Chrissi, TEHRAN, IRAN

BlackCat Posted Feb 14, 2011, 2:26 pm	Hello everyone out there, I am Chrissi. I was called like this because of the friend who gave me to my mummy. I was a birthday present and they said: "You can use it for ToyVoyagers, can't you?" So here I am. I really would love to travel the world and show my mummy and her friend Chrissi all my adventures. Please let mummy know when you want to host me. She is waiting for your messages. Love, Chrissi
BlackCat Posted Mar 8, 2011, 6:47 am	Hey, Today I was allowed to go to a concert with my mum. It was a concert of a band of a friend of mummy. The band is called Smokin Aces. And mum can even sing all the lyrics of them. The right guitar guy with the microphone is a friend of mum. It was a lot of fun and I hope I can join mum more often now. Love, Chrissi
BlackCat Posted Mar 8, 2011, 6:57 am	Hello, Today we went to the coal mine complex Zollverein which is an UNESCO WHS. We had a lot of fun while jumping around on an old wheel. Can you see me? No? Here I am! There was a miniature complex as a card. So you were able to see where you are and where you want to go. We made a picture with the tower of coal mine Zollverein. And as we wanted to see the real tower as well, we went there. That was a lot of fun. I really liked it there. Love, Chrissi
BlackCat Posted Mar 8, 2011, 7:15 am	Hey, it was such a nice weather today, that we decided to drive to Witten and have a walk at the Hohenstein. There is a memorial place called Berger-Denkmal. It was built as a memorial for Louis Constans Berger. He was one of the founders of Witten. Here you see the tower, which was built for Louis Constans Berger. You have a really great view over the Ruhr valley from there. Here the tower from the other side. We found an overview map of the view. And then we made a group picture. It was a nice day and I really enjoyed it. Love, Chrissi
BlackCat Posted Mar 10, 2011, 2:57 pm	Hello, today we welcomed a new Voyager here. He is called Droopy and a dog ! Love, Chrissi
BlackCat Posted Mar 10, 2011, 3:12 pm	Hey, today we watched a lot TV. Fabi said something big will happen today and we should watch it. We were all excited and then Fabi told us what we will see live in TV. The last landing of the Discovery. Wow, this is a big thing, isn’t it? They said in TV it is a big step for the space travel in America. So we were all excited. And then they showed the Discovery which was over Florida. Everyone came to watch it. Then they showed how it looks from the Discovery itself. Can you see the clouds? We were all excited. It is coming closer. And then: THE LANDING. It was a nice time in front of the TV. We watched some kind of history. Really cool. Love, Chrissi
BlackCat Posted Mar 10, 2011, 3:27 pm	Hey, today we welcomed Herlinde here. She is a really nice dragon. The photo is not so good, but Fabi promised to make better ones later. Love, Chrissi
BlackCat Posted Mar 29, 2011, 11:59 pm	Today Fabi decided to have a walk with us in Herten. You know, she has the guest Herlinde and she is a dragon. So Fabi wanted to show us another dragon near her hometown Essen. We didn’t know what will be waiting there for us, so we were all excited to meet a dragon. And then we arrived. It was a bridge. A dragon bridge. Wow. Really amazing. What do you think? Love, Chrissi
BlackCat Posted Mar 30, 2011, 12:18 am	Hey, Today we visited castle Hugenpoet. It is a hotel and a restaurant. Fabi wasn’t able to go inside, as there was a big private party, but we had a look at it from the outside. It was really cool. But have a look at the photo. It was a nice day and I hope we will visit a lot more nice places in the future. Love, Chrissi
BlackCat Posted Mar 30, 2011, 12:09 pm	Hey, today we met some famous persons. I was so excited. Fabi said we will go to Madame Tussauds and that there are a lot famous persons. We weren’t able to make much photos, as it was so crowded there, but we made two group pictures. Here we go. First we met Anne Frank. Her diary of the Second World War was published. Every child here in Germany reads it in school, normally. Did you read the book? Later Fabi said she will be a politician now. We were all excited and asked to join her. So she allowed us and we did. We had a speech with Angela Merkel, the chancellor of Germany. It was really great there. I really wish I could have seen more. Love, Chrissi
BlackCat Posted Mar 30, 2011, 1:31 pm	Hey, This photo is from the Berlin cathedral. The Berlin Cathedral had never been a cathedral in the actual sense of that term since it has never been the seat of a bishop. Right from it you can see the “Alex”. The television tower of Berlin. That was a long walk and a long day was over then. We were all tired when we came back to the hotel. So we slept really fast. Love, Chrissi
BlackCat Posted Mar 31, 2011, 5:03 pm	Hey, So this is the last update for our Berlin holidays. Fabi bought some souvenirs today which she wanted to share with you. You know in Berlin they have a Ritter Sport chocolate shop. Fabi was in there and got all crazy. She bought a 2kg “surprise” bag with a mix of chocolate inside. And now we want to share with you what was inside the 2kg bag. And no: She doesn’t keep it all for herself. Some of the chocolate will be send away to friends and others will be eaten by her brother or her boyfriend. So she won’t eat 2kg of chocolate all alone. So that was our Berlin holidays. I hope you like the pictures and enjoyed it as much as I did. Love, Chrissi
miapearl Posted Jun 2, 2011, 11:56 am	Hallo Mummy, I have arrived safe and sound Miss you and will write soon (and so will my host!).
miapearl Posted Jun 10, 2011, 9:07 pm	Hello Mum, Guess what Mum! I've met two ladybirds with 2 spots on this currant bush down the allotment. My host is growing peas here. There are also potatoes, cauliflowers and more fruit plants. And parsnips, more potatoes, and garlic. And broad beans and onions
miapearl Posted Jun 10, 2011, 9:21 pm	Hello Mum! Today we went shopping! My host's son came with us and helped with the photos. This shop sells all sorts of things! Things in black and white! Blankets! Dog leads and bowls... Colourful wrapping paper... Gift bags! Dressing up costumes! Toiletries!
miapearl Posted Jun 20, 2011, 10:19 am	Hello Mum, We went to my host's mum's place for part of the half-term holiday. It was too hot to do much, not even to help my host and her family with the weeding!
miapearl Posted Jun 20, 2011, 11:00 am	Hello Mum, It was time to head back to Wales but first, we stopped off at the Science Adventure Park, Magna. Magna is set in an old steel works. First stop inside was down to the water section. OK, this looks more like air, but it is in the water section! A whirlpool, and a water-raising complex. Water power! I didn't want to get wet so stayed at a distance. A water shooting target game. This looks like fun. Raising Water! Next stop was Fire! A heat engine A four-stroke engine. The middle bits are back. My host turns the wheel and the middle bits come forward and the outer bits go back! The fire tornado exhibit is hot! Lighting isn't good in here. Next stop was the main section where the steel was made. There was a talk and a reconstruction of how steel was made. They used an arc-furnace thing. It was noisy! Next stop was Air. This is an air tornado. They had a vortex game thing. Do you see the ball? Final stop was Earth. There were wheelbarrows to move "rocks" to the sorters. This is a hydraulic pump and cylinder. Time flies.... The centre is closing so we'd better go now....
miapearl Posted Jun 20, 2011, 11:38 am	We got back to a pile of post, including a parcel. We welcomed a new visitor Gwennie
miapearl Posted Jun 20, 2011, 12:52 pm	Hi Mum! Today looks to be a nice day. My host decides to take some of us on a bus. When we get there, her stomach rumbles to she goes to a nice cafe for lunch. As soon as she walks out of the door after lunch, it starts to rain. No matter, we head to somewhere dry. This is the base station for the Snowdon Mountain Railway, in Llanberis. This train will be going up Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales. It isn't a very big train. It has to wait until another train arrives. Can you see it coming? Look at the engine! The rain clears but it is time to head home. I hope we don't have very long to wait for the bus!
miapearl Posted Jun 23, 2011, 3:44 pm	Hi Mum, The weather cleared up and we have gone to the allotment. Cauliflower! Can you see the strawbrry hiding in the herbs? Peas!
miapearl Posted Jun 27, 2011, 7:52 pm	Hi Mum, We are on our way up Snowdon by train. My host grabbed a seat by the window looking backwards Oh dear, I think we'll have our heads in the clouds. We reached the top. There is a visitor centre with cafe and facilities. The train leaves in 30 mins but we have time to reach the actual top. Visibility isn't that good. We climbed up to the top. 1085m high! It was windy and my host wasn't patient enough to take a good photo. It is almost time for the journey down. We sat on the other side of the carriage. Hebron is one of the little stations. There we are, back in Llanberis. Our engine was called Snowdon but the train has left the platform ready to go onto the other platform to form the next train after Wyddfa departs. There goes the next train up, pushed by the engine called Wyddfa. Our train reversed out and will wait for Wyddfa to go by before coming to the other platform to form the next train up.
miapearl Posted Jul 4, 2011, 11:06 am	Hi Mum, Today, we've been out Geocaching. The co-ordinates are for Llanberis village, near where the second of today's finds was found. The first one we found was in a field. There are clouds over the hills in the background. Poor Gwennie, the wind blew her off and those nettles must sting. A nice view down Lake Padarn. Today, I don't think they'd see much from the top of Snowdon. This is a sneaky Geocache.
miapearl Posted Jul 4, 2011, 11:15 am	Today, a new visitor arrived. Welcome Lupus-Tigger.
miapearl Posted Jul 8, 2011, 8:32 pm	Hi Mum, Today, we went somewhere by bus. We went to Bangor. We got off at the top of this hill but the shop is on the road at the bottom of the hill. Look at those clouds, and some of Snowdonia's hills and mountains.
miapearl Posted Jul 8, 2011, 8:43 pm	Hi Mum, My host collected lots of redcurrants from the currant bushes in her back garden. There were too many to eat, so she found a recipe in a book to make sorbet. First, my host washed the currants and then weighed them. They were then boiled for a couple of minutes in a small amount of water. Then, she added some honey and whipped cream before pouring it into a container before freezing. She stirred it a few times before letting it freeze properly.
miapearl Posted Jul 18, 2011, 10:49 pm	Ooo a Parcel.... Whose voice can I hear calling? Hello Bobi
miapearl Posted Jul 29, 2011, 2:50 pm	Hello Mum, Today is a beautiful day and we've come to the local agricultural show just outside Caernarfon. The first place we visited was the poultry tent. Look at all these different eggs. They had many chickens on display... This one is a prize winner! And so is this one. They had ducks and geese too. Afterwards, we check out the crafts tent. Look at these scrummy things. Look at those cakes.... Outside, there were some old tractors. I can't reach the steering wheel. Another old tractor. They also had different kinds of sheep. Baa!
miapearl Posted Jul 29, 2011, 6:19 pm	Today my host was dropped off in Chester (her husband, son and son's friend went to an outdoor adventure park). The traffic was bad because it was race day. Chester hosts horseracing on the flat. The first race is underway. The horses are racing on the far side of the course (barely visible in this photo). My host didn't come to Chester for the races (she didn't know it was on). We went for a walk around the city walls. Chester lies on the River Dee. This part of the wall was home to the Round Tower.... near the Old Dee Bridge. The stone weir was built in the 11th century, providing water power. we see boats taking people on river trips. The weir looks quite impressive. Chester was around in Roman times. This is the Roman gardens. This is perhaps the most recognised place in Chester, the Eastgate Clock. Down below, there are the shops. The city is busy today. Further round the wall, we come to the bit overlooking the canal. Another gate. Can you see the fountains on the roundabout? We've finished our tour of the city walls and have come back to the racecourse. A race will be starting soon and the horses are going down to the start. Here they come racing... Who is going to win? A horse with 4 legs and a jockey on board! The black and white buildings are another character of Chester. Can you see a bit of Chester's cathedral? There's the clock again.. And it is time to make our way to the meeting point to get picked up and taken home!
miapearl Posted Aug 3, 2011, 1:27 pm	Hi Mum, Today, my host and her husband decided to go for a walk along some of the Anglesey coastal path. We are on the north side of the island. This is the old brickworks at Porth Wen, and made silica bricks for the steel industry. We didn't go further down, but my host's husband did. Back up to the coastal path, we passed quite a few people. This is an old lookout at Dinas Gynfor. Can you see the path on the hill over there? That's the route we'll be taking. This is Porth Llanlleiana, another relic of Anglesey's industrial past. A long way down and then a long way up the other hill! Taking a breather! This is the church of Saint Badrig. A panorama. This is a nice beach, Porth Badrig. Nearly at the end of the walk. Pleasant day out, apart from my little legs aching!
miapearl Posted Aug 3, 2011, 2:10 pm	Hi Mum, Last week, my host took us into town. Look what we saw in the Castle... It looks like a Tardis... We didn't have time to go to the castle that day.... But today, we do have time... Can you see it? The Doctor Who television series is made (produced) in Wales. The Tardis is visiting some historic places in Wales. Time for a look round the castle. Up to one of the towers we came.. The river is the Seiont and comes from Padarn Lake (that's in Llanberis). That's the dais where Prince Charles was crowned the Prince of Wales in 1969. Another tower climbed... Back at ground level for a rest.. The Queen's Tower.. Spiral staircase at the bottom of one of the towers but our little leggies are tired . Time for a rest! Cannons! And then back to the Tardis for one last look...
miapearl Posted Aug 3, 2011, 2:46 pm	We have come to my host's mum's house! There are lots of ants in the garden. This book says that ants don't like crossing chalk! There's an ant... It still is in the same section... Hmm, it has escaped. The ants we've watched seem quite happy to cross the chalk. Back to the drawing board.
miapearl Posted Aug 3, 2011, 3:06 pm	Hi Mum, Do you know where I am? I am lost in the maze in maize. There is a quiz sheet and questions but the answerboards are hidden throughout the maze. On the board there is a letter. When all the answers have been found, these letters make up the answer to another question. My host has obscured the letters. The theme of this maze is the rainforest. With questions on rainforest creatures... What is a Chlamydosaurus? That looks cute... There's another bridge so we can look across the ma(i)ze. And a bench at the eye to rest...
miapearl Posted Aug 10, 2011, 3:21 pm	Today there is a little country fayre at Whaplode Drove, a few miles from where we are staying. There are vintage cars and little trains on show. And other vintage things. Not so vintage is this jelly! These jellies will be thrown and hopefully caught! Yay! Looks like quite a bit was caught there. The reason for all that Jelly - the World Jelly-Throwing Championship
miapearl Posted Aug 10, 2011, 5:14 pm	Hi Mum, On our way back home to Wales, we stopped off in Nottingham. A shop my host wanted to go to was closed, and the caves her husband wanted to see were also closed. Instead, we had a brief wander around. Could that be Robin Hood? Back in the centre, there was something unexpected. A beach! They also had a mini funfair, and a permanent water feature. They also have trams.
miapearl Posted Aug 25, 2011, 12:59 pm	The weather hasn't been all that great so we've stayed indoors. Tomorrow, the weather may be good enough to go out somewhere
miapearl Posted Aug 25, 2011, 1:36 pm	Hi Mum, We've come out today to Spaceport, in Seacombe on the Wirral. Here, I am learning about our Moon. and our planet. The position of the earth and moon can be changed to show the different phases of the moon. This is a model of Beagle 2, the mission to Mars that unfortunately got lost. There was a table with Star Wars replicas. Yoda I met. And R2D2. Upstairs, they had a Wallace and Gromit exhibition. This rocket is from A Grand Day Out. Curse of the Were-Rabbit. A Close Shave An Aardman rocket. We could get our hands on modelling clay. What is that? What are these we've created? Cosmic communication - anyone out there? I've had a grand day out!
miapearl Posted Sep 17, 2011, 12:16 pm	Hi Mum, After going to Spaceport, we went for a drive on the Wirral. We came to West Kirby. The tide was out and we started walking to the little islands. I'm at the little island. The view back to the mainland. This is the middle island. Can you see the mainland through the gap? It seems a long way out. That building is on the third island, Hilbre but we didn't make it that far. It was getting late and we had a long walk back to the mainland.
miapearl Posted Sep 23, 2011, 7:21 pm	Hello Mum, Today, we went to the Sea Zoo on the Isle of Anglesey. These fish swim too fast to get photographed clearly. This is a starfish. These are flatfish. More fish! Sea anemones and things. Sea anemones can be quite pretty. A happy fish? There are seahorses somewhere in the picture. More sea anemones This is a board for visitors to draw their favourite sea creatures. The big aquarium has spiny crabs, and more fish.
miapearl Posted Sep 23, 2011, 9:33 pm	What have we here in this box? Hello Jellybean
miapearl Posted Oct 3, 2011, 11:16 am	Hello Mum, My host took us out for a bus ride or two. We sat on the top deck at the front of the bus. The weather looks a bit grim. It is a bit of a bumpy ride.
miapearl Posted Oct 3, 2011, 11:30 am	Hello Mum, Today, we went to the allotment. My host has a new pond on her plot. The bees like these blue flowers. What is my host going to do with those pumpkins? Doesn't this green broccoli/calabrese look yummy?
miapearl Posted Oct 3, 2011, 12:42 pm	Hello Mum, I'm excited to be travelling again to pastures new... I hope the journey isn't too long...
Leslie Posted Oct 23, 2011, 4:53 pm	Hello mum! I arrived in Chile safe and sound! Thankfully the joruney wasn't as long as I thought it would be! I was welcomed by four very nice toyvoyagers who are staying here at the moment, they are Timothy III., Fiona Yenien, Petunia and Sweet Mimi. I gave Leslie the postcard I brought her, she loved it! I can't wait to start exploring around! See you! Chrissi
Leslie Posted Oct 26, 2011, 11:30 pm	Hi mum, how are you? Today we went to the city centre, which I found out isn't very big, in fact not big at all! I saw pretty much all there is to see. This is the main square of the city. This monument shows Mapuches (chilean aborigins) with drums and spears and spanish conquerors with rifles and other guns It's the most important monument in Temuco. Right next to the square is one of the tallest buildings of the city and the main church. Outside of the church there were a lot of priests! I wonder what they were up to! Maybe they heard there are toyvoyagers in town and wanted to see us!  Back at home I ate digüeñes. They're orange little mushrooms that grow on some trees in this time of the year! I ate them with vinegar and coriander They're yummy, you should try them! It's very warm here now, it's spring! Good thing that I scaped from the european winter to the warm south hemisphere! ha!  Kisses Chrissi
Leslie Posted Nov 2, 2011, 10:02 pm	Hey mum! We came to relax to Leslie's summerhouse for the long weekend! It's in a small fishing village called Queule which is surrounded by beautiful hills and beaches! This is the view from the balcony! Very nice isn't it? You can see the whole river mouth of Queule river and back there is the ocean! In the garden there were many plants, but I'd never seen this one! It's called nalca (Chilean rhubarb) and it's very big! Leslie told me that some people eat their stems with salt! But she didn't let me try it, she said she wouldn´t break her plants' stems.  The nalca was surrounded by some very nice forget-me-nots. These are the flowers of a plant called chilco. They're the hummingbirds' favourite meal! Then after lunch we decided to go to the beach! To get there you have to walk for about 40 minutes up and down the hill! So we started walking! Can you guess the name of this rock? A clue, it's the king of the jungle ...king of the jungle with some trees on his back! This is the beach we were walking to! It's called Ronca beach. The word ronca means "snore" and the beach is called like that because of the loud sound of its waves! They really do sound loud! We went down to beach and walked next to the sea foam and the waves  Bobi smelled this seaweed from far away so we came to see it! It's called cochayuyo and guess what, it's edible! Although it didn't smell very inviting to say the less...  See what the wind has done to the trees in front of the sea!! Leslie told me there was a fire in this forest some years ago... but as you can see nature is recovering nicely  There are many burnt tree trunks still standing. What a cool day!  See you! Chrissi
Leslie Posted Nov 7, 2011, 2:59 pm	Hi mum and everyone else! Today after lunch we went down to the waterfront to see the old wooden docks and the fishing boats from closer! None of them had brought fish recently so we didn't really see any "action" or crazy seagulls fighting over the guts! Then we went to a view point called "el tope" from where you can see the whole peninsula and see the vultures flying right in front of your nose! Do you like the view? Here, behind me is Los pinos island. The beach is called La herradura (the horseshoe) because of its shape and it's 9 kilometers long!  I wonder how many blisters I'd get in my foot if I walked along it!? This is almost the whole town of Queule, see? it's quite small. After about half an hour of walking up and down the hills we got to "agua de las niñas" beach, which means "water of the girls" in Spanish, what a weird name! I think its called like that because of the shallow depth of the ocean here, which makes it very safe for kids. Bobi and I took a well deserved rest on this rock Nearby there was a big rock full of holes everywhere! Do you know what might have caused them? Maybe the aliens! ...or just the erosion.  Nah! I'll go for the aliens! Aahh how nice!  A little later we moved to one of the hills nearby to eat some of our halloween treats watching the beautiful view! If you ask me, it was a perfect moment!  And later on we walked back to the summerhouse. What a nice day!  See you, mum! Love, Chrissi
Leslie Posted Nov 17, 2011, 9:38 pm	Hello! Today I visited the most important hill in Temuco, Ñielol hill. By the way, I like the way the "Ñ" letter sounds, it's somewhat between N and I Some people say that Ñielol hill is an extinct volcano I hope it isn't, because I would not like to see it active since it's right next to the city! We went up (by car - we were feeling a little lazy) to the main viewpoint from where we could see a big part of Temuco! A little close there were this four very tall Mapuche totems!  They are called "chemamulls" In the middle there is a "canelo" tree, a sacred tree for Mapuche people.  Near there was a poor fallen one, he was too old and was kind of rotten  Then we moved to a lower viewpoint from where we could see a little more of the city to the west. Do you see the closest roof? That's a small natural museum In the museum there was an embalmed condor! It is the national bird of Chile and also the largest flying bird in the world!! It has a wingspan of about 3.2 m (10.5 ft) and can live up to 100 years! What an amazing bird! This is a south american rodent called Coipo, it's like a mix between a beaver and a rat, a giant rat Nice teeth! This is a map of the 9th region of Chile, "La Araucanía" which where I am now. I learned that just in La Araucanía there are 7 volcanoes! And in Chile, more than 2,900!!! which is the 15% of all the volcanoes in the world Here I am inside of a "piñón" which contains hundreds of seeds of Araucaria tree (monkey puzzle), the national tree of Chile  This guy's look gave me chills! I hope you're having a good time! See you mum! Chrissi
Leslie Posted Nov 20, 2011, 12:53 pm	Happy birthday mum!! And if it's your birthday... it's mine too!! The guys here had me a surprise party with hats and cake It was a wonderful day! I hope you had a great day too! Lots of love, Chrissi
Leslie Posted Nov 25, 2011, 12:01 pm	Hi mum! How are you? We came to a city 6 hours south called Puerto Montt, but for a very short time and even though Leslie didn't have much free time to take us out, we managed to go on a little tour through the waterfront from the centre to the famous Angelmó port The sea breeze felt lovely on my face! This very big and famous monument is called "sentados frente al mar" (sitting by the sea). They even have their own song!! This is Angelmó, an international port where turists from all over the world rive in their fancy cruises to taste typical chilean sea food and fishermen and big ships come and go In the restaurant galleries and could see panoramic views of the harbour This sea lion seemed almost trained! He didn't stop posing and swimming around for us! There were some very old looking fishing boats! Right there in the Angelmó port there is a big craft market I'd like to have one of these beanies in my size I wonder how would I look? These three guys weren't so handsome but they were friendly enough to let me take a photo with them! I found these mysterious Moais from Easter Island on a shelf! These jewels are made of a rare semi precious stone called Lapislazuli that is only found in Chile and Afghanistan This nice couple lent me a woollen beanie How do I look?? Late at night we went up to a viewpoint to see the light of the city! Very nice!  ...And the next day we came back to Temuco. It was a good trip! A warm hug! Chrissi
Leslie Posted Dec 8, 2011, 4:17 am	Hi mum! How are you? I know it's been a long time... sorry about that! We were on a trip, a very nice trip! But you'll see photos of that later, now I want to show you a trip we made to the Andes mountain range and a small town called Lonquimay the other day On the drive we stopped more than a few times to admire the beautiful landscapes by the road, so we took quite long to get to the mountain range But that's what trips are for, aren't they? This bridge is very very old! But don't worry, I didn't cross it! I'm standing here on a new bridge built next to the old one I really liked these high mountains as a background! Look mum! A suspension bridge! And I was brave enough to cross it! Aren't you proud? It moved a lot and it was somewhat scary, but I'm sure it wasn't me the one who moved it the most! After all I'm quite fit and my weight isn't enough to move such a thing! I think it was Leslie who did little earthquakes in every step This is beautiful waterfall is called "princess' waterfall" I think it's amazing how so much water falls and falls and doesn't run out! I would like to swim here, but the water was really freezing! ...Another river... As you can see there are a lot of rivers coming from the mountain range to the ocean in this zone... a lot. There were thousands of lupines by the road! Some were pink, purple, yellow and some even blue! Here we started going up the Andes mountain range! Even though it's spring, up here it still seemed like winter! The view was amazing! And I should mention as well that it was rather freezing! We kept going up and up until we found snow! So we went to play!! But just for a short time... none of us wanted to catch a cold! Everytime Leslie stopped to take pictures we would run back to the snow We found what looked like a baby Araucaria and went running to climb it, but Leslie said that this one must be about 50 years old or more! So I guess these ones must be about a thousand years old! After crossing a part of the mountain range we got to Lonquimay! There was nothing interesting as it a small town, but in the main square I found these two nice sculptures of Mapuche people We were very close to the border with Argentina! These signs say Argentina to the left and Chile to the right! I would have liked to turn left and take a sneak peek in Argentina, but for that we would have to cross the entire Andes mountain range... so we just turned right and started returning home. On the road back to Temuco we crossed the longest tunnel in South America! Túnel las Raices - The Roots Tunnel. It's 4,527 meters long! There was a moment when we could see nothing at all! The entrance had already dissapeared and we still couldn't see the end! It was a fantastic day! Many hugs from the sunny Chile! Your Chrissi
Leslie Posted Dec 14, 2011, 2:32 pm	Hi mum and everybody else! Days here have been sunny and the temperatures raising quite fast, bordering the 30ºC these last days. I hope you are not freezing yourself back at home mum! I would like to send you some chilean warmth if I could! On one of those very rare cloudy days we went to a small town called Puerto Domínguez on the shore of Lake Budi, the only salt water lake in South America! There were big sculptures of mapuche people, like this guy riding a horse... Back there, behind the big fisherman, you can see the lake! This is it! Lake Budi, the only salt water lake in South America There was a lovely family of black necked swans swimming around! They had 7 babies, but most of them were resting under their parents' warm wings A little later we went up to a small cemetery with a nice view to the lake Many many old and not so old tombs had one of Leslie's lastnames written (she has 2), she told me it is because she's descendant of the Spanish guys who came to conquer this area back in the colonial times Now the sun is shining outside so me and the others are going to go out to play Many hugs! Chrissi
Leslie Posted Dec 20, 2011, 7:43 pm	Hello! Today we went to the main craftmarket of Temuco to see some Mapuche handicrafts. There were many strange musical instruments, clothes and souvenirs... I liked these "kultrún", mapuche drums covered with leather These are "trapelakuchas", jewel pieces made of silver worn only by mapuche women who have important ranges in their community. They are very heavy! There were also many lovely mapuche ladies Then we went to a shopping centre and saw a magnificent giant christmas tree! The whole place had christmas decoration and they were playing christmas carols in spanish, it was a lovely atmosphere! When we came back home we sat in front of the christmas tree to admire the lights listening to christmas carols It's really nice! I hope you're having a good christmas season mum! Love, Chrissi
Leslie Posted Dec 23, 2011, 3:48 am	Hohoho! Today we were at home doing nothing productive... Fiona, Bobi and Petunia were folding origami animals while Sweet Mimi and I were reading a book... ...When we heard someone coming! It was Pato wearing a Santa costume and bringing something! It was a christmas tree and a bag of presents! But he didn't bring any decoration for the tree... so I thought of something... Petunia, Fiona and I went to the big tree to stea... I mean borrow some. Petunia made her way up to the lower branches climbing some presents, where she could take off some bells  Then she would give them to me, and I to Fiona. When we had enough for our tree we walked back, trying not to leave evidence behind! The others were certainly happy to see our load! We hung the decorations on the tree while Pato was singing christmas carols to cheer us When we were done, we added just a little details. Fiona hung a bell on the wall, Leslie gave us a little manger to place under the tree, and I found a Santa figure that Zandy sent us! And here it is!! Our own christmas tree! I can't wait until christmas! I wonder what's inside Pato's bag!
Leslie Posted Dec 23, 2011, 2:44 pm	Woohoo! I was chosen the voyager of the week! Here they tell about my journey and everything I've seen and done! I'm so proud! Chrissi
Leslie Posted Dec 28, 2011, 4:03 pm	Hohoho! Merry Christmas from a 30ºC christmas day! On Christmas eve, in the afternoon we had a lovely dinner with the family, the sun was still shining outside as you can see, since it's one of the longest days in the year! Then, when we were done eating, we went to check our tree to see if Santa had passed, and yes! There were presents under our tree! We euphorically opened them...! There were candies and chocolate for everyone! And we enjoyed them until we could eat no more! I hope you had a beautiful christmas too mum! Warm hugs! Chrissi
Leslie Posted Jan 4, 2012, 1:18 am	HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL THE TOYVOYAGERS AND THEIR FAMILIES and of couse, my mum ! We came to celebrate to the beautiful fishing village of Queule once again On the evening of the 31st we made a BBQ with longanizas But as a good vegetarian zebra, I was more into the peas and tomatoes At midnight it was time for "3... 2... 1...!!" As you can see we had a very good time and we stayed up late in the deck watching little fireworks and people playing with sparklers. Our neighbors had good loud music, so we also danced a little The next day when we woke up (which wasn't precisely early...) the sun was shining and the sky was all blue so Pato and I went to the valcony to see the nice view and breathe some fresh sea breeze The plants in the garden were green and nice, ideal for resting in the shadow of their their leaves Later after lunch we walked to one of the beaches nearby, well, not so near, about 40 minutes walking up and down the hills But I have no problem with walking, it's good excersise to prepare my body for the beach season We all rathered playing in the sand than swimming, so after a little while the game was in action! Mimi, Petunia and I were the trapped ladies locked by a dragon while brave Bobi and Fiona came to rescue us crossing the dangerous suspension bridge! And later we walked back home... And that was it, a very nice day! I wish you and everyone back at home a very happy 2012 mum! And as they say in spanish... FELÍZ AÑO NUEVO! Chrissi
Leslie Posted Jan 11, 2012, 1:45 pm	Hi! We started a journey to northern lands We slept on a bus for 8 hours and woke up in Santiago, the capital of Chile! But we didn't see anything there because we got off the bus and inmediately got into another one to keep going north Another 7 hours north! Here we are leaving Santiago at 8 am... As you can see the hills near Santiago have different vegetation than back south in Temuco... it starts getting more desertic, there is less vegetation here and you can even see some cactus! Then, after about 4 hours on the second bus we started seeing the sea! The bus made a stop to stretch everyone's legs in a little Town called Los Vilos. There was literally nothing to see there but one single cactus, so Leslie, desperate to get me good photos, made me sit on it and smile and pose!!! With my butt full of little red dots we went back to the bus and it started moving again... By the road there was an enormous eolic park with thousands of giantic eolic windmills spinning, some fast, some slow. They were really nice to watch! From time to time the seashore would hide for a while and we would only see this out the window... And finally after a total of 15 hours on buses, we got to La Serena! Mum, don't surprised if you find my butt a little flat when I come back home... This is why. But traveling is never a pain, so as soon as we got there we left our baggage in the hostal and started walking a long long street that leads to the bech There were many monuments along, but I specially found this one interesting, they are 2 condors (the national bird, remember?) hunting a poor rabbit! I hope Sweet Mimi didn't see it Then there were no more sculptures but road, just many blocks of road to the beach... surrounded by nice palm trees. And then, finally, after walking about 18 blocks we got to the beach! we were starting to feel tired but as soon as we saw the sea, it took all our tiredness away! The first thing you see when you get to the beach is a nice lighthouse which is the most known icon of La Serena We stayed here the whole afternoon relaxing after so much traveling and walking... You'll see more La Serena soon mum, and so will I Love from Chile
Leslie Posted Jan 19, 2012, 12:51 am	Hi mum! Another sunny day here in La Serena! In fact most of the days are sunny here and fantastically it only rains a few days a year! In the morning ("morning" in holidays never means earlier than 9 am here ...) we went walking to the centre, wich is just a few block away from our hostal and we found this beautiful church called Santo Domingo which was built in the year 1700 and something... It has a very beautiful dome, doesn't it?! Inside it was cold and they had nice music playing which gave a nice and calm feeling Outside the church there was a garden with beautiful flowers! Just across the street we found the main square and next to it there was this big cathedral, Catedral de la Serena. It was built around the 1800s and it's the biggest and main cathedral of the city. ...We went in, and were lucky to find it almost empty because there was a big "no photos" sign I didn't mean to be disrespectful but such a nice construction must be photographed, right? Next to us there was another tourist with his camera under his jacket, taking photos whenever he thought no one was looking! of course he never imagined there was a little toyvoyager zebra watching him from between the big pillars! haha! In the walls there were many images of different religious people. This one showing Jesus was one of the most important ones. Then we went out to the street again... Haven't I told you mum that in La Serena most of the constructions keep a colonial style? In the centre, for example, they can't build anything bigger than 4 floors height, and most of the contructions have tile roofs Anyway, we were walking in the street and found quite a nice building, but it belonged to some court or something like that so we were just trying to sneak near the door, but a nice guard found us and invited us inside to take photos! Inside the building there was a beautiful patio! Then out in the street again we found this cool tile bench where we sat to rest for a while I was distracted looking around and talking with the others when Leslie got us all into a cab... ...And somehow we ended up in a little gym watching an Easter Island dance! Which was a little like this. Very cool! What a day! Love from the sunny Chile Bye bye!
Leslie Posted Jan 30, 2012, 5:55 am	Hi mum! how are you?? Today we went to visit the japanese garden of La Serena! We were so lucky... when we arrived there was no one but us! So no weird looks or staring people who always seem surpsised to see toyvoyagers running around the place I mean, no one but us and some animals The first birds I saw were these black necked swans and one just black. Then we all climbed this sculpture, which looked like a building with toyvoyager-sized flats! What a nice view from up here! Petunia and I agreed that this is perfect as a toyvoyager house! Can you get me one like this mum? There was also a nice fountain nearby And some culture at the end I really liked the place and all the beautiful constructions! See you soon mum! Bye
Leslie Posted Feb 13, 2012, 11:58 pm	Hi mum! The photos you're going to see now are from the day we went to Coquimbo, a city next to La Serena, literally, like 10 minutes away First we walked through the coast where all the fishing boats were... back there you can see the desertic hills! Then we went up to the highest point in the city. Here I am at the feet of the Third Millenium Cross, a giant monuent - view point inagurated by John Paul II in 2000 Do you see the little windows in the "arms" of the cross?? Well that is the viewpoint! We went up by an elevator... And this is the wonderful view from up there!! You can see the whole city of Coquimbo and its gulf And back there you can also see La Serena city. Under the cross there was a small cathedral and a religious museum but we weren't allowed to take pictures inside grrr... I saw some of John Paul's belongings, like clothes, chairs and other things... And I saw Michelangelo's La Pietà! And this I was allowed to take a photo with! After the Cross, we went to a fortress used to fight the pirates back in the day! Look mum! A cactus with a flower!! There were strange rocks around the place... very beautiful! What a nice day, mum! Hope you're enjoying the winter Hugs from the sunny sunny Chile Chrissi
Leslie Posted Feb 18, 2012, 8:18 pm	Hola mamá! ¿Cómo estás? Today I'm going to show you photos of the day we went to the Elqui Valley (valle del elqui). It is the place with the clearest sky in the world! That's why there are many obstervatories around these hills Actually this was already a while ago but I haven't had many time to do updates because we've been traveling quite a lot The valley is crossed along by a river, and can you believe there is a whole town under it!? One day in 1996 the inhabitants of Gualliguaica town were told they had to leave their houses because a dam was going to be built nearby and the next day their whole town was under water! It was rebuilt nearby but there are people still sad about it, specially old people who lived all their lives in their original town...  I feel sorry for them. After about one hour going into the valley we got to its first town, Vicuña This is the main church right by the main square. And this is the old city hall used around 1800 by the mayor and other politicians Now the main room is a museum where you can see pictures of the important guys who used to attend meetings there. I wonder how was this place when they were alive? how were their lives...? I bet they were very different to the traveler life I know so far Then we took another bus to go deeper into the valley to a small town called Pisco Elqui As we went further into the valley it became nicer and nicer! The mountanis were bigger and the fields greener! Mum, this is the place with the clearest sky in the world!! - Astronomers: envy me! And we got to Pisco Elqui! Even though there wasn't much to see there it was a nice place, very in touch with nature... small streets, small houses, many of them made of clay! This is the main church. This is it in the inside Then we went to have lunch to a nice open air restaurant, it was very late for lunch, but when we are traveling we use to forget about eating until we suddenly realize we are starving! hehe There's so much to see that one doesn't really care about trivial stuff like that, right? This is a mix of different hot chilies, called pebre. Next to our table there was a cactus... and guess what ... Leslie made me sit on it! She said her excuse this time was the funny name of this cactus... although I think that's a pretty lame excuse! One of these days I'll put a cactus branch on her seat... let's see if she likes it! Anyway, this is called "mother in law's cushion" (cojín de la suegra) I'm pretty sure that name was made by a mean man! I'll write again soon! Bye! PS: my bum still hurts
Leslie Posted Feb 20, 2012, 4:03 am	Hola mamá! Our days in La Serena came to end, but before we left I climbed a tree to pack some cherries for our 15 hour trip There were plenty of them in our hostel backyard! There were some birds standing on the higher branches staring at me with a face of saying "hey! don't steal our fruits!" but I just ignored them and kept picking There was also a thornless cactus which I liked very much Back in the south we did not stay in Temuco but came to Queule right away to navigate! As you can see the sky wasn't blue but it feels nice to cool down after so many days in the desertic north! The boat had a cool name! And after hours rowing through the river and the sea we were hungry so went to have our meal. At home they were waiting for us with some yummy goldenberry jam   And a goldenberry itself! Kisses from your sailor zebra Chrissi
Leslie Posted Feb 25, 2012, 6:17 pm	There are so many carnivals going on around the world and here we have nothing! It's unfair! ...so we decided to do something about it... Our own carnival!! We weren't quite sure wether to do it the brazilian way, or more venetian... so we decided to do a mix, or own carnival style This is what I gathered for a costume, how do I look? I know it's not as fancy as the ones that the samba dancers wear in Rio, or the elegant costumes from Venice, but it'll do for now Then we all gathered on our colorful costumes to let the party begin! We lit some candles and Ducky, who was wearing a more tropical style, started to play some music so we all started to dance! Then I took the guitar and played some slower melodies Did you know what a talented musician your little zebra is, mum? Our carnival was awesome! At the very level of Venice and Brazil I dare to say What a great day! See you soon mum! Bye bye!
Leslie Posted Mar 1, 2012, 6:52 pm	Hola mum! This is your adventurer zebra reporting from Bolivia! Yay! After more than 50 hours traveling, we got to the highest city in the world, Potosí! Here we are outside the customs office in the middle of the andean plateau at 3.695 m.a.s.l waiting for our turn... At this height you can already feel the lack of oxygen and it was cold and windy but we were all very happy to be there! After we crossed the border we kept going through the plateau... For hours the landscape outside the window was like this, and we could see some aborigins' houses from time to time. There's an unbelievable amount of volcanoes up there!! I had never seen so many and so close to eachother! And then for some more hours the landscape turned more montainous. And after many many hours, we arrived to Potosí! the highest city in the world at 4060 m.a.s.l! As soon as we got to our hotel we dropped our baggage and went out running to explore! Of course, we only run a few meters and realized how much oxygen we were missing and how super tired and extremely exhausted we were feeling, so we just walked from that moment on, which is somewhat awkward for us who are all used to be running and jumping around I learned new things, so I want to teach them to you The first thing we saw was this old church called "Nuestra Señora de la Merced" and it was built in 1555 when the spanish conquered Bolivia and forced the natives to build churches for a God they didn't even believe in... And this is San Lorenzo church The natives were forced to build and build as slaves, and they were so angry to be building churches to God that they decided to add some of their beliefs' elements to the contrsuctions, even if it costed them their lives. Here you can see a sun and a moon in the corners, they represent the sun and moon deities that they worshipped. I admire how brave they were to add these details even if they knew the spanish would kill them for doing it! Then we went back to out hotel to recover some oxygen! Tomorrow, city tour Stay tuned! Love from the highest city in the world! Your explorer zebra, Chrissi
Leslie Posted Mar 7, 2012, 5:50 pm	Hi mum! The sun raises here in Potosí and the city awaits to be discovered! so here we go! The first thing that caught my attention when we started walking were the very narrow streets! The tour guide lady told us it's because they were made for tumbrils in the past! Now it's difficult to drive cars through these streets!! We found a beautiful church, but couldn't take a better photo because the streets are so narrow! Then we made a little stop at the post office where Leslie kept talking about postcards and stamps but I was paying more attention to the old construction Then we came to this viewpoint where we could see a part of the city...  Back there is "cerro rico" (rich hill) that one day contained the mines with most silver in the world! But the tour guide told us it was all taken to Europe and the city was left very poor with no silver left... now they extract some other less important minerals from the hill... This city has a very sad history... Then we kept walking and went to Santa Terera church What a bell tower! And last but not least we went to see the most famous icon of Potosí, that rather ugly face behing me. This is the patio of the goverment palace and that face belongs to a guard that many years ago discovered some fraud going on with the city's money. Do you see how much I've learned mum! And here ended our tour What a day, mum! I'm very happy I got to visit this city, everything here is so different to Chile, and of course, to home! Many hugs and kisses for you! Chrissi
Leslie Posted Mar 16, 2012, 6:39 pm	Hi mum! I know it's been a long time since I updated here... but it's all Leslie's fault! she keps saying she's busy with her studies and all sort of excuses to not help me! But today we hid her books and won't give them back until she helps us update! These photos are from the wonderful, glorious day we visited the biggest salt flat in the world! After our stay in Potosí we took a bus to the town of Uyuni, and the next day we took our so awaited tour! First they took us to the "train cemetery", a place in the middle of nowhere with many many abandoned old trains! ...And then... They took us to the Uyuni salt flat! The world's largest salt flat at 10,582 Km²! We were all so excited to be there! This place is so amazing... and salty We are all very lucky guys, aren't we? Look mum! It's all salt! This is how they extract the salt! First they make these cones and then load them on tracks. Then we had to say good bye to the salt flat, but when we were going back to the Uyuni town we passed through a very small town called Colchani. The houses were all made of rocks and mud! This is so different to everything I had ever seen before, mum! And well, then we returned to Uyuni town and washed all the salt away It was a very amazing day!! Love from Bolivia!
Leslie Posted Mar 31, 2012, 10:30 pm	Hi all! After our stay in Bolivia we came back to Chile through the Atacama desert and started heading to a little town in the middle of it! For hours all we saw out the window was sand... Did you know mum that this is the driest desert in the world!?? And here I am! This is San Pedro de Atacama, the little town in the middle of the desert that I told you about! All houses here are made of clay! We went to a shop to buy some souvenirs... I loved all these musical instruments! Then we heard some music so we started following it and it led us to the main church of the town! Suddenly some louder music started playing and many dancers appeared on the street! It was the carnival of "la virgen de la Candelaria" that had just started! Look at those amazing costumes! wow! How about these!? After a while the dancers were all very tired, you can see it in their faces... they were not jumping as much as when they first started. It was terribly hot that day and I was wearing tons of sunscreen! Well, this is the desert after all! Mum, it was an amazing and unexpected day! We had no idea about the carnival and got here in perfect time! Love! Chrissi
Leslie Posted Apr 7, 2012, 8:00 pm	Hi dear mummy and audience! So, where was I? Oh I remember, San Pedro de Atacama! This was actually quite a while ago, but due to Leslie's laziness (she calls it "studies"...) I'm showing you these photos just now. Here I am in the very middle of the Atacama desert! We took a very cool tour and they made us walk under the hottest sun I've ever felt! But don't worry, I was wearing lots and lots of some powerful sunscreen We walked some meters and got to a high place where we could see the "Death Valley" Can you guess why it's called like that? I certainly would not like to be lost down there... Then they took us in the tour van (which had cooled air, thank goodnes for that!) to another part of the desert, called "Moon Valley", why?, because it looks like the moon! There were some very strange formations on the rocks! Walking through the shadow felt very nice Then we crossed a cave! Mum! I'm in a cave in the Atacama desert! Could you possibly think of a more exotic place to be? The tour guide said we were going to go watch the sun set soon, but first we had to visit one of the most famous spots of the desert! This is it! The "Three Marys". They are called like that because they look like three women praying... well... that's what they say, but to me they just look like fingers, or sausages The tour guide told us that the left one was bigger, but some years ago a tourist climbed on it and broke it! Since then it's forbidden to touch them Then it was time to watch the sunset, so they took us to another part of the Moon Valley! ...The sun setting in the desert! It was really beautiful, all of us were so happy to be there enjoying the view together! What a day, mum! I'm so happy to have added the desert to my list of visited places! I really liked it! Many hugs and kisses! Love, Chrissi!
BlackCat Posted Aug 7, 2012, 2:41 pm	Just to let you know: I am at home ! For a while already. Just didn't have time to update. Love, Chrissi
BlackCat Posted Oct 28, 2012, 2:06 pm	I am alive, I am at home and I am happy.
cocoaby Posted Dec 16, 2013, 9:52 am	Hi, mom! I have arrived in Japan this evening. My host's place is little warm, she said "We have no snow in Yokosuka". Here is Yokosuka with about 400,000 people, located an 1hour south of capital Tokyo by train, it is beautiful seaside city. My host and little toys gave me warm welcome. I'm very excited because Christmas is coming. However, Christmas Day is not a national holiday in Japan. Most people in Japan, not only Christians, They will enjoy Christmas Eve by exchanging presents with family and sweethearts and by eating dinner together. It's more like a festival or commercial event. See you soon! your little Chrissi
cocoaby Posted Dec 22, 2013, 1:05 am	We went to the Yokosuka city museum (Admission free) today! Although that was a small museum, it was enough to see the life of Japanese people's ancient times. I saw the skeleton model of naumanni,Then, we relaxed sitting together on the veranda of the house of the old fisherman. There was a "Irori"(fireplace) in the living room, square place floor, to cause charcoal and firewood on the ashes, also we have warm here, and can cook. Then I saw a textile machine for weaving yarn into a textile, Farming equipment, fishing equipment, and burial mounds. I was able to see beetles and jewel beetle, a beautiful butterfly at the exhibition floor of the organism. If you were not good at insect you should not better see it. shellfish and giant crab was very interesting.
cocoaby Posted Dec 22, 2013, 1:06 am	Today is "Toji"(winter solstice) in Japan. It is the time when the day time is the shortest and the night time is the longest. In Japan we have a custom to bath with "Yuzu"(kind of Japanese citrus) and eat pumpkin on Toji. If you do so, it is said you won't get a cold. In Japan we soak in the warm water (about 40-42 degrees centigrade) to relax every day. There are many kinds of bath powder to enjoy the fragrance or effect. Yuzu is very good smell.
cocoaby Posted Dec 28, 2013, 1:08 am	We looked Japanese calendar. December 23 became a national holiday to celebrate the present Emperor's birthday in 1989. Christmas was originally an annual Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and is a widely observed holiday around the world, but it is not a national holiday in Japan. With best wishes for Merry Christmas.
cocoaby Posted Jan 1, 2014, 1:11 am	Hello mom. New Year holidays start!!! Most businesses shut down from December 28 to January 5 in Japan, and families typically gather to spend the days together. With end of Year coming soon, My host decided to give her room a makeover. So we visited to IKEA that shopping and get idea. IKEA is a furniture store that is very popular in Japan.
cocoaby Posted Jan 1, 2014, 1:33 am	I went to the "Shinyokohama Raumen Museum" . The "Shinyokohama Raumen Museum" is a unique museum about ramen, a very popular Japanese noodle dish which was originally introduced from China. Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum was founded on March 6th, 1994 as the world's first food-themed amusement park. Nine ramen shops are showcased in a street-scape replication from the year 1958, Japan. It was in this year that the world's first instant ramen was invented. We ate ramen finally. Their soup here is a mixture of chicken bone and seafood with a flavor that invokes the essence of the ocean, and the noodles they use are special, medium-fine and wavy. It was so good!
cocoaby Posted Jan 5, 2014, 12:09 am	This is kind of dried fruit called "Korogaki", dried fruit of Kaki(Japanese persimmon), it is one of food of winter.
cocoaby Posted Jan 5, 2014, 12:12 am	This is kind of dried fruit called "Korogaki", dried fruit of Kaki(Japanese persimmon), it is one of food of winter.
cocoaby Posted Jan 5, 2014, 12:19 am	This is "Kagami mochi", it is shaped from rice cake of New Year. "Kagami mochi" literally means "mirror rice cake." It is one of traditional decorations for Japanese New Year, and the name "kagami" came from its resemblance to an old-fashioned copper mirror. This is ornament of "Kagami mochi". That's interesting.
cocoaby Posted Jan 5, 2014, 12:38 am	I ate Japanese noodles eaten on the last day of the year called "Toshikoshi-soba"(New Year's Eve Buckwheat Noodles). Eating buckwheat noodles, and wishing for longevity has remained as one of the good old traditions of the night. The most commonly held explanation for the origin of Toshikoshi-soba is the wish for a "slim but long and healthy life," like buckwheat noodles. Then I ate Sushi and cake. I am stuffed.
cocoaby Posted Jan 5, 2014, 1:31 am	Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu(A Happy New Year) !!! New Year (oshogatsu) is the most important holiday in Japan. Homes and entrance gates are decorated with ornaments made of pine, bamboo and plum trees. Many Japanese decorate the front door of shops, company buildings and houses with a pair of "Kadomatsu" during the New Year holidays. "Kado" means a gate and "Matsu" means a pine tree. "Kadomatsu" is a decoration consisting of bamboo and pine branches and symbolizes longevity and prosperity. It is said that this is the appropriate way to welcome gods. We ate a lot of New Year dishes. Zoni( or Ozoni) is a kind of soup with rice cakes(mochi). Ingredients vary according to each area. Fish paste, black beans, and Chawanmushi. Chawanmushi is cup-steamed egg custard with chicken,  and vegetables. And I ate Sukiyaki. "Sukiyaki" is a Japanese dish in the nabemono (Japanese steam- boat) style. You can see  "Hamaya". Hamaya is an arrow-shaped goodluck charm.  It is said to ward off evil spirits and bring in happiness.  Hamaya is sold at the shrine during the New Year's holidays. Horse is drawn to Ema(votive picture) because 2014 is horse year. May the New Year bring many good things to you !
cocoaby Posted Jan 5, 2014, 4:33 am	I ate "Wagashi". Traditional Japanese confectionery called Wagashi, made from azuki bean paste and fruits, have a delicate sweetness that dissolves in the mouth. Intended to please the eye as much as, they are crafted to reflected the four seasons. Then we enjoyed"Game of Life". It is popular board game.
cocoaby Posted Jan 5, 2014, 8:40 am	We went to Jogashima Island park. I saw "Umanose Doumon", It has been eroded Rock by the sea. It was a strange rock form of 8m height. Then I went to see the Jogashima lighthouse. Jogashima is habitat of kurosagi and Japanese cormorant here. They are black birds, build nests in rock reef wall. Let's expansion! Do you can see they? We found a statue and flower of aloe and narcissuses with a walk in the beach. Narcissus was good sweet smell . You can see Jogashima Island map. I wanted to look for treasures in shattered shells. It was not possible to find unfortunately. We went to Awasaki lighthouse. It was unique lighthouse. There were people who are fishing!
cocoaby Posted Jan 15, 2014, 2:51 am	Hi, mom. Unfortunately, I was not able to go out together weekend because my host was very busy. I'll show you one of Japanese winter food called "nabe (hotpot)". The year's first nabe "Sundubu" is a popular Japanese hotpot with Korean flavours. In this case we used pork, shimeji mushrooms, tofu, and negi. Finally we eat sundubu with cheese and udon noodles. It is easy to warms the body.
cocoaby Posted Jan 22, 2014, 8:01 am	Hello! We came to The Imperial Palace East Gardens, Otemachi of Tokyo by train. The Imperial Palace East Gardens are a part of the inner palace area and are open to the public. They are the former site of Edo Castle's innermost circles of defense, the honmaru (meaning "main circle") and ninomaru (meaning "secondary circle"). None of the main buildings remain today, but the moats, walls, entrance gates and several guard-houses still exist. Edo Castle was the residence of the Tokugawa shogun who ruled Japan from 1603 to 1867. A wide lawn and the remaining foundation of the former castle tower can be found on top of the hill, where the castle's innermost buildings once stood. The castle tower was completed in 1638 as the tallest castle tower in Japan's history. But only a few years later in 1657, it was destroyed by citywide fires and has not been rebuilt ever since. Then,In place of the former buildings in the secondary circle of defense (ninomaru) at the foot of the hill, a nice Japanese style garden has been created. We enjoyed walking through this garden.
cocoaby Posted Jan 23, 2014, 8:43 am	Then we visited the south observatory of Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is often visited by tourists for its free observation decks which provide good panoramic views of Tokyo and beyond. The 243 meter tall building has two towers, and each houses an observatory at a height of 202 meters. It had been the tallest building in Tokyo until it was overtaken by the Midtown Tower in 2007. We can see Mt. Fuji, Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower from the observatories.  We found a couple of ladybug.
cocoaby Posted Jan 23, 2014, 9:16 am	Finally, we came to Tokyo Midtown. Tokyo Midtown is a city within the city in the center of Tokyo's Roppongi district. And, We went to the National Art Center Tokyo. Opened in early 2007, the National Art Center Tokyo is Japan's largest art museum. The museum maintains no permanent collection, but rather provides a venue for various, temporary exhibitions. It is about time we have to go back home. I spent a really good time! Bye for now. your little Chrissi
cocoaby Posted Jan 26, 2014, 5:29 am	Hello! We decided to take it easy at home this weekend. My host bought lunch for us at Kentucky Fried Chicken. We ate "Wafu Katsu Sando"(Japanese style pork cutlet sandwitch) and potato, chiken. Eating has made us sleepy... I'm going to take a nap. See you again.
cocoaby Posted Feb 2, 2014, 4:31 am	Hi there! We came to Kanazawa-bunko station by Keikyu railway take the train for about 10 minutes. We are going to go to Shomyoji temple, I saw the map carefully because my host might get lost.
cocoaby Posted Feb 5, 2014, 1:29 am	We arrived in "Shomyoji". It is said that the foundation period, here we do not know for sure, but to have been founded in 1258 in the tradition. We walked through the Red Gate. Then I came to Deva. There is two Deva king Statue , but we can not to take pictures because covered with net. Beautiful Japanese garden here in an attempt to reproduce the paradise,　There is a pond in front of temple. We were able to enjoy it was a little cold(+7c) and sunny. see you!
cocoaby Posted Feb 5, 2014, 1:45 am	Most people send traditional New Year's postcards called Nengajo. Nengajo are postcards sent as a greeting for the New Year. It is similar to Christmas cards in the West, though there is no religious significance for nengajo. In late January the post office announces the winning numbers in their otoshidama nengajo kuji (New Year's postcard lottery). The nengajo (New Year's postcards) received in the first few days of the year usually come with a lottery number (shown at bottom left of the postcards above), and that number can bring a variety of prizes, 10,000 yen(100 euro or $100) or all the way down to a set of two commemorative stamps. We were hoping that fortune would ensure us a good prize, and although we did win one set of stamps, the better prizes alluded us.
cocoaby Posted Feb 5, 2014, 1:58 am	It is Setsubun! "Setsubun" is a traditional Japanese event, It is meaning the division between two seasons winter and spring. People scatter roasted soybeans inside and outside their homes as they shout "Oniwa-soto! Fukuwa-uchi!" (meaning "Devils go out ! Happiness come in !"). It's customary to eat the same number of beans as one's age.
cocoaby Posted Feb 5, 2014, 2:15 am	Here you'll see a typical dinner of Japan. Rice and miso soup, grilled swordfish, Hijiki(kind of seaweed) salad, Chikuwa(a tube‐shaped fish paste cake) and cabbage braise.
cocoaby Posted Feb 8, 2014, 7:22 am	In the morning, there are quiet and white view it was surprised me. Today is snow in Yokosuka. It is really really rare!!!!! We will try achieving Cassiopeia's one of life missions. We made "Nyanko sensei"(Japanese famous comic character in "Natsume Yujincho") of snow, and we played to write a picture of snow on the ground. It did not last so long. It was too cold(+2c). I come back home to drink hot cocoa.
cocoaby Posted Feb 19, 2014, 8:16 am	The onset of cold weather brought heavy snow across a wide area of Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued the first heavy snowfall warning for central Tokyo in 13 years. We could not go out because we had a record snowfall at weekend. And my host had a bad cold, few days stay in bed. We gave her some good medicine for cold. It is OK now. We will go out this week end. I am looking forward to go out somewhere.
cocoaby Posted Feb 23, 2014, 9:01 am	Hello mom !!! It is sunny and cold(+5c). We visited the Verny park. The heavy snow has melted away. I enjoyed a walk in the park, we found gate, it was builded 100 years ago.
cocoaby Posted Feb 23, 2014, 9:15 am	We came to Yokosuka Station of JR Yokosuka Line. I'm going to go to Kamakura. My host bought me a ticket. Can you see?
cocoaby Posted Feb 26, 2014, 9:04 am	We came to Engakuji in Kamakura. Engakuji is one of the leading Zen temples in Eastern Japan and the No. 2 of Kamakura's five great Zen temples. Engakuji was founded by the ruling regent Hojo Tokimune in 1282. Temple is built into the slopes of Kita-Kamakura's forested hills. The first main structure encountered upon entering the temple grounds is the Sanmon main gate, which dates from 1783. There was rebuilt relatively recently in 1964 after the former building was lost in an earthquake. The temple entrance, which is surrounded by many maple trees, is a particularly popular photo object. Although it is getting warm little bit here in Kamakura, there is still some snow left on places. We found white plum flowers and pink plum flowers. I think spring is approaching. This temple has some national treasure, but can only be seen from a distance during most of the year. Another national treasure found at Engakuji is the temple's large bell (called Ogane). See you soon.
cocoaby Posted Mar 1, 2014, 11:44 pm	We went to Mikasa Park in the afternoon, weather is good too! This place is located 20 minutes from my host home by bicycle. There was a monument called "arch of peace", it is height 18m . Many people admire the sea here, relaxed and lying down on the grass.
cocoaby Posted Mar 2, 2014, 1:00 am	March 3rd is celebrated as the Dolls Festival(or the Girl's Festival) in Japan. It's called "Hina- Matsuri"or "Momo no Sekku(Peach festival)". It's the day to pray for healthy growth and happiness for young girls. Most families with girls display dolls called "Hina-ningyo". People began displaying dolls in the Edo period(about 18 century). The dolls depict the imperial court of old. They are dressed in beautiful ancient court costumes(the Heian period 794-1185). People display graceful dolls in ancient court costumes on a tier of 5 or 7 shelves covered with scarlet cloth. These dolls represent the Emperor and Empress, the court ladies, the ministers and the court musicians. I think dolls of ancient costumes is very interesting, isn't it ?
cocoaby Posted Mar 2, 2014, 2:50 am	This weekend is rainy, We can not go out. We are playing Japanese card game "Hanafuda"(Nintendo version)! This Japanese playing cards was called "Hanafuda"or also "Hana　Karuta". "Hana" mean "flower" in Japanese. The origin of "Karuta" is Portuguese "Carta". Hanafuda is Japanese playing cards, which has 12 different flowers of 12 months. January has Pine, February has Plum, March has cherry blossom, April has Wisteria, May has Iris, June has Peony. July has Hagi, August has Susuki, September has chrysanthemum, October has maple, November has willow, December has Tung. My host's toys teach me some rules of Hanafuda. I have a wonderful time.
cocoaby Posted Mar 2, 2014, 3:05 am	Hi mom, My host received PM from ipuenktchen. (Thank you, ipuenktchen! But My host cocoaby could not send you PM reply.) It looks like twins, me and her TV ZIZZI_ZEBRA !!! isn't it ? We're like two peas zebra in a pod.
cocoaby Posted Mar 9, 2014, 8:20 am	Konnichiwa!(Hello!) It is sunny. I found a pay phone in Japan. Unfortunately, I can not to call mom. This pay phone is use for Japanese domestic, can not be international calls. The pay phone also allows we to call the police. I will push the "110" at that time. Push on the "119" when you call an ambulance or fire. You do not need the money at the time of SOS.
cocoaby Posted Mar 9, 2014, 8:59 am	We came to the "Minato-no-mieru-oka" park. The park was opened in 1962. It is very warm today(+10c). I found little cute flowers called "north pole"(swamp chrysanthemum)in Japan.
cocoaby Posted Mar 12, 2014, 1:22 am	We visited 6 Western-style buildings . We decided take some pictures with each my friends Toy Voyagers at each place. Yamate 234 bankan(Bluff No.234)with Aura, Diplomat's house with Jiaojiao, British House Yokohama with Cassiopeia, Ehrisman Residence with Chrissi, Yamate 111 bankan(Bluff No.111) with Betty Bear. I went to "Ehrismann Residence". As residence of Fritz Ehrismann from Swiss, Ehrismann House was built in 1926 from 1925 . He was a Yokohama manager of silk trading company. Design is the architect Antonin Raymond from Czech Republic. Here also "Hina-Ningyo"(Hina dolls)was being decorated.
cocoaby Posted Mar 12, 2014, 2:28 am	We went to Bluff No.18. Look at the beautiful Italian garden, Here also "Hina-Ningyo"(Hina dolls)was being decorated. I found a red car in front of the church on the way. It about time the end of the search of fun, We went red brick warehouse. Wow, there were many "Doraemon". Mom,  Do you know "Doraemon" ? He is a famous character in Japan. They had come to the events of the movie.
cocoaby Posted Mar 12, 2014, 3:14 am	Hi, mom. I went to the Kanou shrine. It is said to have been founded in 1181. The main shrine was rebuilt in 1842. It is amazing wooden sculpture. Many people have visited this shrine. Because this shrine name "Kanou" is very lucky sounds, and this shrine's Chinese character name. It is meaning "dreams come true". Then We ate sushi for lunch at conveyer-belt sushi restaurant. Tastes really GREAT!
cocoaby Posted Mar 12, 2014, 3:39 am	Hello Mom, thank you for finding a nice host to me. This is my last update of Travelog in Japan. I have to say goodbye. Everyone gave me a lot of big hugs. My host gave me a postcard and Kit Kat (green tea flavor). I had a great time in Japan. I am little sad, but I am looking forward to go to USA! See you soon. a lot of love and big hugs your little Chrissi
inamerica8 Posted Mar 21, 2014, 2:49 am	Well, I made it all the way from Japan to Chicago!  Whew!  So my new host decided I needed a cup of tea to start the say.  Check out all the selections!
inamerica8 Posted Mar 21, 2014, 3:17 am	Look I made a friend!  This is Chester who is from Times Square in New York.  He's a little older than me so he has street smarts.  Since we were headed off to work today, we thought it was a good idea to drink our tea so we can wake up.  This is yummy-chai with vanilla and soy milk.
inamerica8 Posted Mar 21, 2014, 3:22 am	This is Mr. Bones.  While we were out shopping on Michigan Avenue at lunchtime today, we went into Kiehl's and I told Mr. Bones all about my travels.  He gave me a free check-up since he's a doctor.  He said he has never seen a zebra in such good health before.    Mr. Bones told me he was born in 1851.  He must be joking.  He doesn't look like 163 years old!
inamerica8 Posted Mar 23, 2014, 5:52 pm	Here is the Chicago River.  I'm not too far from the site of the famous Eastland Disaster.  It sure is cold here in Chicago.
inamerica8 Posted Mar 23, 2014, 6:05 pm	During our walk at lunchtime, I heard bells ringing so I asked what it was.  This church, Holy Cross Cathedral, was where the sounds of bells came from.
inamerica8 Posted Mar 23, 2014, 6:09 pm	I wonder if this bus will take me to the Theatre on Broadway in New York City?  That would be a very long bus ride.
inamerica8 Posted Mar 23, 2014, 6:12 pm	Now I get to ride on a subway train.  This is called the Red Line Chicago stop.  There are trains all over the city, some Blue, Pink, Yellow, Green, Purple, Orange and Brown.
inamerica8 Posted Mar 23, 2014, 6:17 pm	Behind me is the old Chicago Water Tower.  They even named a nearby Mall after this.  My host told me that the Water Tower Mall was the first place she got a job when she moved to Chicago in 1997.  It was at a flower store on the very bottom floor, but the flower store has been gone for awhile.  Inside the old Water Tower is a small art gallery of local artists' work.  It was one of only a very few buildings in this area to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
inamerica8 Posted Mar 23, 2014, 6:19 pm	Today, I took a quick peak inside the Loyola Art Museum which is close to the old Water Tower.  Then I went for a treat at the Hershey's chocolate store.  I have to say though, European chocolate is way tastier!
inamerica8 Posted Mar 23, 2014, 6:21 pm	I went to visit all the Disney characters, too.  Here is Mickey Mouse.  This store (Disney Store) has everything you could want as a Disney fan.
inamerica8 Posted Mar 27, 2014, 2:21 am	Today I stopped at the Cultural Center on Washington and Michigan.  Here they have an art gallery and free films from all around the world i the summer.
inamerica8 Posted Mar 27, 2014, 2:30 am	This is the famous Millennium Park in Chicago.  It's too bad it's still so cold because the face fountain was not open.    Here in this photo is a map of the park.
inamerica8 Posted Mar 27, 2014, 2:32 am	The Bean at Millennium Park is right behind me and lots of big, tall buildings.
inamerica8 Posted Mar 27, 2014, 2:35 am	Now we stopped for a snack since we have been so busy today seeing art and sights.  This is Panera Bread.  It used to be called St. Louis Bread Company, but then they got big, and didn't want to be called that anymore.  They have bagels, soups, sandwiches, and cookies!
inamerica8 Posted Mar 27, 2014, 2:46 am	This is an amazing hotel called the Palmer House (Hilton).  It was built as a wedding gift for Bertha Palmer, wife of Potter Palmer.  After only 13 days after it first opened, it was destroyed by the Great Chicago Fire, but then it was rebuilt.
inamerica8 Posted Mar 27, 2014, 2:52 am	Now it's time to get on the train and go home.  We saw a lot today so I am very tired.
inamerica8 Posted Apr 10, 2014, 2:19 am	Dinnertime!  (With my friends MiniMoo and JanieKat)
inamerica8 Posted Apr 10, 2014, 2:25 am	Look-it's the White House!  It was an icky day, but lots of tour groups, even though it was a Saturday morning.  This is as close as I got, but isn't it cool?
inamerica8 Posted Apr 10, 2014, 2:37 am	This is so cool...I'm an agent.  I went to Spy School at the International Spy Museum.
inamerica8 Posted Apr 10, 2014, 2:42 am	It's Michael Jordan!  No, not really.  It's just a bench painted with Michael Jordan.  I stopped for a rest on this bench before flying to Europe.
inamerica8 Posted Apr 10, 2014, 3:04 am	Here I am at the Absalon Hotel in Copenhagen.  What a long flight that was!  We had a one hour stop in Amsterdam before we headed over to Denmark.
inamerica8 Posted Apr 10, 2014, 3:15 am	This is yummy!  A real hot chocolate.  This is the best part about Denmark.
inamerica8 Posted Apr 10, 2014, 3:19 am	Stopping by the tourist center to see what cool things I can do while I'm in Denmark.
inamerica8 Posted Apr 10, 2014, 3:24 am	A Belgian waffle.  You can find these all over the city, although they are quite expensive.  I've seen ones with sprinkles and ice cream on them.
inamerica8 Posted Apr 10, 2014, 11:17 am	Time to buy train tickets.  Tickets are quite expensive here in Denmark.
inamerica8 Posted Apr 10, 2014, 11:19 am	Showing the first signs of spring here in Denmark with beautiful flowers along the walking street.
inamerica8 Posted Apr 10, 2014, 11:22 am	Lots of toys!
inamerica8 Posted Apr 10, 2014, 11:29 am	Frederiksborg Castle, which houses the Museum of National History.  It was built by King Christian IV of Denmark.
inamerica8 Posted Apr 11, 2014, 1:11 am	A knight in shining armor inside the castle.
inamerica8 Posted Apr 11, 2014, 1:13 am	Time to take a nap.  Sure hope the king doesn't mind.
inamerica8 Posted Apr 11, 2014, 1:14 am	Meeting new friends.  This time the little mermaid.
inamerica8 Posted Apr 11, 2014, 1:18 am	Tivoli, the amusement park, isn't open yet.  What a bummer..I would love to jump on the roller coaster.
inamerica8 Posted Apr 11, 2014, 1:20 am	Stopping for a snack at the Irma grocery store.
inamerica8 Posted Apr 11, 2014, 1:21 am	In Denmark, the main mode of transportation is bike riding.
inamerica8 Posted Apr 23, 2014, 3:03 am	It's Easter and a big chocolate bunny for my treat!
inamerica8 Posted Apr 23, 2014, 3:04 am	Celebrating Earth Day!
inamerica8 Posted May 7, 2014, 1:06 am	Today is a very sad day, but I had to say good-bye to my friend JanieKat because she is leaving on a new adventure to California.  We took a photo of all of us together.
inamerica8 Posted May 12, 2014, 2:33 am	Happy Mother's Day!  Here I am on a nature walk along the Des Plaines River in River Grove.
inamerica8 Posted Jun 2, 2014, 1:55 am	This is an old house that is in Batavia.  It's an old town from the 1800s on the Fox River.
inamerica8 Posted Jun 2, 2014, 1:57 am	This is the old train depot in Batavia, which is now a museum.
inamerica8 Posted Jun 2, 2014, 2:00 am	We stopped for a photo with one of the many decorated fire hydrants in Geneva, which is a city along the Fox River, and a big tourist destination with all its little shops.  These are my TV friends - Mr. Quack, Emma, and MiniMoo.
inamerica8 Posted Jun 2, 2014, 2:01 am	I took a ride on this carousel-doesn't it look like fun?  Sadly, the mall (Charlestowne) only has five stores open.
inamerica8 Posted Jun 2, 2014, 2:03 am	I wonder if we will see the headless horseman?
inamerica8 Posted Jan 15, 2015, 3:10 am	Today I had some fun and rode the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier-there were tons of people here. Lots of people like to ride in the boats on the river.
inamerica8 Posted Jan 15, 2015, 3:11 am	Since it was so hot today, I went for a little swim at Ohio Street Beach.
inamerica8 Posted Jan 15, 2015, 3:12 am	Now you can see just what the city looks like downtown. Isn't it cool?!
inamerica8 Posted Jan 15, 2015, 3:14 am	Here I met a real zebra!!!!  It was at a place called Lincoln Park Zoo.  He said he never heard of Germany.  He is from a place called Africa.  Maybe I can visit there soon?
inamerica8 Posted Jan 15, 2015, 3:16 am	Well, mummy, I am on my way back to Germany now. I can't contact you because the ToyVoyagers site is down.  I hope when you read this I am back, safe and sound in Germany and getting ready for my next adventure.
ipuenktchen Posted Apr 8, 2015, 9:35 am	hi, mom, I really appreciate I was allowed to go again on a trip and got thrilled when my envi was opened just on 2nd easter holiday  and ipuenktchen introduced herself and...................... MOM!!!!!! MY DEAR buddy ZORRO_Zebra!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! we both got speechless, when saw each other, as we look like 100 % twins!!!! but, mom, honestly I was a bit cleaner than ZORRO - well. I'm a girl... hehe........ but he's a cute guy and I like him a lot!! and ZIZZI_Zebra was also there, but she is different, with short legs.. surely she runs not that fast.. hehe.... but we got friends all together!!! I feel so happyyyyyyy!!!! we immediately made some pics!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! pls have a look!!! miss you, mom!!!!!! kiss you, mom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ipuenktchen Posted Apr 18, 2015, 3:00 pm	Only a short message, dear mom!!!! We arrived safely in the very early morning at tabriz international airport and ipue's son2 came to pic us up in a rainy weather!!! At home we straightly went to sleep and when getting up later there was a lovely weather!!!!! Pls be patient, dear mom and dear followers!!! As ipue will have a dear guest after 3 days, she will be too busy for now to show our pics and update the blog... so sorry!!! UPDATE only today, 11th aug, ipue found the time to add the funny pics of our walk in their beautiful yard!!!!
ipuenktchen Posted Apr 30, 2015, 4:45 am	Helloooo from tabriz again!! Yesterday we came back to ipue's home after a great trip... surely very tired.... this isn't that new.. coz travelling with ipuenktchen is a hard job, mom, believe it!!!!! But as I'm falling in love it's no longer hard... *smile* today we'll see another World heritage site!!!! TABRIZ BAZAR - the by far largest covered bazar of the world !!!!!! Pls stay tuned for our pics!!!!
ipuenktchen Posted May 7, 2015, 10:44 am	Dear mom!!!!! We were so excited this night when host-mom ipue waked up us at 3 AM and we had to hurry up to the airport coz postcrossing guest KROETE had finished her IR-trip going back home to germany near the baltic sea coast und took us with her to germany!!!!!!! Believe it - the whole zebra gang is coming!!!!!!!!! And we are really thrilled!!!! Bye mom!!! See you sooooon!!!!!!!
ipuenktchen Posted May 16, 2015, 12:16 pm	hi, mom!!!!!!!!!!!!! it's so exciting.. today we got a very fast train to regensburg, there ipue's friends picked us up and brought us home to mallershofen-pfaffenberg and in the afternoon we went all together, ipue and lili_6789 and kia and mr. ipue to enter the meetup in neufahrn together with all playmos!!!!! here we are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ekaPeli, poschti and the whole ZEBRA-gang!!!!!!!!! and you can see all the cards we signed!!!! miss you, mom, kiss you, mom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ipuenktchen Posted May 16, 2015, 12:25 pm	what an interesting trip today - to see the old town REGENSBURG, registered as a world heritage recently!!!!
ipuenktchen Posted May 16, 2015, 12:30 pm	on our way to munich today we made a detour to see another HUNDERTWASSER-site in abendsberg!!! what a beautiful place!! ipue is fond of hundertwasser!!!
ipuenktchen Posted May 16, 2015, 12:37 pm	Hi, mom, today at the very last day of the europe trip of ipue and her travelbuddies they had a great surprise for us!!!! to see the perhaps most famous sightseing site in germany: NEUSCHWANSTEIN castle!!!!! from munich via fuessen we went to hohenschwangau and from there by a carriage up to the castle!! mom, this was a hard day!! we got out at 8 AM and back to the hotel in munich at 11 PM!!!! mom, I'm so tired, kiss you!!
ipuenktchen Posted May 16, 2015, 1:07 pm	here comes kroete's first sightseeing in IR.... the famous blue mosque, tentative list of UNESCO, and a glance at the new created mansour-cross road, where you can find also the mosaic carpet and the silkroad tower, where ipue's son2 has opened his language institute recently. to get the place for the new buildings around many elder buildings needed to be destroyed, the house of ipue's hubby's father as well......... this will be the new city center, a metro station added for sure.... btw the (c) of the collage of mansour cross road belongs to 1 - ipue 2 - eksom 3 - admin.kazemi
ipuenktchen Posted Aug 11, 2015, 11:02 am	hello, mom!! we also had nice food in IR.... although dear KROETE called it *kartoffelpuffer*, it was ME, to tell her, this is an iranian dish so called *coucou sibzmini*, kartoffelcoucou, coz I helped ipue to prepare this!!! see you soon, dear mom!!!
ipuenktchen Posted Aug 11, 2015, 11:10 am	hello again, dear mom, another trip downtown. this time we went near golestan (rose garden) to the sculpture of the ancient gonga, a kind of tram with horses!!!!! the sculpture was created by ahad hosseini. the father & grandfather of ipue's hubby were involved by the construction of this ancient tram.. bye for now! I'm so tired coz we have sightseeing every day.... yours, chrissi PS I forgot to tell you, we have a nice TV-gang here at ipue's.. as there are POSCHTI, the bus, FM.Baer, who is in IR for his 2nd time, and Luigi Palermo from the baltic coast!!
ipuenktchen Posted Aug 11, 2015, 11:27 am	veeeeery early we had to be at the bus terminal to go to astara for a one-day-trip, dear mom!!!! it was my first time by bus in IR.. a quite old bus.. but.. well....... he brought us to the by far largest inner lake of the world!!! the caspian sea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! only a small part belongs to IR, perhaps a quarter, but finally they have sturgeon and caviar, too!!!!!!! first you may see us at the seaside and later we went back to ardabil and had a look around at the sheikh safi mausoleum with its fantastic tiles and more..... a world heritage site! I will go to bed now, tired as usual....
ipuenktchen Posted Aug 11, 2015, 3:03 pm	hey, dear mom, today we had a very busy day and our buddies got really tired!!!!!  in the morning we went to the postoffice - what else????????????? then we entered the golestan-palace with its marble throne from qajar-era in southern tehran, registered as a worldheritage site! what a beautiful place in the middle of all the crowd around the tehran-bazar-area!!! the yard with all its tiles work is soooo impressing! in the early afternoon we went to admire the crown-jewelleries in the treasure of the IR centralbank, photos forbidden..... the by far  world largest collection of precious stones and jewelleries!!!! and later we climbed up - by elevator!! the milad tower, the 6th talled telecommunication tower in the world!!! with an impressing view!! it was such a stormy weather, and dear kroete rescued our friend luigi in the last second to get lost through the lattice in the air................ in the eve we had a break at a nice little restaurant (with a heating!! so we could sit outside!!!!) and had some chicken and french fries..

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