Rattie Rat, Hude, Germany

Alienne Posted Apr 7, 2013, 4:14 pm	Hello all! Today my human and I have decided that I might soon start my big adventure. So went to the ToyVoyagers page to put in my ID and profile. I'm so excited. But before I go I want to show you all how I live. Myhuman and I will give you some impressions during the coming days. So see you all soon again. *wave* < :3 )~~~
Alienne Posted Apr 9, 2013, 9:18 am	Hello again! No, it is not xmas. Although it is still rather cold outside and doesn't feel like spring at all. These two little chocolate Santas are sort of left overs. I don't know why my human keeps them. She even has some Easter bunnies and chicken. What do you think? Will she be mad at me if I'd nibble a bit... ? Look, if I'm still here tomorrow. See ya all. Bye for now. < :3 )~~~
Alienne Posted Apr 10, 2013, 9:24 am	Hello again, yes, I am still here and today I want to show some of the things my human likes to do: If you would like to have a pair of colourful socks just ask. In the evenings when my human and I sit on the sofa and watch TV her hands are always busy with these knitting needles. Or she is busy with writing cards to Postcrossing people. I just watch her, I never help. My spelling isn't too good. But I don't care. Sometimes my human makes cards herself. Then I help. I put my little paw in the paint and ....  She is not amused because she has to clean me. But it is fun for me. More about that next time. Carpe diem, friends. < :3 )~~~
Alienne Posted Apr 12, 2013, 9:00 am	Good morning everybody, uuuuh, what a surprise! This morning my human woke me up and told me that Minnilotta is on her way. I am so excited! My head is full of things we could do together. Look, I have this red Easter egg waiting for her. I have specially saved it up for Minnilotta. (Maybe she wants to share it with me... ) My human is thinking of making her an extra bed. But isn't my bed big enough for the two of us? It would be so nice and cuddly to have someone for the night. My human has a big question mark on her face. Why? OK, I better get up and ready. Have a lot of things to plan. Till next time. < 3 )~~~
Alienne Posted Apr 13, 2013, 5:02 pm	Hello, my human said the weather should be fine at the weekend and she would like to work a bit on the balcony. But unfortunately it was all grey and drizzly again today, so we just put the bought pansies outside and that was it. Maybe it is sunny tomorrow. The balcony looks really dull, so we will have a lot to do to make it pretty again. Maybe our guest Minnilotta wants to help. We are still feeding the birds by the way. They love our food. I really hope the weather will be fine when Minnilotta arrives. Keep your fingers crossed. < 3 )~~~
Alienne Posted Apr 18, 2013, 4:27 pm	Hello, here's my friend Beary Bear. He lives in our home, too. He said he wanted to be in a photo together with me and in my blog. So here he is: Last Monday my human and I worked on the balcony. Looking for the plants that sadly did not survive the winter.   Giving all the other plants new potting compost and planting the pansies. Look, here it is still quite a mess   : Today in the morning I sat down to make a welcome poster for Minna. She should be here soon, I think. She started trvelling a week ago. So I better be prepared. Take care, everybody. < :3 )~~~
Alienne Posted Apr 18, 2013, 4:29 pm	Yeeeeeah! She's here!!!! She arrived this afternoon.
Alienne Posted May 30, 2013, 12:59 pm	Hello Hello, here I am again, to tell you that I start my journey to Delft today. Minni said good bye and then I disappeared into the depth of my travelling envelope. Byebye, see ya. < :3  )~~~
Emjay Posted May 31, 2013, 9:48 am	Hi Rattie! HolgiHH and me are glad you are coming! We can't wait to meet you. See you soon and have a safe trip! HolgiHH & Emjay p.s. Your bed is ready!
Emjay Posted Jun 5, 2013, 6:13 pm	I can hear strange noices... Yoohoo, who is there?
Emjay Posted Jun 5, 2013, 6:16 pm	Oh, hello! I guess I have arrived at Emjay's place! Cuty and HolgiHH are there to welcome me. I show them the card from Alienne. And I have some candy with me too! But that's a surprise for later.
Emjay Posted Jun 5, 2013, 6:19 pm	What a lovely, sunny day in the Netherlands! I have to take advantage of that. We're having a picknick with the candy. And afterwards I take a little stroll through the garden.
Emjay Posted Jun 5, 2013, 6:22 pm	Although I'm a rat, I'm not scared of cats at all.
Emjay Posted Jun 5, 2013, 6:23 pm	Who can be afraid of such a friendly face?
Emjay Posted Jun 5, 2013, 6:24 pm	Cuty the Cat had waited to meet me. But now he must be on his way to Finland. HolgiHH and me say goodbye to him.
Emjay Posted Jun 5, 2013, 6:26 pm	One last group hug and then he climbs into the envelope. Bye, Cuty! Have a safe trip!
Emjay Posted Jun 5, 2013, 6:27 pm	It's time to relax. Holgi and me bath in the sun. Nice!
Emjay Posted Jun 5, 2013, 6:29 pm	My trip was really exhausting. So I'm off to bed early. Bye, Mum, I.... ZZZZZZ
Emjay Posted Jun 7, 2013, 4:16 pm	Hi Mum! HolgiHH served me breakfast in bed! That's lovely! Thanks so much, Holgi, you're a real friend.
Emjay Posted Jun 7, 2013, 4:18 pm	I met a lovely girl today. She has even longer legs than I have. I think I'm in love...  She's dressed a little too thick, though.
Emjay Posted Jun 7, 2013, 4:20 pm	Oh, she cuddles me! How nice! Still, I don't know about this relationship. I mean: she's a girl and I'm a RAT... I better stay single for a while.
Emjay Posted Jun 7, 2013, 4:21 pm	Now there's another lady bugging me! He, he, he, that tickles!
Emjay Posted Jun 7, 2013, 4:23 pm	Because of the nice weather, suddenly  there are fieldflowers all over the place.
Emjay Posted Jun 8, 2013, 8:31 am	Emjay took me to the city center by bike. I think Delft looks beautiful! This is the oldest canal, which is called "Oude Delft". Behind me you can see the Oude Kerk and that's the oldest chuch in Delft.
Emjay Posted Jun 8, 2013, 8:36 am	This is the restaurant where we had dinner. HolgiHH recommended it to me. They have excellent Greek food. Yummy!
Emjay Posted Jun 8, 2013, 8:58 am	This art object is called "Etruscan Treasure Trove".
Emjay Posted Jun 8, 2013, 8:59 am	Looks like it has been snowing. In fact these are seeds from a tree. Birds love to eat them!
Emjay Posted Jun 8, 2013, 3:34 pm	After a walk through the park and a trip on the tram we arrived in...
Emjay Posted Jun 8, 2013, 3:36 pm	Den Haag (or The Hague). This painting outside a kindergarten reminds me of my friend HolgiHH.
Emjay Posted Jun 8, 2013, 3:38 pm	The Hague has a lot of modern architecture.
Emjay Posted Jun 8, 2013, 4:04 pm	On the other side of the road is a nice, quiet park.
Emjay Posted Jun 8, 2013, 4:15 pm	We stumble upon an impressive exposition about slavery in Surinam. I'm not in all of the photo's, because I didn't want to disturb the beautifully crafted dolls.
Emjay Posted Jun 8, 2013, 4:16 pm	Finally slavery is over. This man is freed from his shackels.
Emjay Posted Jun 8, 2013, 4:17 pm	We're outside again, enjoying the lovely weather and watching a fountain.
Emjay Posted Jun 8, 2013, 4:19 pm	This is The Hague's China Town. Emjay takes me to a Chinese supermarket.
Emjay Posted Jun 8, 2013, 4:22 pm	This is the Nieuwe Kerk in The Hague.
Emjay Posted Jun 8, 2013, 5:19 pm	And this is the Nieuwe Kerk in Delft! We're attending a concert of Rossini there. Two neighbours of Emjay are singing in the choir.
Emjay Posted Jun 8, 2013, 5:20 pm	The concert is starting. I have to be quiet as a mouse now!
Emjay Posted Jun 8, 2013, 5:22 pm	After the concert we have time to wander around in the church. This is the organ that was played on during the concert. By the way, the choir sang very well and the organ sounded amazing!
Emjay Posted Jun 8, 2013, 5:25 pm	Some pictures of the interior.
Emjay Posted Jun 8, 2013, 5:27 pm	This is the mausoleum of Prince William of Orange, an anchestor of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands.
Emjay Posted Jun 8, 2013, 5:29 pm	It's 10.30 in the evening, but it's still light. I can have a good look at the town hall. Beautiful, isn't it! I had a great day! Bye, Mum! Hugs, Rattie
Emjay Posted Jun 8, 2013, 5:34 pm	Hi Mum! Another sunny day! Emjay takes HolgiHH and me to the shopping mall in Rijswijk.
Emjay Posted Jun 8, 2013, 5:35 pm	First we have coffee and cake and then we walk around.
Emjay Posted Jun 8, 2013, 5:36 pm	Looks like it's Christmas already!
Emjay Posted Jun 8, 2013, 5:38 pm	Holgi and me enjoyed ourselves. Later on we went home by bike.
Alienne Posted Jun 9, 2013, 8:12 am	Hello my little Rattie, now what exciting days you already had! So nice to see all the wonderful and interesting places through your eyes. Give Emjay a hug from me for showing you around. Have a great time, my little Rattie. All the best for you, Emjay, your little girlfriend with the long legs and Holgi. Your human.
Emjay Posted Jun 13, 2013, 7:42 pm	Hi human Alienne! Today I visited Emjay's mum, who lives in Delft too. One of my life missions is to meet other rats. Emjay's mum wanted to help me, so she introduced me to two new friends: Piep and Grijsje. But... I don't think they're rats. I suspect they are mice. Well, never mind. They were good company!
Emjay Posted Jun 13, 2013, 7:51 pm	I went along to Emjay's workplace today and helped her with taking calls. The view from her window is nice. There's a big tree and a meadow with horses. But the horses were on the other side, so I couldn't see them.
Emjay Posted Jun 13, 2013, 8:00 pm	After work Emjay took me to a large supermarket. Look, it's the R from... RATTIE!
Emjay Posted Jun 13, 2013, 8:36 pm	They have a large cheese department. Delicious!
Emjay Posted Jun 13, 2013, 8:39 pm	I was allowed to taste a piece of really old cheese. Yummy!
Emjay Posted Jun 13, 2013, 8:41 pm	Emjay bought cheese fondue at the store. I enjoyed it, but Holgi just ate some lettuce.
Emjay Posted Jun 13, 2013, 8:42 pm	Huh? Is this blue cheese?
Emjay Posted Jun 13, 2013, 8:43 pm	No, it's a bench! I'm at the seaside with my friend HolgiHH.
Emjay Posted Jun 13, 2013, 8:45 pm	We're in...
Emjay Posted Jun 13, 2013, 8:51 pm	We had a good time!
Emjay Posted Jun 13, 2013, 8:53 pm	Hey, someone's scratching my back
Emjay Posted Jun 13, 2013, 8:56 pm	There was some interesting artwork at the promenade. Here's a person eating a herring. That's a funny thing Dutch people sometimes do: eat raw fish! Not just a tiny piece, like in sushi, but the whole thing! I like cheese much more!
Emjay Posted Jun 13, 2013, 8:58 pm	And this is Hansje Brinker. He put his finger in the dike, to prevent a flood. What a hero!
Emjay Posted Jun 13, 2013, 9:01 pm	This is the Kuhrhaus Hotel. Posh, isn't it? That was the ending of a perfect day. Bye, mum! your Rattie p.s. Holgi sends his regards!
Emjay Posted Jun 15, 2013, 5:53 pm	We're off to the vet. No, don't worry, mum! I'm not ill. Emjay buys some dietfood for her cats.
Emjay Posted Jun 15, 2013, 5:56 pm	We're picking up some groceries in the village Den Hoorn, near Delft. But first we visit the Roman Catholic church. It has a lovely chappel.
Emjay Posted Jun 15, 2013, 5:57 pm	Back in Delft Holgi and me post a card to you, dear mum!
Emjay Posted Jun 15, 2013, 6:01 pm	Holgi explains to me why the flags are out at some houses. The students who live there have just passed their exams. Look, they hang their schoolbags from the flagpost. What a funny tradition.  Bye for now, Mum! Big hug, your Rattie Rat
Emjay Posted Jun 19, 2013, 9:17 pm	Hi Mum, It's a very nice day and we decided to go to the city center by bike. But first Emjay had to work. These are the horses near Emjay's office. Sometimes she can see them from her window.
Emjay Posted Jun 19, 2013, 9:19 pm	When we entered the city center, we passed the house of Emjay's friend and vocal coach. Her house is decorated from top to bottom. There's even a little tapdancing mouse!
Emjay Posted Jun 19, 2013, 9:21 pm	Here are some more details of her house.
Emjay Posted Jun 19, 2013, 9:22 pm	This is the Delft blue heart of Delft.
Emjay Posted Jun 19, 2013, 9:37 pm	I think Delft is a pretty city! Holgi is showing me around like a tourist guide. He knows a lot about Delft, cause he has been here for a couple of month. This, for example, is the statue of Hugo Grotius. He was a jurist born in Delft. He was also a philosopher, a theologian, poet, playwright, Christian apologist and historian. He laid the foundation for international law. Because of his free ideas, he once was imprisoned in a castle and fled from it by hiding in a book chest. This became a wellknown legend in Dutch history.
Emjay Posted Jun 19, 2013, 9:39 pm	Holgi and me are at the market square. Behind us is the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church). Well, not exactly new: it was build in 15th century!
Emjay Posted Jun 19, 2013, 9:42 pm	We're sitting at the balcony of the townhall, overlooking the market square.
Emjay Posted Jun 19, 2013, 9:44 pm	Looks like there's been a flood. But this is the normal level of the canal. People have to be careful, stepping out from their backdoor, or their feet will get wet!
Emjay Posted Jun 19, 2013, 9:51 pm	Holgi loves bridges and he's showing me a few. You're right, Holgi, they are lovely!
Emjay Posted Jun 19, 2013, 9:55 pm	I'm at the Agatha Square now. There are some nice Delft blue touches around the square.
Emjay Posted Jun 19, 2013, 9:56 pm	No, this isn't Hugo Grotius again. This is Willem van Oranje, an anchester of King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands.
Emjay Posted Jun 19, 2013, 10:00 pm	Willem van Oranje used to live in the building behind me. But he was murdered one day in 1584. You can still see the bulletholes in the wall of his old house, which is a museum nowadays.
Emjay Posted Jun 19, 2013, 10:02 pm	This is a nice part of Delft too, between the fish market and the market square.
Emjay Posted Jun 19, 2013, 10:03 pm	Oooh, I'm getting hungry!
Alienne Posted Jun 20, 2013, 5:54 am	My dear Rattie, oh, you are so lucky to be able to see all the wonderful places. Delft is such a beautiful town! You, Holgi and Emjay have so much fun! I am so happy for you. Give Emjay and Holgi a big hug from me for showing you around. Thinking of you,my little one. Your human.
Emjay Posted Jun 20, 2013, 5:59 am	When we came back home, Holgi and me inspected the fruit in the garden. There are gooseberry's, figs and strawberry's. Well, they aren't ripe yet..
Emjay Posted Jun 20, 2013, 6:01 am	We picked some wild strawberry's, but they didn't taste very well.
Emjay Posted Jun 20, 2013, 6:02 am	Oooooh, this is MUCH better!
Emjay Posted Jun 20, 2013, 6:06 am	It was such a beautiful day. Holgi and me camped out in the garden. We had a visitor!
Emjay Posted Jun 20, 2013, 6:08 am	Look, the midnight sun is shining! It's late at night, but it's still light.
Emjay Posted Jun 20, 2013, 6:09 am	Looks like my legs are transparent!  Well, I'm off to bed in our little tent now. Bye, dear Mum! Big hug, your Rattie
Emjay Posted Jun 22, 2013, 3:03 pm	Dear human Alienne, Thank you soooo much for the beautiful card! Everyone is impressed. Emjay says: "thumbs up!" I enjoy my stay in Delft, but... I miss you too! Updates are coming soon! Bye, dear human! Your Rattie Rat < :3)~~~
Emjay Posted Jun 23, 2013, 7:14 am	The weather is bad today. It's raining cats and dogs and the wind is blowing fierceley. We left our tent in the garden and moved back in. And now I'm sitting here, looking outof the window and chatting to Holgi. I hope the weather will get better soon, so we can go out and about! Bye, dear human! Your Rattie < :3)~~~
Emjay Posted Jul 4, 2013, 11:09 am	Hi Mum! Sorry I haven't written for so long. But here I am! I have an exciting story to tell. Emjay took HolgiHH and me to Schiphol Airport. I wondered why...
Emjay Posted Jul 4, 2013, 11:12 am	Looking out over the gates and landing platform. And we saw the radio tower too.
Emjay Posted Jul 4, 2013, 11:13 am	There's the Dutch flag again!
Emjay Posted Jul 4, 2013, 11:15 am	We saw a gigantic plane. Look at how large a wheel is!
Emjay Posted Jul 4, 2013, 11:16 am	And now we're inside the plane. How exciting!
Emjay Posted Jul 4, 2013, 11:17 am	Are we going on holiday?
Emjay Posted Jul 4, 2013, 11:19 am	No, I'm afraid not! We're just staying at the airport. But there are a lot of nice things to see and buy. Look at those yummy cheeses!
Emjay Posted Jul 4, 2013, 11:27 am	I have to thank this cow, for without milk there wouldn't be any cheese! Thank you, sweetheart!
Emjay Posted Jul 4, 2013, 11:30 am	The world is sooo big! I want to visit every country. But for now I'm staying in the Netherlands. It was a fun day! Bye, mum! Big hug, your Rattie.
Emjay Posted Jul 12, 2013, 8:44 am	Hi human Alienne! I met a beautiful lady mouse. Emjay found her in the street and rescued her. She's called Sylvie. I think I'm in love (again)!
Emjay Posted Jul 12, 2013, 8:52 am	It was a lovely day and so HolgiHH and me went to the beach by bike. Time to relax!
Emjay Posted Jul 12, 2013, 9:02 am	We got mail today!
Emjay Posted Jul 12, 2013, 9:05 am	I quickly picked up a letteropener and began to open the enveloppe. Out came a little donkey. He looked a little scared, because he thought I was waving around a sword!
Emjay Posted Jul 12, 2013, 9:08 am	We gave eachother a hug and then we talked for a long time. It's always nice to meet new voyagers! Emil, as the donkey is called, has been through a lot. He was in Oklahoma when the tornado's came.
Emjay Posted Jul 16, 2013, 1:37 pm	Hi human Alienne! I'm having a great time with Emil and HolgiHH. We are all dressed in grey and call ourselves "The Grey Gang". Cool! Today we went to a big music event: North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam. Here you can see me at the entrance.
Emjay Posted Jul 16, 2013, 1:40 pm	It was too dark inside to take good pictures. Emjay only took one of me and a few of the artists.
Emjay Posted Jul 16, 2013, 1:41 pm	We stayed at the festival till very late. The next morning we looked at our souvenirs. Been there. Done that. Have the T-shirt!
Emjay Posted Jul 16, 2013, 1:45 pm	Emjay took us to the shopping mall in Rijswijk. I had been there before. But I hadn't seen these guys! They are on the roof of an underground parking lot.
Emjay Posted Jul 16, 2013, 1:47 pm	Tralala! I'm not afraid at all, although there's a gigantic bul with enormous horns behind me!
Alienne Posted Jul 17, 2013, 7:47 am	Hello Rattie, wow! what a brave little fella you are! But I must say I am glad you didn't go too near. You never know what happens. By the way, whenever you and Emjay feel like it or decide... there is a young woman in Italy who would like to host you after your stay in Delft. So you wouldn't have to return home. But of course you can stay in the NL as long as you like. Have fun, little man. Your human Alienne
Emjay Posted Jul 17, 2013, 10:40 am	Hi dear human! Italy suits me fine! I will stay here a little longer (a week or so) and than I'll be on my way! Please send Emjay a message with the details. Yay! I LOVE Italy! Big hug, your Rattie
Emjay Posted Jul 20, 2013, 11:04 am	Hi human Alienne! How have you been? I'm fine! I'm having fun with the Grey Gang. It was a warm day today and we went to the city center on foot. After a walk of one hour we were glad to rest for a while on this lovely bench.
Emjay Posted Jul 20, 2013, 11:08 am	We hung around in this small garden and we posed in front of the statue of Willem van Oranje.
Emjay Posted Jul 20, 2013, 11:25 am	Because HolgiHH and me will be leaving Delft soon, Emjay had a special treat for us. We visited the New Church and climbed up in the tower. It is 356 steps to the top! Phew!
Emjay Posted Jul 20, 2013, 11:27 am	It's worth it! Wow, what a view!
Emjay Posted Jul 20, 2013, 11:29 am	We went down again and stopped to look at the bells and the old clockwork.
Emjay Posted Jul 20, 2013, 11:32 am	It's a lovely church! I've been here before, at a concert of Rossini.
Emjay Posted Jul 20, 2013, 11:33 am	My friends and me!
Emjay Posted Jul 20, 2013, 11:35 am	We are really cultural today, cause we're visiting another church: the Old Church.
Emjay Posted Jul 20, 2013, 11:37 am	This is a plaquette for the well known Dutch painter Vermeer. He isn't burried here, though.
Emjay Posted Jul 20, 2013, 11:39 am	This is the mausoleum of Piet Hein, a famous sea hero. There's a song about him, which every Dutchman knows. It goes like this: "Piet Hein, Piet Hein, Piet Hein, his name is short. But his deeds are big!"
Emjay Posted Jul 21, 2013, 6:46 am	This is not a Vermeer. But I like it! It's pretty colouful.
Emjay Posted Jul 21, 2013, 6:54 am	This is windmill "The Rose". The tramrails had to be replaced and the mill was in the way. So last year it was lifted from it's place and replaced a few meters further on. Weird, isn't it?
Emjay Posted Jul 21, 2013, 6:56 am	At home a surprise awaits us. It's a girl! And she's called Orkku Orava.
Emjay Posted Jul 21, 2013, 6:57 am	She brought some sweets with her. Yummy! And she shows us a postcard from Freiburg.
Emjay Posted Jul 21, 2013, 6:59 am	We make a little tour around the garden. She likes the gooseberries and the lavender very much.
Emjay Posted Jul 21, 2013, 7:00 am	Doesn't she look sweet? I think I'm in love again!  Bye, bye, dear human! I'll write to you again soon! I love Delft, but I'm also looking forward to my new adventure in Italy.
Emjay Posted Jul 22, 2013, 2:25 pm	Hi human Alienne! It's a tropical day, so we go to the beach again!
Emjay Posted Jul 22, 2013, 2:28 pm	We went to look for little treasures. Everybody found one. But I found the best treasure of all: a piece of cheese!
Emjay Posted Jul 22, 2013, 2:28 pm	Hanging out with my friends.
Emjay Posted Jul 22, 2013, 2:29 pm	It's lunchtime! We went to this hip beach hut.
Emjay Posted Jul 22, 2013, 2:33 pm	It's a warm day again. I give a little farewell party in the garden, cause I'm leaving for Italy today. But first we say goodbye to HolgiHH. He's going to Berlin. How exciting!
Emjay Posted Jul 22, 2013, 2:34 pm	Bye, bye! Have a safe trip! And keep us posted.
Emjay Posted Jul 22, 2013, 2:36 pm	And now it's my turn to get in my envelope. I think it will be very hot inside, cause it's 30 degrees today! This is my luggage: sweets from The Hague, a small box of "hagelslag" (typically Dutch), a dvd and a postcard.
Emjay Posted Jul 22, 2013, 2:38 pm	This is the hard part: I have to say goodbye to my girlfriends. Goodbye squirrel girl! It was short, but sweet.
Emjay Posted Jul 22, 2013, 2:39 pm	Bye, lovely Lady Longlegs! We had a good thing going.
Emjay Posted Jul 22, 2013, 2:40 pm	Oh, give me a hug, sweet Sylvie! I'm gonna miss you!
Emjay Posted Jul 22, 2013, 2:42 pm	Well, goodbye to you all! A new adventure awaits! Don't worry, human Alienne! I'll be fine. You'll soon see my updates from Italy. Bye! Love you! Rattie Rat <:3)~~~
goldmoon Posted Aug 5, 2013, 10:25 pm	Dear Mom, I finally arrived in Italy. I was a little tired to stay in this envelope...
goldmoon Posted Aug 5, 2013, 10:28 pm	I immediately realized that I was observed by four eyes.. these are Hemming and Scoop, they are hosted by goldmoon, too!
goldmoon Posted Aug 5, 2013, 10:30 pm	I was really thirsty!! Goldmoon gave me a delicious iced herbal tea. I really appreciate it!!
goldmoon Posted Aug 5, 2013, 10:33 pm	and for dinner... pizza !!! A really great Italian pizza!!!
Emjay Posted Aug 6, 2013, 8:03 am	Yummy, that looks great, Rattie! Enjoy your stay in Italy. Big hug from Emjay (your former host), Orkku Orava and Emil.
Alienne Posted Aug 6, 2013, 8:09 am	Hello little Rattie, hello goldmoon, what a wonderful welcome! Rattie, have a great stay and enjoy your adventures. Goldmoon, enjoy Rattie. I hope he'll be well behaved. Alienne
goldmoon Posted Aug 18, 2013, 8:12 pm	real hot Sunday today. Outside it's too much hot, so we continued making the puzzle of goldmoon's boyfriend. And for dinner, we went to a famous fastfood
goldmoon Posted Aug 18, 2013, 8:18 pm	I finally met Winky, goldmoon's cat. But in reality she doesn't care so much at me
goldmoon Posted Aug 29, 2013, 3:34 pm	Hi mum. What an exciting day today!! Goldmoon take me with her during her voluntary work this afternoon This is why you see me inside an ambulance!! We helped people who can't move to be trasferred from hospital to hospital or from hospital to home
goldmoon Posted Sep 6, 2013, 11:36 pm	Last day of job for goldmoon. She took us with her, as she was alone :-) We watched her in updating some invoices, and we helped her in archiving some interesting economical news from the newspaper
goldmoon Posted Sep 6, 2013, 11:42 pm	Afternoon. One friend of goldmoon asked her to look up at her cat. Catsitting work :-) let's go! We are going to a place called Mezzolara, at about 10 kms from Castenaso. Country roads...
goldmoon Posted Sep 6, 2013, 11:45 pm	and finally we meet the street sign
goldmoon Posted Sep 6, 2013, 11:49 pm	Mezzolara is a very very little village. We took some photos of the beginning of the village, petrol pump station on the left and news-stand on the right, the Church of San Michele Arcangelo (Saint Michael Archangel), the central road of the village
goldmoon Posted Sep 6, 2013, 11:51 pm	Over there... Oliver, the cat...
goldmoon Posted Sep 7, 2013, 12:05 am	Saturday. This afternoon we are going to Verona!! Very lovely city. Goldmoon loves it very much. Verona is a city straddling the Adige river, in northern Italy. It is famous because the great Shakespeare located here his "Romeo and Juliet"and because here there is an ancient roman Arena. So, let's take the toll highway !
goldmoon Posted Sep 7, 2013, 12:15 am	Here we are arrived in Verona, after a trip of about 1 hour and a half we parked the car near this ancient entry of the city: Porta Palio
goldmoon Posted Sep 7, 2013, 12:39 am	This is the ancient Scaligeri bridge (also known as Castelvecchio bridge). It is a red bricks arch bridge over the Adige river. It is a pedestrian bridge.
goldmoon Posted Sep 7, 2013, 12:49 am	And here we are outside the Arena of Verona. It is a Roman amphitheatre built in 30 A.D. It is famous also because of the opera performances taken here. Infact, this evening we'll see the Aida of Giuseppe Verdi!!
goldmoon Posted Sep 7, 2013, 12:52 am	Here we are inside the Arena. Within 1 hour it will begin the opera. We took a photo of the scenic design because during the opera it is forbidden taking photos..
Alienne Posted Sep 7, 2013, 7:33 am	Hello Rattie, you are so lucky, my little one. You get to see so beautiful places, and as it seems the weather is fine, too. And aren't you lucky, too, to travel around with wonderful little  friends and a lovely host. Give all my love to your little friends and to goldmoon. And never forget to be thankful and to behave , your human Alienne
goldmoon Posted Sep 11, 2013, 9:53 am	15th of August. In Italy today is a feast, both civil and religious. We went with goldmoon's parents to eat at the restaurant. We tasted both "crespella with mushrooms" and "tortellini". Crespella is like a crepe or a thin pancake, full of bechamel and mushrooms and folded in half and again in half. It is cooked in the oven. Tortellini are a tipical bolognese food. They are a filled pasta and they have the shape of a belly-button. They are filled with a particular mix of meat (the real filling is registered at the local Chamber of Commerce). Usually they are cooked in broth. They were both delicious!!
goldmoon Posted Sep 16, 2013, 9:48 am	Our friend Scoop is leaving us Tomorrow morning. He's going to Germany for a new adventure. We are a little sad because we spent a lot of fun together. Anyway, Goldmoon promised us a surprise... in next days...
goldmoon Posted Sep 16, 2013, 10:10 am	Here we are in Ferrara. We are walking the external embankment where people here come to walk, run or do footing. We are going to Parco Bassani...
goldmoon Posted Sep 16, 2013, 10:35 am	Ferrara Balloons Festival! Wow! It is the most important balloons festival in Italy. Balloons were only 7/8, surely they are more in the weekend. But it was a so exciting show !!
goldmoon Posted Sep 16, 2013, 10:41 am	We went, for dinner, in a place called "Sebastian Pub". It is a restaurant placed in a real boat which is really over the river! We ate an ENORMOUS pizza!!
Alienne Posted Sep 17, 2013, 8:48 am	Hello Rattie, again you have been on some great little adventures together with your host goldmoon. I love following you around via photos, although I must admit I wished I could have eaten that yummy looking pizza in real It's one of my favourites. What a pity one of your little friends has left. But I amsure you will make new friends. Enjoy! And best wishes to your host. Give her a hug from me. Your human Alienne
goldmoon Posted Sep 22, 2013, 3:30 pm	little tour near the lake of Castel dell'Alpi. It was formed as a result of a large landslide that in February 1951, came off the left side of the valley and blocked, just like a dam, the stream Savena. The village of Castel dell'Alpi, that was located on the left bank of the river, was completely destroyed by this event. Now the village has been partly rebuilt on the right bank of the lake, which has now become a welcome tourist destination, especially in summer.
goldmoon Posted Sep 26, 2013, 3:51 pm	Two days away from Bologna for us. Today we are going to Tuscany! Let's take the toll highway...
goldmoon Posted Sep 26, 2013, 3:53 pm	Pisa or Livorno first? Let's go to Livorno ;-)
goldmoon Posted Sep 26, 2013, 3:56 pm	Look over there! Smoke! Some underbrush was in fire, but firemen were already working to stop it
goldmoon Posted Sep 26, 2013, 3:59 pm	So here we are in Livorno.
goldmoon Posted Sep 26, 2013, 4:04 pm	This is the "Barriera Margherita". It is placed along the walk near the sea and it is an old barrier that delimited the duty area of the city (now it is disused). After this construction, proceeding along the street, there are a lot of sumptuous villas.
goldmoon Posted Sep 29, 2013, 3:39 pm	We arrived in a sort of stone playa, a place near the sea where people can lay under the sun and have a bath. But without sand, only with stones. This is a view of the back side of the military Academia
goldmoon Posted Sep 29, 2013, 3:42 pm	And here we are in the front of the Italian Naval Academy. It is a military university which is responsible for the technical training of the military officiers of the Italian Navy. We took a rapid shot because this is military zone and photos are not appreciated.
goldmoon Posted Sep 29, 2013, 3:44 pm	This is the Terrazza Mascagni (Mascagni terrace). It is an elegant and striking panoramic viewpoint with this particular floor. The round construction is called "Gazebo", and it is a little temple for the music.
goldmoon Posted Sep 29, 2013, 3:46 pm	And now we are back on the car. Next destination is the city of Pisa!
goldmoon Posted Sep 29, 2013, 3:48 pm	Look! Those are the external walls of Pisa!
goldmoon Posted Sep 29, 2013, 3:50 pm	And here we are in the back of the famous Torre pendente of Pisa (Leaning Tower of Pisa)!!! It is the campanile of the cathedral of the city. It is situated behind the cathedral and it is famous worldwide for its tilt to one side. The tower tilt began during its construction, caused by an inadequate foundation ground which was too soft on one side to properly support the structure's weight. Its construction took almost 200 years and the tower was completed in 1372. The tower is 55.86 m high (on the low side) and 57.70 m (on the high side).
goldmoon Posted Sep 29, 2013, 3:52 pm	Here we are in Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square), also known as "Square of Miracles". This name was created by the Italian writer Gabriele d'Annunzio. The square is totally pedestrian and covered by a green lawn. The hole Square is a UNESCO world heritage site. This is the Duomo, a medieval cathedral entitled to St. Mary of the Assumption. Both the Duomo and the Tower can be visited inside. But there was a SO long queue that we decided to see it only externally.
goldmoon Posted Sep 29, 2013, 3:55 pm	Late afternoon, it's time to find our hotel. Let's go
goldmoon Posted Sep 29, 2013, 3:57 pm	Càscina. This is the city of our hotel! And this is the hotel! And our bedroom!
goldmoon Posted Sep 29, 2013, 4:04 pm	Dinner time. Pizza and semifreddo dessert!
goldmoon Posted Oct 1, 2013, 9:39 pm	Our travel continues. So goodbye hotel. We stayed really fine here, but it's time to go..
goldmoon Posted Oct 1, 2013, 9:41 pm	Before leaving, we visited the centre of Càscina. This is the war memorial with some particular glass sculptures placed in the front square
goldmoon Posted Oct 1, 2013, 9:45 pm	Next destination is Lucca. Some photos of the travel
goldmoon Posted Oct 1, 2013, 9:48 pm	External walls of Lucca (a lot of Italian cities have ancient external walls, and the heart of the city is inside them..)
goldmoon Posted Oct 1, 2013, 9:50 pm	Porta San Donato. One of the walls of the city that looks to west. Build in 1629/1639, in origin it had a lift bridge, no more present.
goldmoon Posted Oct 1, 2013, 9:52 pm	That is Guinigi Tower. It is one of the few towers remaining within the city walls. Its main characteristic is its hanging garden oh the roof of the tower We went over there, near the tree :-)
goldmoon Posted Oct 1, 2013, 9:54 pm	View of the city from the tower...
goldmoon Posted Oct 1, 2013, 9:59 pm	and here we are in Massaciuccoli. Here there is a lake which is a naturalistic oasis... What a peace here!
goldmoon Posted Oct 1, 2013, 10:01 pm	Last destination for today... Goldmoon's boyfriend wanted to see the sea. So here we are in Marina of Pisa
goldmoon Posted Oct 1, 2013, 10:05 pm	Sunday. We spent the day at home, preparing suitcases because tomorrow we'll go to the seaside!! For 6 days!!! I'm so happy!!!
goldmoon Posted Oct 1, 2013, 10:08 pm	here we are in Cervia. Cervia is a town in the province of Ravenna. It is a seaside resort on the Adriatic Riviera. It is also famous for an exquisite kind of salt produced in open salina which is also a natural oasis. And this is our bedroom :-)
goldmoon Posted Oct 1, 2013, 10:16 pm	our second day here it's raining :-( but we had a walk on the beach, anyway. For dinner, I have tasted this particular broth food, traditional of this Italian region: "passatelli". Passatelli (plural) is a pasta formed of bread crumbs, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese and nutmeg.
goldmoon Posted Oct 1, 2013, 10:40 pm	let's go to the seaside!!
goldmoon Posted Oct 1, 2013, 10:47 pm	this evening, the staff of the hotel has organized a romagnolo dinner. Here I am with a big plate of mixed appetizers: pizza, piadina, ham, melon. And then, a mix of desserts: angel food cake, zuppa inglese (dessert made of biscuits, pudding and liquor) and meringue!!
goldmoon Posted Oct 1, 2013, 10:47 pm	this evening, the staff of the hotel has organized a romagnolo dinner. Here I am with a big plate of mixed appetizers: pizza, piadina, ham, melon. And then, a mix of desserts: angel food cake, zuppa inglese (dessert made of biscuits, pudding and liquor) and meringue!!
goldmoon Posted Oct 1, 2013, 11:00 pm	some shoots of me on the beach
goldmoon Posted Oct 1, 2013, 11:15 pm	In late morning, we rent a "pedalò" and we pedal to reach the open sea :-)
goldmoon Posted Oct 1, 2013, 11:35 pm	me, on the beach
goldmoon Posted Oct 1, 2013, 11:39 pm	we... outside the hotel in the night
goldmoon Posted Oct 3, 2013, 9:34 pm	last visit on the beach. Last night was rainy and the climate is changeable. So we are going home
goldmoon Posted Oct 3, 2013, 9:42 pm	This evening, we are helping goldmoon and her friend Angela to preside over a photo exhibition during the feast of grape harvest, which is the most important (...in reality, the only one..) event in Castenaso. Yesterday there would have been a historical commemoration, but it began raining so it skipped :-( Anyway, these are some of the photo taken by members of the photoclub of goldmoon. People come here to vote their favourite photo.
goldmoon Posted Oct 3, 2013, 9:47 pm	and at the end of the evening.. fireworks!!!
goldmoon Posted Oct 3, 2013, 10:08 pm	sunday morning. Second (and last..) turn for goldmoon to preside the exhibition. This time we are in a fraction of Castenaso called Marano. We are inside a recently restructured old school that now it is used as cultural center. I show you also the photo taken by goldmoon. The theme of the concourse was "music" and she took a photo of two dancers :-) I show you also a couple of photo taken outside the building. There is also an old well, which is only decorative
goldmoon Posted Oct 9, 2013, 1:50 pm	Last view from the terrace of our hotel. We are going to take the ferry-boat to cross Garda Lake !!
goldmoon Posted Oct 9, 2013, 1:52 pm	On the ferry-boat!!!
goldmoon Posted Oct 9, 2013, 2:02 pm	We disembark in Toscolano-Maderno, but we have to drive about 20 minutes because we want to reach Gardone Riviera, which is the place where we'll find the "Vittoriale degli Italiani"
goldmoon Posted Oct 9, 2013, 2:06 pm	Look! There is a man with a big motorbike and three toy with him!
goldmoon Posted Oct 9, 2013, 5:36 pm	The Vittoriale degli italiani (English translation: The shrine of Italian victories) is a hillside monumental estate of buildings, streets, a theater and gardens, which was created by the Italian writer Gabriele d'Annunzio, who lived here until his death in 1938. He wanted this monumental citadel to celebrate Italian venture during the First World War. D'Annunzio was a big supporter of the idea of the "super man", also supported by the philosopher Nietzche. But he disagree with a lot of issues taken by the fascist government, such as the alliance with the Nazi Germany. So he retired here. The estate is clearly in Fascist Architecture. The monumental entrance is constituted by a pair of arcs with in its center is placed a fountain. Above the fountain is written the famous motto dannunziano "I have what I have given".
goldmoon Posted Oct 9, 2013, 5:38 pm	After passing the entrance there is a second group of arches, "Pilo del Piave" with the sculpture of Victory chained.
goldmoon Posted Oct 9, 2013, 5:40 pm	Autograph of Gabriele d'Annuncio engraved in the rock
goldmoon Posted Oct 9, 2013, 5:42 pm	the amphitheater, inspired by the classical theater, and especially to that of Pompeii. It enjoys a stunning view of the lake that makes him the natural setting. Every summer it is home to a prestigious season of shows over the years has led to the stage at the greatest Italian actors, étoiles the world of dance and international music stars. Today there was a show with all those white dressed people. But we didn't understand exactly what it was.
goldmoon Posted Oct 9, 2013, 5:46 pm	These are some photos of the Priory, the house-museum of Gabriele d'Annunzio. It can be visited, but we decided to visit only the estate outdoor.
goldmoon Posted Oct 9, 2013, 5:48 pm	Old car placed in the garden near the house.
goldmoon Posted Oct 9, 2013, 5:52 pm	Under the hill there is the keep military ship Puglia, perhaps the most impressive relic of the Vittoriale. The ship was donated to D'Annunzio by the Navy in 1923. The work to bring it to Vittoriale were particularly challenging: they had to dissect a ship and transport it by train at 300 km from La Spezia. For the company it took twenty wagons and several military trucks. The bow, symbolically facing the Adriatic and Dalmatia, was adorned by a figurehead depicting a Victory. In the hull of the ship was staged the Museum of Edge including some precious vintage models of warships of the collection of Amedeo of Savoy, Duke of Aosta.
goldmoon Posted Oct 9, 2013, 5:54 pm	Not far from the ship, there is also the hangar that houses the MAS 96 onto which d'Annunzio with Luigi Rizzo and Costanzo Ciano took part in the mockery of Bakar (military raid). At the time of the MAS D'Annunzio was moored to the dock of Torre San Marco and was used by the poet for excursions on the lake's waters. Outside, the acronym "Memento audere always" (MAS) play a Latin motto coined by D'Annunzio ("remember to dare always")
goldmoon Posted Oct 9, 2013, 5:56 pm	We, near an olive tree. This part of Italy is full of Olive trees, for its temperate climate (even though we took 3 days of rain )
goldmoon Posted Oct 10, 2013, 7:09 pm	The top of the Vittoriale is occupied by the Mausoleum, tomb built after the death of d'Annunzio. The monument was inspired by the burial mounds of Etruscan-Roman tradition and is made up of three circles in Botticino marble to represent the victories of the Meek, the Artisans' and Heroes. In the center of the esplanade is located the tomb of d'Annunzio and around the tombs of ten between heroes and legionaries dear to the poet. In the esplanade are also placed some dog statues.
goldmoon Posted Oct 10, 2013, 7:32 pm	Some photos of the gardens...
goldmoon Posted Oct 10, 2013, 7:35 pm	Last view at the amphitheater. Now there are no more white dressed people...
goldmoon Posted Oct 10, 2013, 7:36 pm	We just managed to visit all the park but now it's starting raining :-( We took just a rapid shot at the Town Hall and at the Church. They are both in the front of the Vittoriale
goldmoon Posted Oct 10, 2013, 7:38 pm	Ok, we make a little break to eat something. Appetizer with "Bruschetta": toasted bread with tomato, mozzarella and oregano. Then, "Spaghetti alla Carbonara": spaghetti with bacon, egg and pepper
goldmoon Posted Oct 10, 2013, 7:40 pm	Weather is still bad, but we try to visit a little the city of Salò. It is not far from here.
goldmoon Posted Oct 10, 2013, 8:36 pm	Rapid tour for the city of Salò, on Garda Lake
goldmoon Posted Oct 10, 2013, 8:39 pm	It's raining again.. we decided to come back home..
goldmoon Posted Oct 10, 2013, 8:45 pm	we decided to stop in a famous sweetsfactory, so Hemming could complete one of his mission and we bought some sweets to eat this evening after dinner  they were SO delicious!!!
goldmoon Posted Oct 10, 2013, 8:56 pm	Last cup of tea together with my friend Hemming. Tomorrow he will leave for another adventure. Good Luck Hemming! I'm happy to have met you!
Emjay Posted Oct 11, 2013, 6:36 am	Hello Rattie & Hemming, I'm glad to see you are good friends! I guess Rattie could tell you some things about Delft to prepair you for your journey, Hemming! Me and the TV's are looking forward to meeting you. In Delft it's raining too  but we still have fun! See you! Emjay
Alienne Posted Oct 11, 2013, 7:17 am	Hello Rattie, you are SO lucky having been able to do all the travels with goldmoon. I hope you know this. Please say thank you to your dear host. I see your little friend Hemming is going to travel to emjay, your last dear host. I think you tell him a lot about your pleasant stay there. My little nose Rattie. have a fine time. And when you are ready you may very well come home to me. Kiss, your human Alienne
goldmoon Posted Dec 28, 2013, 8:50 pm	My first Christmas away from home... Merry Christmas my dear mummy!!!
goldmoon Posted Dec 28, 2013, 8:52 pm	Christmas presents!
goldmoon Posted Dec 28, 2013, 8:53 pm	I'm climbing goldmoon's mum Christmas tree
goldmoon Posted Dec 28, 2013, 8:57 pm	Quiet lunch for us at goldmoon's parents home. They prepared a typical bolognese food.... A delicious plate of "tortellini" (filled pasta) in broth
goldmoon Posted Dec 28, 2013, 9:00 pm	Meat (the one used to prepare the broth) with small artichokes in oil and lentils
goldmoon Posted Dec 28, 2013, 9:03 pm	Three different desserts!!! Rice cake, "panone" (is a particular cake with candies) and "zuccherini" (I don't know how to translate it....) A photo of me with a "zuccherino"
Alienne Posted Dec 29, 2013, 8:52 am	Hello Rattie and goldmoon, what a great Xmas you had! I hope that now you have a fantastic turn of the year, too. Happy New Year! Alienne
goldmoon Posted Dec 29, 2013, 1:10 pm	Today, we are going to decorate the Christmas tree!! Goldmoon has a very little tree, but with some pearls, some balls and some light it is very cute
goldmoon Posted Dec 29, 2013, 1:14 pm	my dinner.... meat stew with potatoes and peas and a chocolate covered meringue !!!
goldmoon Posted Feb 10, 2014, 10:46 am	We are prepairing some Christmas presents for goldmoon's friends! They are little gypson scent for wardrobe. They smell of lavender :-)
goldmoon Posted Feb 10, 2014, 10:54 am	Last day of the year party at goldmoon's boyfriend's friend home. We ate Spanish food.. and drank a little of bubbly wine :-p
goldmoon Posted Feb 10, 2014, 11:09 am	Today is the feast of the Epiphany. Outside the sun is shining and we decided to go for a walk in this particular shopping center. A nice ice cream. And at the end of the day our booty is this: 5 molds for making sandwiches, 1 pot for cooking in a water bath and 2 nail polishes.
goldmoon Posted Feb 10, 2014, 11:25 am	The weather is not very nice but anyway we decided to take a ride in the car on the hills near the house of Goldmoon's boyfriend. The scenery is really nice, but unfortunately there is too much fog.
Alienne Posted Feb 11, 2014, 10:38 am	Hello, my little Rattie, so sorry I haven't written here earlier. I see you had such a fine time at New Year's Eve and the first weeks in the new year. You definitely enjoyed it. Give a big hug to your host goldmoon for me. Enjoy, little one. Alienne
crizle crizle@westnet.com.au Posted Feb 14, 2014, 7:09 am	Hi Mom, I have arrived safely in Australia after a long trip from Italy and I am feeling fine. Thanks for looking after me so well Goldmoon. Yesterday I met Zoe. Now Zoe is a cat and she sometimes looks like movie star mouse Stuart Little and a couple of rats I have met, so I thought she liked me. No, she wanted to eat me, so I will be keeping away from her till she is in a better mood. Happy Valentines Day Mum, here are some pretty chocolate roses. Love and Hugs, Your Rattie. PS Crizle has attempted to add photo's six times, so just text for now and we will try again later.
crizle crizle@westnet.com.au Posted Feb 14, 2014, 7:11 am	Happy Valentines Day.
Alienne Posted Feb 15, 2014, 7:46 am	My little Rattie, so good to see you arrived safe and sound with your new hostmum crizle. I am sure you will have a wonderful time with her. Give her big big hugs from me and enjoy. Your mum Alienne

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