Posted Jul 1, 2011, 11:48 pm
I am Nils and I am looking forward to my first travels around the world! I hope we will meet soon!
Bye,
Nils
nuriayasmin70@gmail.com
Posted Mar 16, 2012, 10:49 am
I've safely arrived in Heidelberg. The weather is warm and sunny here, so the other ToyVoyagers took me to the balcony where we enjoyed the sun.
The cute little dog next to me is Josie, then there come cat Kit-Kat, rabbit Králi and rhino Tamina. They all come from different German cities and have been staying here for a while. Last not least there's Coco Presley who lives here and just like my host nuriayasmin she's a big Elvis fan. I guess when I come home, I can sing all Elvis songs to you :-).
I also had a look out of the windows and I'm sure it will look really nice here once the trees have started to grow leaves again.
Nuriayasmin has to leave for work soon so I'm going to spend the afternoon with the other TV's.
Keep fine,
Nils
nuriayasmin70@gmail.com
Posted Mar 19, 2012, 7:49 pm
Today I visited a bit of Heidelberg. First I took a walk along the river Neckar.
I saw these two swans who came quite close.
There are a couple of ships where you can have a coffee or eat something.
Behind me are the Old Bridge, the castle and part of the Old Town.
I had a rest next to some beautiful flowers.
Once again the Old Bridge and the castle.
I crossed the Old Bridge and looked up the Neckar:
I left the Old Bridge through this gate:
The sculpture of the Bridge Monkey is situated next to the gate of the Old Bridge.
I think these cute mice are also part of the sculpture.
This is the Church of the Holy Spirit:
And this is the Town Hall:
Once again the Church of the Holy Spirit:
The "Hotel zum Ritter" is one of the oldest and most beautiful buildings of Heidelberg.
It was a great afternoon.
Keep fine,
Nils
nuriayasmin70@gmail.com
Posted Mar 20, 2012, 9:00 pm
Today we bought flowers for the balcony and planted them.
Afterwards we all relaxed in the sunshine.
Sunny greetings from Nils
nuriayasmin70@gmail.com
Posted Mar 21, 2012, 11:08 pm
It was a gorgeous day, there were almost no clouds in the sky. So the whole ToyVoyager gang went to Mannheim and invaded the Luisenpark. The Luisenpark origins from the late 19th century and has been continously extended since then. It's obviously one of Germany's biggest and most beautiful parks.
There's a big lake in the middle of the park. In summer you can rent a boat.
The television tower is so high that it can be seen from almost all corners of the park.
I met some ducks.
I also met pelicans:
Nuriayasmin wasn't sure whether this was a duck or a goose.
But these are definitively geese:
So that means: I completed my first life mission: Meet a goose!!
There are also some interesting pieces of art at Luisenpark.
Then we came to the farm where we saw horses, cattle, goats, sheep, pigs and rabbits.
The Chinese Tea House was built in 2001 and is really beautiful.
These stones build a small cave and there's also a waterfall.
Here I'm inside the cave.
This is a part of the Chinese Garden:
Before we left we posed for a group photo:
Love,
Nils
nuriayasmin70@gmail.com
Posted Mar 24, 2012, 7:28 pm
Today nuriayasmin visited a friend in Handschuhsheim, a suburb of Heidelberg, and we took some photos along the way. Handschuhsheim was first mentioned in the codex of the monastery of Lorsch in 765 but people had already settled there for centuries.
This is the Friedenskirche (Peace Church). It's an evangelical church which was built between 1908 and 1910.
The church is situated next to the Tiefburg, a castle from the early Middle Ages which used to be surrounded by water.
There are still a lot of old houses in Handschuhsheim and this one looks quite enchanted, doesn't it?
Nuriayasmin's friend lives in a small street like this one.
Love,
Nils
nuriayasmin70@gmail.com
Posted Mar 28, 2012, 1:11 am
Then it was time to say good-bye to Sylvia. She's starting her first journey today and will travel to Finland.
There won't be time for any outdoor activities in the next couple of days because nuriayasmin has to work nightshifts. Well, I'll just relax and have a good time with the other TV's at home.
Bye,
Nils
nuriayasmin70@gmail.com
Posted Mar 29, 2012, 7:09 pm
Greetings from Nils
nuriayasmin70@gmail.com
Posted Apr 4, 2012, 8:22 pm
Nuriayasmin decided that she needed a break after her night shifts, so we went to Homburg, a city situated in the German state of Saarland. We stayed at the youth hostel which is very modern and looks quite Mediterranean inside.
Nuriayasmin had chosen Homburg because she wanted to see the ruins of the fortress Hohenburg. The fortress was built around 1200 and was destroyed by the French in the early 18th century. While climbing up to it, I had a nice view on the city.
There's a hotel next to the fortress and I was surprised to see this bear sitting there. First I thought he was a wild TV but he was far too big and actually introduced himself as one of the hotel's employees. We had a nice chat.
Here are the pictures we took while walking around the ruins of the fortress. Hope you like them.
And here's something which is even older than the fortress - much older indeed: it's the fossil of a dinosaur.
After all that historical stuff it was time to play a little, so we went to the park near the youth hostel, had fun on the playground and enjoyed the sight of the lake and the creek.
It was a fabulous day.
Love,
Nils
nuriayasmin70@gmail.com
Posted Apr 4, 2012, 8:33 pm
This morning we left the youth hostel in Homburg and went to Kaiserslautern, a city in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. Here we visited the Japanese Garden which is very beautiful.
Afterwards we went to the Dinosaurs and Garden Park where we spent the rest of the day.
This is the "Weidenkirche", a church where even services regularly take place in spring and summer.
Before we left, I had a very tasty icecream coffee.
Bye,
Nils
nuriayasmin70@gmail.com
Posted Apr 4, 2012, 8:35 pm
When we came home today, two small packages were waiting for us: Two more ToyVoyagers had arrived. The funny purple creature is called Woozy and the cute tiger is Tiger Lilly.
Nils
nuriayasmin70@gmail.com
Posted Apr 8, 2012, 10:34 am
nuriayasmin70@gmail.com
Posted Apr 15, 2012, 11:58 am
How are you doing? I'm fine and today I made a nice excursion with our current gang of seven ToyVoyagers.
First we passed a school complex. As it's Saturday, there weren't any pupils, of course.
Then we got to the cemetary "Bergfriedhof". It was opened in 1844 and consists of a Christian and a Jewish part. It's quite a big area and we saw only a small part of it.
Here we're all sitting on the grave of the Jewish author Hilde Domin. She was born in Cologne in 1909 and died in Heidelberg in 2006. In 2004 she became honorary citizen of the town.
After leaving the cemetary we spent about three hours walking in the forest.
We rested on this interesting table.
This totem pole was standing next to the eagle table so we actually felt a little like in the USA.
We were quite tired after all that walking but as we had to go down to the city centre, anyway, to catch a bus back home, we decided to take some photos at the castle which is situated about 80 m above the city in the mountains.
This is one of the fountains in the castle's garden:
The view down to the city centre, the Old Bridge and the river Neckar is really stunning.
Heidelberg Castle was built in the early 13th century and destroyed in the 17th and 18th century. Its remains and ruins are nowadays the city's main tourist attraction.
nuriayasmin70@gmail.com
Posted Apr 26, 2012, 9:14 pm
I'm sorry you haven't heard from me for a while. I'm fine but nuriayasmin was busy, so we didn't go anywhere.
Well, today we went to Mannheim again and took some photos of the water tower and the Friedrichsplatz with its fountains and flowers. A very beautiful place.
Love,
Nils
nuriayasmin70@gmail.com
Posted May 1, 2012, 2:00 pm
I spent two days at the UNESCO world heritage site of the Middle Upper Rhine Valley. The weather was marvellous and the landscapes fantastic.
On the train to St. Goar
Relaxing at the Rhine near St. Goarshausen.
The Loreley Statue in St. Goarshausen
View from the Loreley:
On the way to Stahleck Castle where I stayed at the youth hostel.
Love,
Nils
nuriayasmin70@gmail.com
Posted May 1, 2012, 2:03 pm
Today I had a look around the beautiful city of Bacharach and then took a boat to Rüdesheim where I rode the chair lift.
Love,
Nils
nuriayasmin70@gmail.com
Posted May 9, 2012, 10:41 pm
Today we said good-bye to three TV's.
HolgiHH is travelling to the USA.
Králi will stay in Germany and travel further north.
Sheela is travelling to the United Kingdom.
Bye,
Nils
nuriayasmin70@gmail.com
Posted May 21, 2012, 4:50 pm
I'd like to show you some pictures of the suburb where nuriayasmin lives. Kirchheim has been a suburb of Heidelberg since 1920, before it was a village of its own and was first mentioned in 767.
A small square close to our home.
The park we always cross when we go to the supermarket.
The town hall
The suburbs biggest church. Nuriayasmin thinks it's a protestant church but she isn't sure.
A school
Some houses I liked very much.
Bye,
Nils
nuriayasmin70@gmail.com
Posted May 28, 2012, 9:59 pm
Greetings from Denmark. We're spending a week at the Baltic Sea coast and it's really lovely here. This afternoon we went to the beach, enjoyed the sunshine and played in the sun.
Bye,
Nils
nuriayasmin70@gmail.com
Posted May 31, 2012, 8:00 pm
Today I visited Aaro Island. It's very small but has a beautiful nature reserve.
Bye,
Nils
nuriayasmin70@gmail.com
Posted Jun 17, 2012, 11:00 pm
Today I took a walk in the fields and vineyards around the suburb of Rohrbach and enjoyed the beautiful weather.
Bye,
Nils
Posted Jul 20, 2012, 6:37 am
Now I'm safely in Finland! When I came out from the envelope, I smelled something delicious, my host mom Fendi and my new friend, ToyVoyager PieksiHH, were baking cinnamon buns! After showing me the house, they introduced me to my new friends! My host mom's hobby is also postcrossing, so she has plenty of beautiful cards! Me and PieksiHH chose our favorites from those what she has just bought from Kuopio. Someone will be really happy after receiving so nice card.
Today we are traveling to Pori. It's on the west coast, I can see the sea! I hope that weather will be good.
I hope you are feeling well!
Greetings, Nils : )
PS. Pictures will come later
Posted Jul 24, 2012, 5:45 pm
Now I have spent few days in Finland and I have had lots of fun! And can you believe, my sister Ronja is also in Finland and in the city near that place where I'm now! We are going to meet each other when our hosts decide when and where.
At the weekend we visited in Pori, or actually in Reposaari. (Repo is a dialect word which means fox, so that place was "fox island". But sadly I didn't see any fox there). It was a beautiful place near the sea, so we visited on the beach few times. We also ate in fish restaurant and took a nap in a garden swing.
Today we visited in Ähtäri's Animal Park. Ähtäri is even smaller town than Äänekoski and it takes about one hour to drive to Ähtäri from here. That park was awesome! I saw many kinds of animals, for example bears, arctic foxes, wolves, beavers and owls. And then there was also police museum ( I have no idea what it does in the animal park..) so me and PieksiHH tried a police motorcycle! And I get a new friend from there! My host mom saved a little fox from local gift shop. She gave name Kitsune for him, Kitsune means fox in Japanese.
Today evening we are going to spent time to my host mom's boyfriend's house. Maybe we will watch some movies and play board games! : ) Let's see what happens. And pictures will be added later, my host mom's computer is so old that it's almost wooden so it takes some time to handle those pictures.
Take care!
With love, Nils : )
Posted Jul 27, 2012, 5:22 pm
We have not done anything special these days. Yesterday evening we drove around by car, we visit in places called Konnevesi and Matilanankkuri (it's summer restaurant near the lake). And we ate strawberries with whipped cream! It was so yummy!
Today the weather has been nice so we were playing outside. Now we are going to watch television and host mom will maybe cook some pancakes!
Have a nice weekend! I miss you!
Greetings, Nils : )
Posted Aug 1, 2012, 8:17 pm
Today has been my happy day! One of my life missions has fulfilled!
I met Ronja in postcrossing meeting!
But sorry mom I can't write more now, the thunder storm is coming so I have to turn off the computer.
I will tell you more tomorrow and add pictures!
Greetings, Nils
Posted Aug 2, 2012, 8:12 pm
Now I can continue my story about yesterday. Yesterday me, PieksiHH, Kitsune and of course my host mom traveled to Korpilahti, because there was a postcrossing meeting. And there was many other ToyVoyagers too in that meeting, also Ronja! In fact there was only two (or three, I'm not sure) persons who hosts ToyVoyagers, but still there was almost more TV's than humans.
So I had fun time with Ronja and other TV's, we ate many kind of snacks and sweets, we played hide and seek (which didn't succeed very well because almost all of us hided under the glass) and then we made coffee!
After playing around and when my host mom and the other postcrossers wrote some cards, we TV's talked about our trips and we told the hottest gossips to each other. It was really great evening!
Few days ago we were in the summer cottage and tomorrow we will go to Jyväskylä!
I hope that you are feeling well!
Good night, Nils : )
Posted Aug 6, 2012, 2:27 pm
Last weekend was partying all the time. Fisrt me and Kitsune organized a good-bye party for PieksiHH, who left today to continue his trips. And yesterday my host mom's boyfriend had birthday so there we are, in party again! On Saturday we heard that PieksiHH will leave soon, so me and Kitsune decided to surprise him. And with our host mom's help, we had party in toy tree house! But before the party, we baked muffins. At first that muffin dough didn't look so delicious, but it tasted very good! We get honor to lick the baking bowl.
I just woke up from a nap and I heard that Kitsune has left too! He has left a message that he is traveling to Japan. Now I'm only ToyVoyager here.. Maybe I get company soon.
All the best for you Mom!
Greetings, Nils : )
Posted Aug 10, 2012, 12:07 pm
On this week I haven't done anything special. On Wednesday I visit in summer cottage in Uurainen. Uurainen is little town quite near Äänekoski. There was two grocery stores and church. And school. But nothing else. Tha summer cottage was nice, not big but not too small either.
And on Thursday I went to school! My host mom studys in local high school so I was there with her. I met her friends and ate lunch in the canteen. We didn't took pictures there because there was always so many students everywhere. On the next week she has some free lessons so then we can maybe take pictures.
Let's see if something nice happens at the weekend!
Have a nice weekend!
Lots of greetings and hugs, Nils : )
Posted Aug 16, 2012, 7:00 pm
On this week I have studied a lot with my host mom. She taught me something about mathematics (but I don't think it's even math, there was no numbers at all!) and then I help her to prepare for German exam. It was fun to listen when she read her German text book for me, I hardly understood anything. But studing is not all what we have done!
One day we visited in my host mom's friend's home. When my host mom and her friend were watching The Simpsons, I spent time with HUGE bear and looked at beautiful paintings what that friend had painted. I'm sure she will be real artist one day!
Yesterday we were in local movie theater watching Madagascar 3. It was fun movie, I want meet lions and hippos too! And visit in circus.
My host mom told me that ToyVoyager named Lancel will come to here too! I'm looking forward to meet her.
I wish you all the best!
Greetings, Nils : )
Posted Aug 28, 2012, 2:50 pm
Now I have a new friend here! Lancel arrived on last week and we have had really fun together! When he arrived, we went to pick up berries from my host mom's grandmother's place. There we saw lots of Finnish nature (that place is middle of nowhere) and the hot air balloon! It flew on the sky when we were picking those berries and it kept really strange noise.
Today we were in high school. It was Lancel's first day in High School so I got honor to show places for him. My host mom had only English today and the teacher was sick so we have plenty of time to play around (we played, host mom made diligently those boring exercises). One of her friend had funny jungle hat and we played with it. And then we spent time in corridor, sleeping on the sofa.
Now we will go to make some food! I hope that the whole house won't burn.
Greetings and hugs!
Nils : )
Posted Sep 4, 2012, 8:44 pm
Today was a really exciting day! My host mom and other active students organized a farewell party for Swedish and Icelander exchange students. My host mom was working in the kitchen with few other students. That classroom (it was home economics classroom) was so hot because there were about ten ovens on at the same time! There were so many kind of snacks and sweets: Karelian pasties, cinnamon buns, chocolate and salty liquorice, cookies etc. I just looked at those yummies and I wanted to eat them all.
But then happened something really exciting! One old student of that High School is working in local newspaper and he wanted to write article about ToyVoyagers! So I will be famous soon! Haha, no need to worry, I was just kidding. I was a little nervous when he took some pictures, I hope that my fur was clean and good-looking. After that confusing surprise, my host mom took us to the gym hall where we saw different instruments like accordion and keyboard. When the party actually started, me and Lancel stayed in kitchen eating grapes because the music was so loud for our sensitive ears.
After the party we of course had to clean up. It was so awesome when my host mom ran in the dark corridor and we were on her pockets (don't ask why she ran, she did it just for fun.. Or then she saw a terrible school monster).
Now we are at home and I have to say that I'm happy that every school day didn't last 13 hours!
All the best!
Nils : )
Posted Sep 13, 2012, 6:44 am
This will be my last update from Finland, because today I will head for Switzerland! But first I have to tell you about our weekend. Me, Lancel and our host mom traveled to Tampere by train because my host mom would work as volunteer in Tracon. Tracon is manga, anime, cosplay happening, but also there was a lot of roleplays and science fiction.
It was the biggest con in Finland, there was about 5 000 visitors ! So that's why we didn't take so many pictures, you couldn't photograph anything because always someone was on the way. But me and Lancel insisted to get picture with really beautiful doll ladies. Those dolls were ball-jointed doll which are really expensive.
And today morning we face a real surprise! We were in local newspaper! That article was pretty good, but my host mom said that she looks terrible in the picture. I think that I looked as gorgeous as always.
Yesterday I saw a rainbow! I hope it brings me good luck on my journey!
All the best, Nils : )
Posted Oct 2, 2012, 2:14 pm
I finally made it. I had almost given up hope of ever seeing daylight again.
When my envelope was opened and many furry noses and a beak welcomed me, I was overjoyed.
I got a group hug,
and everyone wanted to know what had happened to me.
Now I am free and happy. The next adventure may come.
Much love mum
your Nils
Posted Oct 4, 2012, 8:06 pm
today there's not much to report. The weather is bad and we were bored. Host mum made the suggestion to bake waffles. We were immediately impressed. We have put the ingredients ready and started to stir the dough.
Hemming should beat the eggs, but he has thrown the whole. Unfortunately we can not show you all the fun because host mum's camera is broken. Times it works, sometimes not. Tomorrow she gets a new one.
The waffles were great
The first we had to try immediately
.
After dinner we had waffles with vanilla cream and berries. Too bad that you can not see us as we feasted.
Greetings home
Nils
Posted Oct 6, 2012, 6:46 pm
Today the weather was beautiful and we visited St.Iddaburg.
This is a prime vantage point with view up to Lake Constance
In addition, here is a sanctuary. The church we were not able to visit because a wedding was taking place. Best of luck!
The pilgrimage church of St. Iddaburg located where the old Toggenburg in the Middle Ages, the family seat of the Counts of Toggenburg stood. Here lived in the middle of the 12th Century came from the wider audience of Habsburg Idda, wife of IV Diethelm of Toggenburg. With the Lourdes Grotto, builded 1888
and the Black Madonna in the church, St. Iddaburg is also a popular place of pilgrimage. We stopped at a small fountain
and a playground.
On the way back we saw a Harley, and we could not resist. We had to sit on it.
Born to be wild!!
Wish you a nice weekend
Nils
Posted Oct 9, 2012, 12:20 am
Host dad has holidays and has suggested that we drive to Lake Constance. At 9 clock in the morning we started. In Lindau, we had a small break and looked around a bit. The weather was gray and foggy at first, but that gave the lake a particular mood. Here you can see the harbor entrance with the lighthouse and the Bavarian lion.
Also on the harbor is Mangenturm. An old lighthouse, which was from 1180-1300 in operation.
Beautiful is the old town hall, built 1422.
And the city museum.
And then we discovered in a small side street this mammoth tree growing else in America.
Our journey continued to Meersburg. This superb small town is divided into Upper Town and Lower Town. The lower town is on the lake, has a lot of nice restaurants, art shops and wine bars. Here we ate a bite and tasted the new wine.
By the lakeside promenade
are palm trees
and banana trees. You can see the state winery and the Droste-Hulshoff high school.
We saw some funny souvenirs
and handicrafts. This is the lower city gate.
In the upper town is the old Meersburg.
In many small, steep streets are beautiful half-timbered houses.
On the way home we used the ferry to Konstanz.
The wind was cold and the sky was gray,
but it was a great feeling.
It's late and I'm tired. Goodnight mum
Nils
Posted Oct 9, 2012, 1:57 pm
the weather is atrocious. It rains only once, from morning until evening. But then the doorbell rang, and an envelope was delivered. A new TV. We tried to read the sender but it was strange letters and characters.
Not even Karl Sausi could read it, and he can write in 4 languages Mum and Dad. Host mum opened the envelope
and a nice, white little bear looked out anxiously.
Shy Meomie told us, Meomie that's her name, she comes from Vietnam.
It is her first trip. Okay, then she obviously can not know what happens when a group of "old TV's" gets an envelope in his paws. The big cat came to greet too, what else.
Then host mum showed us on the computer where Vietnam is.
Ooh, a very long journey.
I hope Meomie feel so well as I do.
hugs
Nils
Posted Oct 12, 2012, 1:23 pm
Yesterday we visited host mum's daughter. She is head chef at a hotel on Lake Thun. On our way there we made a short stop at the base of the Pilatus Railway, the steepest cogwheel railway in the world.
Pilatus is good 2000 meters high and the local mountain of Lucerne. We passed on Lungerensee.
This lake is very popular with fishermen. Pike, lake trout and whitefish are some of the fish here.
From an elevated vantage point we had a fantastic view of the lake and surrounding mountains.
We passed the Brünigpass who disappeared in the fog. The weather was weird anyway. One minute blue skies and sunshine, the next moment a thick fog, like here on Lake Brienz.
We drove on and came to Interlaken, a popular tourist destination. The most famous hotel, the Grand Hotel Victoria - Jungfrau.
This under monument protection hotel began as a Guesthouse Victoria. A few years later the neighboring Hotel Jungfrau was bought. Both houses were then connected with a central part.
In good weather, you have a great view of the Jungfrau massif with the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. We saw only fog.
On partial adventurous roads
we reached the Lake of Thun. Here the weather meant something better with us.
We hung around in the garden of the hotel
and had a good view of the lake and the mountains.
On the way home we had to drive the long way because on the highway, an accident happened. But without this detour we would have missed this evening atmosphere.
Hugs and Kisses
Nils
Posted Oct 12, 2012, 5:19 pm
it's me again. A new TV has arrived.
A little rat named Twix.
He was still a bit sleepy when we took him this morning from its cover. We welcomed him kindly
and gave him a group hug.
As the big cat greeted him, he got the shock of his life.
But he has recovered. I think we will have lots of fun with him.
Bye
Nils
Posted Oct 14, 2012, 9:01 am
on Friday have been something special for dinner. Cheese Fondue!
With long forks we were allowed to stir in the hot cheese.
It was fun and tasted very, very good.
Best regards, Nils
Posted Oct 15, 2012, 8:59 pm
Yesterday we made a trip to Klosters and Davos. The weather was cloudy and cold. We needed something to warm up. Thick skin and hot coffee was the right thing.
Klosters is a small village
with hotels, hotels, hotels. Some pretty, some not.
Then we drove on to Davos, the highest town in Europe. Host mum finds Davos ugly. Too many ugly buildings in this wonderful scene. This is the main street of Davos.
Here you see the convention center.
It annually hosts the World Economic Forum. This is the ice hockey stadium.
Every year between Christmas and New Year, the Spengler Cup is played.
Here we pose in front of the Hilton hotel.
The most beautiful thing we saw in Davos was this small lake.
Because we all wanted to see the snow, host dad drove to the Flüela Pass.
You can see how high it is?
The snow was very close, but it melts during the day.
It's still a bit too warm. Whoa, too warm. It was 3 degrees. The pass looks like a moonscape.
Only stones and boulders fields.
Slightly lower down, we saw the most beautiful larch forests.
Golden Autumn. This newly built bridge
took us back home.
Hope you are well, miss you.
Nils
Sorry for so much fingers, host mum has a new camera, she is learning.
Posted Oct 20, 2012, 9:12 am
Today we were in quinten,
a small village on the northern shore of Walensee. This really small village (about 60 people) can only be reached by boat or on foot.
We took the boat.
Due to its special location Quinten has an almost Mediterranean climate.
Besides wine,
there grow palms
and figs.
The Foehn wind blew very strong, almost 70 kilometers per hour.
By the wind, it was very warm. Was it yesterday, 10 degrees in the afternoon, we had 26 today.
The distant view was wonderful.
We have enjoyed this afternoon.
Hugs and kisses
Nils
Posted Oct 21, 2012, 4:24 pm
Yesterday we drove to Schwägalp.
This pass is 1300 meters high and is located at the foot of the Säntis. First we admired a old coach.
A special trip for great TV's.
How funny. At 2,502.9 meters above sea level, Säntis is the tallest mountain in the Alpstein massif of northeastern Switzerland. The mountain is a highly visible landmark thanks to its exposed northerly location within the Alpstein massif.
The panorama from the summit is spectacular. Six countries can be seen if the weather allows: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France, and Italy. By a cable car you can reach the top.
The so-called Säntismord (English: Säntismurder) happened in the winter of 1922. It refers to a crime in which the weather station keeper and his wife were murdered. The murder was only discovered because of missing weather reports on February 21. As a result of the missing reports, a search party was sent to Säntis, where they discovered the bodies. The prime suspect was shoemaker Gregor Anton Kreuzpointer, who committed suicide three weeks after the murder. The truth about this double murder hence remains unclear to this day. So creepy. As we sat on the rocks came a jackdaw and wanted to get Twix. Host dad could still save him.
Schwägalp is also very popular with motorcyclists. As you can see here.
On our way home
we discovered an old stagecoach.
For special occasions, it runs today.
It is pulled by 4 horses. A hot air balloon, we have also seen.
It was a wonderful day.
Posted Oct 24, 2012, 3:55 pm
Our last trip was to the Principality of Lichtenstein.
In Vaduz, the capital, we saw the town hall.
It was built in 1932/33. The castle was built in the 13th Century and serves as the residence of the royal family.
Therefore it can not be visited. We saw a miniature of the castle.
The Principality is also very famous for its stamps. In the pedestrian zone known examples are shown for road paving. Here you see the special stamp in honor of the wedding of the crown prince.
This building is home to the parliament.
On our way home we had a great view over the Rhine Valley.
Best regards
Nils
Posted Oct 28, 2012, 10:37 am
When we woke up this morning our host mum said we should look out the window.
Snow! Over night snow had fallen and it still snows. We immediately put on our hats and scarves and went out onto the balcony.
What a beauty.
Meomie has never seen snow. She was almost mad with joy. After we played a few times in the snow, our host mum called back to the apartment. They pulled us out of the wet clothes and grabbed us in a warm blanket.
Was that a fun.
A big hug, Nils
Posted Oct 31, 2012, 3:33 pm
Today is Halloween and I have worked hard the last few days. Pumpkin carving was not so easy. And my costume for tonight, I had to make yet. I'll show you, but not tell anyone, it's a surprise.
I'm ready for trick or treat, let's go.
Nils
Posted Nov 1, 2012, 10:44 am
we had a great Halloween night. When it was dark we put on our costumes and headed off. Trick or Treat. We saw spooky pumpkins and other scary creatures.
We rang at many doors, and anywhere we got sweets.
Today we can swim in it.
I love Halloween!
Sweet greetings
Nils
Posted Nov 2, 2012, 3:40 pm
Today we said goodbye to Sausi Karl and Yuma. Sausi Karl travels to Vienna to Carolin's mum and Yuma travels to Lichtenfels in Franconia. As a farewell host mum has baked cookies. We have all eaten immediately.
Yummy. Then we hugged Sausi Karl and Yuma and wished a safe journey.
Much love back home
Nils
Posted Nov 11, 2012, 12:55 pm
yesterday we made another trip. To Appenzell, where the famous cheese comes from. On our way there we drove through the foothills.
The weather was so-so. Cloudy and cold.
In Appenzell we saw many brightly painted houses.
This is the town hall.
Then we visited the show dairy.
Here we could see how Appenzeller cheese is made.
The cheese cellar is huge.
Here you see a small part of it.
In the museum a cheese hut is recreated. We sat down in a copper pot in which the milk is heated.
Then we lay in the bed of the dairy maid.
At the end of our trip we have set ourselves on a cow.
That was very funny.
Many greetings, Nils
Posted Nov 13, 2012, 11:53 am
yesterday was my thirteenth birthday.
I'm now a teenager. Host mum and my friends surprised me with a big birthday table.
I got a chocolate cake with a candle on it. 13 candles would have had no place. Then I got a book about cars, a KinderSurprise, and soap bubbles.
My friends sang happy birthday for me.
It was a great birthday.
Greetings from
teenager Nils
Posted Nov 14, 2012, 6:23 pm
as host mum came home from work, she brought an envelope.
We were very curious, as always. The envelope was nibbled.
A corner was missing.
The Post had noticed it and pulled a transparent cover over it.
When we opened all the envelopes, came out a little rabbit
We introduced ourselves and embraced.
Lola was very pleased to welcome a little rabbit.
Then we had to take a nap. Two birthday parties make successively tired. I think we will have lots of fun with bunny.
Bye for now
Nils
Posted Nov 17, 2012, 7:31 pm
One week it was gray and damp. Today we had enough of the fog and decided to look for the sun. The Tannenbodenalp was the destination of our excursion. The Alp is located about 1400 meters above sea level. It should be high enough for the sun. After a few minutes driving time we saw the sea of fog below us.
On the Tannenbodenalp we had gorgeous weather
and a good view to the mountains
On a small bank, we took a short break.
We enjoyed the beautiful weather and the view.
On our way home we admired the autumn mood at the lake.
The sunset made a beautiful day perfect.
I love all you
Nils
Posted Nov 24, 2012, 9:47 am
our last trip brought us to Stein am Rhein, a small town in the canton of Schaffhausen.
Stein am Rhein is located where the river Rhine leaves Lake Constance.
The small town is home to a number of buildings that are listed as Swiss heritage sites of national significance.
Stein am Rhein received the first Wakker Prize for the preservation of its architectural heritage in 1972. The award noted that Stein am Rhein was nearly unique in Switzerland and rare. In all of Europe for the number of notable buildings in a compact space
It therefore noted the excellent care with Which the city which preserved. Here I show you some of the beautiful houses.
A small street for bears
A beautiful place on the Rhine.
So many beautiful buildings.
That's it for today, see you soon.
Nils
Posted Nov 25, 2012, 8:32 am
it's me again. When I came into the kitchen this morning, there sat a sweet, little ladybug and nibbling on a piece of apple.
It was Helga HH, a new TV that arrived when I was still asleep.
We introduced ourselves and HelgaHH showed us the postcard and the sweets she had brought.
We gave her a group hug and welcomed her warmly.
Then we have told many TV adventure. I think we will have lots of fun together.
Hugs and Kisses
Nils
Posted Nov 26, 2012, 6:39 pm
Yesterday we had to say goodbye to two friends.
Carolin and Twix travel to their next host.
Fortunately, both have the same goal and therefore can travel together.
We all have wished them a safe and pleasant journey.
Maybe we'll meet again.
Love you all
Nlis
Posted Nov 28, 2012, 4:13 pm
For days the weather is bad and we can not go out. But - it should snow again. We look forward. In order to pass the time, all TV's and host mum made an Chrismas wreath. Each was responsible for anything.
Does the wreath not look beautiful?
Hugs and kisses
Nils
Posted Dec 4, 2012, 1:13 pm
Today we use the nice weather for a walk in the snow.
We had a great view of the snow-covered valley.
Soon came back snow clouds.
Home our host mum made a hot lemon tea.
It did really well. In the evening we lit the first candle on the Advent wreath.
Christmas is near.
I think of you
Nils
Posted Dec 5, 2012, 12:57 pm
Today, we have welcomed a new guest. It is Troot, a small sweet elephant from Finland. Host mum opened the envelope and each of us wanted to look into it.
What a mess. Troot was a little intimidated. Then he climbed out bravely
and we have warmly welcomed him.
He brought with him a card, Christmas tea and a lollipop.
The tea is for host mum, she loves Christmas tea. Our host brother has grabbed the lollipop. So nasty.
That's it for today. Have a great time.
Nils
Posted Dec 7, 2012, 6:58 pm
It snows all the time.
And we are waiting for Santa Claus. Maybe he will not come. Troot told us that Santa always comes., No matter how much snow is. Troot should know, he is from Finland. While we wait, the old Theodore tells a Christmas story.
We have not seen Santa, but we heard him. He brought us nuts, tangerines, cookies and a chocolate Santa for each of us.
We were all behaved TV's ;-)) Now we wait for Christmas.
I think of you
Nils
Posted Dec 9, 2012, 6:41 pm
The last days I was busy. I helped host mum to bake Christmas cookies.
We baked a lot.
Most of the cookies get host mum's dad, her brother and an elderly neighbor who lives alone. I had lots of fun and it smelled sooo good.
Think of you
Nils
Posted Dec 12, 2012, 3:30 pm
Today was a Hello and Goodbye day. First we welcomed Lancel,
a little rabbit.
What a pleasure, i knew her from Finland.
She is the third Bunny here. And then we said goodbye to Mr. Wilson.
He's moved on to Germany, where he will spend Christmas.
That's it for today
Nils
Posted Dec 16, 2012, 1:21 pm
I wish you a happy third Advent sunday.
Hope you're fine
Your's Nils
Posted Dec 20, 2012, 9:56 pm
Today I was able to accompany host mum to work. She is responsible for inventory management and shipping to a company for hotel and kitchen supplies. First I visited her office.
It is not ready set up, they moved just two weeks ago. Then I looked at the warehouse.
Thousands of kitchen towels, tablecloths, napkins, aprons and more. Even here was Santa Claus.
It was great to see what host mum does when she is not at home.
Love you mum
Nils
Posted Dec 24, 2012, 2:57 pm
I wish you all a wonderful, merry Christmas.
My thoughts are with you at home.
I love you all and embrace you.
Nils
P.S. Today I had a lot of fun. (Which you'll see tomorrow)
Posted Dec 26, 2012, 1:09 pm
I had a very merry Christmas. On Christmas Eve we have decorated the Christmas tree with host dad.
Sorry if some pictures are blurred. We laughed so much as host dad fought with the fairy lights. The Christmas tree looks wonderful.
Then came the big moment.
Everybody got his gift.
I got a new sweater with my monogram.
Looks good?
Hugs and kisses
Nils
Posted Jan 1, 2013, 12:32 pm
mum, I wish you and all the loved ones at home a happy and healthy new year. After a great dinner, we watched a bit of television
to sell us the time. Then host brother has ignited table fireworks.
We had great fun with all the funny things.
Later we listened to the church bells and welcomed the New Year with champagne. Then we watched the fireworks.
As our host family went to sleep, we have emptied the remaining bottles. May be this was a little much for some of us
but we had a great party. And the party will go on, we have in fact two birthday kids. But that's another story.
Love you all
Nils
Posted Jan 7, 2013, 6:10 pm
after three weeks of rain (host mother can not remember such a terrible winter) we were finally able to back outside. No sun but dry. We all wanted to play in the snow. And for snow we had up high, very high. Sledding on Schwägalp was funny.
Then host mum had the idea of visiting the Santis.
So we took the cable car and were on our way to Säntis peak.
At the top station we admired an exhibition of various museums around.
Then we reached the summit. It was so cold and windy. Everything was frozen.
This is the weather station.
And that's the big TV antenna.
On our way back we even saw the sun.
It was a wonderful day.
Nils
Posted Jan 9, 2013, 6:54 pm
Today we said goodbye to Meomie.
She continues her journey and will visit Germany. We sang a song of farewell
and wished a safe journey.
On Saturday we will have a great trip. Host mum will not tell us where we go. All we know is that we take the train, and the rest is a surprise.
I can not wait.
your Nils
Posted Jan 13, 2013, 1:40 pm
Yesterday morning we had to get up very early. At 7 clock we sat on the train.
Our first stop was Zurich. There, we had just enough time to photograph the station
and to find out where the journey takes. We will travel to Basel. Basel is one of the oldest cities in Switzerland, located on the River Rhine. The city, near the border with Germany and France is known for its chemical industry. After our arrival in Basel,
we saw only a few steps from the train station Strasbourg Monument
and the Bank for International Settlements.
Our route took us to Elisabeth church
next to the Theatre. We had a short break at the Tinguely fountain.
This fountain, called Fasnacht Fountain was a gift of a great food discounter to the city of Basel.
Then we saw the Basel Cathedral,
located on the cathedral hill high above the Rhine. We had a magnificent view of the river and part of the city.
The skyscrapers that you see in the center of the image, is the fair tower.
Through narrow streets
we found our way to the river Rhine. We crossed the "Middle Bridge" and could see the old town from the other side.
On our way back we saw the red city hall.
It was built in 1504-1514. After these many impressions we were exhausted and slept through the journey home. I hope you like Basel as much as I.
Greetings, Nils
Posted Jan 18, 2013, 1:31 pm
Troot left us today. He traveled further to new adventures in another part of Switzerland. We had a small farewell party with cupcakes.
Host dad had secretly eaten a TV Muffin, therefore Troot had to eat a big one.
Then he packed his things and slipped into the envelope. We all wished him a good trip
and checked that everything was in order.
After his departure, some of us also grabbed the wanderlust. We have told a long time from our travels.
Love you mum, bye bye.
Nils
Posted Jan 23, 2013, 2:28 pm
Yesterday we had another farewell party. HelgaHH will travel back home, and Rocky Raccoon starts his first journey. Host mum baked a cake and took a group photo.
As long as one can show us yet, she said. Then we ate cake and potato chips and crackers. We drank one or another glass of wine.
Late at night we came upon a sentimental mood. Hase sang with fervor sad songs
until host mum woke up and reminded us that even more people live in this house who want to sleep now. We had a last drink and went to bed.
This morning it was time. We said goodbye to HelgaHH and Rocky. We gave both a group hug
and they slipped into their envelopes.
Bye, bye and have a safe trip.
Also, bye, bye home.
Nils
Posted Jan 26, 2013, 9:41 am
Today a new TV arrived. A sweet dog named Wolley. He is from Guinea and will spend some time with us.
We sat in our basket and told and laughed when suddenly a pointy nose sniffed over the edge.
It was Wolley, who had just arrived. We welcomed him kindly.
As he slept, he was very tired after his journey, we decided to cook a soup for him. A hot soup would be the right on such a cold day. We had a lot to do. Chop bacon, onions and lots of vegetables into small pieces.
Fry the bacon and onions. Barley and small white beans are added. Then fill with meat broth. And then - charging the battery of the camera. After 1 1/2 hours, we added in the vegetables, stirred,
and let cook for another 30 minutes.
For dinner, we enjoyed a delicious soup.
Satisfied and happy
Nils
Posted Feb 2, 2013, 4:31 pm
the weather is going crazy. On Wednesday the sun was shining (as host mum had to work) and it was 14 degrees. Then we had bucketfuls of rain and storm. This morning it started to snow again. Within ten minutes everything was white. No chance to go outside. And then the bad luck, host mum has a torn ligament in the foot. Dolivia, she is a pharmacy TV gives us instructions on how we have to maintain host mum.
We'll get her back on her feet. On both feet.
Until then
Nils
Posted Feb 5, 2013, 12:44 pm
Last night we had a small farewell party with great pizza.
You never know when the next time it is something to eat and my road is long. To Rochester MN is my journey. Wow, I will see the United States. The weather here makes me a little easier to say goodbye. It's horrible, but my friends
and host mum I leave with a tear in my eye. So I packed my things and climbed into my envelope. One last look and a bye,
and then starts the long journey.
See you soon mum
Nils
Posted Feb 14, 2013, 7:48 pm
My journey was not as long as a had expected and so I could climb of my envelope today! I needed some fresh air and headed directly to the balcony of my host's apartment to explore the neighborhood.
I have also learned that there could be snow without mountains! The meadows and roofs are still covered with a little snow. My host says there was a little new snow last night, but not even 1cm.
I liked the flag a lot, it fits me perfectly with all that blue and white.
My host told me it is the state flag of Minnesota, where I stay now. Minnesota is also called "land of 10000 lakes". I guess that means I'll see a lot of lakes in the next time!
After getting to know my new host and her place, I settled down with Fifi. She is far too old to travel, she said, but likes listening to the stories I can tell her.
I need a rest now.
Love, Nils
Posted Feb 17, 2013, 12:13 am
Today was such a beautiful day: blue sky and sunny, but really cold. Thanks to my sweater, I can go outside without freezing too much. My host sannah took me for a walk from downtown Rochester back to their apartment.
Rochester is also known as Med City. About one third of the people living in Rochester works at the Mayo Clinic and nearly all buildings, especially the tall ones, downtown belong to them (or are hotels). Therefore there is not much going on there on the weekend, because all employees are at home. Let me show you some of the buildings!
sannah likes the last building the most. It is called Plummer Building, was completed in 1928 and has been the tallest building of the city for a long time. This is one stone of it, showing Dr. Plummer himself:
We then walked along 2nd street. I do absolutely love this picture, it combines old and new.
Beside some churches (which are not that pretty like those I have seen in Europe), there also is a Jewish community in town.
Dan Abraham has not only sponsored this house, but also the Mayo Fitness Center, sannah told me. She exercises there at least twice a week. Have you known where all his money came from? No? - I did neither, but was told that he invented SlimFast. It is expensive powder that can be turned into a drink and makes people thin or so. I don't need it, that is for sure!
On our way home, we also passed two other different building that are somehow connected to medical treatments.
I hope to never have to stay in the second one, it is the St. Mary's hospital!
Finally, we arrived back home. I live in one of those apartments now!
Though it is not that far away from downtown, there is a small lake just around the corner!
sannah-man said that when he left early this morning for work, there were some people sitting on the lake in little sheds. They were ice fishing! Maybe I am lucky to see them in person one day.
Okay Mom, now you know where I live! Though sannah said that there still is a lot to discover.
Love, Nils
Posted Mar 3, 2013, 12:53 am
Long time not seen, but sannah has had a cold during the week and started tutoring, too.
Today we made a short trip to Zumbrota, Minnesota. Doesn't that sound funny? Say it twice or three times in a row! *giggel*
It is a very small town about half an hour northwest of Rochester.
Therefore, there wasn't that much to see, except for the reason we came: A covered bridge, the only one left in the state. Here it is:
Can you read the sign above it? It says: "$10 fine for driving faster than a walk across this bridge." But since there are posts installed in front of the bridge, no usual vehicle would be able to pass anyway.
Next to the bridge some information were given which I studied carefully.
Then we entered the bridge and it turned out to be really huge!
Through the windows, we had a look on the Zumbro River and the amounts of snow that are still left in my area.
Inside the covered bridge, it was pretty cool because the warming sun was missing. But outside, I was larking and made snow angels!
The snow cooled me down. Luckily, my hosts decided to have a cup of coffee before we left because they were freezing a little after having a walk in the Covered Bridge Park. So we went to a small café nearby.
Everywhere along the Main Street, lampposts were decorated with those flags. Zumbrota obviously is very proud of that bridge!
All the coffee (I even got a refill) made me hop around sannahs car on our way back. At first I tried to enjoy the still snowy landscape ...
... but then I got bored and wanted to drive myself ...
... and played with Emil the Elk who lives in sannahs car. He protected me from falling here.
It was only a small trip, but we had lots of fun. And the fresh air made me tired in the long run. Good night!
Posted Mar 24, 2013, 9:06 pm
I was a little lazy with traveling in the past weeks because I had to. First, there is still a lot of snow outside making it not really easy to drive or walk around. And second, sannah twisted her ankle and had to recover first.
We both were glad to leave home for Mason City, Iowa! The town itself is not really a must-see, but we went there for a concert of the Slovenian A Cappella choir Perpetuum Jazzile. It was great - but taking photos was not allowed during the show.
It was snowing (again ...) this morning, so we took only a short walk through downtown. A typical small town in the Midwest I'd say and sannah agreed.
This is a memorial for all soldiers who died in war:
This building once for sure has been beautiful:
Look, I found us an all American car!
This is the post office and courthouse. All official buildings are easily to recognize: the national flag in front of them!
For US standards, this church really looks like one:
And I guess this is art. There were more statues downtown, but this one appeared to be most inviting to climb on.
As I said, not much going on in Mason City - that's it so far!
Best wishes,
Nils
Posted Mar 25, 2013, 4:39 am
I forgot that we did not only visit Mason City, but also stopped in Clear Lake, about ten miles west. We wanted to have a look at the Clear Lake, but there clearly wasn't a lake. Well, somehow it was still covered under snow and ice. But have a look yourself:
Maybe we'll come back in summer, it most be great to live there then! Now I really wasn't in the mood for sunbathing.
So far: Good night now!
Nils
Posted Apr 4, 2013, 1:13 am
OH MY GOD - I am still so overwhelmed! Yesterday sannah went to the Mall of America with friends (and sannah-man) for the first time. And huge does not describe its size. It is the largest mall (shopping center) in the U.S. and the 11th largest in the world. I have never felt so tiny before!
The mall is three to four stories high.
And in the middle of the mall is an amusement park - the hallways with the stores and restaurants circle around it. If you don't count the amusement park, the mall would only be the second largest in the United States.
sannah rode of of the rollercoasters with her friends' daughter. I wasn't allowed in because I am too short.
One of the most fascinating things was the LEGO store - for everyone who is familiar with those brick toys invented in Denmark. They even designed the whole surrounding with those tiny bricks - have a look!
Those world explorers (I am one, too!
) are huge and completely made of bricks!
Are you as impressed as I am?
Greetings,
Nils
Posted Apr 25, 2013, 11:51 pm
Spring has finally come! Well, it still is a little cold outside, but the sun was shining brightly today. Maybe the wisest thing to do to fight her little cold was to go outside, sannah thought - and therefore she took Kwaadapp and me to the local Museum and Historical Society of Olmsted County. Here we are!
Since I have already seen this building in real life, I rushed to this Lego brick model of the Plummer Building, located in downtown Rochester. We could climb this model easily, but would not stand a chance to the same with the original building!
There were also some models of other historic buildings in town, but they were made of cardboard.
Since Rochester is also called "Med City", they had some really fancy instruments from doctors in old times.
Kwaadapp really sometimes is a little Mr. Scaredy-Pants, but I dared to have a closer look at the bone saw! I guess the text next to me does not require further comments?!
The museum also showed two scenes, one of them features the story of five year old Lucy Gray. About one hundred years ago, before modern medicine was invented, she would have died of appendicitis, but her father dared to travel with her by train to what now is St. Marys where she had surgery. She was a brave girl, supposedly never cried and went home safely.
I don't want to leave you scared. See, I found me a desk with a computer!
Well, not the most modern thing compared to what sannah works with ... Therefore it is in a museum: IBM also has a facility here in Rochester and I think they donated the stuff.
Okay, that was our trip today!
Love, Nils
Posted May 4, 2013, 2:02 am
no, those pictures are not a few months old and I forgot to post. They were taken in May! More than 30cm of snowfall were measured yesterday morning - the highest amount in the past twelve months.
Nature had difficulties to adjust, this poor little tree on sannahs balcony really bend over - and not because I was sitting in it!
I really disappear in all the white ...
It took a while for the snow plows to arrive. Therefore sannah-man had to go to work by shuttle - sannah refused to drive him. And walking wasn't an option, either ...
sannah said that in a few das only the snow will be forgotten and everything should be back to normal ... Let's hope so - we are ready for some trips!
Love, Nils
Posted May 9, 2013, 1:07 am
Hi Mom!
I was a little sad because Kwaadapp left yesterday for his big adventure - now I am all alone with Fifi.
But sannah took my for a bike ride with her. As this is "Med City", lots of opportunities are offered for exercising, including dozens of miles of paved bike paths along rivers or around lakes.
And that is what sannah did: She followed the Cascade Creek to Zumbro River and Silver Lake.
Here the small creek enters the Zumbro River. As you can see, the snow from last week has gone completely and the trees are in blossom or about to start blossoming every minute.
I have already completed that life mission, but have a look: I meet another goose! These are Canadian geese, some live here at Silver Lake, others will maybe travel further north. And they are communicating really loud!
And this view of downtown Rochester has been taken south of Silver Lake (which actually is just a bottled-up part of the Zumbro River). Can you locate the Plummer Building on the picture? It is kind of characteristic for the town's skyline ...
sannah has also promised me an extraordinary road trip at the end of the month. I am so excited!
Love, Nils
Posted May 24, 2013, 1:42 am
sannah really is in a hurry for our big trip the upcoming weekend, but she promised me to type what I dictate her.
Let's start with a game. Where am I?
It is very hard to believe that, only three weeks ago, the whole beauty of nature was hidden under a foot of snow!
Not far away from where sannah lives, there is a bike trail through Cascade Lake Park - last time we turned right to get to the city center, today we turned left and enjoyed the nature. The bike path is paved, easily to drive and meanders between Cascade Creek and some artificial lakes (caused by a quarry).
In the background, you can see Assisi Heights. It is a convent of the Sisters of St. Francis and overlooks the city of Rochester.
I enjoyed the blossoming nature and the surrounding water.
But you better watch out for people jogging, skating or speed-cycling along the trail. They are as dangerous as fishermen walking which their fishing poles over their shoulder not caring for everybody else on the trail ...
But we are back home safe. Now excuse us, we have to take care of our travel nerves!
All the best,
Nils
Posted May 28, 2013, 10:42 pm
last weekend was a long weekend here in the US - Monday was Memorial Day, a national holiday. sannah and friends decided to spend part of the weekend on the road in order to see the very very amazing nature of the Black Hills in South Dakota.
But to be honest, most visitors of the region don't only come for the nature, but mostly for the manmade additions to the landscape.
The most famous one are four heads of former presidents: from left to right (me
) George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.
Their upper bodies should also have been engraved in the stone, but before this could have happened, the architect died. This is his statue:
And along the President's Trail with a lot of stairs, you could also learn a lot about the four presidents that had been chosen to be part of Mount Rushmore.
And here others are quoted who helped establish Mount Rushmore as a National Monument, nowadays attracting hundreds of thousands of international tourists like Tommi and me.
But that was only the first part of our adventure as our travel continued!
Love,
Nils
Posted May 29, 2013, 7:09 am
right after leaving Mount Rushmore, we went to another monument carved in stone: the nearby Crazy Horse Memorial. He was an Indian warchief of the Lakota people and if you thought Mount Rushmore was huge, this monument is even huger!
It's so huge that it wasn't possible for sannah to take a photo of me and the original - here it is as in May 2013.
But there were many models of how the memorial should look like when it's finally completed and I was able to pose with one of it.
You can see how much work there still is to do - and there have been working on it for decades. The guy how started working on it died in 1982, but the face was completed and inaugurated not earlier than 1998! His family continues the work as his heritage and since there is no government funding, progress is only made by donations and the admission fees to the area.
They even have a small museum of Native American Art and Culture. May I introduce you to my buddy "Mad Bear"?
And this decent piece of art is the gate to the property. Nice, isn't it?
Korczak is the first name of the sculptor (the one who died in 1982), his name is kind of a brand for the place.
And our travel continued to other nice places around the Black Hills.
Love,
Nils
Posted May 30, 2013, 3:39 pm
Hi Mom!
Today we left South Dakota and went even further west, into Northeast Wyoming. You can’t imagine how beautiful the landscape was, but maybe you can catch a glimpse with this view over Salt Creek somewhere in Wyoming.
But our final destination was another National Park: Devils Tower was the first declared United States National Monument, established on September 24, 1906, by President Theodore Roosevelt. But among the local Native American tribes, the tower is called Bear's Lodge – here is the explanation for the two names:
The name Bear’s Lodge is connected to a story that is different in details, but quite similar in general among all tribes: A group of kids was chased by a bear and prayed for help. And help came when the rock they were standing on rose up to the sky. This saved the children – and it explains the structure of the tower still visible nowadays since the bear tried to climb the mountain and therefore carved it with his claws. You can see this story in the painting:
Science would say Devils Tower was caused by eruption of a volcanic hotspot. Basically, it is a rock pimple.
And a very outstanding one: rising dramatically 386 m above the surrounding terrain and, in general, the summit is more than 1500 m above sea level. But it is not really one solid mountain, but made up of single columns.
If you have never been to Wyoming, but cannot suppress the feeling Devils Tower looks familiar to you, chances are that you are very interested in movies: In Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) aliens land here. But not when we visited.
Love, Nils
Posted May 31, 2013, 9:53 pm
this is the last part of our trip. We packed our things in the car and started driving down very curvy roads in very foggy weather, but as soon as we had passed Rapid City, the sky cleared and sun was shining brightly.
But sannah and sannah-man did not want to drive home straight, but decided to take the scenic loop through Badlands National Park.
It is a national park in southwestern South Dakota protecting about 100 ha of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires blended with the largest undisturbed mixed grass prairie. The scenery reminds me of pictures I have seen from the moon or planet Mars.
But let pictures speak!
The area looks really bizarre. I have never seen anything similar in my entire life! One can hardly believe that millions of years ago in earth history this has once been a shallow ocean. But you can find many fossils there telling of those times!
Though it was not really that hot, it felt like being in a desert. The creek in the background will most likely stay dry forever.
The loop luckily led us out of the park again. I suddenly felt so thirsty!
That was our long weekend in South Dakota. Unfortunately, we have not been able to see some buffalos.
But sannah promised it won't take long until our next trip! Yeah! I hope the weather will be as good as it has been the past weekend!
Love,
Nils
Posted Jun 19, 2013, 3:01 am
sannah has taken me on another trip for the weekend: We went further north and stayed in Silver Bay, a tiny town on the north shore, the shore of Lake Superior. Actually, this lake looks much more like an ocean to me ...
On a hill over the mountain, you can overlook the scenery. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't that good on Saturday ...
The town is a very young one and was established for housing the workers (and their families) of the iron mining company in town about 60 years ago. This site is shown on the picture.
But in order to satisfy the needs of the tourists entering the north shore (very often bringing a boat), Silver Bay also has a little marina.
Of course, this was only the first part of our trip!
All the best,
Nils
Posted Jun 20, 2013, 1:16 am
As I promised, our trip has just started in Silver Bay. We later on went to Palisade Head, a large cliff rising about 40-50 meters high above Lake Superior. But luckily, we didn’t have to climb – there is a single lane road winding to a small parking lot on top of it.
The access is free of charge and the view – well, have a look yourself!
sannah has been told that the hike to the edge of Shovel Point is a nice one. Not too difficult, but not too easy, either! But we had to buy an entrance ticket to the Tettegouche State Park in order to walk there – and so we did. And again, the view was awesome, but the weather could have been nicer. A blue sky makes nicer pictures!
I don't know how many stairs we walked up and down from the beach to the top, at some point we just stopped counting!
On some photos, you could see Palisade Head in the background - it's the cliff with the antenna.
At the pike of Shovel Point we noticed that there are caves in the cliffs!
A little more from the north shore is about to follow!
All the best, Nils
Posted Jun 22, 2013, 12:29 am
Sunday = sunny day! We packed our things and said goodbye to our room, started the car – and stopped again just a few miles south at Split Rock Lighthouse. It is one of the most photographed views of the entire state, an icon – if you want to say so.
We had a short guided tour which focused on the history of the building. The decision to build it was made after the year 1905 when a stormy season on Lake Superior caused too many ships to crash along the north shore. Split Rock Lighthouse finally was dedicated in 1910 and operated until 1969.
The tour provided lots of information in only 20 minutes, but afterwards we were free to explore more on our own. At first, we took the spiral stairs up to the top of the lighthouse and saw the beacon. On our way down, we had a look outside through one of the small windows.
And then we finally took the 170(!) stairs down to the shore in order to take some panoramic views with the lighthouse. About 100 years ago, a tramway was installed where the stairs are now. It transported the building parts which had to be delivered by boat because there has not yet been a highway from Duluth to the construction site on top of the cliff.
We really enjoyed the site and the weather was perfect, but we had to go …
On our way back home, we also stopped at Gooseberry Falls. I guess they are most impressive in spring when the snow melt increases the volume. Surely nobody would be that close to the river then!
One more stop before we went home ...
All the best,
Nils
Posted Jun 23, 2013, 7:55 pm
Hi there!
The last stop before finally heading home was in Duluth. Duluth is a harbor city situated at the westernmost point of the Great Lakes on the north shore of Lake Superior, but has access to the Atlantic Ocean away via the Great Lakes and the Saint Lawrence Seaway. That is a distance of 2300 miles or 3700 km!
Once, Duluth was a industrial city, mostly connected to the harbor and ore trade and related fields. But the economic decline started in the 1950s and Duluth has focused on something else: tourists like us. It is the "gate to the north shore"!
At the tip of Lake Superior, a nice Lakewalk has been built. It reminds me a little of the Alster in my hometown Hamburg - but it is less urban:
sannah was suffering a little because of the strong sunshine, so we left the Lakewalk for "downtown": E Superior St.
We had to cross the interstate first through this protected walk ...
... before we entered the old business district where you can see both what Duluth once has been and a little bit of neclect and decline, too (most tourism and bars were a little more southeast) ...
This impressive building once has been the Hotel Duluth and JFK stayed here. Nowadays, the salon downstairs is the number one location for wedding receptions while senior citizens live upstairs. If you want to know more, click here!
This ship was just leaving the harbor. Maybe it is on its way to Hamburg?! How long that would take? I don't know!
Those were my impressions from Minnesota's north shore. I don't know yet where we are about to travel in the future ... At the moment it is quite hot and very humid here in Rochester with thunderstorms and lightnings every night. Not the best weather for trips, but we'll see!
Love,
Nils
Posted Jul 1, 2013, 12:38 am
Hi there!
Today, sannah took me hiking! It actually turned out to be the perfect weather for this activity: not too hot, a little cloudy, but also sunny. Nice!
We drove east and reached Whitewater State Park which is located at the edge of Bluff Country in SE Minnesota. Actually, the bluffs here are mostly sandstone, covered with forests and the Whitewater River cuts through.
But we started climbing higher and higher above the river.
At first, there were stone stairs ...
... but then we just had to climb the natural path ...
... until we reached Chimney Rock! It is kind of obvious why it is called that way, isn't it?
But we could even climb a little higher where we settled down for a moment, had something to drink, a banana and time to take more pictures.
Then we began our descent. We wandered over hill and dale at first, but then some wooden stairs replaced the path. But the view was still remarkable!
Look at this hollow tree!
When we reached the river level again, we noticed what kind of bluff we had walked on all the time. The sandstone is so soft, you can easily carve your name.
This nice little waterfall was the end of the first hike.
But since the weather was so nice, we decided to continue hiking ... This time, we took the Trout Trail which led us along a little river.
This trail ended in an open area surrounded by bluffs. The atmosphere was so calm!
But at some point, we just had to return to the car ... When crossing the river, sannah was afraid I might fall out of her pocket. But I hold tight - if not, the stream would have taken me with it ...
Maybe I would have become fishermen's prey!
But I am save back home, sharing my adventures with Michel! I hope your day was as nice as mine!
All the best,
Nils
Posted Jul 13, 2013, 5:10 pm
The past days have been weird! sannah and sannah-man pack things into boxes, leave with boxes and come back a little later without them.
sannah told me they are moving house.
She also put Michel and me in a bag in order to keep us safe she said.
I hope this is over soon!
sannah promised me it will and that we are going on another trip afterwards!
Sounds good to me!
All the best,
Nils
Posted Jul 21, 2013, 3:42 pm
We have just moved into the new apartment and sannah said we are going on a trip as a reward. Yesterday, we traveled by plane - which was pretty exciting - and landed close to the Atlantic Ocean – in Boston, Massachusetts. Now I can say that I have completed a life mission – but sannah wasn’t able to take some nice pictures. What a pity! But she promised she will take some on our way back.
Today, we started to explore the city, but it was very hot and humid. So we stayed close to our room in Back Bay, one of Boston’s richest districts.
First sannah took us to the MFA, the Museum of Fine Arts. We took no photos inside this huge complex, but this is the main entrance.
Then we went back to Copley Place, a famous square surrounded by several historic buildings. Among these are the Boston Public Library,
the Old South Church
and the Trinity Church next to the highest building of Boston, the Hancock Tower with 60 floors. It is so tall that it did not fit in the photo properly!
A newly wed couple was taking pictures in front of the church while we were taking some, too.
Then we turned southwest back to the center of Back Bay, the Prudential Towers – Pru for short. Around office buildings, there is a large shopping mall with several stores. It was already evening and the light was very calm, so we took nice pictures at the Plaza between Pru and First Church of Christ, Scientist.
Tower 3 in the background. A lot of youngsters enjoyed running and playing in that fountain!
The dome belongs to the First Church of Christ, Scientist.
Looking back.
Temperatures are supposed to cool down overnight – I hope that will happen. sannah is going to explore more of the city with us in the following days.
All the best,
Nils
Posted Jul 22, 2013, 3:10 pm
Boston is a very historic city! You might have heard of the Boston Tea Party which was leading to the independence of the former colonies from the British Empire. Well, there was a lot more than just this tea party going on in the 1770s. The Freedom Trail is a walk along all the historic places that have something to do with the way to freedom. It is marked by red bricks and lots of other tourists followed it yesterday.
The Freedom Trail starts at Boston Common, which is to Boston what the Central Park is to New York. The first impressive building we saw was the State Capitol of Massachusetts. There is a little tower on top of the golden dome because it it obviously needs some repairs.
The nice Park Street Church was built shortly afterwards. Here William Lloyd Garrison gave his first public speech against slavery.
The Granary Burying Ground is the third oldest burying ground in Boston. The five victims of the Boston Massacre are buried here, as well as Samuel Adams who signed the Declaration of Independence.
King’s Chapel does not really look like a church - from the inside and the outside. What caught my eye was that people would not sit in lines of benches, but in little red plush booths. There also wasn't really an altar ... I have not seen anything like that before – looks more like an opera to me!
Next to the Old City Hall is the site of the First Public School in the U.S. (founded in 1635). Benjamin Franklin is an alumni of this Boston Latin School, his monument now marks where the school once has been.
The Old South Meeting House is the second oldest church in Boston. It was used for public meetings – the biggest one was in 1773 when more than 5000 people protested against the tax on tea.
The Old State House Museum is both the site of the Boston Massacre in 1770 – and six years later, the Declaration of Independence was read from this east balcony.
Faneuil Hall still is the market place and public gathering space it has always been. There are lots of pubs and restaurants around that area in downtown Boston.
Those sites have all been very close. The trail now continued facing north to the North End which now is the Italian quarter of Boston with lots of Italian restaurants. It also is home of Paul Revere who was a silversmith and is most famous for his midnight ride when he announced British troops were coming to fight.
From the Old North Church with its widely visible tower, two lanterns were hung that started Revere’s ride. This action is often regarded as the spark that ignited the American Revolution.
From the North End we crossed the St. Charles River and entered the quarter called Charlestown. In the Navy yard, the USS Constitution is anchored, the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world! You also have a great view of Boston’s skyline from here.
The last site is the Bunker Hill Monument. The Battle of Bunker Hill was one of the bloodiest battles of the American Revolution on June 17, 1775: ill-equipped, but determined Colonists where fighting the powerful British Army. 1400 dies where nowadays the 67m obelisk commemorates this first major battle.
Now we reached the end of the more than 4km long Freedom Trail. Luckily, sannah carried us around – our feet and little legs would have hurt a lot! See, the red line shows the long way we went.
That was an exciting day - we learned a lot!
All the best,
Nils
Posted Jul 25, 2013, 1:23 am
Today, we returned home from Boston - that was my second flight! And this time, sannah took some photos of it!
We arrived early at the airport and sat down in the waiting area in front of the gate.
Then we were boarding. That means everybody had to put his luggage in the over head compartments and sit down. We waited for the plane to move.
The plane departed! Suddenly, we were high in the sky, even over the clouds. That was very impressive!
Thanks to the window seat, I was able to look down on the tiny tiny earth all the time. And the weather was good, too. You don't see that much when it's cloudy, sannah said.
Flying really is a big adventure - I love it!
All the best,
Nils
Posted Jul 25, 2013, 3:33 pm
We continued exploring the city. In order to get an overview, we took the elevator up to the 50th floor of the Prudential Tower. The elevator went so fast that that our little ears started to hurt a bit. But WOW – what a view!
Let's start facing east: The tall building is the Hancock Tower at Copley Square, the highest building of Boston.
The Charles River is leading to the Massachusetts Bay (and therefore into the Atlantic).
North, on the other side of the Charles River Cambridge is located – with one of the most famous universities of the world: Harvard. And even closer to the river is another well known institution: the MIT – the dome right of the bridge.
This is Fenley Park in the west, the baseball stadium of the Red Sox. Baseball is quite important in Boston since it’s the season. In a few weeks, American football with the NE Patriots will start again.
Looking south(east), you can see that Boston is secured from the power of the Atlantic Ocean by several small islands.
On the inner wall of the building, a permanent exhibit provided information about Boston’s history, celebrities, sports teams, immigration or trivia.
Between feet and miles, a smoot is a local unit of length. It’s just a matter of definition!
I really start to like Boston!
All the best,
Nils
Posted Jul 25, 2013, 3:51 pm
When I reported on the Freedom Trail, I mentioned the Boston Tea Party – the well know incident in 1773 when Colonists, supposedly dressed as Native Americans, dropped English Tea overboard in order to show what they thought about taxation. Read more here!
However, the actual site of the Tea Party is not part of the Freedom Trail – for whatever reason.
So sannah took Michel and me there later. The museum is supposed to be very nice and offers some historical reenactment, but we arrived late that day and the last show was already running.
This is one of the vessels used for bringing goods into the inner harbor. The tea was dropped into the harbor here and it was reported that the water was tinted for days because of the amount of tea.
Are you ready to have a tea party now?
All the best,
Nils
Posted Jul 30, 2013, 4:54 am
We are on our way to another place that neither sannah nor Michel or me have visited before: Chicago!
But it really was a road trip until we got there and we passed a lot of farms in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
We crossed the mighty Mississippi River which is the border between the two states.
All the best,
Nils
Posted Jul 30, 2013, 4:58 am
We are staying in a hotel in a suburb of Chicago. But before going to bed, we wanted to go to the shore of Lake Michigan. And so we did, we were even lucky enough to catch some twilight mood.
All the best,
Nils
Posted Aug 2, 2013, 12:38 am
We took the train to Chicago Union Station and then walked through the city. We just had a few hours for exploration before our meeting.
The first thing we did was a very tourist-y one: We went on top of the Willis Tower, formerly known as Sears Tower . The weather could have been better, but we still had a nice view – especially with the Lake Michigan in the background.
To the south
To the southeast
To the east
And to the northeast
Then we went for a walk through the city. In the Millennium Park and especially the Grant Park, people were preparing everything for an upcoming rock festival this weekend. We also found something “typical German” … *no comment*
This is the Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain in the middle of the Grant Park.
Barack Obama lived in Chicago before he became president. But we were only able to pose with another president – one that couldn’t run away from us …
The skyscrapers and architecture of Chicago were really impressive.
I think I’ll come back some time and hope for better weather then!
All the best,
Nils
Posted Aug 3, 2013, 9:52 pm
We are back home in sannah’s new apartment. The view is great since it is located directly at the Zumbro River. I like to hang out in the “green bay”.
Lots of ducks and even geese like to bath their feet here. And look, there is somebody fishing!
I enjoy looking at out the window – there’s always something new to discover.
In less than two weeks, we are going (back) to Germany. From there, I’ll continue my travel to - we'll see ...
All the best,
Nils
Posted Aug 11, 2013, 3:59 am
Before leaving for Germany, we went to the Twin Cities. Well, actually we were neither in St. Paul (the capital of Minnesota) nor in Minneapolis (the state’s largest city), but in the suburbs. After some shopping, we needed a quieter place. And found it – at Fort Snelling State Park.
More than 150 years ago, what now is the state of Minnesota was the border to the Wild West. A fort was established to “secure” the area for traders and the British Army – against the Native American tribe of Dakota who lived there and were afraid of losing their homeland.
Well, to cut a long story short, the Dakota lost their homeland and were even imprisoned at Fort Snelling. We did not go in there, but the walls already look impressive from the outside!
At the adjacent State Park, the Minnesota River joins the mighty Mississippi River. One of the numerous hiking trails leads along this stream.
Can you see the highway bridge in the background?
Especially at the Minnesota River, the ground is very much swampland – and attracting lots of mosquitoes. I decided to stay in sannah’s bag in order to avoid being bitten! sannah told me afterwards that this was a wise decision …
All the best,
Nils
Posted Aug 17, 2013, 10:36 am
We have traveled far in the past days – from the US to Germany where sannah visits friends and her family.
As the weather was nice, sannah took me sightseeing to her former university city: Halle at the river Saale. A few months ago, the city hit national news because of a severe flooding.
We started at University Square. The Löwengebäude serves mostly official and representative purpose.
Here we all posed with one of the two lions in front of the entrance to the Löwengebäude which means lion buiding in German.
All buildings at University Square were beautifully restored. In this building called Robertinum, sannah took classes in classics (history of the Roman Empire).
Then we went to the Market Square. There I met this dressed up guy looking towards the west. It is the monument of the world famous composer G. F. Händel who was born in Halle.
This so called Red Tower is one of the five towers that make up the city’s historic skyline. The other four belong to the main church at the market square.
And we also had a short look into the market church where Martin Luther preached in the 1530s. Protestantism was established early in Halle! And the design of the church today is close to what it was at that time.
It was nice to get to know all these places!
All the best,
Nils
Posted Aug 25, 2013, 5:43 pm
Yesterday was fun! I met many other toyvoyagers and had a picknick sitting on blankets in the Lüneburger Heide or Lunenburg Heath. But it wasn’t a toyvoyager meet-up, we all met because our hosts are participating in postcrossing, too.
But the scenery around our place was really really beautiful – have a look for yourself!
Isn’t the heath beautiful in its purple blossom?
Soon I am going to travel to Switzerland – and meet another postcrosser.
All the best,
Nils
Posted Aug 28, 2013, 9:26 pm
I'm in Switzerland now!
It was such a rainy day when I arrived and I was happy to came out of my envelope.
First I saw the two pets looking at me very curious. Egni introduced us and we make friends at once.
This a Miro.
This is Beauty. First she ignored me.
Than egni show me where I will live the next time.
I have my one little chair!
From the balcony I had a look around and than we went to the garden to take some pictures as a memory to my first day here.
After a short powernap we take the bus and I accompanied egni to the thrift short, where she had to work this afternoon.
She show to me all the poor and lonely bears, still waiting for a new mom.
A big koala bears asked me, to cuddle with him.
That's enough for the day, I'm so tired and egni lay me down to sleep.
Big hug for you mom. Good night.
Posted Aug 29, 2013, 8:23 pm
Today we stayed at home. Egni and her hubby were busy in the garden. So I walked around and found a lonely little deer.
I say him "Bamby". It is so cute.
Later on I had to help them putting a net over their grapes, as the birds and wasps are biting them and than they will addle.
It was a hard work, but we all were happy after all.
Tomorrow there will be a surprise. But we will come back very late, so I think the next letter from me will come on saturday evening.
Good night mom, big hug!
Posted Sep 1, 2013, 1:53 pm
Today egni and all her former fellows had a trip to Sankt Gallen by bus. The weather was fine and all people twaddled a lot, it was a great noise around.
Sankt Gallen
Arriving in Sankt Gallen we had an interesting guided tour in the areal of the monastery. First we visited the great and impressive library. Unfortunately is was forbidden to take pictures, because the very old invaluable books must be protected from to much light. This is the cause, that in the old openend bibles, shown in glasscases, every week another page is to be seen.
Afterwards we had a look to the minster, with all it's ceiling frescos, wonderful benches and carved confessional boxes.
Ceiling fresco
Confessional box
We heard a lot dates and names, but I can't remember, it was to much information to me.
On our walk through the old town we saw a lot of old patrician houses and jugendstil windows and oriels. Sankt Gallen is a very nice town.
The most beautiful oriel.
After dinner, our group started to the "Fliegereimuseum Althenrein". There are lots of old aircrafts to be seen and all what have to do with the flying. Some of the planes can be chartered for an hour or so. Surely with a pilot.
I like this one most, mom.
This is the emergency equipment, the pilot take with him, if he had to eject.
Sure it was interesting, but only the men where exited. The women listened and look to the pretty pilot who gave the instructions
.
An interesting day and I'm very tired from all I have seen.
Good night.
Posted Sep 1, 2013, 2:21 pm
Egni hopes to sell some of the things, she don't need.
Ready to go! All we take with us, is on this little transport trolley.
There were many stands, but less people to buy something.
Most of our things, we had to take back home. We were disappointed.
But anyway it was interesting to see and meet lots of people. All the time egni get hugs from other women, they laughed together and we had an amusing day.
Lots of love, mom!
Posted Sep 5, 2013, 8:49 pm
Egni and her hubby have so much to work in the garden. I must go to help.
Today they want to paint their old fence. It really looks bad.
Before painting!
We had to work the whole day. First the garden gate was refreshed and I must say: I looks very good. Next picture shows the difference.
Before and after painting!
In the evening we were very satisfied and tired.
Good night Mom!
Posted Sep 5, 2013, 9:03 pm
So we went outside searching for a CD from Amy Macdonald. Her music pleased him very much.
But sadly we don't find one. Nothing, nowhere! What to do? We had to think about the great problem and a rest on a very special bench.
Do you ever sit on so much money, Mom?
Wish I could send it to you.
Love you, Mom! Bye for now.
Posted Sep 13, 2013, 7:14 pm
I could help selling the lots and giving out prices.
On my walk through the store I took a rest in this nice doll's pram.
We had a lot to do and all the people were enjoying the warm evening.
Posted Sep 13, 2013, 7:26 pm
In the train.
Slowly arriving at Konstanz mainstation.
And we are! I'm curious what to see today.
Postcards, of course! We had to look and egni bought some for her stock.
I learned, how to cross the road safely! Very important for a little bear.
Look, mom, they had a house just for me. "Zum weissen Bär" it's called. So cool!
This is the "Wiener Kaffeehaus".
But we don't want to drink something. It was very cold, because the wind blows from the Bodensee. So we went to the station, after egni had given her envelops and lot of cards to the postoffice.
Have a safe journey!
Bye, mom, love you!
Posted Sep 18, 2013, 8:17 pm
But of course she found me there.
The water was warm, and there was many lather. Oncemore I tried to escape. But without results.
I was scrubbed from top to toe, than I was dried, and after my clothes were ready too, I feel like Nils again.
And now, Mom, egni told me, that tomorrow we are going to Vaduz, together with other women. That's why I have to be a clean and proper little bear. Now I understand.
Write tomorrow againg.
Bye Mom.
Posted Sep 27, 2013, 4:02 pm
All the women were excited about me. I'm a little bit proud.
Today we went to Malbun.
The weather wasn't good, so we went into a restaurant for lunch. I was so hungry.
One of egnis friends feeds me with some bread.
It was very nice decorated and the candle shone warm.
At last all had their meal - it was delicious!
Than we went outside, looking and listening to a falconer, who showed us his birds of prey. The greatest one was the golden eagle, 30 years old and great in hawking.
The falconer and his golden eagle.
They are waiting for their performance.
After the show the sun began to shine, so we had a great look into the mountains around.
On the way home I was asleep from all I had seen and from the mountain air. It was a great day!
Posted Sep 27, 2013, 4:16 pm
I go to a fleemarket with egni. We want to sell lots of things to earn some money.
I helped her, setting up the stand.
Also on the stand besides egni, there is still much to do.
After we had made some money, we get hungry.
So we went to the cake buffet - jummy.
In the later afternoon we were happy having sold lots of books and other things. So we had a heavy purse!
Fleemarket is so great!
Bye mom!
Posted Oct 13, 2013, 7:44 pm
Today we need some culture. So we went to a nearby village to see and hear "Madame Pompadour", an operetta. Before taking place in the hall, I had a look around outside.
This is an old railway station, which now houses the young persons from Hombrechtikon in their free time.
And this poor man is locked-in for ever. I had to go to console him.
We were welcomed with this placard. And as it was forbidden taking pictures inside, I only can show you the following.
Program
Picture from the dress rehearsal
Than we went to our seats enjoying a very good performance.
Posted Oct 13, 2013, 8:01 pm
Egni and her friends have their playing afternoon in Lucerne. As we arrived, the hostess received us with coffee and sweets.
Yummy!
Than they began playing, and playing, and once more playing.
I was bored, so I saw over the rooms and found some nice places.
Riding around the world.
Looking to the postcrossing postcards and games.
View from the balcony.
And there I had a little rest, till we are going home.
Posted Oct 13, 2013, 8:26 pm
Sun shines bright and we have decided going to an exhibition of a friend.
He is a artist, painting cats and mouses. The exhibition was in Zurich in the "Kronen Gallerie". On our way I had to look so much, as it is my first visit to Zurich. I noticed much water and much churches.
St. Peter seen from the "Grossmünsterplatz" and near the Limmat.
"Fraumünster" church
I climbed up the "Grossmünster" church, but it's only a small model
!
On our way I had to look at this little lane. The painting was interesting.
Autumn tree.
Finally we reached the exhibition from two contrasting artists. There were lots of exhibits to be seen. We raped with the artist, egni bought some for her collection and than we say goodbye.
Artwork by Doris Ray.
Cat paintings by Hanspeter Ehrat.
On our way to the station Egni showed the Limmat to me.
It was a fantastic adventure and now I had to go to bed, dreaming about all I have seen today.
Bye, mom, hope your are well! Please write me soon!
Posted Oct 28, 2013, 7:29 pm
Today we are going to the autumn-market. The thrift store is trying to sell some nice packages, they made with the things they have in the store.
I think, there are many nice things and in the end we sold more than 50%.
Look here!
And next door an elder Lady offered her handmade patchwork things.
We had a very nice morning there.
Posted Oct 28, 2013, 7:40 pm
Some impressions for you all!
83 postcards, sent from 34 postcrossers all around the world to congratulate nissemor.
The rest of the meal, ready to be taken home by the guests.
Finished!!
Posted Oct 31, 2013, 9:52 pm
Today egni and I travelled by train to Grenchen, for visiting an other postcrosser you works there. On the way egni finished a pair of wristlets and I helped her to sew the last yarns.
Ready! They are pretty, aren't they?
Than we meet Joanna and I made a gift to her. Do you guess, what it was?
Yeah! She is wearing the wristlets and she cuddled me. She enjoyed our gift were much.
More in the evening.
Bye-bye!
Posted Oct 31, 2013, 10:03 pm
We had little time before the beginning. So I check out the seats. They are not very comfortable.
We took the chance to talk with the stage director and drink a glass of vine with him.
Than the young people started her performance. It was gigantic. After coming come, I had to go to sleep.
By mom and to all reading this.
Posted Nov 3, 2013, 4:16 pm
As the weather is so bad, egni and I planed a kitchen-day.
First we look for the weather. Raining!
The cat is still ill and won't go out!
We decided to make the stollen for christmas.
First we had to choose all the fixings. Looks good I think.
Than we prepared the sponge.
During we were waiting we had to weigh the exactly fixings.
Look, what happend to the sponge!
We had to work hard to mix all the things, formed it and than - in the baking oven.
At least we had baked 12 stollen and were very tired.
Bye for now.
Posted Nov 16, 2013, 5:00 pm
Egni and husband are going to have some vacation days and will go by ship from Basel CH to Koblenz DE. They give away the dog for a few days and than we started.
We were welcomed in our cabin. Nice, isn't it?
The weather was fine, so we had a look around on the MS Edelweiss.
Posted Nov 16, 2013, 5:13 pm
We ordered something to drink in the bar.
We were writing lots of postcards. Yes, yes, yes - postcrossing anywhere.
Egni was knitting!
Or reading and drinking coffee.
Posted Nov 16, 2013, 6:43 pm
Somewhere on the Rhine
It's raining in Bad Breisig
Posted Nov 16, 2013, 6:49 pm
Swiss evening on MS Edelweiss
Our drinks during the crew show.
The crew members showed us some feats. They have many of great talent. Do you know, what one can to with a normal towel?
Beautiful!
Posted Nov 16, 2013, 6:57 pm
Breakfast!
Every time we leave the ship, we had to take our shore leave card with us and put it on the panel again, when we are back.
It was a wonderful trip!
Soon it's time to go back to Germany. One week left and than I say good bye to Switzerland.
Posted Nov 18, 2013, 9:13 pm
I'm so sad!
My last day with egni in Switzerland ...!
Last time going to the mailbox and bring the card to egni. Luckily I brought her only nice ones.
Last travel by bus.
Bye bye Stäfa.
The circle is closed: beginning and farewell.
I huddle into my travel bag. Bye egni! Don't cry. You will see my next adventures soon. Don't forget to look here.
Germany I'm coming!