ThomasHH, Sülfeld, Germany

RikeH Posted May 23, 2009, 12:20 pm	Today I start my life as a ToyVoyager. I saw some friendly TVs here in Sülfeld, and they told such amazing stories, that I have to be one as well. So here I am in the garden: If you want to show me your home, just send a PM to RikeH and me  My travel plan so far : a cruise around Great Britain. rick0928 in New Zealand.  sissi in Germany.  Bloemmie29 in the Netherlands! Katisha in Russia! miss agi in Germany.  andlclb in Romania. dzejna in Czech Republic. Vanja in Croatia. chekunn in Thailand. Fukumo in Canada. lucymonty in the U.K. Stefisdeadgood in the U.K.  ipuenktchen in Iran. katyakatya in Russia. Zandy in Germany.  dawoni in Switzerland. Lisianne in Luxembourg. Apperveilchen in Germany. FraJ  in Germany. ScillyHH  in Germany  smaug in Canada. cocoaby  in Japan <- here I am now !
RikeH Posted Jun 7, 2009, 7:33 pm	My first day on the ship – it is amazing. I can sit on a nice chair in the sun,  or look, where we go to. I am sure, that I will love this kind of traveling.
RikeH Posted Jun 8, 2009, 6:07 pm	A great day – we start our journey – a cruise around Great Britain.
RikeH Posted Jun 8, 2009, 6:27 pm	Hi, Today we are in Cornwall, in a city called Falmouth. This is a view from the ship. And I was able to watch the Captain…. In this small boat I made a trip along the coast and to a rock in the Sea, where many birds are living. In the garden of Falmouth weren’t so many plants, but I love this big one ! I saw many yachts, and in the background you can see our cruise-ship. On the way back we found an English red telephone box. It was a nice sunny day !!!
RikeH Posted Jun 8, 2009, 6:48 pm	Good morning from Ireland, we were in Cobh and made a trip with a bus. We visited a castle, called Blarney Castle. It is only a ruin today, but we had a nice view from the top. After that we walked through the nice garden. On the way back we stopped in Cork for a photo of a church, then we walked through Cobh and found the nice Clock-House. Back on the ship, some girls danced the Irish dance for us. When the ship started his way to the next port, we all were out and had a nice view over Cobh. After it we saw the pool of the ship and played a round of Shuffleboard. We had much fun together !
RikeH Posted Jun 9, 2009, 11:35 am	Hello from Dublin, This is a photo of me in front of the Ship in Dublin. These doors are typical for Dublin, they are in different colors. Now some sights from Dublin. The pubs are very colorful – I loved the red one ! At the end of our long tour, we relaxed in a nice sunny park.
RikeH Posted Jun 9, 2009, 11:59 am	A day in sunny Liverpool, Today we are in the beautiful town of Liverpool. I didn’t know, that there are so many beautiful buildings ! Great !!! First you see some of them. Then we made a trip with this funny vehicle – it can drive on the streets and swim in the water. A lot of fun, although the people speak a strange English…. Now some more views from Liverpool. This is our little travelgroup on the ship in the port of Liverpool. And I had a nice last view of  Liverpool !
RikeH Posted Jun 9, 2009, 3:30 pm	Today we were in Belfast – we made a nice trip with a bus – and saw a lot of this interesting city. This is the Parliament – some miles away from the town center. Now there are photos of the town and inside a market hall. After that we went into the botanical garden. Many people enjoyed the sun – but only I was able to enjoy it in this beautiful flower ! When we were back on board, we played on the ‘ships’ in the bathroom.
RikeH Posted Jun 9, 2009, 7:22 pm	The Highlands in Scotland We arrived early in Oban – and I was outside to see it. Then we took a bus and drove through the Highlands. It was amazing. High mountains and the blue sky – wonderful! During a break we heard strange music from that man…. Then we continued our trip through the great landscape. I love these yellow plants, so we took this photo. Look, this was our place in the bus, but it was a little bumpy, when Rike took the picture. So I took another better place. In the evening we had a nice sunset. Scotland is really beautiful !
RikeH Posted Jun 10, 2009, 2:53 pm	A nice day on the Hebrides Today we rent a car and drove over the Isle of Lewis. We saw these wonderful black houses, and visited one. From the village we had this nice view. Later we drove to the standing Stones. They were wonderful – and really huge.
RikeH Posted Jun 11, 2009, 11:05 am	The day with castles We visited two different castles – the first one is called Urquhart Castle and is a ruin. It is next to the Loch Ness, but we didn’t see the monster…. The second castle (Cawdor Castle)  is not a ruin – there is still someone living in it. We were allowed to visit ii, but weren’t allowed to take pictures. So we made a few from outside and in the beautiful garden.
RikeH Posted Jun 11, 2009, 6:17 pm	After the nature yesterday, we went to Edinburgh, a big city! We saw the Castle – it was so nice with the blue sky behind it! This street is called the Royal Mile. It is between the Palace and the Castle. And you see me in front of one of the many churches… When we came back on the ship, there was a nice buffet. I loved the cakes and tasted some great wine! This strange man looked funny – a great journey !
RikeH Posted Jun 13, 2009, 2:43 pm	Now I want to show you the ship. This is one of the lounges – called the Captain’s Club, but we didn’t see the Captain. Here we are at the moment – somewhere around Great Britain. That is the way we had to run, when there would be an alarm – and the last photo shows the way to our cabin. In the evening we went outside and took these wonderful photos !
RikeH Posted Jun 13, 2009, 2:53 pm	Today our ship stopped in Dover – and we took a train to a city called Canterbury. This is the old city wall – very nice – we walked on it. And on the next photo you can see the big Cathedral behind me. Can you see me on the statue?
RikeH Posted Jun 13, 2009, 4:35 pm	Hello again, today is our last day on board. We had a tournament of fencing. The winner will get a cake and some sweets. It was a hard fight. Kunigunde and Penny were in the final… …but then we all decided, that it is much nicer to have the cake and the sweets together. After eating all these things, we went out for a last walk, because our cruise will end tomorrow. We saw a wonderful sunset – and then a beautiful sky. I really loved this cruise – but I have planned my next trip. I will go to New Zealand – and go on a winter holiday. I hope, that I won’t break one of my legs ! ThomasHH
RikeH Posted Jun 14, 2009, 12:26 pm	Hi RikeH showed us two nice buildings in Sülfeld The first one is the old school.... the second one is the church – as you already mentioned, I think. When we came back, we played in the garden. We made a race – and I won the second place ! I am very proud !!!!
RikeH Posted Jun 14, 2009, 3:05 pm	Hi , today is the last day for 3 of us in Sülfeld, so we watched our travel logs together. We had so much fun to see, what we have done! Then we all decided to talk all the day and the night, before some of us leave to their new hosts. So here we are sitting in front of long hippo and talked about our adventures. From the left to the right you see us all together. We are dicker Kumpel, Kunigunde, me, Slummy, Penny, Bree and Lupus-Tigger. I will leave tomorrow and go to rick0928 in New Zealand. We will go skiing, so I asked a skier, how to do it. He showed me, how it works – well – we will see….. See you soon from New Zealand ! ThomasHH
rick0928 Posted Jun 22, 2009, 8:55 am	hey hey~~~ i am in New Zealand now and i met Rick this evening. it is warm and nice here so i am not afraid of its winter anymore. i am going to have a nice sleep now because i am tired ^0^. good night~~
rick0928 Posted Jun 25, 2009, 10:56 am	hi~~ it is quite nice here, i can enjoy the weather and sunshine as much as i like. Rick showed me his house today and i met a captain and a sailor in his bathroom. they told me their stories on the sea but i can not totally understand them. i will fly to Queenstown with Rick tomorrow and we are going to ski at Coronet Peak. excited~~~
rick0928 Posted Jul 8, 2009, 11:18 am	I fly to Queenstown with Rick today. It is so excited to see a grand view of snow coverd mountain on the aeroplane for me and i really like the coffee on it. When we landed, I found that all nature in Queenstown smiled in the sunlight.
rick0928 Posted Jul 8, 2009, 11:31 am	I went to ski yesterday. It was my first to see so many crazy people play on snowfield. I took a beginner's course and the coach discovered that i am a smart boy finally. It was so fun!! I got up early this morning, went to look around the town. We will back to Auckland this afternoon but i like here more. Bye Queenstown~~
RikeH Posted Aug 8, 2009, 5:43 pm	Help – I am lost – for weeks now. It is awful…. But – what is this? I hear a voice. Who is it? I know him – it is Dicker Kumpel. He is standing in front of the crystal ball and is looking into it to find me. He is getting closer to it, it is hard work…. BANG – it worked. I don’t know why, but I am back in Sülfeld. That is great !!!! We are both very happy – what an amazing crystal ball. But look – it wasn’t a crystal ball, but a magic hippo. Thanks magic hippo – I am back home again! yours ThomasHH
RikeH Posted Aug 9, 2009, 4:33 pm	Hello, hello ! BineHH and I came back from nowhere with the help of Dicker Kumpel and a magic hippo. We were both lost – what a bad experience. I really hope that I never will have this experience again. I am so happy that I am back! We talked about our trips and came to the topic of cruise ships. RikeH told us about a big ship that will be in Hamburg today. It is called Queen Mary 2. We couldn’t believe how big it is. length: 1132 feet / 345 meters, Height 236 feet 2 inches / 72 meters.  Passengers: 2620 (3090 max). We think that maybe all TVs could travel on it at the same time. That would be a party. We decided to go to Hamburg again – and see the QM2 in reality. But first we saw a model –it is not really big… We went to the Cruise Terminal. Wow – the QM2 is really big!!! The Astor was much smaller, when we made a cruise some months ago. In the afternoon we went to the port again, because we wanted to see the ship, when it was in action on the river Elbe. We waited… Then it came – it is amazing!!! On Monday I will start my trip again. I will stay inside Germany, because I am a little afraid of get lost again. Sissi, I am coming. yours ThomasHH
Sissi Posted Aug 15, 2009, 7:02 am	Hi Mommy! I arrived very well in Aach!! I didn't get lost!!!!!  I'm already excited to see this region here! Sissi told me ther's a lot to see! And I also met some new friends: Veggies , Majik , Lenny and Lilli-Bo. Unfortunatelly Veggies and Lilli-Bo already left us - they're travelling to Scotland now. Hugs!!! ThomasHH
Sissi Posted Aug 24, 2009, 11:18 am	Hi mommy Today we made a trip to the Lochmühle in Eigeltingen. Eigeltingen is a small community with around 3.500 inhabitants, about 5 km away from Aach where Sissi is living. The Lochmühle itself is a 400-years-old farm which is nowadays a theme park that is very popular, esp. for families. Look, that's me in front of the sign that stands in front of the entry! We saw pigs ... ... and horses. There were many ponds, too. All 5 of us
Sissi Posted Aug 29, 2009, 6:37 am	A trip to Radolfzell We went to Radolfzell these days. Radolfzell is a town at the western end of Lake Constace. It is a well known health care city and an important railroad junction. In 1990 Radolfzell was named the Federal Environment Capital City of Germany. Radolfzell was developed out of a monastery founded in 826 AD as a "cell" under Bishop Radolf of Verona. The town belonged to the Abbey of Reichenau, then to the house of Habsburg for a long time, and for 40 years was a Free Imperial City. This is me at the market place. In the back you see some signs that lead to the museum, lake, park, etc. We then went to the lake. We had to pass the railroad and took a photo with a train. Sissi told us that she went to school for 3 years here in Radolfzell and always came with train. Then we reached the lake. There was a little girl with her parents coming, too and when she saw the lake she told “Oh!!! The sea!!!”. Actually, Lake Constance is really also named “Swabian Sea” (not officially though). There were also many ducks and swans. On the other side of the harbour mole is the harbour with many ships. In the end we also made a group photo! Bye bye!
Sissi Posted Sep 10, 2009, 12:01 pm	Hi mommy! We made a walk to the Aachquelle here in Aach! The Aachquelle is Germany's biggest natural spring. It is producing an average of 8,500 liters per second. The name Aachquelle or Aachtopf is compounded from Aach (meaning water in Old High German), the name of the river created by the spring. Topf can be translated as bowl and is commonly used for round, bowl-shaped springs. The Aach flows southward into Lake Constance, which empties into the Rhine. Most of the water is derived from the Danube River and is obtained where the latter river disappears underground at the Donauversickerung (Danube Sink) near Immendingen and Fridingen. Strangely, the Danube flows eastwards into the Black Sea, whereas the Rhine flows northwards to the North Sea. Therefore the water of the Aach flows under the European continental divide. This is a relatively common feature of karst stream captures. The Aachtopf is a favourite weekend destination and very romantic. It is not possible to see the cave because it is underwater and cave diving is extremely dangerous. We had to walk through an old lane in Aach. It's the Mill-Lane (Muehlengasse) and there are many old houses. Behind the Mill-Lane is the river Aach. So obviously there are also many bridges. The signd here's showing you how many kilometers it takes to reach other towns or sightseeings. There are often people hiking or doing bycicle tours. We also went by to many gardens with trees. Although Fall is coming the leaves are still green. Then we met some goose!!! Then we arrive at the Aachquelle: Well, the water is a bit green but it's not allowed to take a bath Relaxing on a bridge There are also lots of trees around and the spring lies a bit into the mountains. Some more impressions: And this is where we are Hugs, ThomasHH
Sissi Posted Sep 10, 2009, 12:02 pm	Dear Mommy I'm travelling home now!!! See you soon! ThomasHH
RikeH Posted Sep 12, 2009, 3:24 pm	Hello from Hamburg! I am at home again – and today we went to Hamburg, because my Mum wanted to show us the Alster – a nice lake in the middle of the town. And I wanted to meet Tobi, I will go on a trip to France with him. Here you can see a photo of me and one of the group in front of the Alster. There were some nice geese. Some views from the other side: This is the town hall. Hamburg is a very beautiful town! Then I said good-bye to the other TVs – and will go to France now! Greetings ThomasHH
Bloemmie29 Posted Oct 1, 2009, 8:59 pm	Hi mommy!! Can you believe this? One moment I'm home with you and the next I'm appearing in a big envelope in the Netherlands... What a weird journey that has been, I feel like I've been half way around the world... and back! As you can see, the envelope was soooo big for me.. or am I that small?? But the best thing happend, when I got out of the envelope. I was just sitting there, relaxing and taking the room in to me, when suddenly a red crab-like toy approached me... I thought she looked familair and guess what: she did!! I met BineHH!!! Here in Oosterhout! What a small world it is. So here I am, fresh out of the envelope and I already completed one of my lifemissions!! Wow!! I'm not sure what the plans will be for the next days or weeks... I know I will join Bloemmie29 on a trip to many differant countries in Africa... yes, in the Netherlands but I do not know what other things I will be seeing or doing here... who knows!!
RikeH Posted Oct 8, 2009, 6:46 pm	Guten Tag Mum, yesterday I had arrived in Hamburg. Today I drove to the railway-station in Hamburg-Altona where I started with Philipp and Tobias, who are friends of SunnyHH, with the car-train to a motorbike-holidays to France. With the check-in our motorbike got a sign with our destination “Alessandria” which lays in Italy. Here you see me on the car-train and cars which ran on the train. I was the first one in the train compartment where I had my own seat. Some minutes later Teddy - a bear from Neumünster, Germany - entered with his parents the compartment. After talking a while we read the newspaper and enjoyed the beautiful landscape of northern Germany … … and we had a party. The beer was fine but later after drinking some tins I got tired and went to bed. Auf Wiedersehen! ThomasHH
RikeH Posted Oct 8, 2009, 6:54 pm	Bongiorno Mum, after sleeping in the train I got breakfast in the morning – here is the breakfast-box. What would be inside? Now you see my breakfast: 1 coffee, 1 orangejus, 1 croissant, 1 roll, jam, sausage and cheese: After arriving in Alessandria, Italy, we had to wait for the motorbikes … after a while the car-waggon came and I could climb on our bike. Today we were in Italy, the country with the best cappuccino in world. I drank my first one in Etroubles. Afterwards we drove up the 2.476 m high pass Col du Grand St. Bernard. Here you see the lake and the winding road we had driven. After driving through Switzerland we arrived in the afternoon in Chamonix, France ... my third country today! Unfortunately the weather was terrible - it rained cats and dogs so I could not see Europe's highest mountain with 4.810 m. Philipp and Tobias thougt you, Mum, should get an impression of the Mont Blanc - so they took a picture of two postcards for you … Chamonix with the mountain and the ridge. Au revoir! ThomasHH
RikeH Posted Oct 8, 2009, 7:06 pm	Bon jour Mum, in the morning clouds covered the Mont Blanc. Later the weather got better when we drove up the pass Col de Mevailet. First you see me on the way up, second on the top of the pass in front of the Lake Barrage de Roseland with the Mountain Rer du Vent, 2.326 m. The third picture shows an old Ferrari which was going with a lof of old cars on the Tour de Mont Blanc-Ralley. In Bourg-St. Maurice we saw an other old car – but it is a typical one of France: a Citroen 2 CV, in German it is called Ente -  that means Duck. On our way to the pass Col de l’Iseran we passed Val  d'Isere. In the winter it is a famous ski-village but in the summer it is nearly died out. The Col de l’Iseran is with 2.770 m the second highest pass in the Alps. On the first picture you have to search me in the middle of the sign but on the second you see me on the top! It was interesting to be in the mountains. Maybe I will drive the hightest road in the Alps in the next days. Au revoir! ThomasHH
RikeH Posted Oct 11, 2009, 5:51 pm	Bon jour Mum, in the morning the weather was cloudy on our way to the pass Col du Glandon. Initially I did not see such a lot of the nice landscape but after a while I saw the curvy road we went up to the pass which is 1.924 m high. Our next pass is 75 m higher than the Col du Glandon. It was the Col de Sarenne next to Alpe d’Huez and is measured 1.999 m. It is not a large one and has no pass-sign … the road is small too. Philipp and Tobias did not drive more than 30 km/h because the road surface ist bumpy and the bends narrow. Nevertheless it is my most interesting pass with a beautiful scenery. There we did not meet nearly anyone else in the middle of nowhere. Much more vehicles – bikes, motorbikes, cars and campers – we met on the way to our next destination. The surface of the road is good but there are no crash barriers or walls beside the road. On the next two pictures you see me on the road upstairs. The summit of the pass with 2.645 m lays behind the refuge you can see. It was nice to went up. After reaching the top we walked up to an informationboard which shows the mountains around the pass. First you see me in front of the highest mountain in this area, the Roche du Grand Galibier with his heigh of 3.228 m … then you can find me on the top of the mountain.  Au revoir! ThomasHH
RikeH Posted Oct 11, 2009, 5:55 pm	Bon jour Mum, the day started with sunshine and an excellent breakfast because we had to get energy …  we wanted to drive up the highest road in Europe. On our way southerly the weather changed and it began to rain. First the rain was small so I could take a picture of the wide road which leads up to the pass Col de la Bonette. The top of the pass is in 2.715 m. From there the route goes up to the highest road-point in Europe with a heigh of 2.802 m. While it rained in the lower parts of the Alps in the higher mountains snow fell down. On the next picture you see the road where it was still fine. Behind the bend we had a heigh of 2.450 m and Philipp und Tobias could not see anything because their visors were totally coverd in snow. I tried to lead them because I did not wear a helmet but I did not work … the snowfall got stronger and stronger and I got it in my eyes. Maybe one day I come again to the Cime de la Bonette, the highest road in Europe … Mum, what do you think about making holidays there next summer? Au revoir! ThomasHH
RikeH Posted Oct 11, 2009, 5:59 pm	Hi Mum, When we looked into the sky this morming we saw snowcovered mountains. Furthermore the weather report had predicted more rain for that day. So Philipp, Tobias and I decided to drive to the coast of the Mediterranean Sea due to the better weather. In Menton at the Cote d’Azur we found a nice hotel close to the waterfront. After seeing the sparse landscape of the mountains it was nice to look at the green palm trees at the coastual area. Opposite to our hotel we saw the marina of Menton … beautiful! In the evening we had stood on the balcony and had seen the beautiful lighted town centre of Menton. So we decided to cruise to the city particularly it was dry. On the way we enjoyed the rushing water of the sea and the lights of the town. So we continued our drive to Monte Carlo we initially saw in the distance. Monte Carlo was so nice to see that we drove througt the city. It would have been nice to go into the Casino of Monte Carlo but Philipp, Tobias and I had no ties oneself. Au revoir! ThomasHH
RikeH Posted Oct 13, 2009, 11:15 pm	Bon jour Mum, today the sun was shinning beautiful  - so I had taken a sunbath on the balcony before we started to the main-harbour of Menton. There you see me with impressive yachts – their names are MY Zaffiro and MY Philip – in  the front of Menton town centre. After leaving the harbour we started our tour through the maritim Alps. First you see the motorway-bridge of the coastal-motorway. Our road was not so wide as the motorway. When we drove up we saw a small bridge and I thought I would cross over them … but I did not – it is an old footbridge. On our way to Sospel, a town in the mountains, we had wonderful views over the hinterland of the coast. Inside the Alps we catched the sight of Sospel. The town has a lot of colorful flowers and an old stone-gate over a small river. Our next destination was the pass Col de Braus, 1.002 m. Therefore we went up a winding road which is comfortable built. Mum, here you can drive with me upwards: Later the road gets narrower. At the roadside I saw a sign which warned of deers … I do not know until today what the  sign wants to say – there are no deers beside the road, I only saw a giraffe. So the road-administration shoud change the road sign – here you see my suggestion: On our way back to Menton the road leads first upwards … … and then along the coast. Here, Mum, you see MS Noordam, a cruiseliner from the shipping company Holland America Line, in front of Monaco. Maybe one day I will travel to Monaco – but not yet because we are in the mountains to drive with our motorbikes. So the day ended with a nice view over the Mediterranean Sea after starting with a sunbath on the balcony. That was a beautiful day! Au revor! ThomasHH
RikeH Posted Oct 13, 2009, 11:22 pm	Bon jour Mum, today we wanted to drive through the beautiful mountains of the Mediterranean Sea again … but it rained. So we decided to go by train to Nice and Monaco. Here you see me at the Menton railway-station waiting for the train which arrived just in the moment. In Nice everyone wore an umbrella because it was very wet. So we went to Galeries Lafayette to buy an umbrella for me … unfortunately the smallest was to big for me. So we walked without an umbrella through Nice. Here beside the waterfront you can imagine how beautiful it could be without rain between the palms. The beach has beautiful white sand … but today you saw nearly nobody there. In the backround is a small hill with a park which is called the Parc de la Colline du Chateau – when the sun shines you have a nice view over the beach and the harbour. Today I only can show you a postcard of the beach. When it got dry for a short moment I visited a fountain at the Place Massena. The figures look interesting … they had also to struggle with the water.  On our way to Monaco we passed Villefrances sur Mar. In the bay were a lot of small boats and one lange cruiseliner. An other cruiseliner, MS Seven Seas Voyager – not a Toy Voyager, but it’s OK –, we saw in Monaco. Beside the passengership  were a large number of impressive yachts … and some tiny boats. Expensive cars and the dreams of each giraffe you see in front of the Monte Carlo Casino. There you can catch sights of Audi Q 7’, Porsche 911 convertibles, large Mercedes limousines and my absolute favourit: a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster with V8-engine, 626 hp and 332 kmph top speed … wow, that’s what a giraffe-TV likes! After seeing such a lot of energy we went back into the dark railway-station of Monaco where we waited for our train to Menton. Although the day had started with rain we enjoyed the day at the Cote d’Azur. It is a shame that we had to leave the beautiful coast tomorrow. Au revoir! ThomasHH
RikeH Posted Oct 14, 2009, 8:21 pm	Bon jour Mum, this morning was beautiful again although I had to get up early in the morming. So I had a fine view from the balcony – Mum, see here: Today we had to go back to our train which should take us back to Hamburg. So we first drove on the motorway to save time. From France we changed to Italy. Here you see the coastal area above Sanremo. Before we arived Varigotti we changed on the coast-road which goes along between rocks and the water of the Mediterranean Sea. In Varigotti  we stoped and I walked to the beautiful beach. First a had tried to go on a rowing boat-drive along the coastside, second I wanted to take a sunbath in one of the nice-yellow-colored sunlounger … but Philipp and Tobias said we had to go to the train. Maybe one day I am back again for relaxing at the Italien beach. Our next stop was in Arenzano. After the long biketour I went to the beach to stretch my legs. Whereas in Varigotti lay different people at the beach in Arenzano the waterfront was empty. There are nice beach-cabins but nobody used them. So I decided to trink a cuppuccino in a nice café at the main street … delicious! One our later we arrived in Alessandria at he railway-station. After waiting for a while our motorbikes were loaded on the car-train. It is not possible to stay on the open waggons during the return journey – even the bikes had to screw in tightly so they do not fall down. On the way from Italy to Germany the train gets three locomotives. In Italy the Trenitalia started with their traction engine. Here, Mum, you see the locomitive and their waggons: In the train I got a beautiful seat at the window. On the way to the south I had had a party with Teddy and we had drunken a lot of beer. Today I prefered mineral water because the next day I had to travel to the Netherlands. Therefore I had to have a clear head. Arrevederci! ThomasHH
RikeH Posted Oct 14, 2009, 8:26 pm	Guten Tag Mum, today was the last day of my trip to France! Last night I slept well, so I could enjoy the breakfast and the German countryside. When our train arrived in Hamburg I saw a hot air-balloon … nice, but I am sure the balloon-driver could not see the Alps. They should get on the train to go to the beautiful south. There they can see real mountains and not only high-rise buildings.  The destination of the car-train was Hamburg-Altona where I started the week before. After starting with the Italien locomotive from Trenitaly last evening we had changed in Switzerland to a locomotive from SBB, the Swiss railway-company. Through Germany we had two traction engines from Deutsche Bahn. Mum, you see them on the next picture. After arriving in Hamburg we had to wait some minutes for the car-waggons … then they came. At the front were some cars, behind them stood the motorbikes. Most of the drivers I heard say: “Home sweat home, here we again.” That is fine but I did not stay in Hamburg although the city is very beautiful. In the afternoon I went to Bloemmie29 in the Netherlands - my next destination - because I am a Toy Voyager and I want to travel around this beautiful word!!! Dear Philipp and Tobias, thank you for the nice week riding the motorbike through the high mountains and over the pass’ of the French Alps! It was an intersting time! Now I have to leave you. Auf Wiedersehen! ThomasHH
Katisha Posted Oct 29, 2009, 8:04 am	Hello!     I just yesterday got to Moscow. Here I met Kate, she was delighted at my arrival. In one day with me she was visited by another TV Mumu. She likes Moscow very much too. Kate promised that when she has time she will take us to the MSU, the Sparrow Hills and Red Square ... And maybe we`ll visit another interesting places=)) Best wishes, Thomas and Kate
Katisha Posted Nov 15, 2009, 5:15 pm	Hello! This is me (Thomas))) I`m not lost)) It's just that Kate had a small problem, but now everything is normal. During the time that I didn`t write happened to me a lot of interesting things. I went to the Moscow subway, was at the station, which is built on the bridge! Was on the Sparrow Hills, has been at MSU, at the Manege Square, where we met with Mumu Mishook, he told us where he was and we told him about our adventures. We have there even been a mini-picnic. And yesterday to Kate came a wonderful cat Precious. She also travels a lot, and she regaled us Finnish chocolate)) So, all was great. P.s. Mishook gave me pretty scharfs)) And now I can`t imagine what I would do without it, because in Moscow is coold)) Bye
miss agi Posted Dec 7, 2009, 5:31 pm	hello thomasHH! where are you? did you get lost on your way back to germany again? i am checking out the mail box everyday... several times aday... but i can't find you  looking forwards to welcome you very soon in bremen! take care, mono
miss agi Posted Dec 19, 2009, 2:14 pm	finally i arrived at miss agi's!  my journey started on the 27th of november from moskow... since it took sooo long someone released me from the envelope i started to worry i might have got lost again... but monkey mono already waited for me, helped me to get out and welcomed me warmly with a hug and a cookie at miss agi's.
miss agi Posted Dec 24, 2009, 7:29 pm	today miss agi had a christmas concert with her choir, so mono and me joined her to the st. stephani church. in order to make the church more christmas-like they lighted hundreds of chandles. it looked sooo beautiful! there was also a brass orchester accompanying the choir. oh! the sound of the music was sooo overwhelming!
miss agi Posted Dec 24, 2009, 7:40 pm	on the gallery, from where the choir was singing, there was also the organ. i was sooo curious what this instrument might sound like... thus i checked it out... this organ is huge! mono taught me quickly how to read music. while i tried my best at the organ, a singer also called thomas, asked me if i am a professional organ player. oh, i was very flattered... since it was the first time i ever played... thomas told me that the choir was going to sing in  the cathedral of riga in january. there is europe's biggest organ. miss agi told me already she won't join the choir on this journey. but thomas suggested i could travel with him. he will take care of me and  show me the organ in riga! wow! how nice of him! i will have to ask miss agi and rikeH if that is okay.
miss agi Posted Dec 24, 2009, 7:46 pm	that night froschi, miss agi's tv and mono's best friend returned home. mr. héc with whom froschi was travelling wanted to hear the concert as well. froschi must have told mr. héc how lovely they are singing.
miss agi Posted Dec 24, 2009, 7:55 pm	oh i tell you: froschi is such a crazy frog... he showed around in the flat where we are staying. he arranged that we got a lift in to coffee cups that look like elefants... miss agi currently stays at miss kat's flat which is hug and lovely decorated! it is fun discovering this place. for example i met a singing dog and a nutcracker.
miss agi Posted Dec 24, 2009, 8:02 pm	after our trip through the flat we had some more of these delicious cookies and a baked apple. hmmm, YummY!
miss agi Posted Dec 24, 2009, 8:10 pm	after sooo much munches we thought of maybe going for a walk outside. but it was sooo cold that day... as we looked out of the windor everyting was white outside! beautiful! somehow we all were kind of "scared" of the snow... our first winter... but miss agi told us how much fun it is to build a snowman and to have a snowball fight. she promise she will take us out into the snow tomorrow.
miss agi Posted Dec 24, 2009, 8:20 pm	amazing! snow feels lovely! although it might get cold and wet... but you don't notice as long as your are playing and having fun! although none of us had a clue how to build a snowman we got it started right away! may arms are a little short... but my nose is great for building snowmen. didn't we do a great job?! okay, mr. snowman looks a little pissed off... but he was a nice guy anyway...
miss agi Posted Dec 24, 2009, 8:25 pm	oh! and how much fun it was to have a snowball fight with froschi and mono! in the end mono helped me against froschi. but i would have won anyway.
miss agi Posted Dec 29, 2009, 12:03 pm	for christmas miss agi took froschi, mono and me to her parents' home. we will celebrate together with her family. so since two days i am chilling out here. mono keeps me good company. froschi is really excited about being back at miss agi's and jumps around all over the house... on such occation, while froschi was helping out in the kitchen mono suggested we could wrap up froschi's christmas present. earlier mono and me were shopping and decided on a kaleidoscope. froschi seems a little trippy sometimes... thus we agreed that he will love this present
miss agi Posted Dec 29, 2009, 12:10 pm	in the afternoon we watched telly. miss agi gave us some x-mas cookies and fruits and nuts and chose some x-mas programmes for us: ernie and bernd, mr. beans and some other fairy tales. but the high light was an old czech cinderalla movie! oh, the three of us loved it!
miss agi Posted Dec 29, 2009, 2:50 pm	oh, i enjoyed the most when the doves helped cinderalla with the peas and lentils. and of course, when the prince returned cinderalla's shoe we toyvoyagers should also be magical helpers for our hosts ...how could i help miss agi...
miss agi Posted Jan 2, 2010, 10:35 am	wow. what a new year's night. froschi is such a party animal imagine he and mono have been so drunk... they started a fight because of the last sip of champagne and than... they spilled it all over miss agi's laptop instead of drinking it... oh dear... what will happen when she will notice that her pc doesn't work no more well... i left today in the early morning with miss agi's flat mate.  miss kat took me on the choir trip to riga thomas, the tenor singer, promised to show me the huge organs in the kathidral of riga. i hope everything will be fine with miss agi and her laptop by the time i am back...
miss agi Posted Jan 9, 2010, 10:16 am	hello there! just wanted to say that i am back from riga. it was great! i had a lot of fun with thomas and the other choir singers! oohhh, and they've been singing like angels again! since miss agi's pc definitly doesn't work nomore... and she needs to finish her ma within the next 3 weeks, we unforuneatly have to wait a little for the pictures to be uploaded. now i am alone at miss agi's. froschi and mono are on a trip to cuba. wOOOw, i am sure it is warmer there than it was in frosty riga...
andlclb Posted Feb 6, 2010, 4:54 pm	Hello everyone I arrived in Bucharest a few days ago and already met 2 other toyvoyagers Rufus and Red Navel. They gave me a warm welcome Today i went to an art meeting with Red Navel, where we made some nice things called "martisoare" (i don't know how you say that in english. This things are offered to womens on March 1st It was really nice and helped a little. Here are some photos: Here are some photos with me in the historical centre of Bucharest And a photo with the Intercontinental Hotel and next to it the National Theatre Bucharest See you soon, ThomasHH
andlclb Posted Mar 9, 2010, 12:06 pm	Hi there! It's been a while since i updated my travelog. Andrei is very sorry about this and hopes he'll do more updates and nice photos. The weather here has been pretty bad, cold, ugly, snowing but not enough to play with it... So no way to go out and enhoy the city. Anyway a few days ago has been sunny and nice and we went with the bike outside but not for long...the bike got a flat tire But we managed to visit the largest building in Romania, actually the 2nd largest building in the world...it is huge After that we took a walk in the park and played some songs on the guitar Here it's me and Red Navel Andrei promises that this spring...wait this spring it's snowing...so let's say this month he'll do more photos See you soon, Red Navel
dzejna Posted Mar 30, 2010, 6:33 pm	Hey Mummy! I arrived safely to my new host in the Czech Republic. I was a bit scared to get out of my envelope, because there were so many voices out there... see how many toys were waiting for me? But when I got out it was more like a celebration then just welcome... really nice. And here we are all together  I didn't have much time to explore yet, but here is one more picture of me and the mail box I was found in. And then I was checking some easter decorations. I heard there are some plans for the weekend, so I think we will have fun here. Untill then I have to tell all my travelling stories to the rest of toys, because I was told I am the most experienced toyvoyager in the house at the moment. You can check travelogs of my new friends if you like. There is Apelsinas from Lithuania, Shauns who are off for their first trip tomorrow. And my guides will be the "big ones" - Crispin, Bodie and Eio! Well I am going to have some rest! Bye Mum, I will be updating again soon!
dzejna Posted Apr 2, 2010, 11:04 am	Hey Mum, we went for a loooong trip today - my host went to see some special doctor, who lives about 300 kms away from our current home. So we spent almost all day in the car. But on our way back we stooped by one very old castle. It is near Brno. Name of this castle is Veveri (something like "squirrel castle" and it is from 13th century). It is under reconstruction at the moment, but here are some pictures for you. Love, ThomasHH
dzejna Posted Apr 4, 2010, 7:59 pm	Hello mummy! I have loads of pictures for you today!!! Yesterday we went for a surprise trip. My host didn't want to tell much about where we were going because of our friend Apelsinas. He badly wants to see a dinosaur, so among other things we went to DINOPARK. All of us toys knew about this, but we were pretending not to. The target destination was a small town called Vyskov. All our yesterday's activities held there. We started with lunch and checked the town square. Then we went to see the museum with airplanes and some army stuff. My friends Apelsinas and Eio went with me. The rest was waiting in the car. So, here I am with many different old fight airplanes, helicopters... I look tough don't you think? Here we are having some rest in the sun  Then we went to a small ZOO. But there were no lions and other exotic animals (no giraffes either), but domestic ones like cows, pidgeons, horses, donkeys, pigs... This ZOO is a project where you can take your kids and they can meet these animals. You are also allowed to touch and feed some of these animals. After this we went to that DINOPARK. And we saw loads of dinosaurs... They were moving and roaring and they were really really big. I was a bit scared, but I managed to touch couple of them - check the photos. Here is a pair of the most terrifying dinosaur - a toyvoyagersaurus! So we have had a really great day yesterday. I must not forget, I also tasted czech beer. And we were really lucky - not only the normal pils one, but also special Easter edition, which is bright green. And it tastes like a real beer - I coulnd't belive it until I tried myself. Well bye for now mum! I hope you are having fun too! Love, ThomasHH
dzejna Posted Apr 11, 2010, 8:19 pm	Dear Mum, we had big plans for the weekend, but unfortunately the weather was against us. So we had to change it and do different things instead. But never mind - I still have some news for you. First I had yummy lunch - this is very popular meal in the Czech Republic - chicken schnitzel with potatoe salad. Very nice! Then we went for a short walk. Husband of our host dzejna likes to explore historical things from the 2nd world war - so we went for a trip with him. Here I am in front of a german bunker, which is not far away from the village we are now. After that we visited an ostrich farm! And in the evening we had a good bye party for Apelsinas, who is leaving on Monday! We believe that during next week the weather will be better and we will be able to do more outdoor activities! Bye for now, ThomasHH!
dzejna Posted Apr 25, 2010, 1:05 pm	Hi mum, here is a couple of images we took when our host was sick I wanna share. The spring is already here, but the evenings are still a bit chilly, so we keep using the fireplace. Here I am helping with the firewood! Our host's husband also took us for a small trip to see a big pond, which is near by... More news coming soon! Love, T.
dzejna Posted Apr 25, 2010, 1:07 pm	Couple images of me and the windmill we went to visit =) On the last one it is me with my friend Dickens.
dzejna Posted Apr 25, 2010, 5:41 pm	Hi again, yesterday we went for a proper trip to the Moravian Karst - we visited famous gorge and the caves! But here we go from the beginning =) First was the famous Macocha Abbys. I was looking into it from the top first, then we walked to so called lower bridge, which is in about half of it. It was quite scary to be honest... but my host said I did really great. Then we decided to visit some caves. There are 5 of them open to the public. We chose the Sloup caves. This is very large cave complex with very impressive acoustic among other things. And I must not forget, the cave people lived there many many years ago and also cave bears! You can see me with image of skeleton of one of them. And also with femur bone mammoth! It must have been biiiiiig! (Apologies fot the quality, but it is quite hard to take pictures in the caves.) And here are the surroundings... tha nature looks like this in this whole area. It is quite nice now during the spring. Hope you like it too! My next update will be from a bike trip, can you imagine? Love, ThomasHH
dzejna Posted Apr 28, 2010, 12:52 pm	Hey Mum, remember that lake I showed you earlier? We went there again today. But this time by bike! It was such a lovely weather that we just couldn´t resist. The area is not only one big lake but also many smaller ones. We also found an island. But my host told me, that I can stay calm, that it certainly is not "THE ISLAND" (from LOST show =)) I hope you will enjoy the pictures! Bye, ThomasHH
dzejna Posted May 9, 2010, 7:05 pm	Dear Mum, here are some pictures we took couple days ago, when we went to Zlin with our host. She had to deliver her bachelor thesis... it was very pleasant small trip. After we finished all the university stuff, we went for a nice refreshment to the top of highest building of Zlin (by the way, it is capital of shoe making in the Czech Republic.... you may know Bata shoes - the Bata Company comes from Zlin) and we enjoyed the view  Bye, ThomasHH
dzejna Posted May 9, 2010, 7:23 pm	Hey Mum, today was quite busy day. But unfortunately not very lucky for me. But let's start from the beginning. Even it was Sunday today, our host had to go to work. She had some business meetings and other stuff to do in the place where was held a car race. And we were allowed to go too! And even there was not much time to just wonder around, I have some pictures... On our way back I was promised that we will go to the ZOO to look for giraffes! But mom, you won't believe it... giraffes were not allowed outside today because it was not warm enough. We were quite disapointed. But my host told me not to be sad, that she is sure I will have other chances to meet them yet. And she was right, I am the toyvoyager, right? So I will fulfil this mission one day. Here you can see me sitting on the real giraffe footprint  And some more various shots from the ZOO: Well, now I think I am quite ready for new adventures in Croatia! I am really looking forward to it  Bye, ThomasHH
dzejna Posted May 12, 2010, 3:02 pm	Hi mummy, just a short message today to let you know, that I am on my way to my next host now! Here are last images from the Czech Republic... Me and Dickens sitting on our envelopes and last photo with our guides! Hope you will hear from me soon! Love, ThomasHH
Vanja Posted May 18, 2010, 12:41 pm	When Cheryl and Larry David woke up this morning, they saw that the postman has left them something. They wondered what it was! They couldn't even wait to get out of bed to open the envelope! Look who it is! ThomasHH came from Czech Republic! He brought us some candies and the postcard! Yes, this is his cousin from Zoo in Brno I'm tired from the trip... These are my new friends from Croatia, Mom! Cheryl David and Larry David I was tired, but I couldn't wait to get to you, Mom... that you see that I am OK and safe My host has to study now, so I will help her a little! Bye, Mom!
Vanja Posted May 18, 2010, 8:04 pm	It's me again! You can see that we were working all day! I helped my host, I was writing some notes We used a lot of little post-it papers Then my host put all her work on USB-stick. I was the one who look after it I made one more friend today! He was working with us all the time! For a hard work we got a big chocolate After eating chocolate, I was so thirsty! And tired... I'm going to rest now... Bye!
Vanja Posted May 19, 2010, 8:44 pm	Today we went out. Me in the elevator Streets of Zagreb... Sitting on the bench in the sun Me in the park: Police car View of Zagreb: Nice... Waiting for a tram: The old tram in Zagreb: We bet on Italian lotto. We are keeping ours fingers crossed
Vanja Posted May 21, 2010, 9:42 pm	In the morning we made strudel with cottage cheese, sour cream and eggs: It's finished I ate it with coffee and milk. View of Zagreb at 7 PM I had to be careful not to fall down! It will be raining... again
Vanja Posted May 23, 2010, 4:09 pm	Yesterday was raining, so we stayed at home. We were all day in pyjamas We ate ice-cream. It was yummi! I liked all four flavours Then we watched a movie with George Clooney, Up in the air This is important scene The end I liked the movie so much that I wanted to be like the actor in that movie. Here is me - ThomasHH up in the air! All I need is a plane...
Vanja Posted May 23, 2010, 9:46 pm	Today we had a last lunch together because Cheryl is going to Japan tomorrow Larry David and Cheryl David took a bath so they are clean and fresh for travelling around the world I reminded them to don't forget their passports! Cheryl is ready. I will now leave them alone so they can say goodbye... It must be hard for them tonight...
Vanja Posted May 27, 2010, 8:02 pm	Hi, Mom! Guess what happened today! Little BJ and I got a job! We were models! Preparing for the job: Vanja told us that we are very photogenic! Aren't we cute, Mom?
Vanja Posted May 31, 2010, 3:39 pm	Today when we went to buy some groceries, we saw the workers painting the zebra crossing. I helped them a little In the evening we went to the cafe. We stayed there until closing Little BJ was with me We were so tired when we came home... Good night, Mom!
Vanja Posted Jun 3, 2010, 7:56 pm	Someone was knocking on the door. The postman had a package for us Paddington Bear arrived to Zagreb! He brought us some sweets: Me and my new friend We are now eating candies
Vanja Posted Jun 6, 2010, 2:07 pm	Today we are making muffins!
Vanja Posted Jun 6, 2010, 4:38 pm	You don't know this, but my host Vanja is crazy about Japanese stuff Not only Japanese, about almost everything from Asia She ordered her first bento box! She told us that we can open the packages She was very happy when it came And now she is thinking what else could she buy for the bento box... or to buy another one, they are so pretty!
Vanja Posted Jun 11, 2010, 7:14 pm	At the hairdresser
chekunn Posted Sep 14, 2010, 5:19 pm	Hello mom, Finally I arrived Bangkok~~~ After a long trip from Croatia, I and Little BJ were safe at Prim's home. ???Who are on our envelope??? Prim introduced us to Chengzi and Becks. My last host asked me to give Prim postcards and chocolates. I shared chocolates with my new friends. Can't wait to see adventures in Thailand Miss you, ThomasHH
chekunn Posted Sep 14, 2010, 6:16 pm	Hi mummie, Today Prim took us to "The Crystal" a shopping place not far from our house. The weather was not so good but we were still enjoy taking pictures After that, we went to a bookstore, Prim wanted to buy a book for travelling in Singapore. We are going to Singapore~~ Is it me?? Then, it started raining So we went to have lunch in a lovely restaurant while waiting. A healthy food, very good taste. After the rain stopped, we ran to "Ka-nom", a bakery shop to buy some egg tarts. Eating in a car back home Take care, ThomasHH
chekunn Posted Sep 14, 2010, 6:47 pm	Halooo This evening we went to Old Town Steak, just a few steps from our house. Prim said she likes to have dinner while reading here because this restaurant is quite peaceful. Decorated in cowboy style. Our steak was coming...yummy Bye-bye, ThomasHH
Fukumo Posted Nov 30, 2010, 4:59 am	Hi Mommy! I've arrived here in Canada!  My Host-Mom found me inside a box waiting for her at work this afternoon and it was great to be let out! My last host was kind enough to gift her with a couple packages of a dried tamarind candy and a couple of postcards  Everyone at the office tried it.  It had an interesting taste that no one was familiar with, but it's always good to try new things  When Host-Mom took me home, she introduced me to some giraffes.  Look how much taller they are than me!    I have some growing to do still I think! ...My friend on the left is Jeffy, and the tall guy is Mortimer... Tomorrow Host-Mom will be taking me with her to run some errands.  I shall update soon! Miss you lots, xo ThomasHH
Fukumo Posted Dec 1, 2010, 6:21 am	Hello Mom! Today Host-Mom took me to the spa with her for pedicures and facials!  Not a bad day to spend day 2 in Canada eh?    First we had the pedicures... Host-Mom had hers done first and I was allowed to help.  I thought I did a pretty good job  Then it was my turn... I told the esthetician to keep mine simple... because I was a boy after all!  Here they are trying to cure my nails with the UV, but turns out I was much too small for the equipment so they didn't end up doing my fingernails! Next was the facial.  They really don't make things in my size out here    Nevertheless, I had a nice comfy snooze, then I was the little helper when it was Host-Mom's turn. Now I feel all refreshed! xo ThomasHH
Fukumo Posted Dec 7, 2010, 10:03 pm	Hello Mommy! This weekend we drove down to the lower mainland to meet a new member of the family... (Host-Dad's cousin just had a baby!)  But unfortunately we didn't take any pictures because the baby's mom didn't feel comfortable having the baby's pictures up online... which is understandable! Instead, we stopped in a town call Hope on our way home so that we can stretch out legs and enjoy some of the scenery. Hope is the location of where some of the Rambo movies are made so here I am posing as Rambo himself.  Perhaps I'm a tad too small for these cut-outs!  Next we checked out some wood carvings at a nearby beach.  The Fraser River runs through much of British Columbia.  But the wind was extremely cold and the water didn't look too inviting next to the snow covered mountains so I didn't take a dip in it!  ...you can't tell, but my teeth are chattering away!  We stopped again for a lil bathroom break further into the trip and once again, got out to take a few pictures.  See how pretty frozen water can look? ...but let's not forget what the main attraction is... ME!!  It sounds like we'll be having a pretty quiet week now because Host-Mom is studying for a final exam, but she tells me that we'll have a fairly busy weekend to follow.  Guess this is my opportunity to catch up on my sleep and get to know my new friends better! Hope you're well! xo ThomasHH
Fukumo Posted Dec 12, 2010, 11:50 pm	Hi Mommy! Tonight we attended Host-Dad's staff Christmas dinner.  It was potluck style and we had to bring dessert so Host-Mom made a tray full of chocolate cupcakes.  They were supposed to be "miniature" sized... but they still look pretty darn big to me!  There are apparently 2 things that all Canadians are born to do: 1)play ice hockey and 2)curl.  Host-Mom said she never got that memo because she said she was terrible at both    During dinner the hockey game was on the TV so that was playing in the background.  Then naturally after dinner we all went down on the ice to go curling! ...selecting a broom... do you think it'll matter which one I pick?  ...don't let the TV fool you... these rocks are a LOT heavier than they look!  I couldn't even pick one up!  Well... not sure if I'll ever be good at the game... but I must say curling is fun! xo ThomasHH
Fukumo Posted Dec 16, 2010, 5:34 am	Hi Mommy! Today Host-Mom took me out to have tea with some of her girl-friends.  Even though I was the only boy in the entire restaurant, I had a lot of fun!  We shared a pot of jasmine green tea  ...stirring in the honey... ...everything was decorated for Christmas! ...I even made a friend!  Can you believe I'm actually *bigger* than he is!?  Mmm... the food was so good!  I'm so glad I decided not to stay at home with Host-Dad to watch American football! xo ThomasHH
Fukumo Posted Dec 30, 2010, 3:58 am	Brr... hello Mommy! Today it is Host-Dad's birthday and it also decided to finally snow!  They tell me it's rather late in the year for snow, especially when compared with the rest of the world!  How are you faring so far Mom? Here we are watching the white stuff fall from the skies  We had to brave the snow to go finish with the Christmas shopping and the streets were crazy!  Before we went home we had Host-Dad's birthday dinner at the local sushi restaurant... I must say raw fish is quite tasty!  Now that we're all nice and full, it's time to go home to start wrapping gifts now! xo ThomasHH
Fukumo Posted Dec 30, 2010, 4:10 am	Hi Mommy It's Christmas Eve!  Host-Mom and her sister are meeting at their brother's place today to make Christmas cookies.  This is something they've been doing for the past 10 years now    It sounds like a great way for everyone to bond and I had a lot of fun! Meanwhile... Host-Dad is still out braving the malls to finish his shopping  I have been made an honourary lil helper today and this is a position to take very seriously!  First, we had to roll out the dough, and I was in charge of making sure it was just the right thickness    Then I got to select which cutters to use, and then making sure that everything is in good shape out of the oven.  Such an important roll I have, don't you think?  Next comes the fun part... the decorating!! MmmMMMmMmm... don't they look good?  As it's not snowing down here yet, we were able to enjoy the cookies on the balcony.  Here I am enjoying the sky view... it's pretty peaceful now, but it's supposed to get hectic tomorrow.  Can't wait! xo  ThomasHH
Fukumo Posted Dec 30, 2010, 4:23 am	Merry Christmas Mommy! What a busy busy day... we have arrived at Host-Dad's mom's house for Christmas breakfast.  The adults are all busy making waffles and enjoying mimosas now while I scurry around these stockings.  They all look so full... I can't wait to see what's all inside! Here I am pretending to be one of the ornaments... I'd say I'm about the same size  After opening all the presents, it was time to make the turkey dinner... Host-Dad's mom was feeling under the weather so everyone pitched in to make dinner happen.  It was quite the endeavour because apparently no one has ever made a meal this size before  But dinner went off without too many major misshaps... Perhaps the funniest thing was Host-Dad's stuffing.  He added in too much stock and it ended up being more like a stuffing sauce    It still tasted pretty good. Here's dinner made of turkey, ham, tortiere pie, yams, potatoes, stuffing and salad... it only took 3 people to do what 1 person normally does    Host-Dad's mom and I were the cheerleaders for the night  Funny...  it feels like all I did today was eat and supervise! xo ThomasHH
Fukumo Posted Jan 4, 2011, 9:53 pm	Hi Mommy! Today is Boxing Day and it will be spent with Host-Mom's family.  Actually, some family friends had invited everyone over for dinner so we'll be spending it at the friends' house instead. They are hunters so there were a few deer antlers up on the wall... and even THEY were decorated too!    I'm just happy to see that there are no giraffe heads around!  And more Christmas decorations for me to play with! We had more turkey and then roasted chestnuts later.  It was delicious!  When it was time to open up the presents it turns out that Host-Mom's sister knitted me a scarf!  Don't I look smashing in it? Miss you lots, xo ThomasHH
Fukumo Posted Jan 4, 2011, 10:01 pm	Morning Mom! You'd think I'd be sick of all this holiday eating by now... but I'm NOT!  This morning we joined Host-Mom's family out to dimsum, which is a brunch time event.  We each had our own little cups served with Chrysanthemum tea.  I dunno... those cups may be little to humans, but it was pretty big in my opinion.  Let's just say I didn't need any refills! The idea is small amounts of all sorts of food are served at a time which lets you gossip and chit chat while you slowly eat.  It didn't look like a lot of food at the time, but by the end I was stuffed again! All the food was sooooo good... different types of dumplings and rolls... yummy!! Would you even believe I had room for dessert!  We gotta try to look for this stuff when I get home!! xo ThomasHH
Fukumo Posted Jan 11, 2011, 9:14 pm	Hey Mommy! Guess what was in store for us today?  We got to see a hockey game!  It's not quite the same as a baseball game... but I must say it was soooo exciting!  The game is played at the Rogers Arena which was temporarily called the "Canada Hockey Place" during the 2 weeks of the 2010 Olympics and it is where all the hockey games were played.  Home team is the Vancouver Canucks and they played against the Philadelphia Flyers.  It was said that the last time the Canucks beat the Flyers was back in 1989  There were so many fights that broke out in the game and it was awesome being able to see it in person... although Host-Mom tried to cover up my eyes for those parts  ...the face-off in our end of the arena... ...cleaning up the ice, likely there is a commercial on if we were watching it on the telly  ...Zamboni!!... And the Canucks won 6-2, breaking that horrible losing streak!!  The crowds went wild and it was so fun being part of this momentous night    Now it's time to try to get out of the place... sooo many people! xo ThomasHH
Fukumo Posted Jan 11, 2011, 9:29 pm	Hi Mom! Today Host-Mom informed me that I will be leaving for the UK... time for a new adventure!  Before she took me to the post office, she decided to fix my ID.  I think her exact words were "...there's no #$@^ing way I'm letting you leave the country looking like that!"  So instead of the pink thread that my ID came on (which I admit did look kinda ratty) Host-Mom pulled out her old jewelry making kit (she said from days of Yore) and fixed up a little chainlet for me.  Now it looks much sturdier! It snowed again yesterday so she took one last photo of me frolicking in the cold white stuff, complete with my new tag and scarf, gave me a hug, and took me into the post office. I'm sad to leave, yet very excited about seeing my new host!  Host-Mom said she'll look forward to my new updates  Now if someone will just tell me where Yore is  xo ThomasHH
lucymonty Posted Jan 20, 2011, 4:43 pm	Hi Mum!! I've arrived in England and met another TV, Honesty the tiger  Also a friendly dog and a cosy cat  And finally my long-lost cousin! He has magnets in his feet so he hangs around on the radiator  but I've got my new scarf to keep warm. I will need it too- it's cold here! Looking forward to lots of English adventures! ThomasHH
Stefisdeadgood Posted Feb 18, 2011, 5:37 pm	Hello Mum! I've arrived at my next hosts house! There were two other Toy Voyagers here to meet me Patrick the Cow and Vixen I'm looking forward to having a look around this area, it looks like fun. I think that I'll get on well with Patrick and Vixen too, they seem really friendly. Bye for now, I'll try to update my travelog soon! ThomasHH
ipuenktchen Posted Aug 3, 2011, 11:28 pm	hello everybody, entering tabriz via main post office, given in my enveloppe to the post man, who was carrying out his mail by motorbike!!! this was fun.. our trip was too long, in this awfull hot weather I never saw before!!!!!!! but when we went so fast, it was better to support, and even in this part of the city it was a bit cooler than in the city center.. then the postman stopped his motorbike, knocking a door and I heard the voice of a lady, picked up my enveloppe which was my home during the last 2 weeks..... after we went inside the house and she opened my enveloppe!!! this was a great moment, coze I was so curious about my new host!!!!! and she introduced herself as IPUENKTCHEN and also her own traveltoys to me... dear POSSY and CROSSY, a nice PLAYMO couple, living & travelling with her!!!!! I brought a nice postcard to her from my home town SUELFELD and she gave me also a postcard from her home town TABRIZ, because I had seen nothing in my enveloppe not yet!!!!!!!!!! and if I was thinking that was my day today - nooooooo!!!!! not yet!!! because ipuenktchen told me it's ramazan and in the evening they will go out for *eftar*, the meal at sunset, in a restaurant together with the whole family of her husband, all his bros & sis with all their kids and grandchildren, 50 persons!!!!! to honour her mother-in-law, passed away last fall.. and this was really an interesting experience for me!!!!!e later we stood the eve in the house of ipue's son2 and we had a lot of fun - believe it, they have two bunnies!!!!!!!!!!! not a giraffe, but two bunnies!!!!  yeah... what a great day - my first day in IR!!!!
ipuenktchen Posted Aug 6, 2011, 6:07 pm	hey MOM in SUELFELD!!!! today we had a great day in their garden!!!!! it's about 25 km on the tehran road! we had been about 12 ppl and had sooo much fun!!!!!! it was great to see the iranian landscape outside of a city! they told me, only northern iran and northwest of iran has so much green - other places are mostly desert and nothing than sand... (but it has never that much green like in europe!!!!  )
ipuenktchen Posted Aug 6, 2011, 6:35 pm	yes - yes - yesssssss, dear mom!!!!!!!! I told ipuenktchen a million times, I'M FROM SUELFELD!!!!!!!!! as well as she was writing smth like suelldorf, suellberg and so on!!! but I'm sure - NOW she got it!!!!!! today we went to the doctor's!! here it's common they have high buildings with 6 or 8 or 10 floors and full of small appartments for the doctors, and each of them has a sign beside the main door, so you can find him/her!!! - what a crowd!?!!??!?!?!
ipuenktchen Posted Aug 7, 2011, 5:42 am	hi, readers!!!!!!!!!!!!! today I'll show you ipue's place... her home, a walk in the garden.. here some pics: (taken with her new camera!!!!)
ipuenktchen Posted Aug 9, 2011, 10:23 pm	hello everybody, lastnight we didn't slept that much, as we went to the airport to sent some ppl abroad... it was soooo interesting for me to be out in the middle of the night when normal ppl are sleeping!!! ipue took a photo of me in front of the entrance. and when I would go to pick up some money from the money-machine and couldn't... as the toyvoyager-money-cards are toooo small for the money-machines of normal ppl......... :-((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( but ipue cheered me up and gave me some pocket-money and so I didn't need that card...............
ipuenktchen Posted Aug 10, 2011, 3:44 pm	hi @ all, today we had a ride downtown!!!!! we had only 28 degrees celsius and it was quite comfortable to be out!! as well as it was still too hot for me to stay without any water in ramazan!!?! we went to a modern bank and to an ancient bank, the first bank of tabriz!! there was a small show case with museum items!!
ipuenktchen Posted Aug 10, 2011, 11:28 pm	some more pics from our walk downtown yesterday!!!! - national union bridge - seyyed hamze pilgrimage site - poets cemetary
ipuenktchen Posted Aug 12, 2011, 9:54 am	today is FRIDAY, the holiday in the islamic world!! oh gosh, dear ipuenktchen gave me my pocket-money!!!! yeaaaaah  - I'm a RICH GIRAFFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (AND psssssssssst - she told me tomorrow we'll go to bazar and I can buy a souvenir for my dear mom!!! juchhhuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!!!!!)
ipuenktchen Posted Aug 12, 2011, 11:30 pm	ohhhhh - breaking news!!!!!!!!! yesterday in the morning was the start from the iranian mercedes classic cars taking part in the meetup of 6.ooo mercedes classic cars from all over the world going to BERLIN!!!!! 1. 280 S - 1976 - 94.ooo km 2. 280 S - 1971 - ?????? km they left TEHRAN on FRI at 11.3o AM, accompagnied for a while by 35 classic cars from tehran!!! what a crowd, how much fun ppl had!!!?!?!!! and the FIRST STOP they had at 18.3o at TABRIZ at ipuenktchen's!!!! wooow, everybody was so excited!!!! we had nice dinner together *koefte tabrizi* and were chatting with friends of son1 + 2 who were coming to say good-bye and fare well!!!!!!! and btw -  remember last year same day I had broken my ellbow!!!?!?!?!!!!!!!! now in the morning everybody got ready to go, we had a nice breakfast together, some duties done.. and they left to see a workshop for leaving tabriz via urmia lake across the border to VAN (TR)!!!! if you like to follow their trip pls have a look here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Official-Mercedes-Benz-Club-Iran/83 011109783
ipuenktchen Posted Aug 14, 2011, 7:54 am	hello @all, today we made a trip in tabriz bazar, registered in 2010 as a world heritage site by UNESCO!!!! the world by far largest roofed bazar.. oh gosh.. it was'n that easy to find where to go out again!!!!!!!?!?!
ipuenktchen Posted Aug 14, 2011, 10:46 pm	how much traffic at ipue's!!!?!??!?! today we went to terminal to say goodbye to yashila_81 and lili_6789, passengers for istanbul by bus!!!! what a large backpack they had with them~!!!!!!!!!!!!! they will be on the road for not less than 3o hours!!!!!
ipuenktchen Posted Aug 15, 2011, 11:52 pm	hey, leutz, have you ever seen such a cute fridge-magnet-collection like ipue's????????? great stuff!!!!!! I'm thinking for perhaps I'll start my own collection one day?!!!!!!!!!?!??!?!!!??! I'll decide this together with my mom when I'll be back home..... normally ipue buy the magnets herself when she's travelling, but a few of them she got as a gift or even swapped for... there are really beautiful ones among!!!!!!!!!! and mom, believe it!!!! she even has FOUR magnets from MY HOMETOWN!!!!!! she told me she lived there for 5 years... but when I wasn't given birth not yet..
ipuenktchen Posted Sep 7, 2011, 10:41 pm	this morning we got up very early starting from hannover forward to hamburg; ipue's hubby and his sis had been with us - and ipue told me I'll see my dear, dear, dear mom again!!!! I'm not able to tell you how thrilled I was after getting this message!!!!!!??!??!!??! and I couldn't wait to reach hamburg!!!!?!?!??! we went via UELZEN, regarding the hundertwasser-bahnhof!! in HH they had arranged a little PC-meeting!! at first on the main railway station we met dear ELBE!! and it was really hard for me, when I saw they had some other ideas to see places from their olden times.. untill going via famous moenckebergstrasse  to our meeting point at fielmann's... :-))) to see turtles, rikeH, mondkind & sirol!!! and finally I got back my (((dear mom rikeH))), I said goodbye to everybody, kissing dear ipuenktchen to thank her for the great time we had together, and we went back home!!!! (c) turtles - pic ThomasHH with his souvenir bag!! #1 - hundertwasser-bahnhof #2 - ipue at fielmann's #3 - PC-meeting in hamburg to reach my MOM rikeH!!! pls stay tuned for more pics.. - sorry....
ipuenktchen Posted Sep 7, 2011, 10:49 pm	today, dear mom, believe it - today we prepared my suitcase and my souvenir bag (pic #1) and I had a surprisingly trip tooooooooooooooo??!?!?!??????? like everybody, dear mom, you have to be patient.. untill dear ipue will be able to make an update, when she found her - no, MY last pics........ *e*d*i*t* on my last eve in tabriz we had a great *EFTAR* in potter's house, the meal after sunset - because it's ramadan now!! and when the taxi was coming picking us up to the airport I saw such a sweet custom:  ipue's close friend was doing this for us, she prepared a bowl of water and while we were leaving she dumped the water after us - this means we should come back safely!!!!!!!!!!!! :-))) yeaaaaah.... we went to LONDON for three days!!!!!  we met ipue's hubby and his sis coming from manchester!! and we had  a great stay and nice sightseeings!!!  #1 - eftar in potter's house tabriz #2 - the meal at eftar's time #3 - fare well custom in tabriz #4 - istanbul airport #5 - over the clouds on the flight to london #6 - mind the gap - underground #7 - me  with london eye, big ben and westminster in background! #8 - me in an italian restaurant near paddington station #9 - our hotel, me on the stairs, together with POSSY & CROSSY!
katyakatya Posted Sep 17, 2011, 4:48 pm	Hi! I have just arrived to Russia. It was raining outside so my host Katya (Ekaterina) took me straight home. I'm very tired after the journey so I am going to get some rest now
katyakatya Posted Oct 2, 2011, 7:14 pm	Hello ladies! Look at your man! Now back to me! Now back at your man! Now back to me! Sadly, he isn't me. But if he stopped being wherever he is and came to Russia, he could be having as much fun as I am!  Look down. Back up. Where are you? You're on a boat! With the man your man could be like! What's in your hand? Back at me! I have it. It's a handful of acorns! Look again. The acorns are now flowers! Anything is possible if your man is in Russia, and not wherever he is! I'm on a duck! those who don't get it, please watch this video
katyakatya Posted Oct 17, 2011, 9:00 pm	Hey hi hello! It is getting pretty chilly here,  looks like it's about to snow! Also, we may have some guests arriving soon. We are going to have an epic snowball fight!  But now it's sleepy time, 'night!
katyakatya Posted Oct 18, 2011, 6:29 pm	Corn for dinner
katyakatya Posted Oct 22, 2011, 8:59 pm	So as I was saying, our new guest arrived here on October 18th! His name is Fibro Duck, and he is pretty fun! Before he came here, I had been hanging out with Mr SmileyCheeks. He is very young and he has never traveled and after listening to my stories about my world adventures he hopes he can find a host somewhere and travel like I do, too. We all were looking for a midnight snack but got busted  I have met the puppy. First, I thought she was a giraffe too, a real one! But then I saw that she only has freckles on her nose, that's too bad. I have never seen this many ducks before! Our host Katya says St. Petersburg is a really beautiful city and she is going to take me and Fibro Duck sightseeing soon. Also, we are very excited because we may get to go to an exibit of Leonardo da Vinci's works!
ipuenktchen Posted Nov 3, 2011, 11:07 am	dear mom, everywhere in london ipue took me with her, but as it was such a crowdy city mostly she didn't took that much photos of me... :-((( but I think you noticed I'm sitting on the stairs in front of their hotel in london???!!??! after three days full of sightseeing in london today we left london via stanstead and arrived  in the late eve in hannover - ipue's original home-town. and again only 3 days I spent in hannover, saw a lot of ipue's friends and even her granddaughter anita_2004 and her daughter-n-law, and mom, believe it, just the next day we had a great sightseeing tour to the famous *lueneburger heide*!! it was ipue's dream since years to see again the famous beautiful heide-flowers!! and we had a ride by a carriage around the beautiful and romantic heide-landscape!!! and some of ipue's friends and siblings were with us!!! #1 - koenig ernst-august von hannover in front of the main railway station #2 - hannover, main railway station by night #3 -  hannover, vier grenzen, ipue's home quarter #4 - on the road to lueneburger heide #5 - the famous heide-flowers
Zandy Posted Dec 6, 2011, 10:53 pm	Mummyyyyyyy! St Nicholas has a surprise for you. And for Zandy.  I arrived today in Öhringen. I know that my last post was log ago, so I decided to post now, so you know that I'm safe.  When I arrived somebody opened my envelope and I climbed up. Look, another TV arrived with me today. We get a warm welcome from the other TVs. Their names are: Hanni, Paddington and one, you know very well it's HolgiHH. I'm so glade to see another TV from you, a brother of mine. It's really great. The bear who arrived with me is called SammyFire. We all talk together. And report each other about our journeys or what we are hoping to experience. Oh an mummy look. I've got a customs etikette on my envelope. It's from Frankfurt am Main. Did they think I'm a real giraffe? Hmm, ok I think we won't be able to discover it. We all sit together an eat some sweety. The others get them from St Nicholas today and share them with us. Bu now I must go to bed mummy. It's late and I'm a little tired. But I hope you are assuaged while you hear from me. Good night! Yours ThomasHH
Zandy Posted Dec 20, 2011, 9:26 am	Hi mummy! Sorry that you must wait so long for my next post. But now I will tell you about my last but one sunday. The others tell us, that we will climbe on a tower. So we went to the market place where the christmas market is and had a look. But first we went into the castle where was a exhibition about the history of Öhringen. Sadly there wasn't allowed to take pictures. But in one room we fastly take this pictures while no supervisory staff was there.  Than before we go up on the tower we decied to eat something, so that we had enough energy to go upstairs. Here you can see me in front of the tower. A high one for a little TV. But I won't be a TV any longer if I didn't get it. So we went upstairs. And inside we saw this model of the tower. Here it is so little. But really the tower is 56,16 meters high. And it was built in 1494. But we only could climbed up to 32 meters. In the tower are seven stories and the truss. And the rooms inside were two archives, a musician room, the "Verschlooch" (a crate in the Hohenlohisch slang. It was the bedroom for the helper of the steeplejack) and the apartment from the steeplejack. And of course the tower gallery on which we could go outside. But enough factes.  We also found this lamps inside. And a old clock which was hanging on the next floor. Than 32 meters higher it was time to go outside and have a look aroung. Wow what a view. Of course we look down at  the christmas market. All was so little from above. Mummy, can you see the little railway? It's a tradition from this market. The railway is every year there. As Zandy was a little girl the railway was there, too. And we saw this bell at the tower. A loud one for such a small thing. We also saw the atrium of the church from above. And that it was time to go downstairs again. The wodden stairs were very comfortable. You have enough place. But after them we must go on stoned ones. There vere so tight, so we couldn't take pictures. Oh and we found this clock while going down. Look the mechanism inside. Very interesting. While we must wait on a jutty we saw one of the archives. It was luck to see them. Because when you went down you have no time to look on the sides. Here we wait until some people go up. Back down we TVs decided to had a refreshment. And Zandy suggested us a "Rosenküchle" (rose cake/cookie). The name comes therefrom while they look like roses. And they taste very good. Yummy! On our way back home we passed the little animal zoo in Öhringen and we really see some animals. Look I saw a kangaroo. I was lucky, because after this pictures they hide themselfs in their house. And here you can see me with ehm .. Lamas or so. And that was my day mummy. I hope you enjoy to read about it. Love yours, ThomasHH
Zandy Posted Dec 20, 2011, 9:40 am	Mummy! Look what we saw when we wake up! SNOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWW! The first snow this winter.  Juhu! So great! But sadly we can't go outside because Zandy must go to work now and she will come back very late. But maybe tomorrow we had the chance. *hope*
Zandy Posted Dec 24, 2011, 11:41 pm	Hey Mummy! First I will wish you and all the others a merry Christmas. Sadly we had no snow here. But Zandy decided to give us a little bit snow. It was funny and I could dream and sing. :-) Please klick on the picture below  And than we helped Zandy and her parents a to prepair the christmas meal. Zandy's parents are from Poland and so they had traditional meal from there. They always eat fish (normally carp) and cabbage with peas and they eat potates. For dessert they eat "Makufka". This is poppy cooked with milk and than you give sugar, raisin and bap (or rusk) in it. First we all were a little skeptic and look in the big bowl with the Makufka. And than we taste a little. And it tastes really good. I didn't belive. But it is so.  Oh and they always drink strawberrycompot. Than all was prepaired and we eat. After eating we went to the christmastree and look, there where presents for us. Great! I found my present. What it could be? It looks like the miniature of HolgiHH's present.  Wow. A little cactus. How lovely! Or? We made a grouppicture after me and my friends have unpacked the presents.  And after all this I decided to take a ride on the cactus and fullfill one of my lifemission. But... ... the cactus is so little, that i only could sit for some seconds on it to take the picture and than I must go down of it.  Or do you think this was a ride?  So mummy, now it's time to go to bed. I wish you a good night! Love yours ThomasHH
Zandy Posted Dec 29, 2011, 10:30 pm	Hey mummy! Zandy and her boyfriend leave us alone at home and so we must entertain us ourselvs. I think we made a good job. And when the both came back home their looks were so funny. Because they found us in the christmas tree.  I'm a nice Santa-giraffe or, mummy?!  Love yours, ThomasHH
Zandy Posted Jan 10, 2012, 10:00 pm	Hi Mummy, today we suprised SammyFire, we visited a Club, where they collect old Fireengines. Zandys Boyfriend showed us those old Trucks and also a lot of Equipment. We arriverd at the Location. The Sight from the Parking Ground is great. A very beautiful Landscape. Zandys Boyfriend opened a big Door and then we saw the Fire Trucks. We are all exited to this, but i think, SammyFire was the most exited.The Trucks where big, and red, and beautiful. We all sit on the Bumper. I climbed into the Cabin of these Fire Truck and sit on top of the Radio. "puhh" that was exertive" "Alarm!!!!!!!!!!" hurry up, we have to go for a Fire. SammyFire drove us to the Place where the Fire was burning. At first we have to stop the Traffic on the Street. For this we use a Stoppanel. We have to hold it all, because the Wind was very strong at this day. If only one of us hold the Stoppanel this Tv will fly away. Then we arranged our things we need to extinguish the Fire. In these Truck there are many many interressting Things. We needed Hoses, Pipes, distributos, Pumps, and many many more Parts. We also find a Sparetyre in the Truck. I hope this one we dont need. We extinguish the fire with the Watercanon on the Roof of the Truck. Its hard to operate, but very funny. The Water shoot 50 meters. You can harvesting Appels when they hanging on a Tree. "OK, the Exercise is over, very goog job, everyone" I hope you are not worried Mummy, it was just an exercise. Not dangerous. Zandys Boyfriend sayed, we all have done a very good Job. He asked us, if we want to join the Firefighters. Maybe I do. After That we found a very old Waterpump. This was build in 1857. Very nice. We searching for the Engine, but we couldnt find it. If you want to move this Carriage, you need Horses or many other Tv´s We found also a lot of stuff you need if you work as a Firefighter This Mask you need if you go into a burning House wich is full of Smoke. If you wear this on, your Voice sounds funny, like Darth Vader: I am your Father, Luke. Here are the Bottels for the Air that you breath. We just have a look in the Store. There we found old Ladders and hoses. Now is Time to go. We have to prepare Lunch. We are invited by Zandys Parents. We all enjoyed the time with these old Fire Trucks. It was very interesting and Funny. SammyFire was very happy about the Trip and I think he liked it.
Zandy Posted Jan 17, 2012, 9:34 pm	Hello mummy! Today we visited teh theatre. But not a normal one. It was a boat. Yes, you read right. We go on a boat to watch theatre. How great is that? To watch the show we had to drive to Heilbronn. It's about 30km away from Zandys home. Here you can see me in front of the boat. Or better behind it.  And here are my friends and me in front of the Neckarturm (Neckartower) in this tower are some firms and a restaurant. Behind us you can see the theatre-boat and a famous hotel in Heilbronn. Than it was time to go inside. Look which funny guy we met. He was so relaxed. I think I've never saw such a relaxed guy. At the break we watch outside the bull's-eye. Because of the lights it was difficult to take a picture of the few. Look our funny seats. There are build from melted palstic. A funny idea I think. And they are more comfortable like they look. The show was so funny. It was about guys which wanted to help their boss to collect money for his ill daughter. And therefore the guys decided to make a travesty-show. So funny! It's a pitty, that you didn't see it. After the show we went back to the car and take one more picture of me and the boat. Now it's in front. And we also met this VIP. She is the Käthchen from Heilbronn. A famous women there. She was a poor woman and after years they realize that Käthchen was the illegitimate daughter of the emperor. Than she married an earl. She is lovely. Isn't she? Bye mummy! Yours ThomasHH
Zandy Posted Jan 23, 2012, 5:48 pm	A Happy new year mummy! First I dad to tell you, that are pictures from our great new years eve party are gone. The card is broken and with it all our pictures.  Bute we had a grat party and we will hold it in our hears.  Our first day in the new year war very relaxed. We took a walk around Neuenstadt, the town where Zandys boyfriends lifes. Here you can see me in front of the open air theatre. Zady told me, that in summer it's nice to be here and watch the theatre, because it's another feeling like in a building. And I belive her. To get to the theatre we had to pass the "Lindenplazt" I think in summer it must be great here, when the trees have all their leaves. So bye mummy! Yours, ThomasHH
Zandy Posted Jan 23, 2012, 5:56 pm	Hello mummy! Today a new TV arrived here. His name is Icy. Now Im alone with three bears (Hanni and HolgiHH leaved us some days before). But don't worry I'm a strong giraffe, so I handle it with my left hand.  We welcome tne new TV very warm, like it must be.  So bye bye mummy!
Zandy Posted Jan 23, 2012, 6:26 pm	Brrrrrr it's cold. Today we went geocaching. It was nice to go outside but the days before it rains and rains and rains and - oh guess - it rains ... So all was wet and after some time it began also to to rain. But Zandy hold us in her bag, so that we TVs didn't get wet. But it was cool, look our first Cache we found. A really lovely one. Rawr a dragon for us.  And than we passed this old ruin. It was the first chruch in Neuenstadt, and this is what still shows, that there was a Chruch in the past. Can you find me? Yes! You are right!  These two places were the nicest once. The others we mustn't write about.  now it's time to drink a tea and warum up. Love yours, ThomasHH
Zandy Posted Jan 23, 2012, 6:43 pm	Hi mummy! Today we visited the "Golberg" It's a little hill near Öhringen. On ths hill there is a BBQ area and a court for children. A nice place. Zandy told us, that she wasn't here for years. When she was younger her parents came often here with here. From here you have a really great look around. But guss what happen when we went to the top? Yes! It began to rain. So we only could make two pictures and must go than. What a pitty! Like you can see (maybe) there is a lot of wine around us. I think in summer it must be really great here. Bye bye!
Zandy Posted Jan 30, 2012, 10:04 pm	Hey mummy! Today it was a very great day. A new Tv arrived. And mummy ... WOW! I can't say more. We do it like ever. We welcomed the new one... ...but when the TV climbed out of the envelope and I saw her in full size... ...I thought my heart stands still. Mummy, I really had no words for her. this lovely face and the lovely giraffe dots and and and ...! After a while, when I come to my mind, which say that I can't fell in love, because I'm a TV and I travel round the world and that is no basis for a relationship ... I talked a little bit with the nice lady. Her name is Mirembe And now I must go on fresh air before I go to bed. This will be a hart time with her. So bye bye mummy!
Zandy Posted Jan 30, 2012, 10:14 pm	Mummy, today we made a presend for Zandys boyfriend, tomorrow it's his birthday. Look we made a savings box. Zandy told us, that he will travel to Africa once and therefore she wanted to make this savings box, so he could put money for this on the side. Really lovely box, or?! With giraffes  And when I didn't look Mirembe climbes up to me and said that the little baby giraffe is really lovely. And she looked very curios at me. Than she begans to laugh, when she saw my looking and we take this picture of us. One moment I really thought how it would be, when she and I will be in Africa... CRAZY! No think about such silly thinks! No! No! No! Thomas you are a big giraffe, don't be like a teenager. Ähhhh... Don't worry mummy. I got it all.  Bye yours, ThomasHH
Zandy Posted Jan 30, 2012, 10:19 pm	IT'S PARTY TIME!  Mummy the party was very funny. We talked a lot a we played with the children there. But we forget the cam at home, so we couldn't take pictures. At home we take a picture with the nice cake, which Zandy and her parents gift to her boyfriend. He likes planes. It tastes like Tiramisu. Yummy! Really flavourful!
Zandy Posted Feb 6, 2012, 3:22 pm	Today I've invited Mirembe for a romantic lunch. I know, I shouldn't do it. But she is sooooo lovely. And my heart beats so fast when I saw her, maybe it's only because I haven't seen a other giraffe for so long. First we say hello to each other. Than we drink some wine while we were waiting for our meal. Don't worry, we didn't drink to much. And of course we talked a lot together. Ok, we try, but we both were a little bit shy. I don't know why. Maybe once you can explain it to me, mummy. Our meal comes. Yummy! Spaghetti. And we eat, but than didn't talk. And than ... I have no words for it. Look yourself. We eat the same spaghetti and so we kissed us. Oh my dear. My heart stands till for a moment and than it began to beat like a bass box. This knocked me out. After a while someone came to me and tryed to bring me back. I slowely open my eyes and what do you think who I saw. Yes, I saw my heart, my Mirembe. Oh mummy, what a feeling. And we kissed. But now we want it. I think I will never forget this evening.
Zandy Posted Feb 6, 2012, 3:29 pm	Mummy, today it was my last day with Mirembe. Zandy told me, that it is time to travel to my next host. Oh it was terrible when she told it. I asked if Mirembecan go with me, but she saied no. She can't do this without the ok from our mummys. I feel like a artist without a mesh. But I tryed to be strong. I know it from teh first time, that this day will come. And I know that a TV can't fell in love, when he will be a TV. So I say it to Mirembe and she understand it. She didn't cry, this makes me a bit sad, but she said, that we both know this and she will have great last hours and won't to cry. So the others let us alone and we ad a great time together. Before we go to bed we dance. And this was my last day with her.
Zandy Posted Feb 6, 2012, 3:52 pm	Hey mummy! Today I sayed goodbye. Mirembe give me some last kisses. And than I climed into my envelope, before I cry. And I saw her waveing. Now I'm one my way to Switzerland, my heart is a little bit arduous. I hope I will have a great timem there and musn't think to much about Mirembe. Bye mummy!
dawoni Posted Feb 14, 2012, 3:38 pm	I just arrived here in Switzerland. I finally could crawl out of this narrow envelop. I first took a look out of the window.
dawoni Posted Feb 17, 2012, 12:44 pm	Carneval! I enjoyed the dirty Thursday (Schmutziger Donnerstag) in Sarnen. We had the children's parade. I really loved to swim in confetti!
dawoni Posted Feb 17, 2012, 1:08 pm	I had a special job today. I cleaned the photovoltaic system on the roof! The panels couldn't produce power, because they were covert with snow. Now, everything is ok. I hope the sun will shine as soon as possible that we can make clean sun power!
dawoni Posted Feb 25, 2012, 2:16 pm	Oh, it feels like spring! So nice weather! I really enjoyed to be outside. The sun warms my belly!
dawoni Posted Feb 25, 2012, 2:20 pm	Look the nice flowers on the wall. Every flower stays for a family member.
dawoni Posted Feb 26, 2012, 8:45 pm	Soccer - I love soccer! I watched the game FC Lucerne against BSC Young Boys Berne at the new SwissporArena in Lucerne. We really had fun, because my favourite team FC Lucerne wins the game 2:0! Fantastic... and I really enjoyed the beer!
dawoni Posted Mar 1, 2012, 12:59 pm	Once again - SOCCER! I had the chance to watch soccer. We went to Bern (Stade de Suisse - Wankdorf) and watched the game Switzerland against Argentina. I really liked to watch Lionel Messi. He made 3 goals! ...Switzerland lost the game 3:1
dawoni Posted Mar 8, 2012, 8:37 pm	Hi Mum, I enjoyed the weekend in Arosa. It’s a little village in the alps. I tried to learn skiing… The weather was beautiful. Can you see the high mountains?
dawoni Posted Mar 8, 2012, 8:45 pm	We also tried to do ice stick shooting. It was funny to slide over the ice!
dawoni Posted Mar 18, 2012, 9:55 am	What a fantastic day! I went to to mountains with my host's parents. We took first the "Älplerseil", it's a cable car. Then I enjoyed the special mood.
dawoni Posted Mar 18, 2012, 10:03 am	We made a trip to Titlis today. Three different cable cars take the visitors into eternal snow and ice on top of Mount Titlis. The final cable car to the peak is the Rotair. During the journey, the floor of the cable car rotates once around its own axis. At 3'020 meters above sea level the air is the purest. Unfortunatly it was really foggy.
dawoni Posted Mar 18, 2012, 10:48 am	Today is my last day in Switzerland Melek and I made a run. He took the mouse and I the Mobycar. Unfortunately, we had an accident. But we had luck, nothing happened!
dawoni Posted Mar 22, 2012, 2:44 pm	It's time to say "Goodbye". I'm leaving Switzerland today. I really had a good time here and I'm sure that my hostfamily will miss me! ...I walked to the postoffice and jumped into the mailbox! BYE SWITZERLAND - WELCOME LUXEMBURG!
Lisianne Posted Mar 31, 2012, 3:30 pm	Hello mum, greetings from Luxembourg They gave me a warm welcome here and I found many new friends here. Another TV's also here, Mush a moose from Belgium.
Lisianne Posted Mar 31, 2012, 3:37 pm	Mush is going to show me everything, we are on a farm, so we took a horse for this. The brown one is Sunny, the name of the other one is Zeus. Jipee, that was cool!!!
Lisianne Posted Mar 31, 2012, 3:44 pm	Mush is very happy that I can help now to feed all this animals, ... and we can do a lot of nonsense together
Lisianne Posted Mar 31, 2012, 3:51 pm	Today we were in the neighbour village, Beaufort has a beautiful castle.
Lisianne Posted Mar 31, 2012, 4:01 pm	We stoped and go a little bit along the rocks which you found everywhere here around.
Lisianne Posted Mar 31, 2012, 4:06 pm	Salers cows in the evening! The weather is so good that we could let a part of the Salers cows go outside. Salers is a french breed of cows.
Lisianne Posted Mar 31, 2012, 4:12 pm	Harthaff haff means farm a very old farm and it's really sad to see the bad condition of the buildings But my host like this place, it's so quiet here.
Lisianne Posted Mar 31, 2012, 4:16 pm	Today we were on the field to sow seed. You can see our result!
Lisianne Posted Apr 17, 2012, 1:40 pm	Hello mum, I was been busy the last few days Mush was been ... ill and I got to do everything alone! Look I'm a farmer
Lisianne Posted Apr 17, 2012, 1:53 pm	Here you see the towers from RTL television & radio station of Luxembourg very famous!
Lisianne Posted Apr 17, 2012, 2:02 pm	Hello mum, today Mush and me have had so much fun. We drove along the west side of the country when we saw a perfect place for to play a little bit. Tuut, tuut, tschtschtschtsch ... and up we go
Lisianne Posted Apr 17, 2012, 2:14 pm	HAPPY EASTER DEAR MUM This morning our host mum surprise us with atasty breakfast Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Lisianne Posted Apr 17, 2012, 2:20 pm	For lunch, we eat again but not at home. I like it very much, esp. the luxemburgish white wine from the river Mosel. Perhaps I bring one bottle with me at home
Lisianne Posted Apr 17, 2012, 2:25 pm	The last days we had a lot of rain. We decided to stay inside. The rain was really good for the seed, we gonna have a look later. What we are doing at home this pictures will follow!!!
Lisianne Posted Apr 17, 2012, 2:46 pm	Today we are going for a walk in the forest of Marscherwald! Wald is in luxemburgish Böesch you see strange creatures in this forest but they are very friendly with us. Host mum tell us that there is another one and we gonna visit him next week
Lisianne Posted Apr 17, 2012, 2:51 pm	Here in Marscherwald they also made all this benchs for the Müllerthal.
Lisianne Posted Apr 17, 2012, 3:00 pm	Today it's our host mum's wedding day. We went to the  nord of Luxembourg where we saw the beautiful castle of Clervaux. Normally there is the exhibition "The family of man" from Edward Steichen inside but at the moment the renovate Next to the castle you see the church from Cervaux in a very nice landscape.
Lisianne Posted Apr 17, 2012, 3:05 pm	Back in Waldbillig I feed the lamb. He becomes now a bigger bottle he grow up fast. Host mum must help me with the bottle.
Lisianne Posted Apr 17, 2012, 3:10 pm	Today a new TV is born. His name is Telie, a frog. We become good friend the last days. He is host-mum's first of 3 TV and is now waiting for his first travel.
Lisianne Posted Apr 26, 2012, 1:37 pm	We went quick to Echternach in the park but each time we go outside it restart raining We took some pictures and came back home!
Lisianne Posted Apr 26, 2012, 1:45 pm	At home we look after the sheeps, one bit me in my nose and later in the evening we played Monopoly with my friend Mush to complete a part of one life mission of him.
Lisianne Posted Apr 26, 2012, 2:04 pm	It's a sad day for us we have to say good bye to two new friends, Telie & Gwënelle they are host-mum's TV's I gave them a big hug and let both sadly go to Finland that's what host-mum told me later. For Telie and Gwënelle it's a surprise so much rain, look what a beautiful rainbow outside! Ohhhh
Lisianne Posted Apr 26, 2012, 2:11 pm	... another rainbow today,         that means, it's still raining.....
Lisianne Posted Apr 26, 2012, 2:15 pm	... in the forest we saw a spooky house host-mum told us that this is for bees! That they want to renovate the old house
Lisianne Posted Apr 26, 2012, 2:19 pm	Later in the evening we saw an envelope in our room. Surely there is another TV inside told me Mush and so it was It was Hippa which we welcome in Luxembourg
Lisianne Posted Apr 26, 2012, 2:28 pm	It was time to explore these famous rocks. In Berdorf only 5 min. away from host-mum's home we found the most beautiful.
Lisianne Posted Apr 26, 2012, 2:34 pm	Today our host-mum has had to go to Echternach, during this time Horizon showed Mush , Hippa and me the Basilika, a beautiful church and the old school next to it.
Lisianne Posted Apr 26, 2012, 2:47 pm	..... it don't stop to rain,                 we can't took really good pictures at the moment ...
Lisianne Posted Apr 26, 2012, 3:39 pm	Playing with the cats in the house
Lisianne Posted May 13, 2012, 9:32 am	Sad day, today we have to say good bye to Horizon , host-mum's own TV. She start her travel today and is very excited! We drove a little bit around and later in the evening we gave her a big hug. We all wish her a good travel
Lisianne Posted May 13, 2012, 9:42 am	Look mummy I can go walk with this big dog, alone! But Dooley is very friendly, a good friend! It's so beautiful to go out early in the morning when all the other one still sleep.
Lisianne Posted May 13, 2012, 9:47 am	Ups, one TV goes, another one is comming. But look yourself! Isn't he a cute one It's Hipsu from Finland.
Lisianne Posted May 13, 2012, 9:55 am	Today we visited Mersch with our host-mum. A very small town only a few minutes away from the farm (~15 min.) They have an old church tower, a new church and a really strange creature, something like Nessy in Scotland! :O
Lisianne Posted May 13, 2012, 10:02 am	In the middle of the forest, on a place with the name Kengert, we saw a really, really big stone mushroom.
Lisianne Posted May 13, 2012, 10:11 am	Because host-dad had to work today, host-mum took us to the valley of the 7 castles. Unfortunately we have not seen  them all. But which we don't found, who knows in the middle of the forest :O
Apperveilchen Posted May 14, 2012, 8:02 pm	Look where I arrived today: After a relatively short journey I left enough of the goodies that my previous host nicely packed up with me for my new host. Thank you very much, Lisianne!
Lisianne Posted May 15, 2012, 1:21 pm	Hi mum this castles are the most closer to my host-mum's farm, Larochette and Meysembourg very beautiful to have a look!
Lisianne Posted May 15, 2012, 1:49 pm	Today our host-mum took Mush and me with her to Luxembourg city you gonna see us on diff. famous places like: in and around the cathedral Notre Dame in the shopping streets in front of the palace of Grand Duc Henri and his family on a market and down in the valley  around this beautiful fortess city with such a long history. We also had to stop in an English Pub, Scott's there we ate and drink something really good!
Lisianne Posted May 15, 2012, 1:58 pm	It's really stormy weather outside, and our host-mum is ill! She lay down in her bed with a flu We helped her where we could like to make tea for her, ironing, and write her Postcrossing postcards, that was been really funny!
Lisianne Posted May 15, 2012, 2:04 pm	Today we went to the Schiessentümpel, the most famous place here around, host-mum was sad because the pictures were not all on the camera when we came back home. But she promised me to do another one and send it later.
Lisianne Posted May 15, 2012, 2:11 pm	Hi mummy is that a sign from you ??? To restart traveling??? Yes, Mush and me we both gonna leave Luxembourg... we sad good bye to all our friends and then up we go with the mail of the day ...
Apperveilchen Posted May 17, 2012, 11:41 pm	Today I visited a litter of 2-week-old kittens from the animal shelter. The weren't very coordinated and didn't seem to be able to see very well so mostly they just crawled and tumbled all over each other and me. I was happy to get out from between them.
Apperveilchen Posted May 18, 2012, 1:27 pm	This household is currently quite busy and hectic. Don't worry if you don't hear from me for a little while! I heard that I can go on a long journey with my hosts. I am reading up on our destination while everyone around me seems to be creating an even bigger chaos. I heard we plan to fly to San José, then stay near Heredia and travel on to Monteverde and later Playa Flamingo. Can you find them on the map?
Apperveilchen Posted Jun 13, 2012, 7:49 pm	After a very long journey we finally arrived in Costa Rica last night. We spent a night at a bed&breakfast and had a nice typical breakfast: gallo pinto, fried platanos, scrambled eggs, fruit and toast. We actually had to speak Spanish to communicate. I am glad that at least Knopf knows some of the language. Now we have to get on a bus to go to our real destination. I hope I can move around some soon!
Apperveilchen Posted Jun 14, 2012, 11:47 am	We arrived in Monteverde in the early afternoon and took a walk along the main road (only a few mostly unpaved roadslead off of it) and into the town of Santa Elena. We had a look around the shops and backpacker hostels and all the activities that can be done here. I want to go zip-lining or repelling down waterfalls! The way back up the mountain had us a bit out of breath. I guess we are higher above teh sealevel than I am used to.
Apperveilchen Posted Jun 14, 2012, 3:05 pm	This is a view we had near our house. You can see down the mountain towards Puntarenas and You can see the Gulf of Nicoya and the Nicoya Peninsula behind it. The clouds look different every few minutes and sometimes one cannot see much at all. Later we hiked on the public paths and along the road. I saw a bit of the Children's Eternal Rainforest (El Bosque Eterno de los Niños) and then went up into the direction of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
Apperveilchen Posted Jun 18, 2012, 1:43 pm	Here's the view from close to our house over the Gulf of Nicoya again. It's amazing how different it can be and the clouds are always changing!
Apperveilchen Posted Jun 18, 2012, 3:59 pm	The Hummingbird Gallery is a nice art gallery and gift shop near the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. There are a number of feeders with sugar water that attract the many different species of colibris that live here. One can see the different sizes and colors and hear bird experts exclaim over spotting a rare species. I particularly liked the tiny green one. Can you find him?
Apperveilchen Posted Jun 23, 2012, 3:44 pm	Today we visited the Cloud Forest Reserve. The are multiple reserves in the clouf forest but apparently this is the one with the most wildlife. Read more here. We did see many different plants and birds, some of them nesting in caves, and even saw the resplendent quetzal high up in the canopy, a small green snake, as well as a group of spider monkeys. Unfortunately I could not take photos of me with all those animals because they refused to pose for the camera. But memories are better than pictures in a way so I really cannot complain!
Apperveilchen Posted Jun 24, 2012, 1:55 pm	After a small rest for lunch we decided to check out some other paths through the reserve. The ticket is good for the whole day, so we planned another 2-3h hike. We were all alone on small paths that were partially pretty steep and made aour way over a few small bridges to a view point from where one can see fromt he Gulf of Nicoya, which we just made out under the clouds to the central valley and volcanoes. Unfortunately you can see that the view in that direction was very much obstructed by clouds. All in all we had great hiking weather, though. The forest grows so well because it's about 18°C here all year round with about the same high humidity level. We had a largely sunny and dry day, though, with nice warm temperatures. In a few places the fog made it dark and a bit spooky, though. We passed over a hanging bridge a little below the canopy level. It was an amazing view but the bridge tended to swing a little bit and we had to take care not to fall. Look what a long way down it was!  We also saw some plants that are often featured on postcard of Costa Rica because they look like kissing lips. All in all we had a great day. Tomorrow we are going to catch another bus and make our way down to the beaches of Guanacaste. We heard it will be HOT!
Apperveilchen Posted Jul 1, 2012, 10:59 am	This week we are relaxing a bit, spending our days on the beautiful beach of Flamingo, being very careful not go get pulled out by riptides, and trying anything to avoid the heat and humidity. At night it usually rains and the frogs make a lot of noise outside the doors to our hotel room. At the beach the howler monkey sometimes scare me with loud noises like a dog barking. They sit high up in the trees and eat fruit and leaves and are enjoying the sun. We also took small boat trips to other beaches, but everything got very wet so we couldn't take a camera.
Apperveilchen Posted Jul 7, 2012, 10:05 am	One of the interesting things about travelling is seeing all the different money. I like the colorful Costa Rican Colones. 500 Colones equate to about $1. I especially like the see-through part of the 1000 Colones bill. Can you recognize my dots through it?
Apperveilchen Posted Jul 17, 2012, 5:53 pm	We had a long an exhausting journey back to Germany and my host got really sick and we had to take it easy for a couple of weeks. Now's the last day of June, though and it's neccessary to take the car to get a new sticker that says that it's save to drive on German roads. The car needs to be examined and the exhaust tested and then it gets a sticker on its plate that says when it's due again (like the yellow circle you can see on top of the doors). The whole thing costs a little over 90€ and has to be done every one or two years, depending on the car. You can see the car in front of us getting it done. We're next in line.
Apperveilchen Posted Jul 18, 2012, 6:15 pm	We enjoyed the nicer weather in Germany by taking a walk thorugh some fields and passing some farms. It was very relaxing and we only had to duck for cover during a very short thunderstorm. (No pictures during a thunderstorm with a cell phone while oout in the wild!)
Apperveilchen Posted Jul 20, 2012, 12:54 pm	I had a look around Düsseldorf today. It's the capital of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The famous lansmarks include the TV tower, the Stadttor ("city gate", the building you can see through in the middle) and the state parliament. There's a few big appartment buildings at the shore of the Rhine river.
ScillyHH Posted Dec 23, 2012, 9:05 am	Hi mum, after a long time my friend Spencer and I arrived today at a new host. But when we took a look, Spencer said: "I am back at home" And then we saw his TV-brother LewisHH and his TV-sister Clairchen and Alex, a guest. We had so much to tell about. I am happy to be with friends. I will have a great christmas time with all of them. All the very best ThomasHH
ScillyHH Posted Dec 26, 2012, 7:05 pm	Hi mum, christmas day is here And I love our christmas tree. See me sitting under the christmas tree. I have a great time with my friends. What a lot of presents! This is my favourite present: a roasted apple liqueur - it is a gift from you. This is a very funny book: we have to find Santa's pants. And so many sweets.... I think I love christmas! All the very best ThomasHH
ScillyHH Posted Jan 6, 2013, 6:54 pm	Hi mum, my friends and me had some very nice New-Years-Eve celebration. I would like to wish you a very HAPPY NEW YEAR! (What do you think of my funny hat?) All the very best ThomasHH
ScillyHH Posted Jan 13, 2013, 5:22 pm	Hi mum, yesterday I have heard in the radio that we had only one hour of sunshine in Hamburg until now. And indeed it was cloudy or rainy every day. But today the sun was shining a little bit. The perfect time for a walk. First we crossed the river Alster. On the other side of the bridge they are building a new lock with a fish ladder :-) This is a prison - a place I never want to see from the inside. It is called Santa Fu and probably the most famous prison in Germany because many people escaped in the 70s and 80s. But no fear - I am a well behaved TV. This is a very funny tower. First I thougt it is a lighthouse. But we are not by the sea. Hmmmmm.... we learned it is a radar tower for the nearby airport. As we were near by we decided to visit the airport. Look how many destinations the german airways Lufthansa flys to directly from Hamburg. Maybe some new ideas where I can travel to? Back at home we had to say good bye to Alex. He will go to the USA. We all gave him a big hug. All the very best ThomasHH
ScillyHH Posted Jan 21, 2013, 7:23 pm	Hi mum, after a mild beginning it is now freezing in Hamburg with a little bit of snow. We decided to take a walk and enjoy the ice and snow in the Alstertal (Alster valley). Look at me skidding on the ice. From a bridge we had a nice view of the Alster river. Then it was time for a rest on this tree trunk. We found this tree to play in. Look, I found this nice spot to watch the river from. Unbelievable! There are some mad people canoeing on the river. What a great afternoon out! All the very best ThomasHH
ScillyHH Posted Jan 28, 2013, 7:56 pm	Hi mum, Today a new TV arrived. His name is Alberto. He showed us his welcome presents and we and we had a lot to chat about. And we had a great surprise for Alberto: on wednesday we will fly to Malaga for a few days :-) A visit to his home country! So we studied the travel guide. Look at this funny pair, we showed Alberto All the very best ThomasHH
ScillyHH Posted Feb 1, 2013, 8:10 pm	Hi mum, Hola from Andalucia! Yesterday we flew from Hamburg to Mallorca and from Mallorca to Malaga - all in one morning! And now we are in Andalucia. Today we had a rental car and drove to Ojen near Marbella. It is one of the white villages and really beautiful. The weather is fantastic - so we decided to take sunbath. Look, this is a steep path down the mountain. But we prefered to drive down.  Then we went to a small beach café by the sea. What a great life in January! The Mediteranian sea, a beach and beach café - what could be better? We had a great day! But now we are tired and are enjoying our hotel room. See me with my friends. All the very best ThomasHH
ScillyHH Posted Feb 2, 2013, 5:26 pm	Hi mum, another sunny day on the costa del sol. Today we wanted to explore the harbour of Malaga. But first we saw the main shopping street and the cathedral of Malaga. On our way we saw this nice garden along the street. This was our first view of the harbour with the lighthouse and a big sailing boat in the background. I liked this water fountains on the newly renovated waterfront. Oh look, this a high speed catamaran ferry to Tenerife. How beautiful - an old seaman chapel and some orange trees. See me in front of a really beautiful old dutch sailing boat. Here you can see the lighthouse. And because of the nice weather we visited the beach of Malaga. When we came back to our hotel we explored the swimming pool on the top of our hotel. Life can be so wonderful! All the very best ThomasHH
ScillyHH Posted Feb 4, 2013, 8:52 pm	Hi mum, another sonny day on the Costa del Sol. This is the Malaga market hall. The back entrance has very colourful glas! Look we found the Picasso museum. Picasso, one the most famous painters of the world, was born in Malaga. There is an old castle overlooking Malaga. See me in front of the bull fighting arena of Malaga - Olé! Look. this carousel is very funny, isn't it! Which saucer should I ride? This is the town hall of Malaga. On our way back to our hotel we past the back of the cathedral. I could not resist taking another photo. All the very best ThomasHH
ScillyHH Posted Feb 9, 2013, 4:00 pm	Hi mum, another sunny day on the Costa del Sol. But today is our last day in Malaga. To enjoy the lovely sunshine we had a coffee in a café on the harbour promenade. Then it was time to catch our flight back to Hamburg. See me on flight AB2587 from Malaga to Hamburg - sundown over spanish airspace! Then like good TV's should we red the flight safety instructions. See me enjoying the flight with good food, music and something to read. Now we are back in cold Hamburg. All the very best ThomasHH
ScillyHH Posted Feb 26, 2013, 7:27 pm	Hi mum, it has been quiet a long time since the last update. But the weather has been very bad. We have decided to see the town of Hamburg as soon as the sun comes out. For friday the weather forecast is great and Scilly and Richy have a weeks holiday. And we take lot of lovely photos next week. For the moment I am looking forward for spring. See me playing with the daffodils. All the very best ThomasHH
ScillyHH Posted Mar 4, 2013, 7:06 pm	Dear mum, the sun is back in Hamburg. And we decided to visit the harbour. Look at me in front of the so called „Landungsbrücken“ where the harbour boat trips starts. These are some typical boats for boat trips. You also can use this kind of boat. It is build like a paddle steamer. Behind me you can see the old fish market hall of Hamburg Altona. Nowadays there are a lot of events in this hall and every sunday the famous fish market. We had the idea to take a ferry and enjoy the sun on the water. Please see some of the Hamburg docks with ships in it . What a nice view from Hamburg! The white ship behind me ist he „Cap San Diego“ – a general cargo vessel in former times, now a museum ship. You also can see the „Elbphilarmonie“ – a concert all which  should be ready in 2016 See me in front of the „Rickmer Rickmers“ – an very old sailing boat and now also a museum. All the very best from a sunny Hamburg ThomasHH
ScillyHH Posted Mar 7, 2013, 7:34 pm	Dear mum, today we went on a trip to Sylt – an island in the north of Germany. It is famous for ist endless beach. After a nice train ride we arrived on the island. Look at the beautiful beach. We took a long walk . Look here, the wavebreaker in the background makes a nice photo. After the walk we  were hungry and had a little lunch in the dunes. On the way back we saw the town hall. We had a nice day. Hope you all enjoy the pictures. All the very best ThomasHH
ScillyHH Posted Mar 9, 2013, 7:53 pm	Hi mum, after a sunny week suddenly it began to snow this afternoon. I decided I must go out and enjoy it. Look at the lovely pictures I took. All the very best ThomasHH
ScillyHH Posted Mar 16, 2013, 10:22 pm	Hi mum, today we had sunshine - a good opportunity to visit the town center. See me in front of the town hall. We could't see the mayor. But we had the possibility to go in to the entrance hall. This is the courtyard of the town hall with this nice fountain. Look us playing with the fountain sculptures. This canal is called the little Alster. It is situated between the town hall and the Alsterlake. This was our first view from the Alster lake with some white Alster boats. We decided to enjoy the sun with a cup of hot chocolate and a view over somes boats and the Alsterlake. The Alsterlake is really beautiful. With these whites boats you can explore the town on the water. All the very best ThomasHH
ScillyHH Posted Mar 23, 2013, 6:12 pm	Dear mum, it is still very cold in Germany. But today we had a lot of sunshine. So we decided to go to Bergedorf - a district of Hamburg. Look, we found this nice half-timber church. And it was a surprise to find this little castle with moat around it. I liked it very much. All the very best ThomasHH
ScillyHH Posted Mar 31, 2013, 7:40 pm	Happy Easter! Dear mum, today I had a lovely easter breakfast. What a stylish and yummy way to celebrate easter. Because of the cold weather and the snow ouside we looked for the eggs inside. Look at me and my friends playing with the easter goodies that we found. All the very best ThomasHH
ScillyHH Posted Apr 10, 2013, 7:59 pm	Dear mum, this weekend we visited the historic town of Wernigerode in the Harz-region of Germany. This area has mountains of 1000 m. I enjoyed the town very much especialy the market square. See me with the town hall of Wernigerode. This is the hotel we stayed in - called "Gothisches Haus". These are two nice cafés also in half-timbered houses. See me in front of the smallest house of Wernigerode. A familiy of eight lived in it. It has quiet the right size for Toyvoyagers  Later that day we drove up the mountain visit the train station Drei Annen Hohne. In the afternoon three steam trains meet at the same time. See me with with the old steam engines and trains (called Harzer Schmalspurbahn). I enjoyed our trip to Wernigerode. And Scilly and Richy told me that we will fly to Madeira next weekend. All the very best ThomasHH
ScillyHH Posted Apr 15, 2013, 9:56 pm	Dear mum, if the spring doesn't come to Hamburg, than we fly to the sun! Today we flew to Madeira to spend our holiday on this beautiful island. Directly from the airport we went to the Market hall to buy some fruits for the weekend. See me in front of the market hall of Funchal. This is a view of the fruit stalls from above. Then we went to our holiday apartement. Look what a wonderful view over Funchal. We even can see the harbour with the cruise ships. Sundown over Funchal! Look at these lovely fruits. They all taste great! I especially like the banana ananas. Do you know it? All the very best! ThomasHH
ScillyHH Posted Apr 19, 2013, 12:52 am	Dear mum, we began this sunday with a nice breakfast. See me sitting on our breakfast table. Then we started our tour through Funchal. See me in front of the nice town hall. This is an old abbey. Nowadays it is used by the university of Madeira. I like this tree. Look at me in front of the cathedral of Funchal. These are some typical streets. This is our favorite café in Funchal - the "Golden Gate". See me in front of the bank of Portugal. Then we went to the harbour of Funchal. There are some great yachts in the marina. And we also saw this cruise ship. All the very best ThomasHH
ScillyHH Posted Apr 21, 2013, 3:15 pm	Hi mum, today we went to the heart the heart of the island Madeira and visited the village Curral das Freiras in the valley of the nuns. In former times the nuns were hiding here from the enemies at sea (pirates). Even now it is very difficult to get here. But there are brave local bus drivers, which get here (I myself can confirm, that they are very brave and very good drivers). And today it was extra difficult due to the fog on the mountains (sights under 5 m). See me in the villages in front of some houses and the local church. Then it was time for coffee and cake. See me enjoying the break. After the break we walked through the valley. On wednesday we will visit the other side of the island (Porto Moniz) and I expect sunshine. All the very best ThomasHH
ScillyHH Posted Apr 23, 2013, 8:53 pm	Hi mum, first on this morning we went to the market hall. It was early enough to visit the fish hall. Then we went to Porto Moniz. This small village is the most north-westerly conurbation on the island. There are two natural rock pools. And with the sunshine we had a great day. See me in front of the small harbour. On our way back to Funchal we had a short break in Ribeira Brava. Look at me in front of the church of Ribeira Brava. It is very nice, isn't it. All the very best ThomasHH
ScillyHH Posted Apr 28, 2013, 6:57 pm	Hi mum, today we visited the Botanic Gardens of Funchal. They are in the upper part of town. So we took the "Tereferico" (cable car) to get there. See me and my friends sitting in one of the cabins. We had a fantastic view over the town. The Botanic Garden was the weekend house of the Reids family in former time. Look at me in front of the nice house. Look at these different gardens and plants. This is a typical house for Madeira. Look at these funny trees. That's me in front of a banana tree. All the very best ThomasHH
ScillyHH Posted May 5, 2013, 6:39 pm	Dear mum, today is our last day on the beautiful island of Madeira. But before we fly home we had a last walk through the city of Funchal. We found this beautiful park in the middle of town. Then we went to the airport. See me on the balcony watching the airplanes. See me in front of a TAP-plane. Now we are back in Hamburg. But we brought some beautiful memories with us. Look at this beautiful flowers. We had a great time on Madeira. All the very best ThomasHH
ScillyHH Posted May 9, 2013, 8:12 pm	Dear mum, its time to say good bye! Tomorrow I will travel to a new host. But today we had a last great meal together. See me preparing blueberry risotto. ....yummy.... As dessert we had a shaun-the-sheep-cake  I have become a fan of shaun the sheep. Then we looked in the sweet bowl where I picked some sweets for my travel. Then I said Good Bye to my friends. We had a great time together. Now I am looking forward to some new adventures. All the very best ThomasHH
smaug Posted May 26, 2013, 5:18 am	Hi Mum, I’m back in Canada ! Today I felt some action around my travelling quarters .... ...and when I came out I found a couple of TVs giving me a warm welcome to Calgary . They are Tatanka, who comes from Germany like me, and sammino, a stay at home TV . They seemed both very impressed with the lovely card and the delicious sweets that I brought with me ...yes, I managed not to eat them all during the trip . After tasting some of the sweets , they showed me the view from the window and the heavy rainfall outside . They also explained to me that the rain was actually very exciting as only a few weeks ago this would have been a blizzard .
smaug Posted Jun 4, 2013, 4:40 am	Hi Mum, The weather is a bit wet (to say the least) here these days , but today smaug decided to take us hiking anyway . Soon after leaving the car we had a lovely view over this meander of the Elbow river... ...and over the valley heading west. As we gained elevation we could see that the Rockies were covered in clouds . Moving on the rain started turning into snow ... ...and we ended up being right in the clouds. For some reason smaug did not consider either of these developments as an improvement of the weather conditions and decided to do an about-turn and go back to the car...where we arrived thoroughly drenched.
smaug Posted Jun 10, 2013, 4:04 am	Hi Mum, Today smaug took us out for a bike ride to Highwood pass, the highest paved road in Canada . Until we reached the pass smaug was not really inclined to take photos of us, but once at the top we had great views over Kananaskis Valley (from where we just came)... ...and of the area around the pass . The greatest part of the day was that this section of highway was still under winter closure to motorized vehicles, so there were only bikes around. As we were feeling bold we decided to dive on the other side of the pass into the Highwood River Valley. There we enjoyed more lovely views . Eventually it was time to turn around, face the headwind and head back to the pass. For some reason, during the climb, smaug became grumpier and grumpier , so we deemed safe to keep a low profile until we were back to the car.
smaug Posted Jun 20, 2013, 5:39 am	Hi Mum, Today smaug brought home a suspicious parcel  . ...that happened to hold a new guest inside, Mr. Blubber ! Of course, we wanted to hear everything about his recent travels, so we spent the night up chatting
smaug Posted Jun 23, 2013, 9:38 pm	Hi Mum, Happy Birthday to Me  ! With smaug being away for work I thought my birthday was going to pass by unnoticed, but sammino had everything under control . First all the TVs sang Happy Birthday for me and then we feasted on a lovely cake . Later we kept the celebrations going by enjoying some lively drinks in this funny shot glasses made of ice . The challenge was to drink as much as possible before the glasses melted out , but before they were totally useless we were all very cheerful and a bit weak on the legs . After a nap we recovered enough to surf internet for the rest of the afternoon where I found your greetings message, what a great day .
smaug Posted Jun 23, 2013, 9:57 pm	Hi Mum, Exciting news! smaug’s back , it’s the first day of summer and Calgary is in state of emergency . It has rained for over two days over the mountains west of the city and last night the rivers has started going all over the place. Most of downtown is under water... ...and almost 100,000 people are being evacuated in town alone . We were wondering if we were going to be swept away by the raging waters , but smaug said that we are reasonably safe up here .
smaug Posted Jul 12, 2013, 5:37 am	Hi Mum, This weekend the weather was gorgeous, perfect for going to the mountains . Too bad that most of the roads and almost all trails were still closed after the flooding , so smaug took us out for a bike ride south of Calgary . On the way we could barely see the mountains in the distance... ...and the rolling foothills on the opposite side. From another hill the view was even better . On the way back we had a glimpse of downtown Calgary (just beside my head ). Later smaug decided to rest a bit and we stretched our legs running in the fields ,  but we had to keep smaug’s rest short when Tatanka accidentally brushed a couple of sheds . Just before we reached the car we even met a herd of buffalos...not that they took much notice of us .
smaug Posted Jul 21, 2013, 8:29 pm	Hi Mum As the roads are becoming passable again, today we went for a hike up the mountains . First we reached Baldy Pass, where the view over the foothills was very nice. From there we could also see our destination for the day, Midnight Peak....hopefully it won’t take until midnight to get there . It was actually a fairly quick ascent, and from the top we could see Baldy Pass far below us,... ...the Nakiska ski area... ...and more mountains both north and south. That storm was a bit concerning , but luckily it steered clear of us. Before leaving we all signed the summit register . On the way back to the car we took a closer look to the damage caused by the flood. There wasn’t much trail left, but finding a way around the erosion channels and sinkholes was easy enough.
smaug Posted Jul 28, 2013, 5:29 am	Hi Mum, Once again, today we went to the mountains, near Banff this time. We gained elevation very quickly and had a lovely view over the Bow Valley . That one is the valley that leads to Sunshine Village. The road there is still closed to flood damage . Later we reached a higher point from where we saw the Bow Valley heading north... ...and Castle Mountain in the background. A bit further on we stopped to rest at this lovely little meadow forming a balcony over the valley below . The last push to the summit seemed a bit challenging... ...but, somehow, smaug managed to get us to the top. The view from there was great as we were surrounded by mountains in all directions . It was also freezing cold , so we didn’t linger and quickly retreated down to warmer elevations .
smaug Posted Jul 29, 2013, 4:30 am	Hi Mum, Today a new friend arrived in Calgary . Smaug came back home with a very interesting parcel... ...and when we opened it a TV came out of it, Benno, a nice bear from Germany . Of course we wanted to know everything about his recent trips, so we spent the evening chatting .
smaug Posted Aug 5, 2013, 5:03 am	Hi Mum, Today we managed again to go for a nice hike . The start of the day was a bit boring, but eventually we reached a ridge that should have had a nice view. Well, the view of those clouds wasn’t really very promising . Funny enough, on the other side we could see the sun shining in the Bow Valley . Still, we pressed on and, according to smaug, we reached the summit. Not that we could really tell, as the view was consistently like this for well over one hour . On the way back we decided to make up for the disappointing sightseeing by feasting on smaug’s chocolate supply . And, guess what? Eating chocolate actually helped as the clouds opened up enough to let us see Mt. Lougheed for a bit . Before reaching the car we stopped to see some more of the damage caused by the floods in June. This used to be a little harmless-looking creek. Now it looked like the Urubamba had flowed here .
smaug Posted Aug 18, 2013, 8:04 pm	Hi Mum, The weather was, again, not so good, but good enough for a short hike in the morning. From  the parking lot, things actually looked very promising as we took a look at Barrier Lake . As we moved up we could see Kananaskis Valley.... ...and again Barrier Lake from further up. Some stretches were quite steep ... ...but slowly we got closed to the summit. Just before reaching the top we stopped to take a few more photos of Kananaskis Valley,... ...the mountains in the west,... ...and of the prairies in the east . It was actually good that we took those photos, since as soon as we reached the summit the clouds moved in and visibility was a bit reduced . So we quickly turned around and managed to get back to the car before a big a downpour.
smaug Posted Aug 28, 2013, 4:41 am	Hi Mum, Today, even if the weather wasn’t really that good we went for a bike ride at Bow Pass, along the Icefields Parkway. In between showers , we managed to take a few photos. That is Observation Peak from Bow Pass . While this is Bow Lake with Bow Glacier and falls (a lot of things are Bow something around here ) in the distance. Here, in between trees, you can see Hector Lake with the peaks along the continental divide in the background. And that’s it for photos of the day. Apparently the camera enjoys being wet even less than we do .
smaug Posted Sep 1, 2013, 1:08 am	Hi Mum, Today a new friend arrived . smaug came back with an interesting envelope... ...and when we managed to open it a new TV came out, Shakespeare, a nice turtle from Germany . He showed us the delicious sweets and lovely card that he brought from Switzerland . Of course we spent the evening chatting...and eating .
smaug Posted Sep 2, 2013, 4:31 am	Hi Mum, Today smaug had a day off, so, despite another flimsy weather forecast , we went out for a hike . We started from Barrier Lake... ...from where we could see our destination at the top of that ridge. Once we got there we had a great view over the east side of Barrier Lake,... ...Mt Baldy... ...and Kananaskis Valley . We decided to go further up and reach the fire lookout. From there we could see the Bow Valley where heavy rain was heading straight for us . We took the hint, hastily retreated and managed to get back to the car without getting too drenched .
smaug Posted Sep 3, 2013, 12:50 am	Hi Mum, Today, for once, the weather was gorgeous, so we had all we needed for a good trip to the mountains. After some times in the trees the view opened up over the Elbow River valley . Further up we could see the prairies in the distance. On the way, we boosted our sugars with some chocolate . Eventually we reached our destination, a gorgeous ridge, with an even more gorgeous view over the Rockies in almost every direction .
smaug Posted Sep 7, 2013, 4:50 am	Hi Mum, Congratulations ! Today while you were celebrating tying the knot , I went exploring a trail in Yoho National Park. After a bit of walking in the trees we emerged on a ridge with a great view of Takakkaw falls ... ...and of the peaks on the east side of Yoho Valley. As we moved up we realized that we were surrounded by majestic peaks and glaciers . One of those glaciers was looming almost directly above our heads for most of the way . We kept going until the view opened up over the north side of the valley . We also noticed the clouds building up in the south, so we decided to head back and for once we made it to the car without getting drenched .
smaug Posted Sep 16, 2013, 5:08 am	Hi Mum, Today I said goodbye to all my friends here in Calgary and tomorrow I’ll jump on a plane to Japan . Before I left, sammino gave me a big hug and wished me a safe journey .
cocoaby Posted Sep 21, 2013, 6:23 am	Wednesday afternoon, I arrived in Yokosuka,Japan. I was very comfy in my bag. Thank you to smaug for looking after me so well and for beautiful postcard and souvenirs magnet. I'm looking forward to going out on some adventures! See you soon. your little giraffe ThomasHH
cocoaby Posted Sep 22, 2013, 4:08 am	Konbanwa!(=Good evening!) I could see harvest moon. It is said that On the moon's surface,these shadows looked like a rabbit making rice cakes. Oyasuminasai(=Good night)
cocoaby Posted Sep 22, 2013, 4:35 am	We went to "Kanagawa university of human services." Today is closed because it is Sunday. It was founded ten years ago, This university is a small university. Here, it can learn about nursing or social welfare.
cocoaby Posted Sep 29, 2013, 7:26 am	We went to the "Hiroyama park" in Zushi for one of Prajna's life missions "See Mountain Fuji in Japan". Here is a good scenic spot of view. We could see many monkeys,peafowl, etc.in park. We played in lovely small flower garden. Although it may be unable to see with a photograph, we were able to see the slightly highest mountain "Mt. Fuji" in Japan. Mt.Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan. The mountain is 3,776 m tall and famous for its beautiful symmetrical cone shape. The mountain last erupted about 300 years ago.  This year UNESCO added Mt.Fuji to the list of World Heritage sites for its universal and and outstanding cultural value.
cocoaby Posted Sep 29, 2013, 8:24 am	Then, We went to the "Oosaki park" in Zushi, not Sushi. This rabbit statue was made for  Kyouka Izumi(Japanese famous writer), because he loved rabbit. When we were walking along the park, cat seemed to hurry very much. You can see a red cluster amaryllis. It is called Higanbana in Japanese. And,It has a nice view from the Oosaki park.
cocoaby Posted Oct 6, 2013, 1:13 am	Yellow frog Houjicha showed us ad paper. He said. "The Yokosuka fish festival will be held at 7:00 of a morning tomorrow. There is gastronomic culture which eats a fish in Japan. If you are interested... " We said "We would like to go!". I don’t want to be a sleepyhead tomorrow.
cocoaby Posted Oct 6, 2013, 1:44 am	Ohayou Gozaimasu!(Good Morning!) It's a gloomy day (+20°c). But many people are visiting the Yokosuka fish festival in the early morning. You can see many colorful flag. This flag called "Tairyo-bata". Tairyo-bata are fishing boat flags that are used to signify a good catch. We could see many fishes.
cocoaby Posted Oct 6, 2013, 5:00 am	I ate a fruit "Kaki" of East Asia. Kaki is one of the typical fruits of autumn in Japan. And, Kaki is the healthy fruit containing vitamin A, vitamin C, carotene, and potassium. It was very smooth and sweet. a proverb, "A Kaki a day keeps the doctor away" is in Japan. It is because vitamin and a mineral are said to be abundant and for a doctor to be unnecessary. When harvesting a persimmon, do not take all. It certainly leaves a few fruits to tree for a wild bird. They have a lot of room for the delicious dessert.
cocoaby Posted Oct 9, 2013, 3:16 am	Hello, mum. Today is hot(27°c/81°F) and windy(10m/s). We decided to read a book and many comic(manga) at home or to watch television. We are reading the textbook of English of the Japanese second-year student (for 13 years old or 14 years old)in a junior high school. There is,Thing of the stuffed animal of bear who traveled all over the world was written.
cocoaby Posted Oct 9, 2013, 3:35 am	We reading  "The Lost  Generation Strikes Back". Then, We will read comic(manga) called "March comes in like a lion". "Chihayahuru","NARUTO","One Piece","Silver spoon"and more. What a wonderful time!
cocoaby Posted Oct 9, 2013, 3:53 am	We finished reading the comic book . Next, I decided to watch a TV program. We saw the "TED". Then, I saw a TV program of learning German in Japan.
cocoaby Posted Oct 12, 2013, 9:24 am	Hi Mum, Summer seems to have come back to Japan. It is hot(+31°c) and humid(75%) and windy(15m/s) today. We went out to ride a bicycle for here and there. When strong wind blowing, my host and we shouted "+*-+/#$%&')!" because I feel like it's going to blow me away. We decided back go home. We ate icecream at home! "yum yum yum yum yum, yummy!"
cocoaby Posted Oct 14, 2013, 6:43 am	It is sunny today. This is Yokosuka-Chuou Station. I will go to Yokohama, It takes 30 minutes by train.
cocoaby Posted Oct 15, 2013, 7:52 am	We went to Minato Mirai 21 area in Yokohama. Yokohama is Japan's 2nd largest city with a population of over 3 million. Yokohama is located less than half an hour south of Tokyo by train, and is the capital of Kanagawa Prefecture. Minato Mirai 21 is a seaside urban area in central Yokohama whose name means "harbor of the future". Until the 1980s the area was a large shipyard, but the shipyard moved and development began for a new city center. Minato Mirai is blessed with a great location along the water and has a wealth of attractions. We enjoyed sightseeing and street art.
cocoaby Posted Oct 15, 2013, 8:49 am	We visited The Kanagawa Prefectural Government office. Kanagawa Prefecture is located almost in the center of the Japanese Archipelago, sharing a boundary with Tokyo. It is 2,416 sq. km in area, making it the fifth smallest of the 47 prefectures in Japan. We wanted to meet to Governor of Kanagawa Prefectural. We were disappointed because he was not in here. But security guard said "There is a place of press conference, come on Toy Voyagers! You can see."  He showed for me and take photo with governor.
cocoaby Posted Oct 15, 2013, 9:14 am	Right : Yokohama Customs. Left : Kanagawa Prefectural Police Headquarters. A "KIRIN" track pass through when I can see Yokohama Customs and Kanagawa Prefectural Police Headquarters. "Kirin" means "giraffe" in Japan. And KIRIN is Japanese beer and drink company.
cocoaby Posted Oct 16, 2013, 1:09 am	Then we went to Nogeyama zoo. Nogeyama zoo established 1951 in Nogeyama park which located at the hill near the Minato-Mirai 21 area. The area of the zoo is 3.3 ha and park is 9.6 ha. It is small zoo, admission free. I could see many animal,giraffe, penguin and more. I think reticulated giraffe is very beautiful, his eyes looks like so tenderness. I met giraffe father and son. They are "Tebichi" and "Sora"(means "sky" in Japanese). Tebichi is 15 years old,  3-4m tall. Sora is Tebichi's son. Sora was born last year. Unfortunately, Sora's mother has died suddenly this year. I said "Konnichiwa(Hello),Tebichi and Sora! I am ThomasHH, I am from Germany." Tebichi and Sora said with smile "Enjoy your stay!". It was nice to able to meet you. See you soon. your little ThomasHH,
cocoaby Posted Oct 16, 2013, 1:47 am	We went to Mikasa park on the way home from work. Today is Health-Sports Day, a national holiday. My host working today despite it being a holiday. October 10th was Health-Sports Day, a national holiday. It was designated in 1966 to commemorate the opening day of the Tokyo Olympics held in 1964. According to meteorological data, this day is usually sunny every year, so it's when many people choose to hold athletic events. From the year 2000, the government changed this holiday to the second Monday of October so that people can have a long weekend.
cocoaby Posted Oct 16, 2013, 6:52 am	I was able to see the rainbow. It was just a few minutes. Rainbow has disappeared in no time. I also sang a little bit. Somewhere over the rainbow Way up high There's a land that I heard of Once in a lullaby (---The Wizard of Oz---)
cocoaby Posted Oct 16, 2013, 7:13 am	Yellow frog Houjicha taught me Shogi(Japanese chess). Shogi is a game like chess. Shogi is played by two persons. One persons' 20 Koma is used in the game. There is a regular moving direction in each. The person who killed the partner's king is a winner.
cocoaby Posted Oct 20, 2013, 1:22 am	Hello, mom. I'm fine. Typhoon No. 26 is passed through on Wednesday , It brought a big damage in Japan(especialy Izu-Oshima) . My host was talking typhoon is very often in October of Japan. There was a landslide in my host's place Yokosuka. The train will not be able to service, it is company and school was off. And to recover the next day , they has regained life as usual. We had plan to go to Rose Festival in "Verny park" on weekends. However, most of the rose was blown away by Typhoon No.26. We can see beautiful roses, They was beautiful roses to survived the Typhoon No.26. We looked at the orange ship. It was Antarctic research ship " Shirase "(second generation). The name of the ship called "Shirase" was given from Nobu Shirase that went to Antarctica for the first time in Japanese. Weekend, it might be cold and rain in the weather forecast. Then, Typhoon No.27 is approaching Japan. Hope no damage is done.
cocoaby Posted Oct 28, 2013, 7:01 am	Hello, mom. How are you? I'm fine. Yesterday, It was 2 typhoons passes through near Japan, bringing rain and  winds. With the typhoon gone, today is clear day! I've come to platform of JR(Japan Railway) Yokosuka Station. I'm going to get on JR Yokosuka Line. Today is sounds like fun.
cocoaby Posted Oct 29, 2013, 7:44 am	We arrived Kita-Kamakura station in Kamakura. Kamakura is small city and a very popular tourist destination. I walked 15 minutes. And I came to Kenchoji temple. Kenchoji is the number one of Kamakura's five great Zen temples. The oldest Zen temple in Kamakura, Kenchoji was founded by the ruling regent Hojo Tokiyori in 1253 during the Kencho Era after which it was named. Its first head priest was Rankei Doryu, a Zen priest from China. Although considerably smaller than during its heydays, Kenchoji still consists of a large number of temple buildings and sub temples, and stretches from the entrance gate at the bottom of the valley far into the forested hills behind. After passing through the Sanmon main gate, visitors will see Kenchoji's temple bell (Bonsho), designated a national treasure, on their right.
cocoaby Posted Oct 30, 2013, 8:55 am	We came to the bamboo forest. What a nice bamboo forest! There are Komainu and frog. We are playing in the flower garden of Persicaria capitata. I like this little flower. Then We can see Tourou(stone lantern), I feel historical Japan.
cocoaby Posted Oct 30, 2013, 11:26 am	We can see Karasu-tengu. Karasu-tengu is a warrior priest, with a black feather and face like a crow's beak, It is a creature of legend, They can fly in the sky freely and they are master of swords, Also  protecting this area. We decided to hike where called Ten-en hiking course. It looks so small Kenchoji temple, we visited temple 30 minute ago. We found acorns("Donguri" in Japanese)  and mushrooms("Kinoko" in Japanese). My host was very pleased when we found Kinoko(mushrooms). She said "We can not finding mushrooms around me, It is really hard.”.
cocoaby Posted Oct 30, 2013, 11:57 am	At the end of today, I went to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. It is Kamakura's most important shrine, founded in 1063. Various events are held at the shrine throughout the year. During the New Year holidays, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is with over two million visitors one of the country's most popular shrines for hatsumode (the year's first visit to a shrine). I'm having a great time. See you later! ThomasHH
cocoaby Posted Oct 31, 2013, 6:25 am	Shadows of a thousand years rise again unseen, Voices whisper in the trees, When witches go riding and black cats are seen the moon laughs and whispers this near Halloween. "Tonight is Halloween! " One by one we knock on the door. Everyone gives us sweets Everyone has a good time Now. its time to have a party. Boo! To You, Too! Happy Halloween! We are bats only tonight.(Of course, Stoker is a real bat.) There is no custom of celebrating Halloween in Japan. However, Recently each of which enjoys in many ways . My host bought us donuts at Mister Donut(Japanese famous donut shop), we ate strawberry ghost donut and Halloween donuts of  Hello Kitty and more. May the magic of Halloween be with you!
cocoaby Posted Nov 10, 2013, 12:42 am	I went to the "Kurihama Hana no kuni"(Kurihama flower garden). Many cosmoses are blooming in this season every year. I heard it was so beautiful. However many cosmoses had been blown away by typhoons this year. Today is "Bunka no hi"(Culture Day), it is national holiday. November 3rd was originally celebrated as a Meiji emperor's birthday. It's also the day when the government grants cultural-service awards to people who have contributed to Japanese culture. And at the Imperial Palace the emperor confers orders of Cultural Merit to people who've rendered special services for the development of Japanese culture.
cocoaby Posted Nov 10, 2013, 1:02 am	For My mum, Today is YOUR day! I sing with my Toy Voyagers friends. Have a great Birthday!
cocoaby Posted Nov 10, 2013, 1:58 am	I came to Tokyo by train and subway(Oedo Line). You can see subway map, We arrived It was Tokyo Metropolitan Government. And, You can see Tokyo from 45th floor observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (height of 202m) . It is free and open till 11PM. There are a lot of public art at around. Explore Tokyo!
cocoaby Posted Nov 10, 2013, 8:22 am	I went to a very popular place Asakusa. Asakusa's main attraction is Sensoji, a very popular Buddhist temple, built in the 7th century. Kaminarimon is the first of two large entrance gates leading to Sensoji Temple. First built more than 1000 years ago, it is the symbol of Asakusa. BUT!!! I could NOT see big lantern of Kaminarimon. It was screen of big lantern. The Nakamise shopping street leads from Kaminarimon to the temple grounds, There are many people. The Nakamise shopping street stretches over approximately 250 meters from Kaminarimon to the main grounds of Sensoji Temple. It is lined by more than 50 shops, which offer local specialties and the usual array of tourist souvenirs. Sensoji ("Senso" is an alternative reading for Asakusa and "ji" means temple) is Tokyo's most famous and popular temple. Built in the 7th century, it is also one of its oldest, although the current buildings are postwar reconstructions. I could see Tokyo Skytree from here. The Tokyo Skytree  is a new television broadcasting tower and landmark of Tokyo. It is the centerpiece of the Tokyo Skytree Town in the Sumida City Ward, not far away from Asakusa. With a height of 634 meters (634 can be read as "Musashi", a historic name of the Tokyo Region), it is the tallest building in Japan and the second tallest structure in the world at the time of its completion. And we can see beautiful carps in small Japanese garden. There were a lot of foreign tourists there.
cocoaby Posted Nov 10, 2013, 9:30 am	I went to History Garage of MEGA WEB in Odaiba. MEGA WEB is car theme park by Toyota. 1950s to 1970s vintage cars from around the world on display in a nostalgic town setting, where history comes alive. I can see Time Machine "De Lorean(DMC-12)". Back to the Future!
cocoaby Posted Nov 10, 2013, 11:54 am	Odaiba is a popular shopping and entertainment district island in Tokyo Bay. I went to "DiverCity Tokyo Plaza",This new shopping, dining and entertainment complex opened on last year. Its most unique attraction is the Gundam Front Tokyo with various attractions and a shop centered around the anime series' robots. A "life sized" Gundam statue stands in front of the building.  Then The headquarters of Fuji Television, one of Japan's private, nationwide TV stations. You can see some exhibits on popular programs, buy Fuji TV goods at a shop and access the futuristic looking building's observatory deck housed in the sphere shaped part of the building. At last, I can see called "The Rainbow Bridge", The Rainbow Bridge connects Odaiba to the rest of Tokyo. The two story bridge is an iconic symbol of the bay and is especially beautiful during its nightly illumination. Houseboat has tour under the Rainbow Bridge. You can see our tickets, blue ticket is The Yurikamome The Yurikamome is an automated, elevated train with rubber tires, which connects Shimbashi Station on the JR Yamanote Line with all of Odaiba's attractions and Toyosu Station on the Yurakucho Subway Line. Pink ticket is Tokyo 1 day pass ticket from Yokohama. I had a fantastic time! yours ThomasHH
cocoaby Posted Nov 13, 2013, 10:49 am	That was not all for today!. At late night, someone knocked on the door. We were really surprised! There is beautiful turtle Cassiopeia, alot hugging going on, we gave chocolate because she looks like tired. We talked about Tokyo to her, she was interested reading a guidebook. I would like to talk more to Cassiopeia. Well, I'll go to bed. Night- night.
cocoaby Posted Nov 14, 2013, 7:38 am	It is Stoker's birthday, 582 years old. He looks young for his age. We decided to make a birthday cake for him. Usually, He sleeps late into sunset, We must not  make a noise while his asleep. Mix for flour, make a source of strawberries, add decorat chocolate. It was not easier than I thought, we did our best. I love it. He was very pleased with our birthday cake. I think we did a very good job.
cocoaby Posted Nov 20, 2013, 8:54 am	We went to the Kannonzaki park. Here is a very nice park, but it is a very ghost spot where ghosts meet up in the midnight. Ghost is called "Yuurei" or "Obake" in Japanese. In this tunnel, ghost footsteps, strange white shadow, has been witnessed in particular. I was afraid to walk through the tunnel. When ghost smiling when I looked up at the ceiling of the tunnel, What should I do? Then, we went Kannonzaki lighthouse. There is a oldest lighthouse in Japan. November 1 is the lighthouse anniversary to commemorate the start of construction date of this lighthouse. Collapsed in the earthquake of twice, the current lighthouse is the third generation. I found a cute yellow flower. This flower is Isogiku(Chrysanthemum pacificum). We went home and playing in a little seaside . I heard a strange story from my host . One day, 10 children went to play in this park . But when someone count, 1, 2, 3... there are 11 children. It is each other face that everyone knows . At that time, photo was taken, you look at later ...It was 10 children. But it was 11 children certainly in that place! Would it Who was hell. Kyaaaaaaaaa! yiiiiiiiiipe! It is said that you are hearing a scary story with ghost behind you. Abracadabra!
cocoaby Posted Nov 30, 2013, 12:30 pm	We came to Yokohama, get on 30 minutes by train. Standing 296m, the "Yokohama Landmark Tower" is a marvelous cityscape featuring offices, a hotel, and a shopping mall in the central tower, as well as a variety of facilities. Most people in Japan, not only Christians, They will enjoy Christmas Eve by exchanging presents with family and sweethearts and by eating dinner together. By the end of November, large trees decorate shopping districts and the advertising for Christmas sales in department stores and shopping street arcades, We found a Christmas tree. Then we passed Yokohama Sakuragi post office. Post office is closed because it is saturday. And we came to Yokohama Stadium. Game of professional baseball in Japan will take place in April to October. Unfortunately, I could not watch a Japanese professional baseball game. There seems to be a Little League baseball game today. Boys wearing baseball uniforms had to fun. We had little walking, arrived soon Yokohama park. There are green and yellow and beautiful red leaf Looking at all the beautiful autumn foliage here is such a treat.
cocoaby Posted Dec 1, 2013, 1:20 am	We came to Yokohama Chinatown. Beautiful red lanterns for Chinese New Year was being decorated, and Christmas decorated. The main attraction of the Yokohama Chinatown, however, is the cuisine offered at its many restaurants and food stands. Has a history of 150 years, there is 500 Chinese restaurant  in the narrow and colorful streets of Chinatown. And delicious Chinese cuisine smell from here and there. It smells wonderful! It makes my mouth water. We visited "Kanteibyo" . "Kanteibyo" is a gaudily colored temple in the center of Chinatown. Constructed in 1873 by Chinese residents, it is dedicated to the Chinese god of good business and prosperity. Various events and festivals are held in Yokohama Chinatown, such as Chinese New Year around the beginning of February or ending of January.
cocoaby Posted Dec 1, 2013, 2:09 am	I was a walk in the Yamashita Koen-dori avenue. I think yellow ginkgo leaf is very beautiful . Then we went to Yamashita Park. Yamashita Park is a public park that stretches about 750 meters along Yokohama's waterfront. The park is about a hundred meters wide, and consists mostly of open green space. It was constructed after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. Strolling through Yamashita Park, it is hard to miss the massive ocean liner in the water beside the promenade. The ship is called the Hikawa Maru, and was first put into service in 1930 along the Yokohama-Vancouver and Seattle line. The ship had first-class cabins that attracted the likes of the imperial family and Charlie Chaplin for the transpacific journey. In 1960, after 30 years at sea, the ship was retired. It now serves as a museum, with informative displays and interiors in the style of the 1930s. You can see the black-tailed gull aligned on the chain. I was able to see the Christmas tree beautifully decorated in Landmark Tower. Christmas coming soon! I'm getting excited! Mom! See you!
cocoaby Posted Dec 1, 2013, 10:05 am	Today is Labor Thanksgiving Day, national holiday in Japan. But my host is little sick in bed. We went to buy Christmas stamps and Christmas postcard and paper tape to go to the shop for her.
cocoaby Posted Dec 1, 2013, 12:50 pm	Hi, Mom! I am very excited that going new journey. But, It is a little sad because I have to say good bye. I was able to spend two month enjoying in Japan. Good bye everyone, good bye Japan. I am looking forward to going my country. See you soon! Warm wishes, ThomasHH
blubb Posted Dec 20, 2013, 8:15 am	Hi Mum, I arrived safely in Germany. My host had so many things to do, so that she couldn't write earlier. Yesterday we went to the christmas market in Esslingen. My host told me that Esslingen is a very old city. Archeologists found out that there was a permanent settlement 1000 B.C! Very popular was Esslingen in the middle age. The city has very nice old buildings! In winter time they have one big christmas market. One "common" christmas market and one medieval christmas market. This is very famous in Germany and many busses with visitors are comming over Esslingen...:-) I was really impressed. I had a cup of hot wine punch, I looked at a bath house, where people can take a bath outside in a big tub, I visited the old middle age town hall. There was a wedding, so I sat at the door and listen to the voices inside the room. Wow. It was a fantastic day and I had a lot of fun. Love you Mum, ThomasHH
blubb Posted Dec 29, 2013, 6:46 pm	Hi Mum, today it is one day before christmas eve and host mum got all her presents from her cupboard. She had a lot of presents for their family and friends. I tried to help her, but she had so much to do so I could help her with a few of her presents. See you, ThomasHH
blubb Posted Dec 29, 2013, 6:54 pm	Hi Mum, I wish you a very nice christmas!!! Today is christmas eve and host mum will visit in the afternoon their family at their home. Bonnie and I will go with her to celebrate christmas. They have a very nice wonderful decorated christmas tree. I checked out the advent wreath and I found new wooden friends. They are smoking men.... I was very impressed from their christmas house. It is all in wood and little figures were all around them. It looks very nice. Again, I wish you a wonderful christmas time Mum!! Love ya, ThomasHH
blubb Posted Dec 31, 2013, 10:27 pm	Hi, We are on vacation!! Host mum and dad went to the river "Moselle". We drove a few hours and then we arrived Kinheim. Today we did a long walk along the river. It was beautiful and I explored a few new things. There was a sun dial, but we couln't  check the time because the sun were behind a clowd. Then I  saw a wine press. Interesting. Before we returned to our hotel I played at the playground. Have a nice day, ThomasHH
blubb Posted Jan 13, 2014, 12:32 pm	Hi Mum, Today we did a nice litte walk to Kinheim. I saw geese, I was a little bit afraid of them, but they did not came to us. We had a beautiful weather. In 1161, the placename Kinheim had its first documentary mention. It is believed that the determiner Ken is of pre-Roman origin. The root word Heim suggests that Kinheim was an early Frankish settlement. Beginning in 1794, XXX lay under French rule as part of the Département de Rhin-et-Moselle (Rhein-Mosel-Département in German). In 1814 it was assigned to the Kingdom of Prussia at the Congress of Vienna. Since 1946, it has been part of the then newly founded state of Rhineland-Palatinate. In the outlying centre of Kindel, the remnants of a Celtic-Roman estate from the 3rd century were unearthed. This also entailed the discovery of a high relief of the hammer god Sucellus. This archaeological find is said to be the oldest evidence of winegrowing on the Moselle. I've had a good times and I learned a lot about the history of Kinheim. Bye Mum, ThomasHH
blubb Posted Jan 20, 2014, 7:53 am	Hi Mum, I wish you a happy new year!!!! After watching fireworks at the moselle and in the vineyards we went outside and go for a work. The weather was beautiful again and we went to Lösnich for a walk. We went into the church and we saw a christmas crib. Can you see me in the crib? :-) In Lösnich there are nice fountains. One of them is a spring. Great. Love ya, ThomasHH
Battery_Star Posted Feb 1, 2014, 10:41 pm	Hi Mum! I finally arrived in the UK! It's raining over here so my new host, Niki, says we cant go out today but she assures me that the weather will be better tomorrow! After breakfast ( cocopops, my new favourite! ) I met the rest of the toys here. They're all hoping to become toy voyagers soon and the green hippo, Gabby has just got her ID and should be leaving soon. I helped her make her ID tag! We then helped Niki make lasagne for dinner, which is her favourite. it was so yummy! After dinner Niki taught me how to play "Destination Hogwarts" which is basically a Harry Potter version of monopoly. It was lots of fun and I earned lots of money! I won! I'm off to bed now, its been a long day and I'm tired from my travels. I'm looking forward to going out with Niki and her friends into town tomorrow! See you soon, ThomasHH
Battery_Star Posted Feb 3, 2014, 6:25 pm	Good afternoon! Yesterdays plans were cancelled because the rain didn't stop, so we didnt do anything warrenting an update. Today, Niki had to go to school Gabby and I helped her get ready by guarding her Hairspray and Brush from her theiving sister. The ride to school was nice, the rain had stopped so it was quite pleasant. Niki assures me that we can go for a walk around the town soon to see the sites. We wern't allowed to come into school with her, but the car ride was nice non the less. After school we went to the Library. The librarian said we weren't allowed to take pictures in there, but we got a new zombie book. Niki promises to read it to me later. I helped Niki paint her nails as her computer loaded, she has lots of homework to do! She says i'm very good at nail painting. I tried distracting Niki from her studies, and it worked for a little while but she told me she'd get in lots of trouble if she didn't get it done so i left her alone. While she worked, i watched a harry potter movie and ate the biggest bar of chocolate all to myself! Yum! After the film had finished i challenged Gabby to a war game on the x-box. I won of course! Bye for now, ThomasHH
Battery_Star Posted Feb 6, 2014, 9:18 pm	Hi mum! It's still raining here sadly so I still haven't gotten up to much Niki's hopeful that the weather will get better for the weekend so we can go sight seeing. A parcel came in the post today, it was squishy and made funny noises when I poked it. Then out popped a head and I realises it was another TV, Little Squirt! He came all the way from Australia! He was very happy to get out of his envelope, and told us all about Australia. Later on, another parcel came! I knew better than to poke it this time. It was another TV from Russia, Batyr. Niki had the day off today, so we went for a drive to the next town over, Dorchester. Since it was still raining we weren't allowed out of the car but I enjoyed it anyway. We got stuck in Dorchester for hours because Niki's car got a flat tyre and we couldn't get home until it was fixed! When we eventually got home we all made cakes to celebrate the arrival of Batyr and Little Squirt. The cakes came out really well, they were very tasty. I enjoyed them a lot. I'm looking forward to going out at the weekend, I hope the weather gets better. Fingers crossed! See you soon! ThomasHH
Battery_Star Posted Feb 9, 2014, 4:59 pm	Hi Mum! Our weekend plans got cancelled again because of the weather. It was perfectly sunny this morning but as soon as we were ready to go out it was raining again The town where my host lives is suffering from really bad storms at the moment, and has had severe flooding for the past few days. Its set to get better during the week so hopefully we can go exploring soon! So we stayed in and made pancakes today. I got to mix the batter which was fun, but i managed to get it everywhere! The pancakes came out well, Niki taught me how to flip the pancakes properly so they dont end up on the ceiling or in a pile of mush in the pan. i had sugar on mine, they were delicious! I said goodbye to my friend Gabby today, she was on her first adventure to the Netherlands! It was sad sending her off, I'm going to miss her, but shes going to have so much fun. Bye for now, ThomasHH
Battery_Star Posted Feb 10, 2014, 7:55 pm	Hi mum! Just a quick update as Niki was at school all day and me and the other TVs couldn't work the camera to take pictures of us getting up to mischief and wrecking the place When she got home the sun was starting to set but the weather was beautiful. We didn't go far, just to the garden to feed he birds but it was nice to see the setting sun. I also helped her make cakes for her friends birthday tomorrow, but I didn't get to taste them but the icing was delicious so I can assume that the cakes would be! Speak soon! ThomasHH
Battery_Star Posted Feb 14, 2014, 5:43 pm	Hi mum! Happy valentines day! Niki's been grumpy all day because she hates this holiday! He bought me chocolate, so me and the other TVs cheered her up. We then sat down in front of the fire and watched a comedy film. I hope you had a nice day! ThomasHH
Battery_Star Posted Feb 15, 2014, 5:16 pm	Hi mum! It was nice and sunny today, even if it was a little cold, so we decided to go out today. We walked into the town centre to meet Niki's mum who unfortunately had to work on this lovely day. We went through the peaceful cemetery, which was supposed to be out of bounds because some of the trees had fallen down in the storms, but Niki deemed it safe enough to walk through. While we walked through we saw a man taking pictures of a fallen tree, then cutting off a branch to keep as a souvenir! Niki said that i couldnt keep a bit of tree, as it would be too heavy for me to carry with me on my travels. Niki's mum works in a busy bank, so we had to wait a little while to be able to see her. Next, we went to look in the charity shops where we found a cute toy in need of a good home. We bought him and Niki intends on helping him become a TV very soon. He's hoping to be able to call himself "Eliot". We then got in the car to go to Portland, which is an island connected to Niki's home town by a bridge. It has been closed off for the past couple of days as the road connecting Weymouth and Portland had been badly flooded. Portland was the host of the 2012 Olympic sailing events, so there are lots of olympic statues around. Sadly, we didn't get to see them but Niki promises that we will do soon, when its less windy and there isnt a chance i would blow away. However, all over England there are gold, silver and bronze coloured post boxes in the home towns of Olympic medallists so we managed to visit the one that was on Portland. The plaque on the side of the post box read: We had a great time out, im looking forward to doing it again! lots of love, ThomasHH
Battery_Star Posted Feb 18, 2014, 7:17 pm	Hi mum! Today, Niki took me and the other TVs on a day trip to the Sea Life Centre, which is a place where rescued sea animals who cannot be released back into the sea spend the rest of their days. She told us about how she used to go there all the time as a kid, and would always love it, so i was really looking forward to going. First we went into the Stingray enclosure. It was basically a big tank with various fish and stingrays in with an open top so you could see in. It also had a bridge over the top so you could see the whole tank from above. In the shark enclosure, they had large viewing bubbles that you could sit in, so here we are relaxing. I made friends with a shark! It wasn't scary at all, he was just lazying around on the rocks, watching everyone go past. He was very big though! Here's me with a baby crocodile! The baby sea horses were very cute! Did you know that the males carry the babies? Next we went and saw the penguins. It was very dark inside so it was nice to be outside in the sunshine again! Group photo just before going into the turtle tunnel! There are so many different species of fish alongside the turtles and sharks in the tunnel! You cant see it in the picture because the turtle wouldnt stay still, but he has a deformed shell. This is because he was hit by a boat, but he's perfectly okay now. Jellyfish! So many nemos! I had a great day, speak to you soon! ThomasHH
Battery_Star Posted Feb 27, 2014, 9:54 pm	Hi mum! We said goodbye to Eliott today, he's going to America! I'm going to miss my friend, but I hope he has fun on his travels! We had lots of hugs and three him a going away party. We said our last goodbyes then packed him into his envelope But, just as we were taping up his envelope, a parcel arrived! What could it be?? It was the WotWots! My new friends! I'm looking forward to showing them around this weekend! Bye for now, ThomasHH
Battery_Star Posted Mar 2, 2014, 5:11 pm	Hi mum! Today a new TV, Kermit, arrived! We welcomed him then took him with us to Puddletown woods in the next town over. The name was very fitting today, as it rained all afternoon and there was lots of puddles and mud. We couldn't go off the track as it was too muddy, but there was plenty of things on the track to take pictures on. Here I am on a log. Niki put a tissue down for me to sit on so I Didn't get too wet. There were lots of cut down trees there that had been turned into fences Here I am in a tree! I climbed it myself! Can you see me? Because of all the bad weather we've been having over here, there were lots of fallen trees. We headed back after that as the rain got harder. We went home and watched a movie in front of the fire with hot chocolate! Lots of love, ThomasHH
Battery_Star Posted Mar 8, 2014, 9:22 pm	Hi mum! It was a lovely day today, so sunny and warm! We all bundled into the car and drove an hour or so up the coast to Lulworth cove! Lulworth is a village on the Jurassic Coast which stretches along the majority of Southern England. In the area there are a few heritage sites such as the cove (a large bay) and durdle door. Here is me with durdle door. Niki told me that durdle door is made when soft rock is eroded and the hard rock stays there. She also said there was another arch like this but the top had collapsed in and now it was just two stacks of rock. Bye for now, I hope you had a great day! ThomasHH
goldmoon Posted Apr 1, 2014, 3:37 pm	Dear Mum, I safely arrived in Italy. I'm at goldmoon's house. This is my arrive and my first meeting with the cat of Goldmoon, Winky. She carefully checked if I was fine  The climate here is cold. So cold that we ate a hot vegetable soup for dinner!
goldmoon Posted Apr 1, 2014, 3:39 pm	Morning on postcrossing forum while writing cards :-D
goldmoon Posted Apr 1, 2014, 5:15 pm	Today we are going to the other side of Bologna, in a place called Anzola dell'Emilia.
goldmoon Posted Apr 1, 2014, 5:22 pm	Today we are going to... school!! We joined a course to lear how to prepare a sorbet!! Oh yeah :-) This is a particular school, it is called "Gelato University". It offers courses to learn how to prepare ice-creams and ice-cream cakes to people who want to do it for job. We just joined a 3 hours course Over there, the lab where we'll prepare sorbet. And our teacher writing on the White-board...
goldmoon Posted Apr 1, 2014, 5:24 pm	A last view to this wonderful counter full of ice-creams
goldmoon Posted May 5, 2014, 10:14 am	This evening we are going to a place called Medicina, about 15 kms from where we live...
goldmoon Posted May 5, 2014, 10:18 am	we had dinner in a place called "Barone Rosso". It is a Neapolitan pizzeria where we took a half meter of great pizza !! And, for dessert, meringa!!
goldmoon Posted May 5, 2014, 10:26 am	Today is a sunny and pretty hot day. We are going to a place called Marano on the Panaro. Panaro is a river. This place is near Modena, not so far from Bologna. We wanted to have some time out and take some photos to spring!
goldmoon Posted May 5, 2014, 10:30 am	Then, some cherry blossoms in Vignola! And after this trip, we had hamburger and potatoes for dinner.. and.. oh yeah, chocolate eggs
goldmoon Posted May 9, 2014, 2:58 pm	Today I'm cooking with goldmoon :-) Tagliolini with ham steak and zucchini... Let's sautè some leek. Add zucchini cutted in little cubes. Let cook for about 20 minutes then add cubes of ham steak. Here there is our great lunch :-)
goldmoon Posted May 9, 2014, 3:07 pm	strawberries and cream for dessert!
goldmoon Posted May 9, 2014, 3:10 pm	in the afternoon, we visited some stands in the centre of Castenaso. There was the "spring festival". There were also some music bands located in various places of the Street
goldmoon Posted May 9, 2014, 3:29 pm	Saturday before Easter. Goldmoon promised to her mother to create something nice to place in the middle of the table during the Easter lunch. So we took some colored paper and glue and we realized some origami flowers !
goldmoon Posted May 9, 2014, 3:31 pm	Today is raining... In the afternoon we went to Goldmoon's boyfriend home, on the other side of the city. We decided to visit Ikea
goldmoon Posted May 12, 2014, 8:16 pm	Happy Easter Mum! I've found 2 toys in the chocolate eggs.. maybe they will become travelling toys??
goldmoon Posted May 12, 2014, 8:17 pm	this is the creation I have made together with goldmoon :-) It's been placed in the middle fo the Easter table
goldmoon Posted May 12, 2014, 8:23 pm	My great lunch at goldmoon's parents home... first: tortellini in broth. Tortellini are a belly button shaped pasta. They are filled of pork meat. They are typical of Bologna.
goldmoon Posted May 12, 2014, 8:27 pm	Lasagne. This is a serie of flat pasta sheets alternated with ragù and bechamel. They are cooked in the oven delicious!
goldmoon Posted May 12, 2014, 8:29 pm	For dessert: rice cake (rice cooked in milk, added of candies) It is great!
goldmoon Posted May 12, 2014, 8:30 pm	and... oh yes mum, I drank a little of Moscato wine... very very sweet
goldmoon Posted May 12, 2014, 8:33 pm	Me and the flowers of goldmoon's mother :-)
goldmoon Posted May 12, 2014, 8:40 pm	25th of April Today in Italy is a festive day. As there is a wonderful sun, we decided to go to the seaside!!!
goldmoon Posted May 12, 2014, 8:43 pm	Here we are arrived to Cervia, a city near the beach on Adriatic Riviera. Over there, the seaside!
goldmoon Posted May 12, 2014, 8:45 pm	We arrived here very late because we found a lot of trafic on the road. So, first of all, we ate a delicious original piadina!
goldmoon Posted May 12, 2014, 8:48 pm	Italian flag remindering tha today is the feast of liberation (second world war)
goldmoon Posted May 12, 2014, 8:51 pm	International festival of kites over the beach!
Mouse Posted May 27, 2014, 12:34 pm	I arrived in Oakland today. I was picked up by all these beautiful TVs. I couldn't wait to meet them, so I didn't wait until we got home and jumped out of the envelope as soon as we left Post Office! Hello, California
Mouse Posted May 27, 2014, 12:35 pm	Here I am!
Mouse Posted May 27, 2014, 12:37 pm	We took some group pictures on our way to Mouse's place.
Mouse Posted Jun 1, 2014, 9:01 am	Drive down to Monterey was really nice. It's a very beautiful small city right by the ocean. It's only 2.5 hours away from San Francisco. We spent all day on the beach! Look at those pictures isn't it gorgeous?
Mouse Posted Jun 1, 2014, 9:13 am	And of course we took few pictures with my new friends. I want to remember this day! It was just perfect
Mouse Posted Jun 2, 2014, 7:18 am	Today i got to see San Francisco at night! It's gorgeous! Weather calms down, the lights are on and the whole city looks magical Here are two pictures from that night. We spent over an hour walking in the city, but then I saw this creature and I knew I had to take a picture with it! It is right at Chinatown entrance. Look how enormous it is! And it looks so scary. It's good that Mouse was next to me the whole time, so she could protect me.
Mouse Posted Jun 2, 2014, 7:30 am	YES! The heart is THAT BIG!!! Can you find me, mum? I drew an arrow pointing at me
Mouse Posted May 11, 2017, 6:15 am	Hi mom! wow it has been a loooong time! I hope you are doing great. I've missed you so much and will be flying to you this week!
Mouse Posted May 11, 2017, 6:19 am	Mouse told me that I have to take a bath before flying home. So here I am, clean and fresh
Mouse Posted May 11, 2017, 6:20 am	Here I am drying myself.
Mouse Posted May 11, 2017, 6:23 am	As you remember, Mouse had a cat, named Muffin (how cute!) about 2 years ago she adopted another cat from a shelter and named her Cookie (another pastry ) I have been friends with them for so long and now am saying good bye.
RikeH Posted May 24, 2017, 7:56 pm	Hello friends, great news, I am at home again! Greetings ThomasHH

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