss out. Our entry was at 8:30am. For almost 3 hours we walked through the complex ohhing and ahhing at the intricate architecture and craftsmanship that is still preserved so many centuries later. To help understand what we were seeing we also rented audioguides - the kids loved them and the descriptions helped put everything into perspective.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisG_d7f_HBMzgRDCri2BZc-kZBeX20_vOHdm8ZEIln3N-hQlN3GzdzjEI0X-sLqp8TyBBxeLT-hrj_3cUnjFfLl3RJ1T57vMmLPfY0DJhznGUXA0xftKd-eX5y9luAbdC4gh50J5YJDd0/s1600/alhambra1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisG_d7f_HBMzgRDCri2BZc-kZBeX20_vOHdm8ZEIln3N-hQlN3GzdzjEI0X-sLqp8TyBBxeLT-hrj_3cUnjFfLl3RJ1T57vMmLPfY0DJhznGUXA0xftKd-eX5y9luAbdC4gh50J5YJDd0/s1600/alhambra1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">notice Ruby with her audioguide</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3J6l5BHSQ3SE-R8N-kj-16Fz9UYMCkGTpQ2nm-N4xkuWYBWDJFCkTjWS7JEIf7jcmSVgyw09brQIQdhi8lKGXl29S1Chqy8uUYeiXTC5y06iBBZdwcUDrNdJnE1-weXxy6Qp6KEcxXQ/s1600/alhambra3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3J6l5BHSQ3SE-R8N-kj-16Fz9UYMCkGTpQ2nm-N4xkuWYBWDJFCkTjWS7JEIf7jcmSVgyw09brQIQdhi8lKGXl29S1Chqy8uUYeiXTC5y06iBBZdwcUDrNdJnE1-weXxy6Qp6KEcxXQ/s1600/alhambra3.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UmlEYMTr791QhVUHcNWl0AiGQzQaE8vffTBstXzpZkZqSGyjxZG2NbQ0kgfA6pfWrCGR2iPXSkH9TiO4LRgr85VXUa08vqAcyOEStL8XT6mctKuy5aVMchXxWnNwlXbP7BnmCtD-TA0/s1600/alhambra+gardens.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UmlEYMTr791QhVUHcNWl0AiGQzQaE8vffTBstXzpZkZqSGyjxZG2NbQ0kgfA6pfWrCGR2iPXSkH9TiO4LRgr85VXUa08vqAcyOEStL8XT6mctKuy5aVMchXxWnNwlXbP7BnmCtD-TA0/s1600/alhambra+gardens.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alhambra Gardens</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMkWRN4xaFBi2f8SN57RJX8Rb6O_cqxNUb0Wr5FuwO1RecOfd3xdYY6mNNCkqXDpuXP9zxEkAQ2sOyhU2WpGxFDkWZQo3T2FMCkZVKHtYiMx-27nVicYXe9sE7Lp2fsgsNxXlwqLi7hWE/s1600/alhambra+with+Granada+view.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMkWRN4xaFBi2f8SN57RJX8Rb6O_cqxNUb0Wr5FuwO1RecOfd3xdYY6mNNCkqXDpuXP9zxEkAQ2sOyhU2WpGxFDkWZQo3T2FMCkZVKHtYiMx-27nVicYXe9sE7Lp2fsgsNxXlwqLi7hWE/s1600/alhambra+with+Granada+view.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view of the castle and Granada from the Alhambra</td></tr>
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Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921757348227011616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107392000132791871.post-19881265685774598062014-07-27T13:03:00.000-04:002014-07-29T02:46:50.571-04:00Rhonda in Ronda!!!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimjAGD6_Dagd6h5PTYOLTy41YN5vpMm-ivcH2Dw0IboTqyHJbs76momWicCQrHb5fjpIcWj3SInL4FQ9a3WFxgQjKkDmqYK5GZb612v87mLKLhgMQVCobnUFjWFbQO8Z5gubibSJvH_E/s1600/IMG_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimjAGD6_Dagd6h5PTYOLTy41YN5vpMm-ivcH2Dw0IboTqyHJbs76momWicCQrHb5fjpIcWj3SInL4FQ9a3WFxgQjKkDmqYK5GZb612v87mLKLhgMQVCobnUFjWFbQO8Z5gubibSJvH_E/s1600/IMG_0001.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">saying goodbye to Germany</td></tr>
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On Ruby’s birthday we flew from Germany to Spain. We left cool/rainy/misty Germany in the morning and landed in a boiling hot Spain in the early afternoon – what a contrast!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjoUdCugJYmg9n38JfFP8zXNvvBKsc8Ngqvlr4ga_ZgyheE7DwxGrFtjH79Bfa8vzD8DvLdzSZNaQC9NShvXzTvHjujWUd-2e8iwuX3BHESvOCPd-IBa3kqfRh8y7TYcPqSHI6SHin-co/s1600/DSC_0940.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/AVvXsEgjoUdCugJYmg9n38JfFP8zXNvvBKsc8Ngqvlr4ga_ZgyheE7DwxGrFtjH79Bfa8vzD8DvLdzSZNaQC9NShvXzTvHjujWUd-2e8iwuX3BHESvOCPd-IBa3kqfRh8y7TYcPqSHI6SHin-co/s1600/DSC_0940.JPG" height="200" width="132" /></a>After a couple hours of driving we arrived in our first place in Spain. Rhonda wanted to visit Ronda, Spain to see if the town lived up to its name - we are happy to report it did! We had a wonderful apartment right in the center of the action. The town itself is divided into two sections separated by a huge gorge and hugging a cliff. It was spectacular setting. The town also felt quite manageable – not too small and not overwhelming.<br />
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Since it was Ruby’s birthday – we celebrated at a bakery around the corner with lots of treats. Ruby was very happy with chocolate mousse and ice cream.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisBiaJRSjomH0ogw-57OzVKLK2uqVZYbrK0FhY-mJblQPfmQky2GwLqGsDsyInq9hVhvHT_fXfGA2DJP45x7Eo6pwAXzrYybj8lrFS8gCVal7YmAmutoPpuiFg3je-QYpBUGxeaIHNy0I/s1600/IMG_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisBiaJRSjomH0ogw-57OzVKLK2uqVZYbrK0FhY-mJblQPfmQky2GwLqGsDsyInq9hVhvHT_fXfGA2DJP45x7Eo6pwAXzrYybj8lrFS8gCVal7YmAmutoPpuiFg3je-QYpBUGxeaIHNy0I/s1600/IMG_0005.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">birthday celebration</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGt1Kv5_aM9FQ-ODalbcuFvNFhS0bUMahfdHA68fGFPXSMklNeIpVnNa0-XLg9wIIjVGwco0OvPyBGTTy0TwtnxZFsXql6fiFjfa5kmUvVMdM0RgiYcX2gEXfIbID3Q_GHEHMZg81okAY/s1600/DSC_1002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGt1Kv5_aM9FQ-ODalbcuFvNFhS0bUMahfdHA68fGFPXSMklNeIpVnNa0-XLg9wIIjVGwco0OvPyBGTTy0TwtnxZFsXql6fiFjfa5kmUvVMdM0RgiYcX2gEXfIbID3Q_GHEHMZg81okAY/s1600/DSC_1002.JPG" height="200" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ronda's bullfighting ring</td></tr>
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The next day we explored more of Ronda and had some great tapas nearby the apartment.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8OUcZ_WCmOtRDUam-ToCm3dHkWrdDJpa5PzZr797rL_qRXssv_EzEok2Erds4rnBubIs99DY6ReFdNBbLV5gxCBuroCiY7nswAeC8Vd_DfZEZAcfYBV2y_42j3WPdesWDtB4R7D_Iwc/s1600/DSC_0963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8OUcZ_WCmOtRDUam-ToCm3dHkWrdDJpa5PzZr797rL_qRXssv_EzEok2Erds4rnBubIs99DY6ReFdNBbLV5gxCBuroCiY7nswAeC8Vd_DfZEZAcfYBV2y_42j3WPdesWDtB4R7D_Iwc/s1600/DSC_0963.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">eating tapas</td></tr>
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Another day we took a drive to a close village nestled on a hill with a castle. The towns in this region are known as white hill towns since all the houses are white and they make a striking backdrop to the landscape. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2cGujRmbCBRCfPX1ceT9kwUn384Bf4dQcyHckO1unazQHFzYymgFypCP9oqlnTRovLOfuPJQPhmKz_r8uk_EsuEIjsqFrhv44Kmk_cu1zOU8Vnb3VkL9C1RZRKpEm_U7Ukf7b-4wkggs/s1600/DSC_0977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2cGujRmbCBRCfPX1ceT9kwUn384Bf4dQcyHckO1unazQHFzYymgFypCP9oqlnTRovLOfuPJQPhmKz_r8uk_EsuEIjsqFrhv44Kmk_cu1zOU8Vnb3VkL9C1RZRKpEm_U7Ukf7b-4wkggs/s1600/DSC_0977.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">enjoying the view from Zahara's <br />
(a white hill town) castle</td></tr>
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In the afternoon we found a local swimming area – it was fun to relax and jump in the water.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXssJsa0R1bbCW2HT96TDqFA-_t8dnfpSFXfAFnyguJYDteXOIWdF7pf133SlE648wxk0D5mgNTHEhlT4AfFa2jbeNfTZLc7wXEVQ7RFl41rEarJlr-2wPev07Wp_GAlvYbBClhiahi_s/s1600/DSC_0961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXssJsa0R1bbCW2HT96TDqFA-_t8dnfpSFXfAFnyguJYDteXOIWdF7pf133SlE648wxk0D5mgNTHEhlT4AfFa2jbeNfTZLc7wXEVQ7RFl41rEarJlr-2wPev07Wp_GAlvYbBClhiahi_s/s1600/DSC_0961.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We also found time to all get haircuts!</td></tr>
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Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921757348227011616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107392000132791871.post-78092290456818097992014-07-24T17:22:00.000-04:002014-07-24T17:22:31.376-04:00Meticulous Germany<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80PDB9-k-b42XGc__ueHdrHDUh8JgVkTcq2IOGK4LmRK-fOCWLGG44cx0bdq0CF6Le8-uoSlSUWSMd9UwkcC1BYBk2wMrv3qiQb3NcaI1dbx9mmf1jgHrxOfn54MexUfgbNZOqOfHtpg/s1600/train+ride.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80PDB9-k-b42XGc__ueHdrHDUh8JgVkTcq2IOGK4LmRK-fOCWLGG44cx0bdq0CF6Le8-uoSlSUWSMd9UwkcC1BYBk2wMrv3qiQb3NcaI1dbx9mmf1jgHrxOfn54MexUfgbNZOqOfHtpg/s1600/train+ride.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Train ride into the Black Forest -<br />
yes it was on-time!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisS8LVz8UY6e6ARzGsbqlRVTbykp_MZQ9YHp6HUiKbwzt-CbMqK_rRWH1MxKUNPFE0ntYbwGqWHgokCSYumtluto3Hlgv9wp0Gfjxnso63VH05rSpT-QvkXpUCI1bBWrcjhLSY3f0QaqY/s1600/hittin+100+mph.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisS8LVz8UY6e6ARzGsbqlRVTbykp_MZQ9YHp6HUiKbwzt-CbMqK_rRWH1MxKUNPFE0ntYbwGqWHgokCSYumtluto3Hlgv9wp0Gfjxnso63VH05rSpT-QvkXpUCI1bBWrcjhLSY3f0QaqY/s1600/hittin+100+mph.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhonda hitting 100 mph on the autobahn!</td></tr>
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While traveling through Germany we've been listening to a very well done German language learning podcast: GermanPod 101. Throughout the lessons they also give some cultural tidbits on Germany and Germans. One of these was that Germans are meticulous. I thought that was a pretty good way to describe the apartments we stayed in, the towns we visited, and attractions we saw. On most of the trip we have been staying in private apartments that we have booked through local tourism offices and each place has been absolutely perfectly clean - not a spec of dirt or dust anywhere. The towns we have visited are also in pristine shape - all the roads perfectly smooth, people only walking when they get the green pedestrian walk symbol and the buildings all expertly restored. I think it is what we needed after the craziness of Kenya.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96a2ty-4LwTtA7Mwr-rafCs5qhD9QQYGRj-GaL7mVUs8tzb8vsc01TMn-Q8enfwRcaTqXrlHBywvq-1PmR31PbIBmo1iC8mBIMfgmko_gMqOWTz2wYVWcDl1iQThhb2LTnHdta3_5d38/s1600/big+cuckcoo+clock.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/AVvXsEh96a2ty-4LwTtA7Mwr-rafCs5qhD9QQYGRj-GaL7mVUs8tzb8vsc01TMn-Q8enfwRcaTqXrlHBywvq-1PmR31PbIBmo1iC8mBIMfgmko_gMqOWTz2wYVWcDl1iQThhb2LTnHdta3_5d38/s1600/big+cuckcoo+clock.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a>Besides visiting the birthplaces of my Oma and Opa we also did a lot of fun other things in Germany. Opa's town is near the Black Forest - so one day we visited a village in the heart of it and felt like Hansel and Gretel as we trekked through the back woods to the world's largest cuckoo clock.<br />
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Another day we visited the spa town of Baden-Baden. The kids protested big time when we put them in babysitting for a couple hours while we enjoyed the baths but when we picked them up they didn't want to leave the playroom and told us to come back in an hour!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzc3J39Da8UIpVqCXpQf3Lhylt-VinuPjpsQ-rVRgrn0vQBXIlB82Y2bmdtnkzRAk4Ws_O9gxFkDoF4bU9uTSxnoKnAFVv7ZaUfJThMLKjsmtyKZCOY-ZbTlzAiLm0g0tRMK-5-67v9QA/s1600/dinner+in+Strohbach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzc3J39Da8UIpVqCXpQf3Lhylt-VinuPjpsQ-rVRgrn0vQBXIlB82Y2bmdtnkzRAk4Ws_O9gxFkDoF4bU9uTSxnoKnAFVv7ZaUfJThMLKjsmtyKZCOY-ZbTlzAiLm0g0tRMK-5-67v9QA/s1600/dinner+in+Strohbach.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at one of our places in Germany - our<br />
host family invited us to dinner - they <br />
served us flammkuchen, wine from their <br />
vineyard, & schnapps.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXk-Wj2kxxBYteb9elEyf6YKeZqRnG34aPRE-yp_p4WRk8qOc2ZpO78n9-pdgjD_-6Ow7m7Y-PaKtsvX6OyxukkogBZCDvRketw1GkcT4TwXZeciC7OhwiBB7MxcwB8VHXrjh2JoIRYw/s1600/baking+bread+with+Oma.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXk-Wj2kxxBYteb9elEyf6YKeZqRnG34aPRE-yp_p4WRk8qOc2ZpO78n9-pdgjD_-6Ow7m7Y-PaKtsvX6OyxukkogBZCDvRketw1GkcT4TwXZeciC7OhwiBB7MxcwB8VHXrjh2JoIRYw/s1600/baking+bread+with+Oma.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruby making bread with the Oma</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPC53MPXp8hj3TNYQNuBcsRQjdLJjYiV2o-1PK8e0yl_nzEMQV5iYnugr5KodJ-pSOJS3W0vUYzF2cLXoMkYMSBhBFPoHvAvSDI_ie3G9PAAGHwkSVwA2lrD6-hIrDAYilNBLdixsUP7Q/s1600/Strohbach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPC53MPXp8hj3TNYQNuBcsRQjdLJjYiV2o-1PK8e0yl_nzEMQV5iYnugr5KodJ-pSOJS3W0vUYzF2cLXoMkYMSBhBFPoHvAvSDI_ie3G9PAAGHwkSVwA2lrD6-hIrDAYilNBLdixsUP7Q/s1600/Strohbach.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view of the village Strohbach where we stayed near the Black Forest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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On our way to the Mosel valley we cut through a corner of France and spent a couple hours doing some indoor skiing. That was a blast and Ruby did a run all by herself!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Storming the Roman gates<br />
in Trier</td></tr>
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In the Mosel valley we stayed in the ancient city of Trier. A highlight is a huge multi-story high gate built by the Romans. It was awe inspiring to be dwarfed by something built over 2000 years ago. One of the town's bridges still in use was built Romans too.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bike ride along the Mosel</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">having a blast at a festival in Konz</td></tr>
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Next - onward to Spain!Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921757348227011616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107392000132791871.post-45120649886776152482014-07-22T17:23:00.000-04:002014-07-22T17:23:01.249-04:00Visits to Oma and Opa's BirthplacesOne of my main reasons for wanting to visit Germany was to see the birthplaces of my grandparents and show the kids where Great-Oma and Matthew's namesake Max (his Great-Opa) were from.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4LlQblLkLqinUCup-5KAsx-eQ45_5I74Oby75BW3qoKfbETxGttx8U3FNwoqYLGH6gMnZC02alNo_fiCrt9XiZuaFjnymj8X1yrrjKo3Hpdtx1nBwfykdTOnb0cB0jvX_2A6AqLpGsw/s1600/IMG_0134.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/AVvXsEhX4LlQblLkLqinUCup-5KAsx-eQ45_5I74Oby75BW3qoKfbETxGttx8U3FNwoqYLGH6gMnZC02alNo_fiCrt9XiZuaFjnymj8X1yrrjKo3Hpdtx1nBwfykdTOnb0cB0jvX_2A6AqLpGsw/s1600/IMG_0134.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a>Opa was from a small town in western Germany called Lichtenau, its about 30 min from Strasbourg on the German side of the Rhine. We paid a visit in the late afternoon and enjoyed dinner and walk through the streets. We don't know the exact address of the house Max lived in but we imagined him growing up there and swimming across the Rhine to France (I remember him once telling me he used to do that).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDb_W1PpAUf3dfDiyRIEgGtfMw0YLJ9_g6rEXk8iZALH86URXUYe5mW1UTjJNodmaxt-HyudCB-KEhZWlJ57CXKEI_bjwkkqs4FYce8L_ZfEMkPk2Swsqf_c0BzODjEQaBQdk3NqVgUuk/s1600/IMG_0133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDb_W1PpAUf3dfDiyRIEgGtfMw0YLJ9_g6rEXk8iZALH86URXUYe5mW1UTjJNodmaxt-HyudCB-KEhZWlJ57CXKEI_bjwkkqs4FYce8L_ZfEMkPk2Swsqf_c0BzODjEQaBQdk3NqVgUuk/s1600/IMG_0133.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lichtenau</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">Max left </span>Lichtenau in the mid-1930's for Palestine and then eventually made his way to the USA where he met my Oma. After Lichtenau we drove a couple minutes to a near-by town where my great-grandmother was from -- Rheinbischofsheim.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKH_sTG4VyisMBYmxWXt1AZHXczyjIq6DJrS1eU4Tl9r-8c2ZjC7BgPFARCSzGYIR5ZYLALtH3k5MKGYg-TRKoAWtUGhPzGHod0JFlnTa2od3KsL0zVt0PczOY0Dw-913qeDBeC90t4T4/s1600/DSC_0834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKH_sTG4VyisMBYmxWXt1AZHXczyjIq6DJrS1eU4Tl9r-8c2ZjC7BgPFARCSzGYIR5ZYLALtH3k5MKGYg-TRKoAWtUGhPzGHod0JFlnTa2od3KsL0zVt0PczOY0Dw-913qeDBeC90t4T4/s1600/DSC_0834.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rheinbischofsheim</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDdPHDF7fkpdHyiS7QdVWOehmSJQwN9TtmMrzQFYCx0sPlmTJ0eIzBtjMtRWQtOf76q1hOnAffcOCzR0NBDH1-rHBNJKhbdu8M11W6JsWrYM9oDn48ozz4g56lNu4XSVsOr7vzGesKeY/s1600/DSC_0914.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/AVvXsEgGDdPHDF7fkpdHyiS7QdVWOehmSJQwN9TtmMrzQFYCx0sPlmTJ0eIzBtjMtRWQtOf76q1hOnAffcOCzR0NBDH1-rHBNJKhbdu8M11W6JsWrYM9oDn48ozz4g56lNu4XSVsOr7vzGesKeY/s1600/DSC_0914.JPG" height="200" width="132" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtwQskdshwPK0J2_dNMI4LtbcrKQluvTp7DZgWlvatwfN7Q484-x66QoNa7P4oIa1Ovaa_KGOQDgjOO9RRHMKerTUd8q3GUWEzKHhB6Gdg5dxIiH5TTtSt0r5F74T8AiW8A_fHzOcMbg/s1600/DSC_0877.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/AVvXsEigtwQskdshwPK0J2_dNMI4LtbcrKQluvTp7DZgWlvatwfN7Q484-x66QoNa7P4oIa1Ovaa_KGOQDgjOO9RRHMKerTUd8q3GUWEzKHhB6Gdg5dxIiH5TTtSt0r5F74T8AiW8A_fHzOcMbg/s1600/DSC_0877.JPG" height="200" width="132" /></a>My Oma is from a small town in the Mosel River valley called Beilstein. This town (really a village) is quite the quaint tourist place these days. It is nestled between the sharp hills and the river and feels like it belongs in a fairy tale with winding lanes and a ruined castle lording over the town. We enjoyed some ice cream along the river and then walked the streets and a path up to the castle. Near the castle is a Jewish cemetery and we believe we came across a gravesite from a great-great grandfather or uncle.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm70XZW4k6oCsEZFeatIOYKd9LUqbljLGbhUHlsB6OKFmcG6RR6ZEMaP7QD2xRMfdUzbTAk_FpY7tU7PkcOcGvNHYLYiE2wrPRHO8yfLq0yHTOAX0gxBgzGjrdwVdNqLkbWtxtDvsorfU/s1600/DSC_0930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm70XZW4k6oCsEZFeatIOYKd9LUqbljLGbhUHlsB6OKFmcG6RR6ZEMaP7QD2xRMfdUzbTAk_FpY7tU7PkcOcGvNHYLYiE2wrPRHO8yfLq0yHTOAX0gxBgzGjrdwVdNqLkbWtxtDvsorfU/s1600/DSC_0930.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beilstein</td></tr>
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Both visits were quite memorable and I think the kids will have strong memories and sense of where some of their relatives were from.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921757348227011616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107392000132791871.post-50049928163114334062014-07-21T14:57:00.000-04:002014-07-21T14:57:15.847-04:00Rivers, Roads & Rails We have a great kids game called Rivers, Roads & Rails - its made by a German company Ravensburg - and basically you arrange tiles that connect various combination of rivers, roads, and rails to see how long it can go. Throughout our time in Germany we've been appreciating how much the German countryside and the villages remind us of the tiles in the game.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh114iAl3nAh6ltjeiY3KRWlf51q4sdm6-KRgDMT2K7prmbDmPKtufx3rtbgHBvP4NIaaFTBd8yIUFpdz2p-nCaZxewIK4_IhmGwmDBkUXsyom0UZW5zwtMeNyf_3oaVNrxTlN8Y0S00ng/s1600/view.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh114iAl3nAh6ltjeiY3KRWlf51q4sdm6-KRgDMT2K7prmbDmPKtufx3rtbgHBvP4NIaaFTBd8yIUFpdz2p-nCaZxewIK4_IhmGwmDBkUXsyom0UZW5zwtMeNyf_3oaVNrxTlN8Y0S00ng/s1600/view.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">typical German countryside scene</td></tr>
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Coincidentally near where we staying in southern Germany, Ravensburg built an amusement park, and since we appreciate their games so much we figured the park would be a great. So paid a visit and had a blast. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDr5Aq2C5agVwAD4eLh-Fq11GWa4frP6hedo33Z0lVhKCGhITZgwp7IpzXMoFg8n3aLJGrKInHnxvB3CxFWoqn47FLTh7c6Rieo3qqssq-ZDn2PZvAd_acRENrWZBzjRWp1b1YxIMaBZ4/s1600/driving+cars.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDr5Aq2C5agVwAD4eLh-Fq11GWa4frP6hedo33Z0lVhKCGhITZgwp7IpzXMoFg8n3aLJGrKInHnxvB3CxFWoqn47FLTh7c6Rieo3qqssq-ZDn2PZvAd_acRENrWZBzjRWp1b1YxIMaBZ4/s1600/driving+cars.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the kids favorite - driving around.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNOXAG-Ut5sGajEMgIOp80N8iyuK1e3bNR1wtTdQuUT6NjGyRHIMJt8DPrdNHTj-ReUuWNIEukcAc4j6Jmz2DKvNNS32CVSVyEQqAziPEQyGUIhYFMtTrbjzQrWnuqPATCcsMUC0IvGk0/s1600/making+chocolate.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNOXAG-Ut5sGajEMgIOp80N8iyuK1e3bNR1wtTdQuUT6NjGyRHIMJt8DPrdNHTj-ReUuWNIEukcAc4j6Jmz2DKvNNS32CVSVyEQqAziPEQyGUIhYFMtTrbjzQrWnuqPATCcsMUC0IvGk0/s1600/making+chocolate.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming close second was the <br />opportunity to make our own chocolate.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9RFYMhfeGUNLS6l2dZgfEoPprtPa7OSLyVLO-HgbojQ2fWqO0w6F1hq4wozXiwLihgJ_z_VedOdPi7RMkJcv54s5DgCwCquaXhXbN8H21F0yJgTQxDdlW3zHXUh63a4IFHgVpvX12A8/s1600/Lindau.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/AVvXsEhU9RFYMhfeGUNLS6l2dZgfEoPprtPa7OSLyVLO-HgbojQ2fWqO0w6F1hq4wozXiwLihgJ_z_VedOdPi7RMkJcv54s5DgCwCquaXhXbN8H21F0yJgTQxDdlW3zHXUh63a4IFHgVpvX12A8/s1600/Lindau.JPG" height="200" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew taking notes <br />for his guide books in front<br />of Lindau's town hall.</td></tr>
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<div>
The first city we visited in Germany was Lindau. It is right on the border of Austria and Switzerland. The old town is on an island in Lake Constance and while we were there the city was celebrating their annual festival. We enjoyed the music, food, and a pedal boat ride in the lake.</div>
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This area of Germany has a great climate to grow fruit - we passed rows and rows of cherries, grapes, blueberries, raspberries, plums, etc. There were many farmstands and we were in heaven with the bounty as Ruby can attest!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6iw9VN6p-byhIeOk_a1Jm763odZs_Cgu-oYnVMjfLigr4tb3fm_XNx5S3AXtxjD-bxqiZxzGA74smLkdwmfZZuAA1aSKvROKcMKnwSW5R3CaU1MJcfaPs1LJbJwQQDacj9qZW26dAIs/s1600/statue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6iw9VN6p-byhIeOk_a1Jm763odZs_Cgu-oYnVMjfLigr4tb3fm_XNx5S3AXtxjD-bxqiZxzGA74smLkdwmfZZuAA1aSKvROKcMKnwSW5R3CaU1MJcfaPs1LJbJwQQDacj9qZW26dAIs/s1600/statue.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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Our last stop in this region was the city of Constance. A favorite statue was this provocative piece guarding the harbor. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view of the lake and the city of Constance from the Cathedral</td></tr>
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Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921757348227011616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107392000132791871.post-80080644566194055922014-07-11T18:00:00.000-04:002014-07-11T18:00:24.457-04:00Alpine Austria<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0uVfHRwF2I0SAT___X9MsaYXzw2vQT0qISznIgVin9ll-CQk5ODflSeOE9Z76Jufew5QC6CUBaFdzLccWcfRwn6akQhPJCH-UVISohtAtMRBZh1YnfGUQICX8JFgypxGYXsYQ3I23w8/s1600/kids+hiking.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0uVfHRwF2I0SAT___X9MsaYXzw2vQT0qISznIgVin9ll-CQk5ODflSeOE9Z76Jufew5QC6CUBaFdzLccWcfRwn6akQhPJCH-UVISohtAtMRBZh1YnfGUQICX8JFgypxGYXsYQ3I23w8/s1600/kids+hiking.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
One reason the Alps are so gorgeous is that they are green and lush with waterfalls cascading down from glaciers. But that green also means it must rain - a lot. That's pretty much been our situation this week. In between the rain drops we've been getting out and enjoying.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji5Cx1H3lCxMM1gVoKrg3TNTvdAKeFpRw3tNeJnL0UGI2cPNJKY7zNW4GKb_ivxhhCOixtHm-oFbmnXDFbD1chnYU8VQI3Y6_leDBmF8gCuuuJkqGhuoXrQxeAqmDARlsHs6y02TI5vQ8/s1600/chairlift.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji5Cx1H3lCxMM1gVoKrg3TNTvdAKeFpRw3tNeJnL0UGI2cPNJKY7zNW4GKb_ivxhhCOixtHm-oFbmnXDFbD1chnYU8VQI3Y6_leDBmF8gCuuuJkqGhuoXrQxeAqmDARlsHs6y02TI5vQ8/s1600/chairlift.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">going up the chairlift to the mountain<br />coaster</td></tr>
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Yesterday we took advantage of a dry couple hours for hike into the high country and then later in the day a wild ride down a mountain on a coaster.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIdm2JUgnCbYdxcBB36aou5wf6aU25Z9xHPYGMtQyixYW_RtD4Ov0pttbV2-PWMzNJe65LsjSUw__-gn-FGfzyTbslBBE1Dy_h9wYUsiKSxod5g1AuX25MxNpxjKcGtfqssSokzPV6gU/s1600/rainy+day.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/AVvXsEhhIdm2JUgnCbYdxcBB36aou5wf6aU25Z9xHPYGMtQyixYW_RtD4Ov0pttbV2-PWMzNJe65LsjSUw__-gn-FGfzyTbslBBE1Dy_h9wYUsiKSxod5g1AuX25MxNpxjKcGtfqssSokzPV6gU/s1600/rainy+day.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">keeping busy during the rain</td></tr>
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Today was more rain, but luckily it finally dried up for nice hike around a berry farm and then a pretty rainbow connected one mountain range to another.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwz_hLmlXbTCrRfvpziROMwjLUA8BfByuCo7nLr21JPsL78p4oV7y_hHap1GSc3m1Qg9HGNcX2Mt_1L_um_hT_PVUuGfImG4QAkbjUGR-cZR9HReFhqBovlxQ84OZCmv50Tj80aONMfQ/s1600/pickin'+raspberries.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwz_hLmlXbTCrRfvpziROMwjLUA8BfByuCo7nLr21JPsL78p4oV7y_hHap1GSc3m1Qg9HGNcX2Mt_1L_um_hT_PVUuGfImG4QAkbjUGR-cZR9HReFhqBovlxQ84OZCmv50Tj80aONMfQ/s1600/pickin'+raspberries.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yummy wild raspberries</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rainbow over the Alps</td></tr>
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Tomorrow we say 'Auf Wiedersehen' to Austria and 'Guten Tag' to Germany!Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921757348227011616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107392000132791871.post-79511002721189607652014-07-10T01:40:00.000-04:002014-07-10T12:36:36.879-04:00Traveler vs Tourist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0WVq0wTgTtW5FoM-RSq3roestqP5Wu2twsoR3_34YaaPvGdYjgNiIj9twuVTa0V3Dtf2dLztTr-lc1akbFHKj04giy5ogGasPXZmq-5olIGaHMyTDHdzChqMyw2TGHy-UFPaALYtvfvk/s1600/valley.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0WVq0wTgTtW5FoM-RSq3roestqP5Wu2twsoR3_34YaaPvGdYjgNiIj9twuVTa0V3Dtf2dLztTr-lc1akbFHKj04giy5ogGasPXZmq-5olIGaHMyTDHdzChqMyw2TGHy-UFPaALYtvfvk/s1600/valley.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Inn River valley</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcgwObvueYUbcu6sdp0-qQnd_TVVjnbaIcWDU3l2Dg74jHra_gwBpUpmZAVh_7oJD0ZqEuwfA2_Vjh0n4j9ZqdsQ55QUk9Yz3ARi_Yc7MiVkWkytsuizSu5gze8wGcYo3jk6AEUISW4jQ/s1600/bell.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcgwObvueYUbcu6sdp0-qQnd_TVVjnbaIcWDU3l2Dg74jHra_gwBpUpmZAVh_7oJD0ZqEuwfA2_Vjh0n4j9ZqdsQ55QUk9Yz3ARi_Yc7MiVkWkytsuizSu5gze8wGcYo3jk6AEUISW4jQ/s1600/bell.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">really large bell that almost blew<br />
out our ears</td></tr>
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Yesterday while walking through Hall, Austria Matthew asked if we were Travelers or Tourists? That was a tough question. To me I thought we were Tourists. Not really sure why or what the difference is but it seems a Tourist is more on a shorter term journey while a Traveler is going on a journey for a much longer length of time, with maybe also an added element of self-discovery. I suspect that could be true for us too, well in any case it made for an interesting discussion.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIFdlmBuMJqXKiF7P6DLfNleS51l9_2YKRD_O32feD5VLmqT6j2qPsI3eu1Pkk4hzsbTaMYqldKa3DtBU2ChVtPKqQU32SSkALLa6Z9WMlv6uHTSjFJLFxo8K1JAuquMjkzs7_JkegOM/s1600/hall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIFdlmBuMJqXKiF7P6DLfNleS51l9_2YKRD_O32feD5VLmqT6j2qPsI3eu1Pkk4hzsbTaMYqldKa3DtBU2ChVtPKqQU32SSkALLa6Z9WMlv6uHTSjFJLFxo8K1JAuquMjkzs7_JkegOM/s1600/hall.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hall, Austria</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcCnF2rGwM15vB0NRIlcoPqp5mILRww_KX-YjL8CEHc_MPGDEV7zNP8nbwO28i9cV7octnYeavmWMhrE3o4f3gdQvxtcb76bR68LPJIzz4T048pE37M79zsHIWT20f627fGZhMeyXwbY/s1600/coin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcCnF2rGwM15vB0NRIlcoPqp5mILRww_KX-YjL8CEHc_MPGDEV7zNP8nbwO28i9cV7octnYeavmWMhrE3o4f3gdQvxtcb76bR68LPJIzz4T048pE37M79zsHIWT20f627fGZhMeyXwbY/s1600/coin.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">finding the world's largest coin</td></tr>
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We have been having a nice time in Austria, appreciating the ease of living. There have been a couple of language complications but in general things have been easy, with good roads, nice sights, and yummy food.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">waterslide!</td></tr>
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The one downer is that the weather the past couple days has been rainy - so our big plans to hike the Alps have been put on hold. Matter of fact yesterday there was a new coating of snow high up the mountains which we can see from down here in the valley. Luckily we have been kept occupied with some swimming at a gorgeous indoor pool, some museums and practicalities like doing laundry.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAoA9RjxkhIMJ5oSg7zXKo5SgCpHoHRA7drwQjdmRILaLHdAXUGM-y9u6v86Ch89oL8VuAsui2OgKKUIvkojEn5VGmM7a2qF_WyyKoDiBQP8LSG95rTvtCzi7xK-dRXuvaUup5jstWvA/s1600/accident+innsbruck.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAoA9RjxkhIMJ5oSg7zXKo5SgCpHoHRA7drwQjdmRILaLHdAXUGM-y9u6v86Ch89oL8VuAsui2OgKKUIvkojEn5VGmM7a2qF_WyyKoDiBQP8LSG95rTvtCzi7xK-dRXuvaUup5jstWvA/s1600/accident+innsbruck.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">while we were in Innsbruck there was a car<br />
accident - to move the car they just hoist it up...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">baroque facade in Innsbruck</td></tr>
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Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921757348227011616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107392000132791871.post-68015499264890294522014-07-06T07:07:00.000-04:002014-07-06T07:07:13.642-04:00Volterra and onward to Austria<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfS91Ak7uskBUMbG9BS63mrwEg62cBMpAW2NB-7oAWYHJk0ahJd7_8VCAxqGql23c1cjsOYzgT9wXA-mHvwSJfXMba4lJqozl78MW8CEkAJv-FbpG1oFBzvuzcPDyrZyfIZr0c3MHwr8/s1600/roman+theatre.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfS91Ak7uskBUMbG9BS63mrwEg62cBMpAW2NB-7oAWYHJk0ahJd7_8VCAxqGql23c1cjsOYzgT9wXA-mHvwSJfXMba4lJqozl78MW8CEkAJv-FbpG1oFBzvuzcPDyrZyfIZr0c3MHwr8/s1600/roman+theatre.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roman theater in Volterra</td></tr>
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July 4th was spent in Volterra. We had a nice time walking around the streets and admiring the old buildings and castle. Matter of fact the castle was so interesting looking that I ventured inside only to be told to leave immediately! Seems it is still being used as a prison – oops!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyAU6UATevHq88-iKlviuwGBOaeLi_GmEMcNdQAl4_DGkVjqQLwzH7vPnl648_zAea2qGu-wkBWAhl2RxdkRi43rHSQ_fQQKeBsbCcykwiJCIaB9pmoa5lm1oOQv9JHSdQYp4Je0yoiPE/s1600/shadow+of+the+night.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/AVvXsEjyAU6UATevHq88-iKlviuwGBOaeLi_GmEMcNdQAl4_DGkVjqQLwzH7vPnl648_zAea2qGu-wkBWAhl2RxdkRi43rHSQ_fQQKeBsbCcykwiJCIaB9pmoa5lm1oOQv9JHSdQYp4Je0yoiPE/s1600/shadow+of+the+night.JPG" height="200" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">haunting bronze statue from<br />
200 BC or so</td></tr>
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We also went into the local museum and learned about Etruscan and Roman culture. They have a famous bronze statue there that mesmerized us with its curves and shapes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDkHHvpcgW4FgAQ8ZMvT3nGPcy0R0Sw66emXOg8BB5XG3pQPRwIQKi6SlfqZ8xjYARpcNBfxE9ueGY30JjcehZ9hgtTuYYQ9v0Wf2s97rHiCGzH2C11vg7pqfpesPP-SiXsNkuc1Nlcc/s1600/checking+email.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDkHHvpcgW4FgAQ8ZMvT3nGPcy0R0Sw66emXOg8BB5XG3pQPRwIQKi6SlfqZ8xjYARpcNBfxE9ueGY30JjcehZ9hgtTuYYQ9v0Wf2s97rHiCGzH2C11vg7pqfpesPP-SiXsNkuc1Nlcc/s1600/checking+email.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">checking internet in Italy has been a challenge - here we<br />are camped outside a supermarket trying to get a wifi signal</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwVpRTWQPEJLRvsYoeV-UrgexAWfGfPL-1s2rqDs-2f_cwElsuIVPQVG6Bsu20kBWKpCS-vqjlY8Ixibg8OdPfc85Qs4J59E__Zu3RIiVV0kb8bmH6Frb2U4toI15VzNCQh37LWClRWE/s1600/vinci+model.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwVpRTWQPEJLRvsYoeV-UrgexAWfGfPL-1s2rqDs-2f_cwElsuIVPQVG6Bsu20kBWKpCS-vqjlY8Ixibg8OdPfc85Qs4J59E__Zu3RIiVV0kb8bmH6Frb2U4toI15VzNCQh37LWClRWE/s1600/vinci+model.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">model of the pulley system used <br />to build a cathedral dome </td></tr>
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July 5th we bid arrivederci to Italia and hit the road for Austria but not before one quick last stop in Vinci to see the Leonardo da Vinci museum. The models and exhibits were quite intricate and did a nice job of showcasing Leonardo's genius. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1U0zEU0Kve7xg346pOoFj3StSjwPapXJVf4nJgwAWHX4mHL6Dd0qICeKWSlA__l1HrfDfyBNV9X84lmXaJxECrwTdEQfqTgDfht6pow0tOtMudlYqXjyQog-kKcPTiLDrqs7H149Fys/s1600/vinci+model+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1U0zEU0Kve7xg346pOoFj3StSjwPapXJVf4nJgwAWHX4mHL6Dd0qICeKWSlA__l1HrfDfyBNV9X84lmXaJxECrwTdEQfqTgDfht6pow0tOtMudlYqXjyQog-kKcPTiLDrqs7H149Fys/s1600/vinci+model+%25282%2529.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leonardo' flying machine</td></tr>
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After driving for most of the rest of the day we arrived in Obsteig, Austria (about 40 minutes west of Innsbuck). We'll be here for a week, exploring the Alps.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7lBilpIwtMEhYakpPz9miiQkZGaDGcvY0sqtbMLDxurGichtL03tdKT6xebvhDaDZnjmtUJ5toRCcvqnjvzyNkE2E1sKNySF-nDlmA7hyphenhyphenyRISB9GC2epw2gHNzhFKMBVzZbLr9ItXk8/s1600/trampoline+Austria.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7lBilpIwtMEhYakpPz9miiQkZGaDGcvY0sqtbMLDxurGichtL03tdKT6xebvhDaDZnjmtUJ5toRCcvqnjvzyNkE2E1sKNySF-nDlmA7hyphenhyphenyRISB9GC2epw2gHNzhFKMBVzZbLr9ItXk8/s1600/trampoline+Austria.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we are staying on a farm right outside of the village of <br />Obsteig, nothing like a good bounce<br />in a trampoline to get over six + hours in the car.</td></tr>
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Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921757348227011616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107392000132791871.post-39200002688889043702014-07-04T15:00:00.002-04:002014-07-04T15:00:59.775-04:00Mundane to the Magnificent<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8QhQS85NAyrPaWHuBYk0E4eD50PI7MazjQhQU7jtk9qLip71MvRykcIgsr6CgDjP_mWB1iX7LooFVJxQLNiYjEdb_Tcc_h0qV4GV04mkHyW74r7r1ClWCBolXxzkfW2qiVPuYKtfgGk/s1600/laundry.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/AVvXsEiE8QhQS85NAyrPaWHuBYk0E4eD50PI7MazjQhQU7jtk9qLip71MvRykcIgsr6CgDjP_mWB1iX7LooFVJxQLNiYjEdb_Tcc_h0qV4GV04mkHyW74r7r1ClWCBolXxzkfW2qiVPuYKtfgGk/s1600/laundry.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_jo3KEkifFu55lAgG0nHe_9fivW8vCbRDLTdCsN2W8Vnb6bDlD0L-2utlzVRDJ3NvSelxKpI1LGYx8s98HHGKsKeXf24kbhtBAxYw5Wyl9sPoICB_IpnC-8b28WJFdL-Go03GalGJKM/s1600/pool+(2).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/AVvXsEiA_jo3KEkifFu55lAgG0nHe_9fivW8vCbRDLTdCsN2W8Vnb6bDlD0L-2utlzVRDJ3NvSelxKpI1LGYx8s98HHGKsKeXf24kbhtBAxYw5Wyl9sPoICB_IpnC-8b28WJFdL-Go03GalGJKM/s1600/pool+(2).JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>What started off as a mundane day ended with a memorable experience. The mundane consisted of getting some much needed laundry done and then gradually getting more exciting by visiting another local pool that we had a ball in. Then we had our much anticipated cooking class with our agriturismo hosts Patrizia and Massimo. The pictures do more justice to the experience then I can do with words.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithiqg1bZtSy2ZhEkbc2XBOgtaKEdyrgUyBgGBLAEz59OJMAHh0boPfIGwvtXCYPN0hYICU_pqu3VTXmHwQzkgO68GoluefG0Tb9kMR4eG3W9d71CMrplM_EtirLLRvkrz6KyIS0Er_Rk/s1600/cooking+class+start.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithiqg1bZtSy2ZhEkbc2XBOgtaKEdyrgUyBgGBLAEz59OJMAHh0boPfIGwvtXCYPN0hYICU_pqu3VTXmHwQzkgO68GoluefG0Tb9kMR4eG3W9d71CMrplM_EtirLLRvkrz6KyIS0Er_Rk/s1600/cooking+class+start.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">starting to make tiramisu</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVQw02WLQ2jw3ibyPC2XVw9mterMyvVq9KAPvCg1Pp4JVAKm8KkQX8WlFK4UZ3bH324N7IhDMkVqaEYXZpm5Tp6BgjpO6MQaT5KT4TNSLAmfOfdPIiWmKyczjbxANhmFSt2HHD_kBoD0/s1600/cooking+class+ruby+ladyfingers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVQw02WLQ2jw3ibyPC2XVw9mterMyvVq9KAPvCg1Pp4JVAKm8KkQX8WlFK4UZ3bH324N7IhDMkVqaEYXZpm5Tp6BgjpO6MQaT5KT4TNSLAmfOfdPIiWmKyczjbxANhmFSt2HHD_kBoD0/s1600/cooking+class+ruby+ladyfingers.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruby soaking the ladyfingers in coffee</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjACzncBQLglwBAlBG8F_5JwrTEbEbSRFOlK9rwB3QeEW_YlSJcLsmWkkTGdw96GPHSdnbeglrj2OjphdFGnNd81pHhOmEDtpaYwkZd5r2jCywlujag_4Z_mkCh0jtnm7zOPXTPAmskqSk/s1600/mixing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjACzncBQLglwBAlBG8F_5JwrTEbEbSRFOlK9rwB3QeEW_YlSJcLsmWkkTGdw96GPHSdnbeglrj2OjphdFGnNd81pHhOmEDtpaYwkZd5r2jCywlujag_4Z_mkCh0jtnm7zOPXTPAmskqSk/s1600/mixing.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mixing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2yOD3NCDafUhHfEIfQ1jnxtlnDidoA4huOd7BzUotd-ENVuJheAQiWaEywADgXThR88_n_GwNVckRETHY1ocF8j2_u9Xopy327lxROAimAtxAHYH270g7Lqn3Cv3oV_Vn4NR-uUDutLI/s1600/chopping.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2yOD3NCDafUhHfEIfQ1jnxtlnDidoA4huOd7BzUotd-ENVuJheAQiWaEywADgXThR88_n_GwNVckRETHY1ocF8j2_u9Xopy327lxROAimAtxAHYH270g7Lqn3Cv3oV_Vn4NR-uUDutLI/s1600/chopping.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">chopping the spinach for the ravioli</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnynF5YsAiIKq0UoO0XW4_0lU5uIk0lykudDdgiaahSjopLXJ4NsM8Ejq11QM7XOvOmPQ7C0JApZsLFHbaJCe3Ji7ozq154imtFQb6C8I-fA9zi8QmzvD_8xv__YAVMLQryUGDMZxsXI4/s1600/rhonda+ruby+ravoli.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnynF5YsAiIKq0UoO0XW4_0lU5uIk0lykudDdgiaahSjopLXJ4NsM8Ejq11QM7XOvOmPQ7C0JApZsLFHbaJCe3Ji7ozq154imtFQb6C8I-fA9zi8QmzvD_8xv__YAVMLQryUGDMZxsXI4/s1600/rhonda+ruby+ravoli.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">forming the ravioli</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUKufeFt_FY7GF-z1ce-0DJvhinQCTV8C7Z6gMS8X8AIZ8P2CsZ3DmlEWr1MgNoxfglYY1dc5RgLTKsqNiK22uz0CuZCCD5nveu9nfPOh0NS6ncU_tjA9CczgZxTyZVXT1uX_0sCHLU8/s1600/matthew+ravoli.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUKufeFt_FY7GF-z1ce-0DJvhinQCTV8C7Z6gMS8X8AIZ8P2CsZ3DmlEWr1MgNoxfglYY1dc5RgLTKsqNiK22uz0CuZCCD5nveu9nfPOh0NS6ncU_tjA9CczgZxTyZVXT1uX_0sCHLU8/s1600/matthew+ravoli.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rolling out the pasta</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcwkjZ_DLrCEHy0eoZDfaJUPMlgR4pTBnqLu7ALPKogoj2fFCx3lnTX1hok-PedTVwALGFxiUV5du-A7ItkLkXiFxsV0tqWSwU5_kjAfOMxWu4VuZwdqYgZqkajuvgdSMiPAd7HssEdI/s1600/enjoying.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcwkjZ_DLrCEHy0eoZDfaJUPMlgR4pTBnqLu7ALPKogoj2fFCx3lnTX1hok-PedTVwALGFxiUV5du-A7ItkLkXiFxsV0tqWSwU5_kjAfOMxWu4VuZwdqYgZqkajuvgdSMiPAd7HssEdI/s1600/enjoying.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">magnifico!</td></tr>
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Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921757348227011616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107392000132791871.post-15100106226548517732014-07-03T06:41:00.000-04:002014-07-03T07:17:42.964-04:00! Buongiorno Italy !No consistent Internet access here - so here's the latest updated while we can! Wrote these every night but posting in one post...<br />
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Relaxing<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMGPJvUMi5gJ_7_M50GoqUo5gs-lCxkfY4qE0nygfs_3Z4qF8aG1yAsEoPOSC32I0yZyFG7Lvsl_vrDbXmaXWbBuVN5iUq_DwK5l7ebk-sOBQYGzaiqqZOGHRnwH3N8DbuPVDlMJ4Xcw/s1600/walkin'+to+breakfast.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMGPJvUMi5gJ_7_M50GoqUo5gs-lCxkfY4qE0nygfs_3Z4qF8aG1yAsEoPOSC32I0yZyFG7Lvsl_vrDbXmaXWbBuVN5iUq_DwK5l7ebk-sOBQYGzaiqqZOGHRnwH3N8DbuPVDlMJ4Xcw/s1600/walkin'+to+breakfast.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">walkin' to breakfast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our first full day in Italy was notable for what we did not do – we didn’t rush around, we didn’t see art, we didn’t drive long distances, we just took it easy and let the day develop. Our place in Tuscany serves breakfast and we wandered over to a scrumptious spread of fresh fruit and yogurt, breads, granola, etc.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBrk0BQaCBJRBBdfvk_hLcZ4jgUAIOm7-QloTXlwahC-fnnP4Vdyu5ki6gyxns0BZAcX5HKkN8j8yxyS5pFxVda5yesR90rAQxwjkKKeTvzumN9pg5_38vtNKGXBPeIcwyIjdf75XC64/s1600/lunch+bday.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/AVvXsEjrBrk0BQaCBJRBBdfvk_hLcZ4jgUAIOm7-QloTXlwahC-fnnP4Vdyu5ki6gyxns0BZAcX5HKkN8j8yxyS5pFxVda5yesR90rAQxwjkKKeTvzumN9pg5_38vtNKGXBPeIcwyIjdf75XC64/s1600/lunch+bday.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>After another lazy couple hours it was time to find some euros and before we knew it was past 2pm and the troops were hungry for some true Italian pizza. This was more difficult than we imagined since it was Sunday and many places were closed – but finally we discovered a place and it seemed quite authentic as it was hosting a large birthday party for an older man and his extended family. <br />
<br />
Next we thought it would be nice to find a pool and thanks to our car with GPS we got there quickly and easily. The kids had a blast running, jumping, and swimming to their hearts delight. At the end Matthew and I teamed up for a World Cup soccer match between us – the Americans and them – the Italians. No doubt who won!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFtg-Vk_8S-U4AGyueMyKOsTtr5ypR1VrvEhEo-A3Yc-R92dIrPjDwFuWh5XmjZmYdoTH1DoB5owjwCYVKqIfcsvWT_XznALVPZlE1QaWkNxZbF8WG9cv3rOkc8g9EwF_H3YPt3Fd8Y0/s1600/pool.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFtg-Vk_8S-U4AGyueMyKOsTtr5ypR1VrvEhEo-A3Yc-R92dIrPjDwFuWh5XmjZmYdoTH1DoB5owjwCYVKqIfcsvWT_XznALVPZlE1QaWkNxZbF8WG9cv3rOkc8g9EwF_H3YPt3Fd8Y0/s1600/pool.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our final goal for the day was to find Internet access and GPS came through again and directed us right to an Internet café where, while mom and dad got some business taken care of, Matthew cheered on with the Italians the Dutch win over Mexico – I guess Europeans stick together.<br />
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Florence</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">writin' his Italy tour book</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Today was back into the mix of being a tourist. After a
relatively no-nonsense morning we were on the road for what should have been a
less than 40 minute drive to Florence. Within 5km of town though we hit bad
Nairobi-style traffic for at least another 30 to 40 minutes. Ruby was taking a
nap though so we knew the downtime would pay off later.<br />
<br />
After quickly finding
parking we hopped on-board one of those double-decker style tour buses for a
overview of the city. </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71-i5pMsNOma6tFzVubV8m-q8-Kpqs9cjjq1T_99LBVgz2N1HbguFN9ZpwlEc0TvxS3K-RYv8TLUXvUZS1HOMQR4l8JxwDab-qnQ-HsCpaMn-e4GuzzVXC5clW67A6xeAzOMHRd2tjjM/s1600/with+kids+on+top+of+duomo.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/AVvXsEh71-i5pMsNOma6tFzVubV8m-q8-Kpqs9cjjq1T_99LBVgz2N1HbguFN9ZpwlEc0TvxS3K-RYv8TLUXvUZS1HOMQR4l8JxwDab-qnQ-HsCpaMn-e4GuzzVXC5clW67A6xeAzOMHRd2tjjM/s1600/with+kids+on+top+of+duomo.JPG" height="200" width="132" /></a>With kids in tow they are great as you get a high-up view
of the whole city and there is no whining about walking all over the place.<br />
<br />
About an hour later we got dropped off in the city center and wandered in and
out of piazzas ohhing and ahhing over the medieval buildings, palaces, churches
and the such. We weren't really into any museums but we did venture up 463
steps to the top of the famous Duomo in the center of town. <br />
The kids did real
well climbing, so kudos to them. Delicious cones of gelato were a well earned
treat afterwards! Next we spent some time admiring the Renaissance and Roman sculptures
in Piazza della Signoria’s Loggia dei Lanzi. The size, dimensions, and realism
are quite awe-inspiring. <br />
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After a quick jaunt across the famous bridge Ponte
Vecchio we enjoyed a satisfying dinner at a comfortable trattoria in Piazza
Santo Spirto.<br />
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Just one note on the awesomeness of GPS. We lucked out in that
our rental car came with it installed and what a blessing – I can’t imagine
getting into and out of these cities and villages and finding some of the
attractions we have visited without it. It has saved us hours of
aimless driving and confusion. As someone who loves to find his own way with
just an old-fashioned map I was a tough convert but now I’m sold!<br />
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<br />
Siena<br />
<br />
Twice a year there is a well-known festival in Siena called Palio, whereby the different neighborhoods compete via a horse race and pageantry.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgklezk_pvKqmxEXu87qsAbHtMgznr1t68ohzeVATAYN_mKGVZOUqerq73Bm3p0d33iJeg3eHDoSxDGDSObZ6U20yxK9SeUE83O3Ta1JN1lcQfFs-jLagI4cOnZD2v1zZohgf5C_xHDVqE/s1600/Siena.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgklezk_pvKqmxEXu87qsAbHtMgznr1t68ohzeVATAYN_mKGVZOUqerq73Bm3p0d33iJeg3eHDoSxDGDSObZ6U20yxK9SeUE83O3Ta1JN1lcQfFs-jLagI4cOnZD2v1zZohgf5C_xHDVqE/s1600/Siena.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Siena</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU85ipCz63eJmqKkt8WxncViQZN4E2PGTRAwjiaMxcAUn5T5ev-fAgco8rr0O3JGFwRd1iovk6QHvJ5DNChuSwrOu8aJBQeDm8E0sXQ3ToQVA64xNKrC-Y5DbrCEK-N-pYiEMwSBg6xwc/s1600/on+the+town+walls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU85ipCz63eJmqKkt8WxncViQZN4E2PGTRAwjiaMxcAUn5T5ev-fAgco8rr0O3JGFwRd1iovk6QHvJ5DNChuSwrOu8aJBQeDm8E0sXQ3ToQVA64xNKrC-Y5DbrCEK-N-pYiEMwSBg6xwc/s1600/on+the+town+walls.JPG" height="200" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">walking the walls of<br />
Monteriggioni</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We heard it can get a bit hectic so we decided to go a day earlier so get a feel for it but miss some of the craziness. During our visit to the town we were impressed with the large medieval town very much still alive and full of life and there was an air of anticipation for tomorrow’s events. <br />
<br />
Later in the afternoon we stopped by a nearby burg called Monteriggioni. This small village is fully encircled by high medieval stone walls, we had a good ol' time climbing among them and eating gelato in the piazza.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7KmxJveWV9fdyBT2B51BwLKpKlLh1xGmvQZdEjx0p3FtxVSeyXquNoXud5zxwjzyPf7VuFM_e1_7GyqnlqDvFgAxAH22gklFR7JI1ZnRLvGob1tgLo0H3e4jMgXlc38LdBF3uZuq_Ro/s1600/eating+ice+cream+in+piazza+of+Monteriggioni.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7KmxJveWV9fdyBT2B51BwLKpKlLh1xGmvQZdEjx0p3FtxVSeyXquNoXud5zxwjzyPf7VuFM_e1_7GyqnlqDvFgAxAH22gklFR7JI1ZnRLvGob1tgLo0H3e4jMgXlc38LdBF3uZuq_Ro/s1600/eating+ice+cream+in+piazza+of+Monteriggioni.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Monteriggioni</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAYjMd0sNwvBRYYN_JWOXgCOKBj9msBufiWE30rTLVMQ77ivRKa_Fya27ROS5pd316gIjKDLEi7vvhiwlJkZL9Zk-oGWCjJb6fNTZd6I11deLGVgH0Db9iEREzdFMljhIyXHrUv5B198/s1600/defending.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAYjMd0sNwvBRYYN_JWOXgCOKBj9msBufiWE30rTLVMQ77ivRKa_Fya27ROS5pd316gIjKDLEi7vvhiwlJkZL9Zk-oGWCjJb6fNTZd6I11deLGVgH0Db9iEREzdFMljhIyXHrUv5B198/s1600/defending.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">defending the castle from the Huns</td></tr>
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Back to the Palio in Siena</div>
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After some deliberation we decided to at
least try going to the Palio – heck it’s been held for some 600 years – what do
we have to lose? First challenge was trying to find parking – imagine trying to
find the perfect spot on the LES on a Saturday night. After a quick jaunt
around town we did find a parking lot and we were good to go from that perspective. Then we ventured up the walled old town and found a comfortable spot to wait for a
couple hours for the festivities to begin. Rhonda went off with Matthew and did a tour of the Duomo and Ruby and I people watched in the palazzo. We weren't exactly sure if we were in the right spot to get a good view of the festivities but in the end all the pageantry unfolded right in front of us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjghzFlKnA-pgsGlpV42PJD5iNGCuW99VwmQqwZ8EKKSmJo0buxA6k5OZf6UdQAsqtid26hNIdmY2KK9UBkLacCCVPzN3BqiUirg-N8GB-BqZn_skmXP3OkKEtOe75tzNMt6Xj5b5FnqH8/s1600/medieval+regalia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjghzFlKnA-pgsGlpV42PJD5iNGCuW99VwmQqwZ8EKKSmJo0buxA6k5OZf6UdQAsqtid26hNIdmY2KK9UBkLacCCVPzN3BqiUirg-N8GB-BqZn_skmXP3OkKEtOe75tzNMt6Xj5b5FnqH8/s1600/medieval+regalia.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the Palio parade</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfoBlyw2bCFHhTqttAgwGojjEkOXezSsmnenAKPzYoj-m-ZxBWDzd7BYnpwg1PjDNpN6MiBifcPjep_setEzn529Q_o09ubAETx7wjxmvvI1mzE0d7FXD6F3JW5NtpkljbmgZUKvI7Ik/s1600/waving+flags.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfoBlyw2bCFHhTqttAgwGojjEkOXezSsmnenAKPzYoj-m-ZxBWDzd7BYnpwg1PjDNpN6MiBifcPjep_setEzn529Q_o09ubAETx7wjxmvvI1mzE0d7FXD6F3JW5NtpkljbmgZUKvI7Ik/s1600/waving+flags.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the Palio festivities</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUfgoRA3s-O6TzLp2ONHG428hO1QHruZze3EUpspLIUSq-YQcUisP1A_JQb0EarNixTH6QJag7KnZwLriJyd4vIoeFA1iO5rPE71DKRFN-BO53lgw0cXBUOIPkFMBjmDhfQpz0UcpRDA/s1600/flags+in+the+air.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUfgoRA3s-O6TzLp2ONHG428hO1QHruZze3EUpspLIUSq-YQcUisP1A_JQb0EarNixTH6QJag7KnZwLriJyd4vIoeFA1iO5rPE71DKRFN-BO53lgw0cXBUOIPkFMBjmDhfQpz0UcpRDA/s1600/flags+in+the+air.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4o2uioJCTCSLpHlXgjCPzJ9JdSnjMQguNC11wACN3fvr4OR-zaoULQgcjCBB_NRM0iB-7DW0RMZrIdciDzp2iNlyLFjKlYcQoW3oIh8_OCFr4DYMU0wqRv9xiBmgstQPLkTeXwfAxPM/s1600/praticing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4o2uioJCTCSLpHlXgjCPzJ9JdSnjMQguNC11wACN3fvr4OR-zaoULQgcjCBB_NRM0iB-7DW0RMZrIdciDzp2iNlyLFjKlYcQoW3oIh8_OCFr4DYMU0wqRv9xiBmgstQPLkTeXwfAxPM/s1600/praticing.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">practicing for next year's!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was
spectacular to watch the drumming, the flag waving, the singing and the all the
folks in their full medieval regalia getting blessed by the bishop. We even
joined in the festivities by buying a flag from one of the contrade (neighborhood
associations).<br />
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Our next stop for the day was village of San Gimignano.
Famous for its 13 tall stone towers from the 1300’s it was a pleasant place to
grab some dinner (the kids of course had pizza for the like the 5<sup>th</sup>
meal in the row!) and some gelato on the piazza.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjg0b3uD0nkRKMBZze7yDIJbtI0T-CrjEaLgA0gSrVyVmJgdGPYUiiZPqBC_c22IdyfpXBAN0YwF2LWPLvSd3S5f7bQAmwoFET3CvLR86KQl7mg1eNOXO8FNMQ430ppll3tcxb36WQAg/s1600/gelato+on+the+piazza.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjg0b3uD0nkRKMBZze7yDIJbtI0T-CrjEaLgA0gSrVyVmJgdGPYUiiZPqBC_c22IdyfpXBAN0YwF2LWPLvSd3S5f7bQAmwoFET3CvLR86KQl7mg1eNOXO8FNMQ430ppll3tcxb36WQAg/s1600/gelato+on+the+piazza.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">more gelato in San Gimignano</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/AVvXsEgC0JNuED57NzH1YFSHJOi7p3dxDTaADn5muHRVKQIImzrwrcMbaJqXc3LxGhzl4ngoDKZ-mHwzLE-0GipaSznJrb0ySYOcJ3Q43UqK6OpKl58aOpjfmaC_NKjk9SY-xXsvLmNFWMlCuXI/s1600/soccer+on+the+piazza.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0JNuED57NzH1YFSHJOi7p3dxDTaADn5muHRVKQIImzrwrcMbaJqXc3LxGhzl4ngoDKZ-mHwzLE-0GipaSznJrb0ySYOcJ3Q43UqK6OpKl58aOpjfmaC_NKjk9SY-xXsvLmNFWMlCuXI/s1600/soccer+on+the+piazza.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">soccer with a new friend in San Gimignano</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921757348227011616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107392000132791871.post-70443237426504219622014-07-01T08:27:00.000-04:002014-07-03T06:24:22.168-04:00Onward to Italy<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiabCb_9umbV8ZYM6ZhF6i4k8I1Exgs85dwWUK5u-uggs1sti9V1upUvItv745g3pfDYcTu3PmGBSaN8gL-jq0hOuKNSWXKw5ZygTq_VQg_4OuSBnoefIvromyJ8qp5ti-ukUunCpmii3s/s1600/famers+market+in+Sarnen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiabCb_9umbV8ZYM6ZhF6i4k8I1Exgs85dwWUK5u-uggs1sti9V1upUvItv745g3pfDYcTu3PmGBSaN8gL-jq0hOuKNSWXKw5ZygTq_VQg_4OuSBnoefIvromyJ8qp5ti-ukUunCpmii3s/s1600/famers+market+in+Sarnen.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Farmers Market in Sarnen, Switzerland the <br />
morning before we left for Italy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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June 28 we ventured on to Italy. Our destination was a
small farm in Tuscany, between Florence and Siena.</div>
<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/AVvXsEh-rNA0IjS8_A_ijrsWbpvdiR2ic3V5PvXZxRiA5i_ttNa1FhTrorNzah9tnX0y0RUlWZ4CVVbjxxqlMsZ4PPIfBBh5JR4-UNFpybs3RX6uiXf3vb-hADTMuQAILyH_MSDCIi-jRezl5Fg/s1600/cleanin+the+car.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rNA0IjS8_A_ijrsWbpvdiR2ic3V5PvXZxRiA5i_ttNa1FhTrorNzah9tnX0y0RUlWZ4CVVbjxxqlMsZ4PPIfBBh5JR4-UNFpybs3RX6uiXf3vb-hADTMuQAILyH_MSDCIi-jRezl5Fg/s1600/cleanin+the+car.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">giving the car a good cleaning after going<br />
through the Gotthard Tunnel to Italy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCSv9NZ34rI0PeLmGXHZE5JQ9JTfbf6rWSII__TqspQHrEiE847H06M3Ihm3hiBofxJD4t0IHcNfSDu0YL7D01dLNdGgmNUFhq3xU_CVRd1c4k1k-aBuT8A03Pt7Iv1CwCfIka6xIwdc/s1600/dinner+night+no+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCSv9NZ34rI0PeLmGXHZE5JQ9JTfbf6rWSII__TqspQHrEiE847H06M3Ihm3hiBofxJD4t0IHcNfSDu0YL7D01dLNdGgmNUFhq3xU_CVRd1c4k1k-aBuT8A03Pt7Iv1CwCfIka6xIwdc/s1600/dinner+night+no+1.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dinner al fresco</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After many hours of driving we arrived tired and hungry at
our agriturismo, Castello della Paneretta. The setting is breathtaking, right on a ridge
overlooking hills and vineyards. We didn't hang out that long though since
it was already almost 7:00pm and we still needed dinner. After a couple minutes
drive we arrived in the closet village – San Donato and tried to find a place
for dinner that would take credit cards – we hadn't had the chance yet to get
euros. At the first couple places we were out of luck – either all reserved or
only took cash. Luckily a place on the village square was a success and we
toasted to a fun time in Tuscany!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDKul5h0neNEzFUj4ecmNt8R-3m-euHnQC6stG0sIcBYhc3f6s0ZbPkRXoPJ2Z9Gs9NTjVGIh8nx9EvrQE7waXpaTjfHGoBQb394o28OM1YYeL-wQYG3U6kOaXVYCmMXPASCk8Daapmo/s1600/dinner+in+San+Donato.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDKul5h0neNEzFUj4ecmNt8R-3m-euHnQC6stG0sIcBYhc3f6s0ZbPkRXoPJ2Z9Gs9NTjVGIh8nx9EvrQE7waXpaTjfHGoBQb394o28OM1YYeL-wQYG3U6kOaXVYCmMXPASCk8Daapmo/s1600/dinner+in+San+Donato.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing in the square after dinner</td></tr>
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Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921757348227011616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107392000132791871.post-28559053979802887212014-06-27T18:01:00.001-04:002014-06-27T18:04:23.992-04:00Stroll through Switzerland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vMlAPhw2HbL_Kmu5I-i1T2Pd5xf6jglZF8hAehbfFkWyyav0oWmRiJMzL3BDJute-MYHn-aJ0ONBmwzfUhcufPTAwiMtiQqLsF2rolVQsHUvroFaBVD88YS1ZPuu1ZQE0BeP0jjRcT4/s1600/vise.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vMlAPhw2HbL_Kmu5I-i1T2Pd5xf6jglZF8hAehbfFkWyyav0oWmRiJMzL3BDJute-MYHn-aJ0ONBmwzfUhcufPTAwiMtiQqLsF2rolVQsHUvroFaBVD88YS1ZPuu1ZQE0BeP0jjRcT4/s1600/vise.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxu_zuHu1-1KU6HgC8qt0ozDMJVOcAWDf9v1dU_HZQJo1rkOmuw64djqeIQnkh-BIJdF-PhBt7S2u6Mw1u0GP12dp7rvGMmGafq-Aj3lC_rDl0nZCVSsoNnxWlsHoVuQNiJht52ElTUEk/s1600/carving+huge+chess+pieces.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/AVvXsEhxu_zuHu1-1KU6HgC8qt0ozDMJVOcAWDf9v1dU_HZQJo1rkOmuw64djqeIQnkh-BIJdF-PhBt7S2u6Mw1u0GP12dp7rvGMmGafq-Aj3lC_rDl0nZCVSsoNnxWlsHoVuQNiJht52ElTUEk/s1600/carving+huge+chess+pieces.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
Today was spent at <a href="http://ballenberg.ch/en/Welcome">Ballenberg</a> - a open-air museum showcasing architecture and crafts from old time rural Switzerland. I appreciated how well done all the exhibits and demonstrations were. A sampling of what we saw was bread making, textile weaving, sculpting, chocolate making, woodworking, making musical instruments, etc. The setting was magnificent, nestled in a valley surrounded by the Swiss alps with waterfalls cascading down.<br />
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Here's a short video with mom and daughter learning to weave on a loom and some of the cool machinery in action.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/gKqC0-CHFvU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlU2Ac8XfsLZhvKVQyfiGgAOL_WkgNEAIcgsjIsBAEQqhqX3M1g9CFzXxBITKzqGd5xyNPlrFQ9l-YaKikMZgB0ZR8NU_tULOqWgJNjwGRSKe6FqC9nELAZuPBBDuqkBXuRamZHlhF3k/s1600/ruby+saw.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlU2Ac8XfsLZhvKVQyfiGgAOL_WkgNEAIcgsjIsBAEQqhqX3M1g9CFzXxBITKzqGd5xyNPlrFQ9l-YaKikMZgB0ZR8NU_tULOqWgJNjwGRSKe6FqC9nELAZuPBBDuqkBXuRamZHlhF3k/s1600/ruby+saw.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sawing off a piece of wood in the shape of Switzerland</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9QtpY-POEtPMpswGRWt3MQeRZv4CR7fAV4WF9Y5FrtH2T3ofnsOqaUsokutCpeKI9hp5yeGWX3bT5Qci4u208Fyk6YFgqGHG3FS0HpUp784-j7nPgdn2XIAU-UpjNYynj2LJjgkKNBGI/s1600/building.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9QtpY-POEtPMpswGRWt3MQeRZv4CR7fAV4WF9Y5FrtH2T3ofnsOqaUsokutCpeKI9hp5yeGWX3bT5Qci4u208Fyk6YFgqGHG3FS0HpUp784-j7nPgdn2XIAU-UpjNYynj2LJjgkKNBGI/s1600/building.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLTZZGwypQFd-WzPV_qXE7YX4YJ6AF5I-VVEVz6c40LuH8Do-k0IU8nshMtD2uDjS8HVnPN-6g9uATbvdy7gVkicDz_Iysias82sGRs206uNtA5-8Q65_j51ldsBB64FKmC9TDNjtPoc/s1600/slide.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/AVvXsEjpLTZZGwypQFd-WzPV_qXE7YX4YJ6AF5I-VVEVz6c40LuH8Do-k0IU8nshMtD2uDjS8HVnPN-6g9uATbvdy7gVkicDz_Iysias82sGRs206uNtA5-8Q65_j51ldsBB64FKmC9TDNjtPoc/s1600/slide.JPG" height="200" width="132" /></a>On our way back to town we happened across the longest playground slide ever - it was like a real-life version of Chutes & Ladders!<br />
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The view was also real nice.<br />
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Normally we have been eating at the apartment we rented (since even a pizza costs north of $20) but tonight we 'splurged' by getting burgers and falafels at the cheapest place in town. Afterwards we wandered through the streets and enjoyed a glass of wine while the kids clambered over another playground.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNwOtxfLb9N37fonSLQz3siv98hE3Ij64scBNLLY5407ZnToCFBDAbEGXscKxtZFQeVc56Jvy1o1z0eg9T_AdlbN9r42iYl_Cp1xmbfNCR7-k37hMXF5TNO11e1tH2EKIQrxsN707Qm7o/s1600/saren.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNwOtxfLb9N37fonSLQz3siv98hE3Ij64scBNLLY5407ZnToCFBDAbEGXscKxtZFQeVc56Jvy1o1z0eg9T_AdlbN9r42iYl_Cp1xmbfNCR7-k37hMXF5TNO11e1tH2EKIQrxsN707Qm7o/s1600/saren.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lovely walk after dinner in Sarnen</td></tr>
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Tomorrow we are off to Tuscany!Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921757348227011616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107392000132791871.post-77339321927059796512014-06-27T01:24:00.000-04:002014-06-27T15:16:25.972-04:00Hiking the Alps<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3nTXXfcT3l6F1tGWU5QYjWfOV-LyoeCX9dilJjFfS2rA_7XZuEKOxiXM1HfiJGKAHcRNn4VOAndTy_MtkHCPEerKO4hMJpskzRqfhWUojEZPfHdNUwUfKIn-raDePGungzQcui6CLerg/s1600/DSC_0612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3nTXXfcT3l6F1tGWU5QYjWfOV-LyoeCX9dilJjFfS2rA_7XZuEKOxiXM1HfiJGKAHcRNn4VOAndTy_MtkHCPEerKO4hMJpskzRqfhWUojEZPfHdNUwUfKIn-raDePGungzQcui6CLerg/s1600/DSC_0612.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZbBuTyIzmnxlJ9aDUZSh7kZvaStwspz_batH3MxBEVuMcaqG2AFqd73evQ87QqmXqkmx7_efGF3XB_52hvGAVWOoVWFfeX-48i7zaogd9A4LW6uf-v_4SyhiLU55VF_Wa_lY_eTjRki0/s1600/IMG_4671.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/AVvXsEhZbBuTyIzmnxlJ9aDUZSh7kZvaStwspz_batH3MxBEVuMcaqG2AFqd73evQ87QqmXqkmx7_efGF3XB_52hvGAVWOoVWFfeX-48i7zaogd9A4LW6uf-v_4SyhiLU55VF_Wa_lY_eTjRki0/s1600/IMG_4671.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>Today we ventured about 20 minutes up the mountains from our farm stay. Here there is a resort called <a href="http://www.melchsee-frutt.ch/en/page.cfm/Home">Melchsee-Frutt</a>. After a gorgeous gondola ride up from the parking area we found a fun playground.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNTsnCQJNuC1EUTr_HChlCFqQZ18gLU3i78jy0BXn7uq-1KMoXtRATLcCtods0xLS3rbCKgb9vx-RZK0MdDieqbjLfu3fOrQWJrI6_90QLF9Lm0O8FuNt9qGQG_VtrIEyAnQ745rgVT34/s1600/IMG_4687.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/AVvXsEgNTsnCQJNuC1EUTr_HChlCFqQZ18gLU3i78jy0BXn7uq-1KMoXtRATLcCtods0xLS3rbCKgb9vx-RZK0MdDieqbjLfu3fOrQWJrI6_90QLF9Lm0O8FuNt9qGQG_VtrIEyAnQ745rgVT34/s1600/IMG_4687.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMFoPJ0uqtBunIel-2ft0azAwT9RuWIOA-OxQim4I46j9EDoKmAxEV3qGyMTP51Mn_ZErieio-rkSYDRXBOCojdT7qQoYCicF20K6WsVm05U1bOy8gGvnUsOnwRes03YNE0nPzAsFT1Q/s1600/IMG_4690.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/AVvXsEgrMFoPJ0uqtBunIel-2ft0azAwT9RuWIOA-OxQim4I46j9EDoKmAxEV3qGyMTP51Mn_ZErieio-rkSYDRXBOCojdT7qQoYCicF20K6WsVm05U1bOy8gGvnUsOnwRes03YNE0nPzAsFT1Q/s1600/IMG_4690.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>Later in the afternoon Ruby got her chance to watch the owners of our farm stay do the evening milking and she even joined in.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921757348227011616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107392000132791871.post-15241944914198116802014-06-25T21:07:00.000-04:002014-06-25T21:10:54.297-04:00Luvin' Lucerne<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFO2RXarmiZeH6R2VvpP-9V8yiiK6H6rfDCZnBlWQo0WZtB3JWzIuuc19Hwesf1nTDdnxyuviqqThyEEGkN3zoKO8pzsrzaodpXFJjrWX1WJnyykhHOqe257arzd8G0jiDQlFtvAEBw-I/s1600/Lucerne.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/AVvXsEgFO2RXarmiZeH6R2VvpP-9V8yiiK6H6rfDCZnBlWQo0WZtB3JWzIuuc19Hwesf1nTDdnxyuviqqThyEEGkN3zoKO8pzsrzaodpXFJjrWX1WJnyykhHOqe257arzd8G0jiDQlFtvAEBw-I/s1600/Lucerne.JPG" height="200" width="132" /></a>After a lazy, easy-going morning on the farm we headed off to Lucerne for a couple hours of sightseeing. It's a gorgeous city, right on a lake with a lot of medieval buildings and wooden bridges crossing the Reuss River. After a yummy picnic lunch of amazing cheese, smoked fish, baguettes and LOTS of fruit we headed off to wander.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ahh cold, clear, and SAFE drinking water - <br />
right out of the fountains</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">famous wooden bridge and watch tower</td></tr>
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The kids were able to get their ya-yas out too on the street art...<br />
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After our explore around Lucerne we headed to a glass factory. Here we had a grand time, the kids did glass blowing... It will be interesting to see if we are actually able to bring this glass bubble home in one piece after 6 weeks through five countries!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">watching the tradesmen make glass</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">finding our way through a glass labyrinth - only 2 hurt noses and foreheads!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 story high marble run</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">water cannons</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">controlling your own water fountains</td></tr>
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<br />Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921757348227011616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107392000132791871.post-44680233387232770712014-06-25T01:32:00.000-04:002014-06-25T01:32:03.302-04:00Arrival to Switzerland!After a 2+ hour slow crawl through rush hour Nairobi traffic and a 8 hour crowded overnight flight to Zurich we made it to Switzerland at 6:30am in the morning. Somehow we found the energy to do a bit of sightseeing in town before heading out to the countryside. We loved the super smooth roads that got us to our farm stay about 30 minutes south of Lucerne. The place is quite comfortable, we are staying on the top floor of a farm house and the family was very friendly as they showed us their cows.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the troops were none too happy with me on the choice <br />to take the train to our rental car pick-up instead of a taxi!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmK-wOZQD2jSm_WKLyIqGsw-Ms_ScG9ijHZYYN3I0YNF0NQAKxeO8dc6xXFOJ6pF1qDyOoj8iqxDFtaG5m4QeibthChlNMGw3jkrVwkRNmFe1hR_wOojD3d-QBm0WAnONYeADiA1Jtof4/s1600/DSC_0505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmK-wOZQD2jSm_WKLyIqGsw-Ms_ScG9ijHZYYN3I0YNF0NQAKxeO8dc6xXFOJ6pF1qDyOoj8iqxDFtaG5m4QeibthChlNMGw3jkrVwkRNmFe1hR_wOojD3d-QBm0WAnONYeADiA1Jtof4/s1600/DSC_0505.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">things got better after some lunch!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjtuB9YJS7wIA5bGGXO7vt-_HLy_PYq1L01J9sEKAbXKYcDWWK04xuAp_6sZFftW9t7OLzEqf8ahpF7-NclJms5wRIPTZAR0jIsrjLyN4YVOG5f2vhdRAM4x_BVuwZsSxVNVLuGYbgz4/s1600/DSC_0510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjtuB9YJS7wIA5bGGXO7vt-_HLy_PYq1L01J9sEKAbXKYcDWWK04xuAp_6sZFftW9t7OLzEqf8ahpF7-NclJms5wRIPTZAR0jIsrjLyN4YVOG5f2vhdRAM4x_BVuwZsSxVNVLuGYbgz4/s1600/DSC_0510.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Kenny was missed!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zurich</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHiWrD2MWaObXiNpkrQKqt-O8RGTr5MyFxT48BygSa2_gzJfwoeNoU86V7d8vLJ3uvCwPa5W1GgWGFrDHpgEnN0yi8usejPdHLs__oW9kb22luiaBJuUmiUDPqgjLoTR6qsDDgS86zKqE/s1600/tour+boat+Zurich.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHiWrD2MWaObXiNpkrQKqt-O8RGTr5MyFxT48BygSa2_gzJfwoeNoU86V7d8vLJ3uvCwPa5W1GgWGFrDHpgEnN0yi8usejPdHLs__oW9kb22luiaBJuUmiUDPqgjLoTR6qsDDgS86zKqE/s1600/tour+boat+Zurich.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">took a short river boat ride</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLNLFzlWe19ex7W7tEDsd7HfRJPJ8p3gei4LbyZk-D_YI7BItAukc8MMqFrUQ5KpTJUK2UKoWktt-rR9O3DCkUYLHCbCYNoBOzevejsqs8BSXEd2zqMyGQBda71kjfl1dN_LDsikBQL3w/s1600/DSC_0505+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLNLFzlWe19ex7W7tEDsd7HfRJPJ8p3gei4LbyZk-D_YI7BItAukc8MMqFrUQ5KpTJUK2UKoWktt-rR9O3DCkUYLHCbCYNoBOzevejsqs8BSXEd2zqMyGQBda71kjfl1dN_LDsikBQL3w/s1600/DSC_0505+(3).JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">for four nights we are staying on a farm in the Alps <br />- there are the views from our apartment</td></tr>
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<br />Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921757348227011616noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107392000132791871.post-4125740817556968112014-06-23T14:04:00.001-04:002014-06-25T00:34:50.713-04:00Goodbye to MargaretIn just about 2 hours we head to the airport for our departure from Nairobi. We all feel a bit bittersweet - happy that we are about to embark on a new chapter in our lives and proud that we had this amazing experience and opportunity to experience life in Kenya. On the sad side we just said good-bye to Margaret. She has been such a rock in our life since she started with us a year and a half ago. In the beginning we weren't sure at all how it would be with full-time help in the house. After speaking with numerous other expats and other middle class Kenyans we quickly got an idea but still weren't sure how the day-to-day would be.<br />
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The beginning was a little awkward as we struggled to understand some language and cultural differences but very quickly we came to realize Margret was a treasure. We can't imagine what our life would have been like here in Kenya without her loving soul and quiet but can-do attitude. The kids became very attached to her and she would have the patience of a saint to play with them for hours (soccer with Matthew and mommy and daddy with Ruby to name a few). All the while ensuring laundry was done, dishes were clean, and something prepped for dinner.<br />
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A couple months ago as it became clear we would be returning to the states we wanted to make sure there would be another family that would be as lucky as us to have her work for them. See Rhonda's note below that she sent out to search for another family -- Rhonda sums up perfectly our feelings...<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">"Margaret is one of the most hard-working, loyal, honest and kind</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">people I've ever met. Our children are completely bonded to her, and I</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">anticipate they'll be heartbroken to say "goodbye" when we leave. She</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">takes up any request with a positive and happy attitude, though most</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">of the time she takes care of things before we even have a chance to</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">ask for her help. Periodically, we've asked her to stay late to help</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">in the evening after a party. Last time this happened, she refused to</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">rest in the middle of the day because she saw the work that had to be</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">done, worked persistently throughout the afternoon and continued</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">cleaning late at night long after we'd told her she should go to bed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">It's important to us to see Margaret in a good situation because we</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">couldn't be more grateful to her."</span></div>
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We are happy to report another family will be hiring her.</div>
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Some pictures/videos from today's goodbye...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZdLIHJ0Hs0FLSlBA1MTWrzX7BvzyzetZYBy8jAUV6R20IG8lR80lxvie8oxfB25vqzL2_ymerM4-W4XAOUXHH7E_qsZz2Zd_ccr3EXzMbjbDQZtpgKS2PmvJP4suG79gl0QC0-qh6K4E/s1600/IMG_4649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZdLIHJ0Hs0FLSlBA1MTWrzX7BvzyzetZYBy8jAUV6R20IG8lR80lxvie8oxfB25vqzL2_ymerM4-W4XAOUXHH7E_qsZz2Zd_ccr3EXzMbjbDQZtpgKS2PmvJP4suG79gl0QC0-qh6K4E/s1600/IMG_4649.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with her son Martin at their apartment in Kangemi</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">outside her apartment in Kangemi</td></tr>
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Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11597189733545032935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107392000132791871.post-69513705846643738872014-06-22T14:01:00.003-04:002014-07-06T06:08:50.456-04:00Final Weekend in NairobiAfter almost 2 years in Kenya our time here has come to an end. We tried to do some fun and practical things to mark our last weekend. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzy0ZLYPqj5BsfSqeH_A96k0ceTxFNZh1nsJexjsn2K-cOV4DRBwL1EvfQ8z7qEhwGbk_rJzeDVM7-W7RkMpAZ7I7CUfrfsCDbzvSEn9bP_tbPDGmqACnz5Xt0UD58c4Xjvs4S67WGZBo/s1600/farewell+happy+hour+(12).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/AVvXsEgzy0ZLYPqj5BsfSqeH_A96k0ceTxFNZh1nsJexjsn2K-cOV4DRBwL1EvfQ8z7qEhwGbk_rJzeDVM7-W7RkMpAZ7I7CUfrfsCDbzvSEn9bP_tbPDGmqACnz5Xt0UD58c4Xjvs4S67WGZBo/s1600/farewell+happy+hour+(12).JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
Friday night was a going away happy hour with Rhonda's work mates. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGTZp5Bm7s6eY-QAEFG1OpBBWu7vrXGT_xym18Dqq5uM0ATBWg6SZx32Gt_ZPVfeK7KlpxGB2RyHZziHNxs_-AK_Z61BOSJtuifbJzipD0xo3BtCF0BqYsKWd9-_j-8H5-BzZIisSYodQ/s1600/farewell+happy+hour+(6).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/AVvXsEhGTZp5Bm7s6eY-QAEFG1OpBBWu7vrXGT_xym18Dqq5uM0ATBWg6SZx32Gt_ZPVfeK7KlpxGB2RyHZziHNxs_-AK_Z61BOSJtuifbJzipD0xo3BtCF0BqYsKWd9-_j-8H5-BzZIisSYodQ/s1600/farewell+happy+hour+(6).JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswnZi15_7Pewm-sBiz9iWCjOWR88Otp5TdmgbLiDpJzJcU4jC51NvO0RH1Fcx_-FhE07ZVenDtYnCZjugIDyRoLCEy8RJUkuy5sEbVpYR4oDUn7DggdGKKLuoeQbdIn8b7aQoWdDQdIU/s1600/Rhonda+at+elephant+orphanage.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/AVvXsEgswnZi15_7Pewm-sBiz9iWCjOWR88Otp5TdmgbLiDpJzJcU4jC51NvO0RH1Fcx_-FhE07ZVenDtYnCZjugIDyRoLCEy8RJUkuy5sEbVpYR4oDUn7DggdGKKLuoeQbdIn8b7aQoWdDQdIU/s1600/Rhonda+at+elephant+orphanage.JPG" height="149" width="200" /></a>It was blast - filled with lots of good company and dancing.<br />
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Yesterday we paid a last visit to the Elephant Orphanage - my favorite part is seeing them run from the woods into the feeding area. It is quite a sight to see them charge down the hill - one right after the other.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdL-0T08FQxx4u4dRZU0GrKDVvLQkp76c_T8anHqj-mME8914mdhmhDnVYvsN-JoqgDocRT1fnfmTgwjhe2okFkUfGiecGRXJ6yt56V_I_1v2J-SisA6h9s2FBrqUoLu7yzIqFqbFfVU/s1600/bouncy+castle+fun+at+Purdy+Arms+2.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/AVvXsEiIdL-0T08FQxx4u4dRZU0GrKDVvLQkp76c_T8anHqj-mME8914mdhmhDnVYvsN-JoqgDocRT1fnfmTgwjhe2okFkUfGiecGRXJ6yt56V_I_1v2J-SisA6h9s2FBrqUoLu7yzIqFqbFfVU/s1600/bouncy+castle+fun+at+Purdy+Arms+2.JPG" height="149" width="200" /></a>Afterwards we checked out restaurant in Karen we had not been to before - Purdy Arms. We ended up spending a good portion of the afternoon there since they had lots of entertainment for the kids - including bouncing castles and even make-your-own pizza. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXt6Xn14ndwqDqTXTR8gTlivkEaC1n-w2JYOFppiNJH5JtQ1Uw3HZkw77uz9A5ahZNUQ9_uWUtvybd_9HV1YP4A6v4Sq_l5EEJ982TauEvWgY_dsAVX86J7i9qU9wzUuTozaWf4zVuIS4/s1600/archery+at+purdy+arms.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/AVvXsEgXt6Xn14ndwqDqTXTR8gTlivkEaC1n-w2JYOFppiNJH5JtQ1Uw3HZkw77uz9A5ahZNUQ9_uWUtvybd_9HV1YP4A6v4Sq_l5EEJ982TauEvWgY_dsAVX86J7i9qU9wzUuTozaWf4zVuIS4/s1600/archery+at+purdy+arms.JPG" height="149" width="200" /></a><br />
For the grown-ups there was a market for Rhonda and I tried out archery for the first time since summer camp in the 80's, kind of random but fun.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYYwdfUncHfUFyvHQjCM1Wxu7TYOK-MB9KakgIEWMRj7ona_VsFPvDzaZeb4yPI8mTvfdI7s_d5Uk4onCltDtfggI0jl3-o301NzrJ84kudQxzLagdoS8PMEMMHHGC2lA5TIfObPiXwY/s1600/IMG_0183.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/AVvXsEjkYYwdfUncHfUFyvHQjCM1Wxu7TYOK-MB9KakgIEWMRj7ona_VsFPvDzaZeb4yPI8mTvfdI7s_d5Uk4onCltDtfggI0jl3-o301NzrJ84kudQxzLagdoS8PMEMMHHGC2lA5TIfObPiXwY/s1600/IMG_0183.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>Next stop was a place in Nairobi National Park we had not visited before - the Animal Orphanage. I was ready to head home but Matthew was determined to see cheetahs one last time. It did not disappoint as there was at least 6 cheetahs and a multitude of lions and hyenas and even a leopard.<br />
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Today (Sunday) we spent at a fair, doing some packing, delivering stuff to people who bought household items from us, and visiting some friends for dinner. A great way to end our time in Kenya!<br />
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Next stop Europe for a couple of weeks and then back to Nyack...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7w2Egod-wS4mz6C8UX4ckHn-Nlhj90xcTIpC5n4y98UwO0Jp3yWseW4V7gItlAql0pAPukOIKBBTjoYyWG2PS67QlsY2qZCzFvPaGJPlHk_LtyKPuzkFqiGrxfZ5yf-y_af9Ss8tXmKI/s1600/upper+nyack+aerial+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7w2Egod-wS4mz6C8UX4ckHn-Nlhj90xcTIpC5n4y98UwO0Jp3yWseW4V7gItlAql0pAPukOIKBBTjoYyWG2PS67QlsY2qZCzFvPaGJPlHk_LtyKPuzkFqiGrxfZ5yf-y_af9Ss8tXmKI/s1600/upper+nyack+aerial+shot.jpg" height="222" width="400" /></a></div>
Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921757348227011616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107392000132791871.post-67437880525554112862014-06-18T13:11:00.000-04:002014-06-18T15:09:54.876-04:00Today was packing day but something strange...happened to one of the suitcases...<br />
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZRFplg6vKc<br />
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<br />Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921757348227011616noreply@blogger.com1