Posted Jul 3, 2012, 11:18 pm
My brother Alex told me a lot about the adventures of other tvs. I hope I will have as much fun as all the other ones.
Alex promised to show me a bit of his world before I'm going to travel.
Chalon
Posted Jul 4, 2012, 10:53 pm
We invited Liberty-Buddy-Bear and got some original American sweets.
Posted Jul 7, 2012, 9:22 pm
Maybe next time I'll do it correct. But it was really funny when the car turned left and right... 
Chalon
Posted Jul 8, 2012, 6:49 pm
We weaseled onto the balcony and saw someone relaxing in Alex canvas chair! 
Who is this?
It turned out that the one in the canvas chair is a new guest. His name is Fiete and he'll stay for about one month. I think we'll have a lot of fun. He told us that nobody was at home when he arrived so he decided to wait for us while enjoying some sun.
Chalon
Posted Jul 9, 2012, 10:29 pm
Chalon
Posted Jul 13, 2012, 10:11 pm
This is a small village in Saxony-Anhalt. There's not so much to tell, just that they had the biggest power station of the world about 100 yrs ago.
This time I was sitting correct in the car and as I was told before, it was really funny!
Yours Chalon
Posted Jul 15, 2012, 7:33 pm
We started with the town sign. What a difficult name!
It's really green around here.
This is the new control-room for the old power station, but it's closed for years.
There's also a sports ground in this village.
The street where I live...sometimes!
On this street Crawfish learnt driving a car.
Then we walked to the park.
In this park you can see the catholic church. It's really small and... pink!
After this walk Alex, Crawfish and I relaxed on a bench while the others walked through the rest of the village.
I think this walk was enough for me!
Chalon
Posted Jul 15, 2012, 11:13 pm
First we went through villages and forests. It was not the best weather. Have a look to the sky - it's blue and grey and really dark!
After a while we arrived in Dessau. It is situated on a floodplain where the Mulde flows into the Elbe. Maybe you never heard of this city before, but you may have heard of some of its sons, like Hugo Junkers (first airplane totally made from metal, the Junkers J 1 in 1915 - founded the Junkers & Co-airplane-factory which was Europe's biggest airplane factory during World War II), Thomas Kretschmann (Hollywood actor), Dieter Hallervorden (famous comedian and singer, honorary citizen) or Moses Mendelssohn (philosopher, father of Haskalah).
This is the old brewery. It doesn't work anymore, there's such a small adventure park inside.
The building on the left is the biggest shopping mall of the city, called "Rathaus Center".
The tower is part of the City History Museum.
The most famous bridge crosses the river Mulde.
When we arrived at the place we wanted to go we had to wait a while in the car, it was raining cats and dogs.
I visited the famous Bauhaus, another UNESCO World Heritage! The Staatliches Bauhaus (full name) was a school in Germany that combined crafts and the fine arts and was founded by Walter Gropius. The Bauhaus style became one of the most influential currents in Modernist architecture and modern design.
We also visited the Masters' Houses which belong to the Bauhaus. Here they built the director's house and 3 semi-detached houses with large ateliers. Their glass fronts are the most noticeable design element of the houses. Alongside the unity of form and function there is a remarkably intensive rendition of colour - Kandinsky and Klee used their rooms for fascinating experiments with the design element of colour.
A new style of living was also to be demonstrated in the Masters' Houses. Gropius' house especially had a number of details worth noting, from the walk-in wardrobe to the hot water pressure spray in the scullery and the double sofa which could be opened out.
This is the house Muche/Schlemmer...
...and this is the house Kandinsky/Klee.
I heard that there are still some UNESCO World Heritages left in this area. Interesting...
Chalon
Posted Jul 16, 2012, 10:24 pm
In case of this I woke up very early in the morning when all of the others were still sleeping. I wanted to show Alex the reverse! I used the underground to go to the famous Ku'damm (short form of Kurfürstendamm)! It is one of the most famous avenues in Berlin. The street takes its name from the former Kurfürsten (prince-electors) of Brandenburg. This very broad, long boulevard is full of shops, houses, hotels and restaurants. In particular, many fashion designers have their shops there! The avenue with four lines of plane trees runs for 3.5 km (2.2 mi) through the western Berlin. As you can see, everybody was still sleeping!
There I also met these 5 bears. I don't know why they are here, they didn't want to talk to me!
I also went to the famous Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor). The others told me that it is one of the most famous sights! Hmm, I don't know what's so special on this famous sight.
I was really proud of myself that I did all this today! So I rewarded myself with a visit to the cinema!
I got lots of popcorn! This is so yummy!!! Why didn't I try this before?!
Then I had to take my 3D-glasses for the movie! It was a movie about ToyVoyagers. Lots of toy-animals travelling from their old home to a new one. And some had really great adventures on the ocean. They played pirates and stuff like this. But the best part were all my family-members! There were so many hamsters in this movie!
Sad, I don't remember the name of the movie. 
I'm sure, Alex never watched a movie with so many kitties before! I'm proud!
Chalon
Posted Jul 20, 2012, 7:51 pm
Between both photos were only 15 minutes. Check out the clouds!
I also stopped in front of the Red City Hall, the town hall of Berlin. It is located near Alexanderplatz and is the home to the governing mayor and the government (the Senate of Berlin) of the Federal state of Berlin. The name of the landmark building dates from the facade design with red clinker bricks. The City Hall was built between 1861 and 1869 in the style of the north Italian High Renaissance.
I heard I'll go on holidays soon. I'm so excited!
Chalon
Posted Jul 23, 2012, 10:28 pm
We were so many and we had so much fun!
Teampicture at the beginning.
I found some bling bling where I can see myself. I love that stuff!
The teeth team: B.o.B., Philly, little bunny, Kuzma and me.
Teampicture at the end of the meeting.
Chalon
Posted Jul 24, 2012, 10:35 pm
In the afternoon Alex showed us a postcard he got from our brother Phog who is in Finland. He told us about the finnisch language on the card: "Kesäterveiset Jyväskylästä!" Alex told us that "kesä" means "summer", "terveiset" means "greetings", Jyväskylä is the city where Phog is and the ending -stä means where it comes from. So the whole sentence (just 2 words!) means "Summergreetings from Jyväskylä". I learnt some Finnish!
Chalon
Posted Jul 27, 2012, 2:35 pm
First I wrote a card for my new host.
When I packed some chocolate into my bag my brother Alex get angry. He told me to take candies instead of chocolate because of the heat. So I did!
Fiete gave me a little cow as a talisman for my first journey and Günther gave me a book about my basic rights in the EU.
Then I left.
I'm traveling by train. When the first train stopped I threw my bag into the train. But before I could climb in the train left. So I waited for the next one. I hope my luggage will find the right way!
Wish me luck!
Chalon
Posted Aug 8, 2012, 7:20 am
I'm so sorry, that it took such a long time for my first post, but I arrived safely. Now I'm looking forward to all the things I will see here. And to my surprise my host told me, that we will go on a holiday trip together. It wasn't only to my surprise, though, because my hosts were surprised too by their own decision
Talk to you again soon,
Chalon
Posted Oct 5, 2012, 8:15 pm
Today we were here to go to the medieval market and meet Zandy, yosemite and takata there - and of course all the toyvoyagers, that travel with them.
I learnt how to spin wool.
A knight had to wear really heavy clothes. I think, it was a rather difficult time back in the Middle Age.
We had a lot of fun sitting on a bench all together in front of the merry-go-round.
Then we tried some ribbons. Do you think, it fits?
We were really curious to learn more about the way, a monk makes a chain shirt. It takes 200 hours to finish one of them.
At last we watched the knights tournament. I was so excited.
Posted Oct 7, 2012, 6:41 pm
Here we were passing Hamburg harbour
and driving in the Elbe tunnel. Sorry, it is a "bit" blurry.
We've seen the Kiel Canal, but it was difficult to take a photo with it.
Posted Oct 7, 2012, 7:17 pm
We were rather thirsty and happy, that we had some Coke to drink. We had to share it with the humans, though.
We went on a small sightseeing tour:
St. Nikolai-Church with the market place is the biggest church of Flensburg. It is a gothis hall church. They started to built this church in 1390 so it is rather old.
The Holy Ghost Church is the main church building of the Danish church. It is also a gothic hall church, built in 1386.
These sailing ships are for tourist tours.
Posted Oct 20, 2012, 7:33 pm
We had to pay for driving over the bridges.
Posted Oct 20, 2012, 8:42 pm
There was also an exhibition of old and new furniture.
Posted Oct 20, 2012, 9:15 pm
We've seen many anthills there.
This is our private little pier, where is also our private little boat. I hope to go out with the boat soon.
Smaland seems to be a land of heather. I love it.
While sitting here we watched some acrobatic flying, which they did for a wedding, that took place on the other side of the lake.
We chatted a while, but then we felt really cold and decided to go back to the house.
Posted Oct 20, 2012, 10:00 pm
Hässleby kyrka was built between 1857 and 1859. First there was a wooden church before the was an ancient stone church. This could have been the church, which Michel's (Emil)'s sister had seen from the top of the flagpole. In the book she said, that she could see the church of Mariannelund.
Posted Oct 21, 2012, 11:38 am
Here I'm in the shed, where Michel/Emil carved his wooden figures.
I would have liked to buy these books, but my host told me, that they are written in Swedish and that I don't understand Swedish.
Did you know, that Emil was called Michel in Germany, because there was a book of Erich Kästner called Emil and the Detectives and they didn't want to mix up with the names?
Posted Oct 21, 2012, 1:25 pm
With an extent of 13 to 14.75 meters in breast hight the Kvilleken is known as the oldest and biggest tree of Sweden and one of the oldest and biggest, if not the oldest and biggest oak of Europe.
The trunk is half dead. These parts are fixed with ropes to the rest of the trunk. The area around the tree is fenced.
The Kvilleken was first mentioned in year 1772 by Magnus Gabriel Craelius in his book Försök till ett landskaps beskrivning.
(wikipedia, translated by me)
Posted Oct 21, 2012, 2:26 pm
Vimmerby is currently a tourist attraction due to historical links with Swedish author Astrid Lindgren (1907–2002). When Astrid Lindgren wrote her books about the country boy Emil in Lönneberga she used much information from her own upbringing in the rural areas of Vimmerby.
Astrid Anna Emilia Ericsson was born here, at the farm at Näs in Vimmerby more than 100 years ago. Her father was tenant farmer at the rectory.
This is where Astrid climbed in the "lemonade tree", played with her siblings, jumped in the hay and listened to stories in Kristin´s kitchen.
Her childhood home is still intact. The house is open for guided tours all year round.
Posted Oct 21, 2012, 4:13 pm
Posted Oct 21, 2012, 5:53 pm
In contrast to what was believed a century ago, there is no evidence of a special pre-Christian significance of the site. The pagan cultic center of Värend may have been located at Hov, a village nearby.
Växjö got its city charter in 1342.
Växjö Cathedral (Swedish: Växjö domkyrka) in the centre of Växjö, Sweden, is the seat of the bishop of the Diocese of Växjö in the Church of Sweden. Saint Sigfrid allegedly lived and died in Växjö, and was buried in the cathedral at his death.
At an outside wall of the cathedral we found this runestone.
Then we drove to the Glasriket, what means Kingdom of Crystal, museum. Their history can be traced back to the 18th century at least. The glassworks have become part of the culture of Sweden.
Posted Nov 13, 2012, 10:17 am
At first we visited the Nässjö railway museum(Nässjö Järnvägsmuseum), which has the focus on regional and national history of rail traffic.
Nässjö was for a long time only a rural village with agriculture as the dominant occupation. The turning point was the construction of the Swedish railway system. The southern main line railway, finished in 1864, passed through Nässjö. Later, other railways were inaugurated, whereby Nässjö, due to its geographical location in the country, became an important junction.
Nässjö is the only city in Sweden, where still six differnet railroad lines meet.
Posted Nov 13, 2012, 2:19 pm
In the museum, living match history is told. Encounter the people and machines that built up the match industy and developed it into a global operation.
Johan Edvard Lundström was born in 1815 in the town of Jönköping, Sweden. Johan Edvard is most of all recognized to have improved the safety match and made it possible to commercially exploit it.
I will show you parts of the old way to produce match sticks. It was really hard work, which had harmful effects for health.
Here we were in front of the museum. It had been raining again.
We crossed this place and found a radio museum. We thougth, it would be a good idea to go inside and it was really interesting to see all the old radios, grammophones and more.
Posted Nov 14, 2012, 7:46 am
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Posted Nov 14, 2012, 9:37 pm
In 1986, Metallica bassist Cliff Burton died in a bus accident close to Ljungby. There is a memorial stone by the Gyllene Rasten parking.
We walked over a bridge, which leads over the river Lagan. Read, what we've read on two signs:
We visited the Museum of Legends and had a lot of fun. It is very interesting and you shouldn't miss to go there, if you ever come to Ljunby.
By the way: Some places are just too dangerous for someone like me, you will see.
Posted Nov 15, 2012, 9:33 am
Posted Nov 15, 2012, 3:02 pm
Kalmar is a city in Småland in the south-east of Sweden, situated by the Baltic Sea. It had 36,392 inhabitants in 2010.
From the thirteenth to the seventeenth centuries, Kalmar was one of Sweden's most important cities. Between 1602 and 1913 it was the episcopal see of Kalmar Diocese, with a bishop, and the Kalmar Cathedral from 1702 is still a fine example of classicistic architecture. It became a fortified city, with the still mighty Kalmar Castle as the center. After the Treaty of Roskilde in 1658, Kalmar's importance diminished, until the industry sector was initiated in the 19th century.
Geographically Kalmar is the main route to the island of Öland thanks to the Öland Bridge.
Later we visited Krustenstiernska Garden and had a picknick there. The first thing, that you see of the garden, is a high wooden wall and closed doors. But at 11am the doors were opened and everyone is allowed to come in. There are many tables and chairs and you just can sit down and eat things, that you brought with you.
After this rest we had a little sightseeing tour in Kalmar. We've seen the lighthouse and the cathedral inside and outside.
Interesting for us to see was, that in Sweden it is common to have a special corner for children, where they can sit and play. Two plushy guys invited us to sit on their table and told us a lot about their life in the cathedral.
Then we walked back to the parking place and had this wonderful view to the castle.
Posted Nov 16, 2012, 2:52 pm
At first we stopped at this place, but still aren't really knowing, what it is, because we don't understand Swedish.
Then we arrived at Borgholm castle. We were there for nearly three hours and walked back and forth and took many photos.
Because Solliden was still closed, we drove to the city then and enjoyed walking through the streets.
Solliden Palace is the summer residence of the Swedish Royal Family. Queen Viktoria let it build from 1903 to 1906. King Carl XVI. Gustaf inherited it as a four year old. The palace itself is closed, but during summer you can visit the palace garden, if the royal family isn't there.
This is the playhouse, in which once a gardener lived with his whole family.
This is the Italian Garden.
We enjoyed sitting on this bench and imagined Crown Princess Viktoria comes to meet us.
Then we drove to the coast on the east side. We've seen the big cross and the remains of a chapel.
These are the remains of St. Brita's Chapel, the largest chapel in Öland. Although associated with St. Bridget (Brigitta) the chapel was the Celtic St. Brigida to begin with. The chapel was 27 metres long and 12 metres wide and it was probably built on account of the growning numbers of visitors attracted by the market here at Sikavarp.
It was getting so cold and windy, that we hurried back into the car. Of course one sign we weren't allowed to miss while being in Sweden. See this one:
Posted Nov 16, 2012, 8:55 pm
Gränna is known for its red and white polkagris (literally "polka pig" in Swedish) stick candy, also known as peppermint rock.
The balloonist Salomon August Andrée, who died in an attempt to reach the North Pole by balloon, was born in Gränna. The Grenna Museum hosts an exhibition of the expedition together with a comprehensive collection of related objects and photos.
A model of the castle of Visingsö
Gränna is located at the edge of the lake Vättern, which we have to cross to come to the island called Visingsö.
Posted Nov 17, 2012, 10:55 am
Visingsö lies 30 km north of the city Jönköping and 6 km west of Gränna from which two car ferries connects the island. The island is 14 km long and 3 km wide, with a total area of 24 km².
According to legend, a giant named Vist created Visingsö by throwing a lump of soil into the lake so that his wife could use it to step over the lake.
I took photos of the signs next to the castle, so it is easier to imagine, how it looked like and to get to know something about the history of the castle. I'm sorry, but I'm not included in these three photos. The second link is only in German, sorry.
On a little walk we found this tower of a stave church next to a graveyard. Because we only had a little time on the island, we had to hurry to get back on the ferry then.
Posted Nov 17, 2012, 1:03 pm
Posted Nov 17, 2012, 1:46 pm
On our way to Frederikssund we had to drive through Copenhagen or København (Danish pronunciation: [kʰøb̥m̩ˈhɑʊ̯ˀn], which is the capital of Denmark and its most populous city, with an urban population of 1,213,822 (as of 1 January 2012) and a metropolitan population of 1,947,944 (as of 1 October 2012). We had a short stop at the railway station. Wow, this is a big city, really crowded and we all were happy, when we had been out of the city again. Nevertheless it seemed, that there are some nice places, which would be worth to see one day.
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Posted Nov 21, 2012, 1:10 pm
Jægerspris is a town and a former municipality (Danish, kommune) in Region Hovedstaden. It lies in the northern part of the island of Zealand (Sjælland) in eastern Denmark. A significant portion of the north end of Jægerspris is covered by forest. There are also stretches of sand and dunes along the municipality's western side.
The town of Jægerspris has a population of 4,065 (1 January 2011) and lies 6 km. northwest of Frederikssund. The town was established ca. 1870 around Jægerspris Castle, which is surrounded by kilometres of hiking and biking trails in the Jægerspris forest.
Posted Nov 23, 2012, 9:16 pm
Oh, don't wonder about the little dirt on the pillow. It is no dirt, it is a piece of chocolate. One piece of chocolate for all of us. I'm sure, you can imagine, how it feels if you only receive chocolate as big as a flea, because we had to share it with our host, too.
Posted Nov 28, 2012, 3:35 pm
Karlsruhe is the third largest city of Baden-Württemberg, near the Franco-German border.
Karlsruhe was founded in 1715 as Karlsruhe Palace, when Germany was a series of principalities and city-states. The town surrounding the Palace became the seat of two of the highest courts in Germany, the Federal Constitutional Court of Germany (Bundesverfassungsgericht) whose decisions have the force of a law in many cases, and the Federal Court of Justice of Germany (Bundesgerichtshof), the highest court of appeals in matters of civil law and criminal law. It therefore considers itself the home of justice in Germany, a role taken over from Leipzig after 1945.
Washington's city planner, had been given the plans of Karlsruhe (among numerous other European cities) as an inspiration.
At first we visited the Bothnical Garden.
The Karlsruhe Palace (Schloss) is an interesting piece of architecture; the adjacent Schlossgarten includes the Botanical Garden with a palm, cactus and orchid house, and walking paths through the woods to the north.
Posted Nov 28, 2012, 4:36 pm
The Turmberg can be reached by the Turmbergbahn, a funicular railway. The original railway used water to weight the rail cars, but now it is run on electric.
wikipedia
This is written on the sign:
This tower is the remain of the ancient castle, which was built by Count von Hohenberg during the 1100s, extended during the 1200s and destroyed by Konrad von Lichtenberg, bishop of Strasbourg in 1279 A.D.
This tower was built between 1230 A.D. and 1250 A.D.
If the weather is nice you have a view to the Black Forest
to Karlsruhe and theRhine Valley, the Palatinate Mountains and Alsace
to the Kraichgau (Bruchsal is located at the edge of Rhine Valley to Kraichgau)
Durlach
Posted Nov 28, 2012, 9:11 pm
Bruchsal has about 42 000 inhabitants, if you also count those in the five suburbs, which are Heidelsheim, Helmsheim, Untergrombach, Obergrombach and Büchenau. It was first mentioned in 796 A.D., but there had been an older settlement. 80 % of Bruchsal had been destroyed during World War II. on 1rst of March 1945. So you hardly find really old places.
Here you see the tower of the old part of Bruchsal's hospital. In the building you find different doctors. The hospital is in a newer part.
Just turning on your heels you can see the interesting building of Bruchsal's prison. The prison, constructed ca. 1848, is nicknamed the Cafe with Eight Corners or "Cafe Achteck". Today it is a high security institution and predominantly houses individuals convicted of violent crimes and convicted terrorists, such as members of the Red Army Faction.
Schloss Bruchsal is one of the most beautiful Baroque palaces in Germany and the only episcopal Baroque residence on the Upper Rhine. The foundation stone was laid in 1722 by Cardinal Damian Hugo von Schönborn, Prince Bishop of Speyer, who made the palace the centre of his absolutist dominion.
After being almost completely destroyed in the final days of World War II, the main tract was painstakingly reconstructed according to the original design and work was completed in 1975, including the magnificent dome, Marble Hall and Prince's Hall. The staircase designed by Balthasar Neumann is considered to be an architectural tour-de-force and has been described as the "finest staircase in the world".
Back part of the palace, first photo with the tower of the church St. Damian and Hugo, which sadly isn't baroque anymore.
There are many statues in the palace garden. For of them show the four seasons. This one is summer.
There are also the four elements fire, water, air and earth. This one is water.
Then we went to the rose garden.
This is the gate called Damianstor. It is the entrance to the palace area.
I also want to show you the main entrance of the baroque palace.
Here is the county court of Bruchsal.
In front of the county court you find the Amalienbrunnen, a fountain with snails.
The Belvedere on the edge of the "Stadtgarten" was built by Leonhard Stahl in 1756 as a hunting lodge for Prince Bishop Franz Christoph von Hutten. The location was chosen so that the lodge would command an unspoiled view of the palace, town and Rhine rift valley beyond.
Especially worthy of note are the two towers, each of which has a viewing platform topped with a Chinese-style baldachin – an example of the fashion for chinoiserie prevalent at that time. Today, the Belvedere is used as a venue for concerts and theatre productions.
At top of the Andreasstaffel, high stairs, you have a great view over Bruchsal. The houses below belong to the oldest part of Bruchsal. You also can see the tower of the ancient castle and of two churches (from left).
The flat roofs belong to the older peoples house. In the far you can see the church St. Peter, a really nice baroque church.
All the houses with flat roofs and the white house on the left below this grey building with little tower belong to the older peoples house. The grey building is a private catholic grammar school.
Posted Dec 2, 2012, 7:19 pm
Posted Jan 13, 2013, 9:48 pm
Here we are close to Geisslingen.
We've seen the Cathedral of Ulm in the far.
On our way home it was getting darker and darker, so there are only a few photos, which are a bit better. Nevertheless it is what we've seen, when we drove and drove and drove.
Here's the blurry photo with the big wheel in Stuttgart. Stuttgart is the main city of Baden-Württemberg.
And here is the small bridge.
Posted Jan 14, 2013, 6:11 pm
We had a nice, but most of the time foggy view to the Ulm Minster - cathedral.
Ulm is a city in the federal German state of Baden-Württemberg, situated on the River Danube. Ulm was founded around 850, is rich in history and traditions as a former Free Imperial City (German: freie Reichsstadt). Today, it is an economic centre due to its varied industries, and it is the seat of a university (University of Ulm, founded in 1967).
Posted Jan 14, 2013, 6:14 pm
Inside the church it is rather dark, so it was really difficult to take nice photos - they are just terribly dark.
Posted Jan 16, 2013, 8:18 am
We walked through Herrenkellergasse. At the corner to Rabengasse we found these nice old houses and had a nice view to the steeple of the Minster.
Internationally, Ulm is primarily known for having the church with the tallest steeple in the world (161.53 m (529.95 ft) high and 768 steps)., the Gothic minster (Ulm Minster, German: Ulmer Münster) built 1377-1891.
The Rathaus (Town Hall) was built in 1370, featuring some brilliantly-coloured murals dating from the mid-16th century. On the gable is an astronomical clock dating from 1520. Restored after serious damage in 1944.
The old Fischerviertel (fishermen's quarter) on the River Blau, with half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and picturesque footbridges is fascinating. An interesting sight here is the Schiefes Haus(crooked house), a 16th-century house today used as a hotel.
According to legend, construction of the spire of the Ulm Munster was halted while only halfway completed when a wagon carrying a large wooden beam - loaded sideways - arrived at the narrow city gate. After contemplating how best to proceed, the mayor of Ulm gave the order to tear down part of the city wall, but before the order was carried our, a sparrow-like bird was observed maneuvering a long twig into its nest - lengthwise! Following the lead of the sparrow, the beam was turned, the wagon passed through the narrow gate, work was resumed, the cathedral was completed, and the legend of the Ulmer Spätze was born.
At last we walked down to the river Danube and enjoyed the sunset.
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What a big surprise for us! There were so many new toyvoyagers guests in the package: Michel, nosyblue, Bobi, Hippy and Queenie and Robbi. So the house got crowded
We told them to walk out of the package, so we could introduce each other and exchange adventures. We had a nice chat.
Posted Jan 31, 2013, 2:56 pm
After the rainy season, the plant dries up, dropping leaves and curling branches into a tight ball, and "hibernates". Within the ball, the fruits remain attached and closed, protecting the seeds and preventing them from being dispersed prematurely. The seeds are very hardy and can remain dormant for years. Wetted again in a later rainy season, the ball uncurls and the plant wakes up from its dormant state, which causes the capsular fruits open (dehisce) to disperse the seeds.
Then we finished some other cookies called Staenglein. They are very yummy.
On Holy Eve we had the family's traditional dinner: chicken fricassee in pasty with lamb's lettuce.
Later we sat around the plate with cookies and sang Christmas carols under the Christmas tree.
sorry, it was so dark, so the photos aren't that good and somehow the flashlight didn't work.
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Posted Apr 7, 2013, 5:16 am
crashtestrider picked me up in the mail on her way home from picking her oldest son up from school that afternoon.
My little bum, wiggling out of the packaging...
I showed crashtestrider the lovely card that I arrived with...
...and met some new friends, Columbus and Peculiar!
The first place I got to explore was not particularly exciting, but it was fun. Here I am in the children's waiting room at the car garage. We waited a long time for the family vehicle to be repaired, but I did not mind at all, because the waiting room had so many toys to play with! It was brand new, and the repair people were very thoughtful to include so many fun things.
Two weeks ago, I got to visit Camp Floyd State Park, one of the starting points for the famous Pony Express over one hundred years ago. Nearby, in the town of Fairfield, is a one-room schoolhouse that was built in 1898.
We got to go inside and see how it looked back when children were taught here. I liked the big black stove and individual desks. They even had toys that children from back then might have played with during school recess.
Finally, last week we went to the nearby town of Spanish Fork, in search of a letterbox. This is an old-fashioned hobby that started in England, and is a little like geocaching, but using clues instead of a GPS to find the hidden boxes. We found the letterbox just as we were getting ready to leave, but when we arrived, there were about 5 or 6 mule deer grazing on the hill just above us! They are so tiny, I do not know if you can see them in this photo.
The weather is warming up for spring, and I am excited for the many more adventures I hope to have here in Utah!
Posted May 12, 2013, 7:49 pm
I've seen alot of cows and train tracks lately, too, since I have been out in the country.
And I've gone for walks! This is a trail near Hobble Creek in Springville.
Oh, my little legs were so tired when we were done!! I had to rest them and hitch a ride in crashtestrider's bag frequently. See how beautiful it is? Things are just starting to turn green, and I am told it will not last long, because this is a mountain desert area, so it is nice to enjoy it. Summer is on its way, and there will be lots more to do. The Memorial Day holiday weekend is at the end of this month and I will be visiting the city of St. George!
Posted Jul 29, 2013, 4:44 am
And there were many vacation homes being built on the other side of the porch:
St. George is also a popular city for hikers to stay in, as there are many "red rock" areas to hike and climb. We visited one nearby place, Zion National Park. First we packed a picnic lunch...
When we got there, I was amazed at how beautiful it was!
Here I am in front of what is called the "Checkerboard Mesa", because the wind and ice have made lines in the pattern of a checkerboard or chessboard.
It was a very interesting trip!
Posted Jul 29, 2013, 5:02 am
The host family's children took swimming lessons for two weeks at a local pool. I wish I had brought my swimsuit!
I also went to an Asian Festival, which is Utah's longest-running festival. There was lots of music, dancing, and food, and many friendly people from China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and other countries.
I also went to the Utah Lake Festival, where we learned all about the lake and how to safely enjoy water activities like boating and fishing. Hopefully that will come in handy when I finally realize my life mission of spending a night on a boat!
I visited an Ikea store. crashtestrider thinks this store is very fun to visit, and I have to say that there was lots to look at. I wasn't allowed to take photos inside.
On a very hot day, we went to the only waterpark in the area, Seven Peaks. Lots of other people must have had the same idea!
Now I REALLY wish I had brought my swimsuit!
Most recently, I visited the Hogle Zoo. Here I am posing in front of a tiger. I was so glad he was sleeping- I could just imagine how he might think I could make a little snack!
There is still another month of summer to go, and I can't wait to see what other places I might see!
Posted Dec 15, 2013, 11:45 pm
After an hour or two, we all felt like maybe we had some room in our stomachs for dessert. I couldn't decide which I liked best, pumpkin pie, or chocolate pecan pie? They were both very good.
Let me show you some of the decorations that were around the house:
I thought this guy was quite amusing- it is a turkey hat! Haha!
Here is a photo of a "Thanksgiving Tree" that the host family made. It is not really a tradition, but just something that they did for fun this year to remember the things they are grateful for. Each person got to write on a few leaves, and then taped them onto the tree. I think this family has alot to make their lives happy!
Such a big meal makes me so sleepy! Goodbye for now!
Posted Jan 22, 2014, 9:25 pm
Oh, the trees smelled so good!! We drove very slowly on the way home, to make sure the tree would not fall off. On the way, we stopped at a favorite Mexican restaurant called Cafe Rio to get some take-out for dinner- burritos, yum!
The days leading up to Christmas have been fun, too. We went to the elementary school to watch the children sing Christmas songs
And went to a church party that was Mexican-themed. The food was really good and authentic.
Posted Feb 15, 2014, 11:39 pm
And check out these great icicles:
We were a little worried about the great neighbors who came to bring us Christmas treats- thank goodness the icicles didn't fall on them.
Christmas was so much fun. It was a small, quiet Christmas, but sometimes those are nice, right?
I helped the children count down with their sticker advent calendar...
...and did a little caroling...
...and met "Mr. Christmas", an interactive, voice-activated ornament that plays Christmas songs and coordinates the tree lights to blink along with the song!
I had fun bossing him around. I'd say,"Mr. Christmas! Play....Jingle Bells!" and he would! The children and I did it so much that crashtestrider finally had to turn him off. :/ Haha!
I hope your holidays were as good as mine!
Posted Feb 16, 2014, 12:10 am
One time, I went with her to storytime at the library. Here we are, gathered around the tiny amphitheater, waiting for it to start. There were lots and lots of children. The performers had songs, a puppet show, and of course, a story.
We also visited the stores alot. Here we are at Target, playing the Wii U they have on display. There are so many fun games that I would like to try! This is Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker.
Yesterday was Valentine's Day, and there was lots of love to go around! What a great thing to celebrate.
Well, goodbye Utah! I hope it is still warm by the time I get to Australia. I could use a change from this cold winter...
Posted Mar 3, 2014, 8:17 am
I have arrived!! Photos soon.
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Mar 5, 2014, 10:49 pm
Well I am out of my travel bag...I was greeted by Cyril who is the stay at home TV here
then I met all the other TV's here
MooseS, and Dutchy, and GustavHH
in the evening we went to sewing group and I really enjoyed the supper!!
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Mar 16, 2014, 6:48 am
Today we are off on an adventure!!
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Mar 16, 2014, 6:57 am
We are now in New Zealand!!! Just passing through and we were late getting in so had to scamper to get the connecting flight.
Happily yours
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Mar 16, 2014, 7:23 am
We are going in to Apia today for some grocery shopping - boring!!!!! But we also had a look at the Cultural Village
this is an out rigger canoe that we think is used for fishing
and this building is called a fale, this one is used for cooking, but others on the island are used for living in or for having village meetings.
we are a long, long way from home here Mum!!
Later in the afternoon we had a swim
and I found a great place for a nap
and because it was such a hot day (over 30degC) I had to have a beer!!!
Happily yours
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Mar 22, 2014, 1:44 am
Today is a day of rain, rain and more rain!!!! It is so hot too! Now I know what is meant by the rainy season.
a little break in the rain, out the front of the hotel room
me and Dutchy by the pool
so much rain the path is flooded.
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Mar 23, 2014, 10:27 pm
Today we are having a drive around the island, we are here at the cave pool, you can swim here and there a big fish swimming here too that you can feed!
Oh I look a bit ghostly here Mum don't I!!
this is the coast line behind the pool
these are the fales where you can sit out of the sun or have your lunch while you are at the pool.
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Mar 23, 2014, 10:49 pm
We stopped on the way to have a look at this waterfall
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Mar 23, 2014, 10:58 pm
Our next stop was this waterfall, we had to walk through long grass, over a creek, through more long grass and then we came out to this
Beautiful isn't it?
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Mar 24, 2014, 7:04 am
Guess what we saw this stop???? Yes, another waterfall!!!
Later we stopped at the Bahai'i Temple, it is in beautiful gardens, and it an inter denominational church, when they have readings on a Sunday they are from all faiths
Time for bed now Mum, we have had a busy day!
and you know how I like my sleep!!
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Mar 29, 2014, 2:07 am
Today we have started out in Apia visiting the Robert Louis Stevenson museum. He lived here for 5 years and wrote 13 books. He was much loved by the Samoan people. After he died the house was sold to the German government for their Governor to live in while Germany occupied Samoa, then it was bought by the New Zealand government for their Governor to live in while New Zealand occupied Samoa and then it was sold to the Australian High Commission. It was left in a state of decay for many years and finally was renovated as we see it today.
this is a sculpture of the last cannibalistic chief in Samoa!
Later we drove around the coast to the turtle pond
I hope this turtle doesn't think I am a snack!!
Later we stopped here for lunch.
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Mar 30, 2014, 9:10 am
Today we are back in Apia at the Cultural Village behind the Information Centre for a live cultural show.
here we are being shown how the scrape the skin of the taro before it goes on the hot ricks of the umu (fire pit)
and here the men are making cups from taro leaves, filling them with coconut milk, wrapping them in another leaf, ready to go on the umu.
the taro is being put on the hot rocks and leaves are being put over the taro to start the cooking.
these ladies are making tapa cloth - it comes from the bark of a tree which they scrape with a rock and water until it stretches to the size they need, then it is dried and later painted or stamps with carved wooden stamps the men make.
finished tapa cloth
woohoo!! Lunch is ready - tuna fish, taro and the taro leaves and coconut milk which tastes like spinach! The taro tastes like bread! Think I need a sleep now Mum, it is hot and I am full of food!!
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Mar 30, 2014, 9:24 am
Not much happening today so we thought we would try out Sue's headband from yesterday!!
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Mar 30, 2014, 9:39 am
Our last morning in Apia..so we have been fabric shopping so one day Sue can make a quilt.
time for a quick snooze!
the big fale at the Information Centre where we are waiting for the shuttle to the hotel
I found another good spot for a snooze mum, this hot weather makes me want to sleep more!!
Sue woke me up to pose with some flowers for you.
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Mar 31, 2014, 9:21 am
First we have two photos someone forgot from yesterday..
much needed after a hot day Mum!!
I was woken up very early....
but got to see the sun rise from the plane
we passed over the island of Fiji,, but it is hard to see in this photo!
now we are approaching Sydney
and now I am back in Melbourne!
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Apr 8, 2014, 9:19 am
Today we helped Dutchy achieve a life mission!!
The mission was to jump on a trampoline so we all had a go!!
Flying Mum!!!!
Oh oh!! Going in headfirst Mum!!
Landed of Mum!!
We all had a great time!!
Then as it was a lovely day we had a look around outside.
we saw some naked ladies Mum!!
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Apr 11, 2014, 9:23 am
We are back at the beach for the weekend, the weather is not so good but we had a walk with Tupai anyway.
and Tupai had a swim!
and I found a great shell!!
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Apr 11, 2014, 10:37 am
A little more sunshine today
Oh I think Tupai is waiting for us!!
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Apr 11, 2014, 10:49 am
It is a little calmer at the beach this morning
Oh Tupai got a bit close!!!
Happily yours
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Apr 11, 2014, 11:00 am
Foggy day today
Happily yours
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Apr 11, 2014, 11:23 am
Another foggy morning today.
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Apr 14, 2014, 7:37 am
We are back at the beach again for the weekend, the weather is good here today.
Someone is setting up for a wedding at the Yacht Club, the candles will look great at night time!
You can't see me Mum but I am in the front of MooseS!!
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Apr 14, 2014, 7:45 am
Another beautiful day at the beach
Happily yours
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Apr 14, 2014, 7:55 am
This is our last walk to the beach for this visit
a heart shaped sand bar just for you Mum!!
Happily yours
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Apr 14, 2014, 8:20 am
Believe it or not we ate back at St Leonard's - Sue has brought a friend of hers here for a few days, but the friend has a little dog and he thinks toys are for EATING!!!
So we are mostly hiding out in the travel bag!!
We did come out to help with dinner
But someone forgot to take a photo before we ate - we enjoyed the spaghetti though Mum!!
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Apr 14, 2014, 8:33 am
Today we are at an antiques centre near the city of Geelong
here is our lunch waiter
and lunch was YUM!!
it is a big place here Mum and there is lots to look at!
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Apr 14, 2014, 8:35 am
We are spending the night here before going back to Gisborne tomorrow, can you see me??
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Apr 14, 2014, 8:42 am
Sue is at a sewing day to day so I am checking out the snacks and these are MINE!!!!
Lunch looks good too!!!
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Apr 17, 2014, 8:19 am
Today was a beautiful day so we helped in the garden
Dutchy tried on thegardening gloves but I think they are a little too big!!!
I checked out this tree Mum, Maybe it is a good one for me to sleep out in??
Or maybe this one??
Maybe here, because I will have shelter from the rain if it rains???
Or here?? This one swings and will rock me to sleep!
Got my camp out bed all ready Mum!!
Little snack before heading outside.
MooseS came and got me settled and said goodnight.
So did Dutchy and GustavHH
All settled, I hope I can sleep ok!!
Sue came back to check on me at 10pm. All good so far!
Ready for sleep now
See you tomorrow
Love and hugs
Chalon.
xxooxx
Posted Apr 17, 2014, 8:33 am
I achieved a Life Mission!!!!
Sue woke me up this morning
I have to say it was a bit cold and frosty this morning but better when the sun came out! I did sleep well, although there were a lot of strange noises that I am not used to hearing!
I was a little cold so went back in to my bed until the other TV's came out to see me!
We had a big chat about my night out in the tree!!
Later on the morning we went for a walk in the park
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Apr 21, 2014, 3:48 am
HAPPY EASTER!
Today we went out in the garden for an Easter egg hunt
Maybe easter bunny went through this bush??
We found lots Mum!!
Later we took Tupai to the park for a walk, it is very windy today so lots of leaves have blown down
I found a lovely bottle brush flower for you!
We had to be careful in this part of the park as the wind was blowing down the acorns, they would hurt if they hit your head!!
Have a happy day Mum,
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted May 4, 2014, 3:51 am
We have been in the city today to watch the ANZAC Day march, that is when we remember the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who went off to war and especially the soldiers who landed at Gallipoli 99 years ago. No march photos because it was very crowded but we had a little look at some of the city.
Here I am at the Yarra River, on the right side are the rowing boat houses and behind me is the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) where cricket and Aussie Rules Football is played.
St Paul's Cathedral.
The animation theatre near Federation Square.
Yarra River with the city behind,
the Polly Woodside an old sailing ship.
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted May 4, 2014, 4:11 am
Today we are visiting a friend of Sue's and have been for a walk down the road and found these paintings along the footpath.
On our way home we found an old horse trough
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted May 4, 2014, 4:21 am
This afternoon we are closer to the city and at a Japanese Restaurant to learn origami!!
Nice huh??
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted May 4, 2014, 4:26 am
We got up to find a frost on the ground this morning!
Happily yours
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted May 6, 2014, 3:38 am
Today Sue's husband heard on the radio that there was SNOW falling at Hanging Rock which is about 25 minutes drive up the freeway. So we leapt in the car and headed off. Sadly by the time we got there it was raining and no snow!!
This is Hanging Rock famous for a movie that was made here many years ago called Picnic at Hanging Rock - we didn't go climb on the rock because there was a Classic Car Show happening there and many many people!! But even from here you can see how someone could get lost up there!!
we drove home through the gum trees and when we got home we took Tupai down the back of the block for a wander and found where some fairies have been!!!
I nearly fell over with surprise!!
happily yours
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted May 15, 2014, 6:19 am
Today we helped MooseS achieve a life mission. We went to the local toy shop!
we tried out a skate board!!
I found the perfect car for me!!
also some play doh
and I found a really nice Panda puppy in a bag!!
Happily yours
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted May 15, 2014, 6:21 am
Today was a bit sad as Mooses had to go home!
We wished him a happy trip - he was pleased to be going home to see his mother!!
Happily yours
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted May 15, 2014, 6:27 am
We are heading off to the beach for the weekend.
Happily yours
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted May 15, 2014, 6:34 am
We are taking Tupai for a walk near the Pier this afternoon
We found a shell tree Mum!!
Happily yours
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted May 15, 2014, 6:35 am
Still at the beach!
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted May 15, 2014, 6:40 am
We woke up to a different world this morning - the sea fog has come in
It isn't cold just foggy!!
Happily yours
Dutchy
xxooxx
Posted May 15, 2014, 7:06 am
The WotWots have returned from their travels so we are off to have a big chat about where they have been.
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted May 22, 2014, 7:29 am
Today we went to the Rose Mill Quilt shop for a bloggers meet up
Happily yours
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted May 22, 2014, 7:32 am
Today we said goodbye to GustavHH as he is off on his travels to Canada!
Happily yours
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Jan 19, 2015, 8:49 pm
Here are a few catch up photos from when we went to visit family up in the Dandenongs, on the other side of Melbourne...this was in June.
these big mountain ash trees are huge!
I got to meet Hector the goat...he tried to nibble me!!!
More huge trees Mum!
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Jan 19, 2015, 8:55 pm
We know the date for this visit because we made a note of it to make sure we could tell you!!
We found this garden that was originally made in a sink hole back in the early 1900's. It has recently been restored and now the tourists go and visit. It was raining when we were there, but was much cooler down in the sink hole...would be wonderful on a hot summers day.
We had a walk around the Blue Lake
The weather is not clear today Mum, otherwise the lake would look bluer.
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Jan 19, 2015, 8:59 pm
Just one photo here...it was a beautiful place, Sue wants to come back for a holiday sometime....lots of coast line and a very nice beach...and of course the weather was amazing!!
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Jan 19, 2015, 9:07 pm
Today we had some very special visitors from Germany!!! We think you will know them!!
We had to do lots of UP walking Mum so needed to rest as well!
And guess what we found near the top Mum.....
Yes two koalas up in the gum tree!! How amazing was that???
Happily yours Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Jan 19, 2015, 9:10 pm
Sue had a catch up day with some sewing ladies and they had lunch at a friends house....we met a real Aussie..
(The poor man has a broken arm!!
)
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Jan 19, 2015, 9:13 pm
We are on our way to St Leonard's, so had a quick stop here in Geelong
behind me you can see the salt water swimming pool and the Bay.
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Jan 19, 2015, 9:17 pm
Exciting day today...we helped Sue find her first geocache!!
Her hand held GPS isn't working properly yet...but we managed to work this one out eventually!!
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Jan 19, 2015, 9:19 pm
Great beach day today!!
Happily yours
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Jan 19, 2015, 10:00 pm
I met a beautiful Christmas fairy!!
Hope you had a wonderful day Mum
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Jan 19, 2015, 10:02 pm
Just here overnight...we delivered a car load of boxes...
Can you see the bird on the hill Mum?? In New Zealand they are called a pukeko...here in Australia they are called a swamp hen...they are kind of prehistoric looking!
Not such a nice beach day today Mum, it is trying to rain!
Happily yours
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Jan 23, 2015, 5:21 am
It's a hot day today so we are staying inside and doing inside things
I have helped to trace a little teapot pin cushion
Supervised some packing...I have to be careful I don't fall in to a box and go missing Mum!!
Relaxed on a quilt that is a work in progress
and sat for a while and had a chat with Tupai!!
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Jan 26, 2015, 5:20 am
Today we had a walk in the park with Tupai
we started near the football oval
just along the way we saw some Corellas, they are parrots..they love to eat bulbs and seeds, and often dig holes in the ground the size of a baseball to get the bulb they want.
the oak trees are looking good now Mum
Guess who has gone swimming in the creek!!
Actually it is a good idea Mum as it is going to be a hot day today.
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Jan 26, 2015, 5:29 am
Today it is Australia Day, back in 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip unfurled the British flag in Sydney Cove and claimed Australia as a colony of Britain.
Lots of people celebrate with BBQ's, going to the beach, getting together with family, becoming a citizen...lots of different things.
we tried to get a photo of the flags Mum....but the breeze would not cooperate!!
down in the park at Gisborne people had gathered for a ceremony and singing and then a BBQ
Happy Australia Day Mum!!
Happily yours Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Feb 2, 2015, 2:34 am
Today we went for a ride to Kyneton, just to have a look around.
Here we are outside the town hall where there is a memorial to places lost in the last bad bush fire in this area
bits of melted glass were put into this leaf
the old court house
old for Australia Mum!!
the Catholic Church
lovely little cottage
and one of the old pubs.
Happily yours
Chalon
xxoooxx
Posted Feb 2, 2015, 2:39 am
Driving through to St Leonards today we stopped and had a wander in the Geelong Botanic Gardens
Can you see the spider Mum??
Good colours here Mum.
This bollard represents the man who started the Botanic Gardens here.
Just chilling Mum!!
some interesting plants in the dry garden area
this is a feijoa plant Mum..comes from New Zealand and Sue tells me has the best fruit!!
More spiders here Mum, they are all over the gardens!!
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Feb 2, 2015, 2:42 am
We have been sitting down the beach watching the world go by today
tide is out Mum!!
Sunnily yours
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Feb 2, 2015, 2:43 am
Not so good weather today..we are taking Tupai for a walk
but guess who went in for a swim anyway!!
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Feb 16, 2015, 6:58 am
This weekend we have been all the way to Echuca, up near the New South Wales border......Sue is having a sewing weekend with her friends so we didn't do much in the way of sight seeing...actually Mum it was 35deg C + on the weekend so I was happy to be inside in the cool of the air conditioning!!!
On our way
The Campaspe River, over the road from where we are staying...yucky river Mum, it is very brown!!
It is very hot and dry up here Mum, they badly need some rain
Heading home Mum
Lovely sky but dry paddocks.
Happily yours Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Feb 16, 2015, 7:08 am
Today we went with Sue to St Leonards and back....we loaded up the car with boxes this morning and off we went.
We stopped in Geelong to show you some more bollards....you remember they tell the history of the area...
here is part of the walking track along the Bay Mum....there are some more bollards down here...
Think I might join the life savers Mum!! Lol!!
Have a look at this fancy man Mum!!
We found this amazing seat...Sue thought it was a couch that had been dumped here, but when we had a look we saw it was carved from limestone....pretty special huh!!
this person is at Limeburners Bay.....so must have had something to do with the history of the place..
then off we went to St Leonard's and emptied out the car and then headed down to the beach...we had an ice cream but someone forgot to take the camera!!!!
this is how far we travelled to day Mum....Phew!! I am off for a sleep now!!
Sleepily yours
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Feb 17, 2015, 6:51 am
A new traveller arrived today...it is Hansi Hu we have lots to talk about!!
Happily yours
Chalon.
xxooxx
Posted Feb 22, 2015, 4:10 am
Yesterday Sue went to a bloggers meet up here in Ballan at the quilt shop.
We mostly stayed inside as it was very hot outside, but on the way back from lunch we passed this charity shop, so had a look at the wall and garden...it was closed so we couldn't go in.
Happily yours
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Feb 22, 2015, 4:43 am
Another exciting arrival happened the other day!! Sue's TV Bernie and her husband Wavy Gravy arrived back from Germany!!! And on the way their twins arrived!!!!
Now they are a family of four!! We all made them very welcome
I am looking forward to playing with the twins!
Wavy Gravy is very lucky Mum, I wonder if I will ever find the hamster girl of my dreams??
Happily yours
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted May 18, 2015, 9:11 am
On this day we went into the city...some friends of Sue's from Germany were staying so we got a few photos
The Chinese new Year dragon was still here...
here I am on a bridge over the Yarra River...on this bridge there are a lot of padlocks Mum.....showing peoples love for each other...
maybe one day I will meet a special hamster girl and we can put a padlock here
there are several bridges over the Yarra here Mum,
this tells the history of immigration from Germany
and the big Southbank building with the bees
and here I am at Flinders Street train station
and over the road is St Paul's Cathedral
Life is a bit busy here Mum with house moving and renovations but I am doing ok...more soon
Love and hugs
Chalon.
xxooxx
Posted May 18, 2015, 9:12 am
We passed through here taking a tourist drive
we hope to come back again soon
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted May 18, 2015, 9:14 am
We have been down the beach taking Tupai for a walk
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted May 18, 2015, 9:15 am
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Jun 7, 2015, 4:48 am
Today we are on our way to South Australia...we stopped here to have a break from the car
Guess where I am Mum?? Lol!!
Happily yours
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Jun 7, 2015, 4:51 am
Another quick stop, just on the edge of the Grampians National Park
Love and hugs
Chalon
xx00xx
Posted Jun 7, 2015, 4:56 am
This morning we have visited the Limestone Sunken Garden
This was made back in the 1800's and would have been cool to go down in to back then, when it was the middle of the summer.
We found some interesting rocks at the information centre
and then had a look at the Blue Lake
Love and hugs'
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Jun 7, 2015, 4:59 am
Today we have driven down the coast to Robe on a sunny day it is a beautiful place, sadly it is a bit rainy today.
On the way home we watched the sun set
I am enjoying travelling with Hansi!
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxoooxx
Posted Jun 7, 2015, 5:05 am
Today we are having a look around Kingston
This old light house has been moved in from the coast and is now a tourist attraction
we went out to the beach
and made a sand castle for the little ones
we went up the coast to a place called The Granites...along this coast the rocks are mainly limestone, so these are unusual
Back in Kingston I had my photo taken by the BIG Lobster!!!
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Jun 7, 2015, 5:11 am
We are on our way home now but have stopped at the Tantanoola Cave on our way.
Very interesting cave Mum,
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Jun 7, 2015, 5:12 am
We found this mushroom when we were out today
No eating though, we don't know if it is safe.
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Jun 7, 2015, 5:16 am
We have come to the city today to see the poppies Sue made for the 5000 poppy project...originally the organisers wanted 5000 poppies but they ended up with 250,000!!!
On the way we walked through China town
we passed some interesting graffiti
here are some of the poppies
how is this for a flash car Mum??
heading home on the train now
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Jun 7, 2015, 5:17 am
Nice day for a beach walk!!
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Jun 7, 2015, 5:19 am
Today we are in the city to see a rugby match...we are in Federation Square and there is a huge gathering to send thoughts and prayers to the Nepalese people after the earthquake
over the road is Flinders Street train station. Guess who forgot to take a
photo at the rugby?????
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Jun 7, 2015, 5:20 am
Having a walk around the lagoon today
Happily yours
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Jun 7, 2015, 5:21 am
Is a lovely day at the beach today
Happily yours
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Jun 7, 2015, 5:28 am
Here in Australia it is Mothers Day today so Happy Mothers Day MUM!!
The weather isn't so good today
we found a shell tree!!
and a nice bush with interesting berries, didn't eat any thought Mum..
Tupai was happy sniffing around
LOve and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Jun 7, 2015, 5:31 am
A new TV arrived today
Kalea, has come to join us!!
LOve and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Aug 20, 2015, 8:38 am
Surprise!!! Here I am!!! (Finally)
We took the dog for a walk today, was quite nice down the beach!
Inn the afternoon we went to Port Arlington geocaching Mum and found this.....
Sue had to climb a tree, luckily not very far, something she hadn't done for ages!!!
Then we found this
Hugs Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Aug 20, 2015, 8:51 am
Back down the beach again this morning
Not such nice weather today.
Chalon.
xxoxx
Posted Aug 20, 2015, 8:53 am
Today we have been on a bike ride
down by the boat launching ramp where the pelicans are waiting for a free dinner!!
along by the beach
around past the lagoon and then off home again.
happily yours
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Aug 20, 2015, 8:55 am
A new traveller arrived today Mum
we wondered who it was....
out came an orange beak...
and we got to meet Scoop!! We have lots to talk about!!
We have been down to the beach
Happily yours
Scoop
xxoooxx
Posted Aug 20, 2015, 9:04 am
Today Sue has been to a sewing day her at Port Arlington and on the way home we had a look at the wharf...the mussel fishing boats go out from here...
Quite nice here Mum.
Happily yours
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Aug 20, 2015, 9:13 am
Today we had a big walk along Edwards Point
Setting off now
first find of the walk Mum
Just hanging around Mum
find number two Mum!!
off across the board walk
find number three!!
heading back home now Mum...we have had a long walk!!
we all had a little rest on the way back!
Happily yours
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Aug 20, 2015, 9:14 am
Off down the beach again this morning
Hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Sep 8, 2015, 10:04 pm
We are in New Zealand for a few days....Sue's Mum is having her 90th birthday! we went to a cake shop to get a birthday cake and found lots of these
On the way home we went to a park to do some geocaching
find by the fence
and under the chair....this took some finding!!!
the tide is way out at the moment...over behind me is Mount Maunganui and extinct volcano at the end of the surf beach and the entrance to the harbour.
More soon
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Sep 8, 2015, 10:44 pm
Today we have been up to the Te Puna Quarry park to look at the orchids, butterflies and sculptures
Later in the afternoon we walked down the road to the Otumoetai Pa
the view over the beach is amazing...and the tide is now in!!
look what we found hidden in some trees!!
we headed home along the beach
had a rest here...and looked for a cache we couldn't find!!
we had more luck with this sneaky one at th eother end of the park, it was very busy with walkers, bike riders, dogs, football players!!
Happily yours
Chalon.
Posted Sep 8, 2015, 11:03 pm
We have stopped in Waihi to have a look at the Martha Gold and Silver Mine the weather is terrible, wet and cold and windy!!
Guess who didn't take a photo of me at the mine!!!!
But we stopped further up the road at the Karangahake Gorge to try and find a cache...it took a long time but eventually we had success!!
beautiful place this Mum even in the rain!
Love and hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Sep 8, 2015, 11:05 pm
this one in the cemetry
and this one at a road side stop in a flax bush!! the spider gave Sue a fright!! lol!!
Happily yours
Chalon
Posted Sep 13, 2015, 6:22 am
Today we are Mount Wellington one of the many extinct volcanoes around the city
looking out to Rangitoto Island
and over to the city
the harbour and the suburbs...good views here Mum.
Happily yours
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Sep 13, 2015, 6:26 am
We have driven to another volcanic cone called One Tree Hill...this hill used to have a single tree on it, but it was damaged by a Maori activist and had to be removed. No decision can be reached as to what kind of tree to replace it with. The views up here are pretty good
we found a cache hidden in the rock wall...no snakes to worry about here Mum!!
we found this stand of native Kauri trees after we had walked back down the hill.
happily yours Chalon.
xxoxx
Posted Sep 13, 2015, 6:28 am
Today we head back to Australia...
Look what I found at the airport
heading for our plane
Home again Mum.
Hugs
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Oct 26, 2015, 2:53 am
We are off on an adventure...today we have done some geocaching on the way to the airport....no other photos in Brunei!!
Here we are in the forest!!
Oops we found some more photos!!
the mosque next to the airport
waiting at the airport
the air is very smokey because of the forest fires in Indonesia
Happily yours Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Nov 17, 2015, 9:29 am
We have has a quick stop over in Dubai and have had a rideon the hop on hop off bus
Happily yours
Chalon
Posted Nov 17, 2015, 9:33 am
We have been for a big walk and found a cache by the beach
Happily yours
Chalon
Posted Nov 18, 2015, 7:07 am
We have been out geocaching
Buzzy Bee and I found this one under a rock!!
is a bit gray and overcast today..in fact Sue had to ring for someone to come and get her as it started to rain!!
We had a great adventure walking along the sea wall.
Happily yours
Chalon
Posted Nov 18, 2015, 7:10 am
Today we are in Cornwall...we are here for a few days in a caravan park just over the road from the surf beach
oops!! Nearly fell out of the photo!!!
some people out surfing here Mum, it is pretty cold in the water though!
See you later
Chalon
Posted Nov 19, 2015, 6:34 am
Today we are driving back from Cronwall, and have stopped at Emsworth...yes to find a geocache!!
This is a lovely town on the coast with an enclosed harbour and canal
here is the cache we found, it was behind a road sign.
Love and hugs
Chalon
Posted Nov 22, 2015, 7:56 am
Today we have been for a walk along the Lipchis Canal from the city to the sea
you can just see the spire of Chichester cathedral behind us.
Happily yours
Chalon.
Posted Nov 23, 2015, 7:27 am
Today we are visiting Portsmouth and having a look at the Historical harbour
Happily yours
Chalon
Posted Nov 28, 2015, 7:29 am
Today we have been to Bracklesham Bay to look for fossils....the tide was very high and the fossils can only be found at low tide on a mud bank...so we just enjoyed the beach instead.
Nearly didn't make the photo Mum..lol!!!
Happily yours
Chalon
xx
Posted Dec 2, 2015, 12:02 am
This morning we have been for a walk along the sea front to the life boat station
Is a windy day today and the sea is rough!!
Yours
Chalon
Posted Dec 2, 2015, 12:04 am
This afternoon we came across this town, it has a castle, towers, church, cathedral and lots of antique shops
Yours
Chalon
Posted Dec 2, 2015, 12:46 am
We are having a look around the city of Saint Petersburg, there are many old buildings here, that have been really well restored, lots of monuments too
off to check out the Hermitage Mum
Happily yours
Chalon
Posted Dec 2, 2015, 12:50 am
Tonight we have been to the vodka museum and had a tasting!! Hic!!
Very happily yours
Chalon
Posted Dec 6, 2015, 1:59 am
Today we have driven an hour out of the city and to Catherine's Palace...an amazing building
Happily yours
Chalon
xxooxx
Posted Dec 6, 2015, 2:06 am
Today we have had a look around Novrogod and the St Sophia Cathedral
Bye
Chalon
Posted Dec 6, 2015, 2:17 am
We have been on an overnight train trip from Novrogod to Moscow...was hot and uncomfortable....
we had a sleep at the hotel and woke up to this
Chalon
Posted Dec 6, 2015, 2:24 am
Today we are looking around Moscow and the Red Square
I am the fuzzy blur Mum!!!
another snow shower is coming Mum!!
Happily yours
Chalon
Posted Jan 30, 2016, 11:20 pm
Today we have visited Bernkastle...there are some amazing buildings here Mum!!
we even found the littlest building Mum!!
Happily yours
Chalon
Posted Jan 31, 2016, 12:31 am
Today we have been for a walk thru the village, past an old water powered nut crusher and into the forest...found some caches here Mum!!
I look a bit ghosty here Mum!!
Happily yours
Chalon
Posted Jan 31, 2016, 12:35 am
Back in the UK before heading back to Australia...we went for a walk along the sea front
we found some crab pots
Happily yours
Chalon
Posted May 2, 2016, 3:17 am
Today we are on our way to Canberra and we have stopped to have a look at the Ettamougah Pub. This pub featured in a popular Australian cartoon.
Happily yours
Chalon
Posted May 2, 2016, 4:03 am
Today we have been walking and walking!! We found a few geocaches but also looked at some of the land marks in Canberra.
here I am outside the War Memorial Museum,behind me is Anzac Parade and way in the distance is the Parliament building with the huge flag on top.
this is the War Memorial Museum.
this is an Australian and New Zealand joint memorial, representing a basket handle
now I am by Lake Burley Griffin
and this statue is a new memorial to soldiers and their dogs
we found some lively poppies in the gardens by the lake.
and we met some locals Mum!!
Happily yours
Chalon
Posted Jun 10, 2016, 8:18 am
Today we have been on the tourist hop on and off bus and are having a look around the city...our first stop is Parliament house
In the grand hall there is a huge tapestry
this is the Senate part of the Parliament
here I am up on the roof
and this is the House of Reps part of Parliament
Later we went to the Science museum and played some music
Back near the motel we found this statue of two galahs
heading back home tomorrow
Happily yours
Chalon
Posted Jun 10, 2016, 8:19 am
We are heading off to have a walk along the beach here after a morning sewing.
Love and hugs
Chalon
Posted Aug 10, 2016, 12:21 am
Surprise!!!! Today we have been down the coast to Torquay to try and find some geocaches
this area had an earth cache Mum
we found the seal but not the cache
beautiful day...the tide is way out!!
Was a good day out Mum
Happily yours
Chalon
Posted Aug 18, 2016, 5:26 am
On our way home we stopped here at Breamlea to have a look for a geocache!! it was supposed to be near an old gun emplacement.
we found it, it had slid down the sand hill!
nice beach here Mum
Happily yours
Chalon
Posted Aug 18, 2016, 5:41 am
We have been to Port for a sewing day today, on the way home we stopped at the beach
Happily yours
Chalon
Posted Aug 18, 2016, 5:43 am
Today we have been to Port for a sewing day...we had a look at the beach on the way home
Happily yours
Chalon
Posted Aug 18, 2016, 5:47 am
Better late than never huh!!!!
Oh dear we have lost the photo somehow!!!
Happy Christmas!!
Yours Chalon
Posted Aug 21, 2016, 8:54 am
We spent the afternoon at the beach today
Happily yours
Chalon
Posted May 26, 2017, 12:45 am
Am still here...we are trying to have a catch up
We had a day here at Hahndorf and saw all things German, food, souvenirs, heard German music and saw German food! It was a happy day.
Happily yours
Chalon
Posted Aug 18, 2017, 2:31 am
we have been exploring in Cambodia and have visited some amazing temples..it has been very hot here Mum and very humid.
Happily yours
Chalon