Posted May 1, 2013, 3:31 pm
This is me: a goodlooking, sporty, adventurous girl! As you can see, I like to climb. I'm not afraid of anything. So if you like, you can take me rafting, bungee jumping, skidiving, or... shopping!
Here are some pictures of me, still at home.
Big hug,
Dille
Posted May 2, 2013, 8:57 am
Hostmum, I hope to see you soon. I'll bring a little present. We'll have a lot of fun together!
Hugs,
Dille
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Hostmum, I'm on my way!!!
Posted May 4, 2013, 7:32 am
Posted May 11, 2013, 7:55 am
I met a really nice TV from Germany named Alien Princess and another who lives here named Shadow Cat. They showed me around at the plants outside called succulents, they grow everywhere around here. I met the resident cats named Toad and Peach. They are so big and soft, they thought I smelled interesting. Next my HostMommy openned all the packages that came with me in my bag! Alien Princess is silly and thought the car mirror cover was a blanket. Hehe! Next we shared cookies that I brought! Yum! Everyone LOVED them! After that we went shopping with our Host and her girlfriend but we didn't take any pictures at the mall. Then HostMommy's girlfriend made a whole fish for dinner. Whoa! What a big fish! It was delicious! Host Mommy's girlfriend showed us how to eat the fish with our hands filipino style. Don't worry, we didn't get messy!
Then we all played dress up before bed, can you tell we are excited for the beach? Then I snuggled in my sleeping bag, GOODNIGHT! What a good first day!
Posted May 11, 2013, 2:47 pm
I'm glad you're safe and sound in San Diego! Looks great over there! Wish I could join you... but reading your travellog is the next best thing.
Big hug,
your big sister Kamille
Posted May 12, 2013, 10:53 pm
Its so warm and beautiful in San Diego! This morning I went hiking at Mission Trails Regional Park with my HostMommy and her friend Jason. We were going to go to Cowls Mountain but it is closed for trail maintinance until May 17th.
We found one geocache under a bridge today and hiked for a few miles. The view was great! We were surrounded by hills and mountains, we got up pretty high. We even heard rattlesnakes, but we left before they could find us.
I had so much fun! HostMommy is sewing clothes for me today, she made me a nightgown already and is going to make me a sun dress and a few other items that are in fashion here around Hillcrest.
Posted May 13, 2013, 4:24 pm
I helped my HostMommy make scones for her patient's family today. She let me stir the batter! You can eat the batter raw! No eggs!
If these turn out well we might make more!
Love you big sis!
Love, your little sis
Posted May 13, 2013, 6:57 pm
Oooooh, that looks Yummy! Will you take some of the cookies home with you?
Love,
Kamille
Posted May 16, 2013, 10:13 pm
Its been a busy couple of days over here! HostMommy made me a new sun dress to wear here since the weather is so warm! She also said we were going to make apple chocolate scones before I leave (which hopefully is NOT soon, since I'm having a blast here!) While HostMommy is at work usually we read all the vintage children's books in the bookshelf that HostMommy turned into a toyvoyager hotel.
Today also a new friend named Ape Apina arrived. He just came from Finland! Later we are all going to look at where he has been. He brought some tea with him so later we are going to have tea and refreshments.
Tomorrow HostMommy's girlfriend is leaving for China. HostMommy is sending her with a toyvoyager of her own!
Posted May 18, 2013, 6:46 am
Posted May 24, 2013, 6:24 pm
We went exploring around Hillcrest a few days ago and we found some geocaches! They were so small, I can't believe we found them! It was nighttime so we got to see how beautiful the Hillcrest sign is at night, all the neighborhoods in the metro area of San Diego have big beautiful signs. I like Hillcrest's sign but I'd like to see them all!
We found one geocache on a bridge behind a grocery store. There are quotes from famous people all over the bridge. Next we found one on top of a small foot bridge that crosses over one of the mainstreets in Hillcrest. It was dark but we weren't scared!
We've done many other things too! More pictures to come!
Posted Jun 8, 2013, 4:39 pm
We've been busy doing lots of things but our HostMommy has been so busy with work she hasn't had a chance to upload pictures. 2 new friends have arrived Huhn a chicken, and a little bear named Viola. Both are so nice and the Huhn gives great hugs, she's so soft! To celebrate their arrival we shared a cupcake from a place called Baby Cakes. It was delicious and tasted like tiramisu! HostMommy's neighbor friend Jason invited us over for spaghetti and meatballs that he made. They we so delicious!
Then we went to the zoo! My favorite was the giraffees! They are so big and tall and beautiful, I like being high up too so I climbed a tree to see how it would feel to look down on everything. I wasn't scared. I wonder what it feels like to a giraffe to look down at the ground and everything is so small?
I found out how that feels at the model rainroad museum! There were rooms and rooms full of model rainroads with little towns set up. I enjoyed watching the miniature carnival go. There were working rides and everything. They looked so fun! But I was too big to ride. I guess I like my size, I can go lots of places easily at this size. What I really liked about the railroad museum was the women's history. In WWI and WWII women became railroaders and engineers, they were so good at their jobs and enjoyed them so much that when men tried to take their jobs away the women fought to keep them and won, now there are many female railroaders and they do an excellent job. I love learning about women's history. Host Mommy's girlfriend works at the San Diego Women's History museum. I want to visit!
Posted Dec 4, 2013, 10:13 am
Long time, no see! I had a great time in San Diego. Unfortunately hostmum was very busy, so she didn't have much time to post updates. Never mind, I still had a good time, hanging out with my friends! But now I'm on my way home. I don't know where I am right now. I think I'm in a plane.
Posted Dec 4, 2013, 10:16 am
Oh, the van just stopped. I hear footsteps and a knock on a door. Am a home now? Yes!!! I can hear Emjay's voice saying "thank you" to the postman! She takes me inside and than....
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This was a nice little break! I love surprises like this!
Posted Jan 1, 2014, 12:42 pm
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It's a cosy evening with all my friends!
I wish everyone who reads my travellog a GREAT NEW YEAR with excellent journeys!
Posted Jan 4, 2014, 3:00 pm
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Bye, bye, dear Rudolph! Good luck!
Posted Jan 10, 2014, 1:54 pm
He is leaving to Germany.
Goodbye and good luck! I'll read your updates.
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He treats us on bonbons from Germany. How sweet!
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Posted Feb 14, 2014, 12:22 am
Hi there!
I just wanted to let you know that I have safely arrived at sannah's place! I traveled about 6700km in about 14 days, that is not too bad.
Climbing out of my box, I met Anna Pineapple and Lavender Bear who welcomed me in the USA.
The other girls wanted to see my wardrobe, so we did a little style check ...
This is like an endless slumber party - I am going to have sooo much fun here!
I am going to explore more of Rochester another time.
A short look out of the window told me that it was a good idea to wear my knitted sweater ... I have never seen that much snow before!
I can't wait to go outside and explore the neighborhood!
All the best,
Dille
Posted Feb 14, 2014, 7:56 am
I'm so glad you arrived safely in the USA! I was very worried, you know. But well, that's how big sisters are!
I wish you, your new friends and hostmum Sannah happy Valentine's Day!
BIG hug,
your sister Kamille
p.s. Suomi-Girl, Tigerlily and Emjay send their love too.
Posted Feb 16, 2014, 12:31 am
In order to have lunch with her hubby on Valentine’s Day, sannah went to downtown Rochester after she was done working. Rochester is home of the Mayo Clinic, a world famous non-profit hospital organization. About one third of the city’s population work there and so does sannah-man.
This was the New Mayo Clinic Building when it was opened in 1928. Nowadays, Human Resources have their offices in here. It is now called Plummer Building and named after the architect who designed it who also was a doctor at Mayo Clinic.
Isn’t that building beautiful?
Have a look at the door!
Without a doubt, it is a lot classier than the other Mayo Buildings. Yes, they are all part of the hospital system: patient care, research, administration. You name it!
Between all those buildings downtown, the Peace Plaza is the closest thing to a pedestrian zone that Rochester has to offer. But only a few people were outside, the majority takes the subway (underground tunnels) or skywalks. Both connect buildings downtown and you don’t have to step into the cold if you want lunch. Here you can see one.
This friendly goose was waiting for visitors. I said hello! Its coat shows supposedly typical Minnesota scenery.
Oh, can you see the tower of the Plummer Building reflected in the Wells Fargo Building?
We went back to sannah-man’s work through the skyway because we were freezing. Therefore we are looking down upon both more typical downtown buildings (instead of the modern high rises) …
… and the Old City Hall which is nowadays an apartment complex. Once a year, Santa Claus is landing on the roof when he is coming to town.
Now you know where I stay. Do you like it?
All the best,
Dille
Posted Feb 16, 2014, 5:51 pm
Yes, I like it! I can't believe you have snow! Here it is almost spring
Have fun and give Sannah a hug for making lovely pictures of you.
Luv you!
Your sister Kamille
Posted Feb 22, 2014, 10:37 pm
Yesterday and today work was canceled for sannah because of an upcoming Blizzard. At first, there was snow and then lots of wind, close to storm (at around 80km/h).
But in the afternoon, the wind had calmed down a little and sannah took us for a walk in order to get fresh air after having been locked up for nearly two days (which is the most reasonable thing to do).
It was beautiful in this hour shortly before sunset.
Along Silver Lake Drive, cars were driving more careful than usually.
It will take some time before somebody can sit on this bench again:
With the blue sky and the still fresh snow, the atmosphere was extraordinary calm. I loved it! Oh, Silver Lake is hidden somewhere under this plain snow coat.
Isn't mother nature's work amazing?
From the south end of Silver Lake on 7th St NE you have a nice look over downtown Rochester with its highest building (Broadway Suites and Apartments) on the left and the RPU Power Plant on the right. Hidden in between is the remarkable tower of the Plummer Building, can you spot it, sis?
This scenery is pretty romantic, isn't it? The two stone bridges ... It's hard to believe you are in the middle of a city with a population of more than 108,000!
I must admit, it was even more romantic against the sunset ...
Another view of downtown from the northeast Silver Lake. Those small mountains of snow were caused by the storm - blowing snow is a serious traffic danger! Even for those who were walking, because the mostly cleared path was blocked by snow drifts.
One last look ...
... and then we headed back home. Without the sunshine, it was freezing cold!
All the best to you! And don't worry, we stay warm!
Groetjes,
Dille
Posted Feb 23, 2014, 12:21 pm
That looks amazing! I'm glad you took your warm sweater with you!
Love you!
Your big sister Kamille
Posted Mar 9, 2014, 1:11 am
It is slowly, very slowly, getting warmer! And therefore, it is finally warm enough to go out again without freezing instantly. Yay!
Last time downtown I had forgotten to give you an impression of Historic 3rd Street with all its antiques stores and taverns. Here it is:
sannah also wanted me to show you the Government Center for the city of Rochester and Olmsted, but I wasn't patient enough and hopped out of the picture.
On this picture you can see a memorial of the brothers Mayo in front of the Mayo Civic Center, the local center of Performing Arts.
Walking along the Zumbro River, we had a nice look on Downtown Rochester.
And this is the first time I have seen one of those typical yellow school buses!
As you can see, everything is still covered in snow, but it has finally started to thaw! *yeah*
All the best,
Dille
Posted Mar 25, 2014, 9:24 pm
Snow is thawing, but unlike the Netherlands, spring hasn't really arrived in Minnesota yet.
Nevertheless, we went to see the mighty Mississippi River, still partly frozen.
At first we went to Lake City ...
And then Anna and I continued our trip in the car. The road runs between the river at one side and the bluffs at the other.
We saw more of the Mississippi at our final stop for the day.
All the best, Dille
Posted Mar 26, 2014, 10:30 pm
After our ride along the mighty Mississippi River, we stopped in Winona, MN, a small college town on Minnesota’s eastern border.
If you cross the bridge in the background, you already are in Wisconsin, the river is the border.
Can you see to what extend the Mississippi is still frozen?
Interesting to see what happens when freezing and thawing alternates ...
We really had a great time at the River Promenade. It must be more crowded in summer.
When we finally drove home, it was already sunset.
I hope to show you some spring soon!
All the best, Dille
Posted Apr 12, 2014, 5:54 am
Hi there!
I just wanted to check in real quick ... Spring has finally arrived and as you can see, the snow has completely melted now.
So I joined sannah on a bike ride on the cleared trails.
sannah and sannah-man are looking forward to making a big trip next weekend. Stay tuned!
All the best,
Dille
Posted Apr 12, 2014, 1:15 pm
Great to hear from you! We can't wait to see the next updates!
Big hug,
Kamille & Emjay
Posted Apr 24, 2014, 10:06 pm
Together with sannah and her husband, Anna Pineapple and I traveled to the Capital of the United States of America for Easter: Hello, Washington DC!
For better orientation, we started at the Old Post Office Tower. The whole building should have been demolished in the 1970s, but was preserved for its architectural value. And doesn’t it look beautiful?
National Park Service is in charge of access to the tower. We had to pass a security check and then took the elevator to the 9th floor. While waiting in line, I studied an information sheet together with sannah-man.
Another elevator would have taken us up to the 12th floor where the observation deck is. But we decided to take 130 stairs instead and passed the bells of the tower on our way up.
Then we finally arrived at the observation deck and had a nice view over the city with all the important buildings.
Unfortunately, the White House is hidden behind another, not so white building in this picture. Consider the large green area being its front yard.
Hard to miss in this picture is the Washington Monument, the obelisk in the center of the National Mall. In the distance on the right, at the end of National Mall, is the Lincoln Memorial.
Not much to see on this picture … The dome should belong to one of the world famous Smithsonian Museums. sannah definitely needs to come back to see them – she walked by, but did not enter although admission is always free! The weather was way too good to spend time indoors!
Our last look was east towards the US State Capitol Building – it is even impressive from the distance!
On our way back down, we went through a small exhibit advertising the tower and its history.
More to follow soon, Sis! All I can say is: We really had a blast and enjoyed the sunshine. Did you notice that I changed sweaters?
All the best, Dille
Posted May 15, 2014, 9:49 pm
Out of the Post Office, we wanted to get closer to the impressive US state capitol building. So we went along National Mall and crossed the Sculpture Garden. There we saw an interesting piece by Miró.
The big building in the back is the National Art Gallery. Something else to explore another time …
Just a few minutes later, we stood at the front of a big pool right in front of the United States Capitol, the legendary home of the U.S. legislature.
We had to head back to our hotel after enjoying the view for a while. On our way along Pennsylvania Avenue, we passed a tiny little park with the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial in the center.
But I must admit I liked the flowers more … Haven’t seen those for a while in snowy Minnesota!
All the best, Dille
Posted May 15, 2014, 9:54 pm
Not an embassy, but another both international and impressive building (and most likely serving a lot of the diplomats living nearby, for example for Turkey or Oman) is The Islamic Center. I have never seen a minaret in the United States before!
Massachusetts Avenue then passes Rock Creek.
The British Embassy’s ground was huge! They had their Union Jack on public display …
… and Winston Churchill was greeting everybody walking by with the Victory sign.
Unfortunately, the Dutch Embassy is located somewhere else, not even close to where we were.
At the St. Alban’s School for boys, we had almost reached our destination for today ...
part 2 coming!
Posted May 15, 2014, 9:58 pm
Located on a hill at the corner of Massachusetts and Wisconsin Avenue, the Washington National Cathedral was a perfect destination for Easter Day.
At first sight, it was hiding behind the trees …
… but then we stepped out of the umbrage and had a second look. Still, it looks a smaller version of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, don’t you think? Or maybe it is just the Neo-Gothic design, I don’t know.
Its official name is Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in the City and Diocese of Washington, but let’s use Washington National Cathedral for the sixth-largest cathedral in the world, the second-largest in the United States, instead.
The foundation stone was set in 1907 with President Roosevelt present, the last one in the presence of President George H. Bush in 1990. But in 2011 an earthquake hit Washington DC and parts of the tower fell off. Therefore, reconstruction work was ongoing and access partly restricted.
We walked around the church and found this nice building nearby, the church’s library is in there.
An Easter afternoon service was just about to start and sannah and sannah-man decided to attend it (making it their first Episcopal service ever). I had to stay in sannah’s purse for that time, but when we left, I had one last look back.
That was our Easter Sunday!
All the best,
Dille
Posted May 15, 2014, 10:11 pm
One of the most touristy spots of DC where a lot of people take pictures or selfies is definitely the Lincoln Memorial.
But well, the view over the Reflection Pool to the Washington Monument really is spectacular, especially on sunny days. Don’t you agree?
Not less people took a picture of the huge sitting Lincoln. I am no exemption.
And this shows the whole memorial from its side.
Time to leave DC, but not before another last stop ...
All the best, Dille
Posted May 16, 2014, 2:31 am
Hi there!
This place is a very special one for those US-Americans who support their troops.
A lot of soldiers, whether they lost their life while fighting for their country or as veterans later in life, are buried here at Arlington National Cemetery. We only crossed the Potamac River, but are in the state of Virginia now.
The atmosphere is hard to describe, it is very calm on this hallow ground - but on the other hand there are a lot of visitors.
The gravesites are arranged neatly.
Most visitors pay tribute at the burial place of John F. Kennedy. An eternal flame is burning there. You can see the place in the front of this photo (where the people gathered).
The background shows our look back over Washington DC across the Potomac River (can you see the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, or the State Capitol Building?) - we headed to the airport by Metro after our visit at the cemetery.
All the best,
Dille
Posted May 21, 2014, 12:16 am
Another road trip, this time leading up north to the shores of Lake Superior. Yes, it looks like the beach of an ocean, but it is only a lake, the largest freshwater lake of the world (by surface).
This is the lighthouse marking the harbor entry of Two Harbors where we stopped for a picknick lunch.
More to follow soon!
Yours, Dille
Posted May 21, 2014, 5:54 am
Our first stop after having checked into our hotel rooms was at Tettegouche State Park, the largest of all Minnesota State Parks at the North Shore.
To literally get an overview, we first stopped at Palisade Head, a cliff rising up about 40 meters high at the coast. I did not dare to get very close to the edge, it was too high to still feel comfortable!
Afterwards, we followed one of the trails. First we went down to the mouth of Baptism River.
The trail leading towards Shovel Point was mostly made of wooden stairs. Lots of stairs! I could hear sannah groan towards the end … must have been too many!
But the view was definitely worth it! Don’t you agree?
Palisade Head is in the background here.
And I love the rugged coastline. Can you spot the underground caves?
It was a wonderful day, but all the fresh air really made me tired!
Best wishes to all of you,
Dille
Posted May 26, 2014, 12:14 am
Sunday was Mother’s Day, so I did – of course – think of you all! We drove up further north to Grand Marais, MN, the last larger town before the US-Canadian border – that would have been just another hour to drive (50km or so)!
We first stopped on our way there because the bay looked so nice and calm.
After having a late, but very yummy breakfast Grand Marais we went to explore the harbor area. Grand Marais itself even has a small beach, see for yourself!
But the coastline itself is very rugged. Volcanic rocks, leftovers of earth’s history. We had to climb up and down in order to reach thelighthouse of Grand Marais – can you spot it in the distance?
But it really was fun to climb over all those rocks! Being the adventurous girl that I am, I enjoyed it a lot, so did sannah.
And finally we made it to the lighthouse. Yay us!
We had to take the same way back to our car. And then we had a last look over Grand Marais Harbor. There surely are a lot of more boats in the summer, but now the season has yet to start.
I liked this teeny tiny town a lot! What about you?
More to follow soon!
Dille
Posted May 26, 2014, 12:59 am
On our way back from Grand Marais, we stopped at another State Park, named after the stream running through it: Temperance River. Here it is:
The most advertised part of this park is very close to the parking lot: The Hidden Falls. Can you spot them despite their name?
We then followed the river upstream. It really was amazing to see how it has carved its way through the rock over thousands and thousands of years.
The power of the river was really impressive. Since snow is still thawing in some parts of Minnesota, lots of water is being transported into Lake Superior.
I was rendered speechless. What about you?
All the best from Minnesota!
Dille
Posted May 26, 2014, 3:09 pm
Thanks for showing me all those wonderful places! You are so lucky with a great host like Sannah!
I miss you, but it's great to stay in touch, watching your updates. And I know you will be coming home one day with wonderful stories to tell.
Bye! Big hug from us,
Kamille & Emjay
Posted May 31, 2014, 4:33 pm
Our family at Dille & Kamille say "hi" to you and send their love!
Posted Jun 1, 2014, 1:00 am
I just wanted to prove with some pictures that spring actually has arrived in Rochester!
Although it was more like a kickstart into summer, both temperature- and weatherwise!
Lots of flowerbeds are distributed all over the city. This one has a special purpose, it is planted as "flowers of hope" celebrating 150 years of Mayo Clinic.
The fountains are filled with water again - and it is running! That is impossible in freezing cold wintertime!
I have no idea what the name of this bush is, but it smells fantastic!
As you both can see, I am doing fine. sannah has only one week of school left before her summer holidays start. She promised more trips then - maybe fulfilling a life mission, too!
All the best,
Dille
Posted Jan 9, 2015, 9:30 pm
After a lovely time in the USA, I came home and met new friends! They all wanted to try on my clothes!
And then I was reunited with my big sister!
It's good to be back home, but I might start traveling again...
Posted Jan 30, 2015, 8:30 am
Posted Feb 5, 2015, 10:15 am
But inside, it's spring!
Posted Feb 8, 2015, 11:16 am
I'm in the mall with my friend Suny.
Posted Feb 8, 2015, 11:17 am
Posted Feb 13, 2015, 3:10 pm
I'm very happy
! My friend Minnilotta is back home! Maybe we can travel together one day.
Posted Feb 14, 2015, 10:52 am
Have a happy Valentine's Day!
Posted Mar 8, 2015, 2:58 pm
When we were back in Delft again we posed for a group pic.
Posted Mar 8, 2015, 11:18 pm
sannah promised to fulfil one of my life missions and so she did. We went by car about half an hour east of Rochester to Whitewater State Park where sannah made me climb the Chimney Rock Trail, a round loop leading up a hill for a spectacular look over the Mississippi Bluffs.
In order to have a nice view, you have to walk uphill first. So I went ...
... I was huffing and puffing halfway up alread, so I needed a rest.
Oh my, more stairs!
But in the end, I made it up to Chimney Rock - and you can easily tell why it got its name.
But the view was well worth it! Among all the lush green, you can see Whitewater River in the front and the road that brought us here in the back.
The beauty of early summer!
Having enjoyed the scenery for a while, we went back down, but not without admiring all the plants. Some of them can only be found in the protected natural areas of a state park.
A couple of wooden stairs led us down for the most part.
The hills - or bluffs - are all made of limestone and already part of the Mississippi River Delta (while the actual river is another 30 min drive east). Limestone is a relatively soft stone and easily carved, both by nature and men as you can see here.
We made it back to the edge of the Whitewater River safely without falling.
Climbing my first hill was fun, maybe there is a mountain for me to climb in the near future, too?
Love, Dille
Posted Apr 5, 2015, 11:32 am
Have a happy Easter everyone!
Posted Apr 16, 2015, 7:06 pm
We were at the beach today!
Posted Jun 15, 2015, 8:16 pm
Great news! I'm going to Russia! I'm saying goodbye to my big sister Kamille. She says: "You can only take one item of clothes with you. Otherwise your journey will be too expensive." Ooooh, that's difficult! But finally I choose my little red and white dress. I hope it won't be cold in Russia!
Posted Jun 15, 2015, 8:17 pm
xxx Dille
Posted Aug 4, 2015, 6:47 pm
Hi Sis, hi Mom!
I am heading back to Europe with sannah. We were waiting for departure in the plane.
And off we went! My last look upon Minnesota, land of 10 000 lakes.
I am coming home soon!
Love, Dille
Posted Aug 4, 2015, 7:13 pm
Hi Sis, hi Mom!
I am still enjoying my travels with sannah. Today we went by train to Weimar, a small but vivid town in the green heart of Thuringia, Germany.
It is known for its cozy Old Town and as a city of culture.
If I am not mistaken, this tower is part of the old city walls.
Here you can see the Stadtschloss Weimar, one of many palaces in and around town.
Weimar was an intellectual "boomtown" around 1800, mostly due to those two gentlemen Goethe and Schiller. Their monument is standing in front of the Nationaltheater, but has temporarily been made a part of an Open Air Theater during the summer.
The Town Hall of Weimar is only one ...
... of a couple of beautifully restored buildings around the Market Square (Markt).
But there are wonderful buildings outside the Old Town!
This one is located right across the main station. It was already time to leave!
More coming up soon, there was a lot more history to explore that day!
Love, Dille
Posted Aug 12, 2015, 11:41 pm
We left Weimar, but stepped off the train not too far away, in Naumburg. The city's cathedral is a nominee for a UNESCO world heritage site, so far it has not been picked.
Unfortunately, we were a little too late that day (it was after 4pm) and could only see the cathedral through a fence.
Or from a greater perspective as we were standing on the Domplatz.
But it was not too late to walk further downtown and enjoy the atmosphere at the spacious Markt (market square).
Just by the architecture, you can really tell that Naumburg has a long history as a town. Most houses have been restored beautifully!
Until next time!
Love, Dille
Posted Aug 13, 2015, 12:03 am
Hi Sis, hi Mom!
It is late in the afternoon, but I had to show you sannah's former university city Halle (Saale), best known as the birth place of the composer G. F. Händel and former German minister of foreign affairs H.-D. Genscher.
Halle also has a potential Unesco WHS in form of the Franckeschen Stiftungen, an orphanage turned "school city" founded by the pietist A. H. Francke.
The yellowish building behind me is a pharmacy belonging to the Stiftungen which consist of long, white, originally half-timbered buildings.
Usually, a lot of people are hanging out at the Market Square which is dominated by the four towers of the Marktkirche and a fifth single bell tower of the church, usually called "Red Tower".
Funny thing: It is not red! There are several theories why it is called Red Tower though ... One of it says that red refers to blood because public executions were held next to it in early modern times. But no one knows for sure ...
And this is the memorial of Halle's greatest son: Georg Friedrich Händel. It faces west towards London where Händel lived most of his life and died. "Below Händel" is a popular meeting spot.
sannah also told me she got married in the beautiful big building behind Händel, the so called Stadthaus. It is just for representation and weddings as an extension of the actual town hall.
Until soon! All the best,
Dille
Posted Aug 23, 2015, 12:55 pm
I have arrived to Galiya apa's place
I was given a warm welcome by Buzz BlueJay too
Galiya apa says thanks!
I guess I should now go and iron my dress a little
See you!
Yours,
Dillle
Posted Aug 28, 2015, 7:08 pm
It was a cooking day today
Together with Buzz we learnt to make "manti". It's an Eastern dish, a kind of dumplings made of unleavened dough and meat filling (Tatar cuisine is mostly not for vegeterians )
So, the process!
Firstly you should make the filling, it takes the most of the time actually, if you do it properly. Chop the meat (traditionally it is mutton, but we took beef) finely, then add onion, also chopped finely, in the proportion of 50/50. Add salt, pepper and other spices to your liking (caraway, for example). To fasten the process many housewives here take minced meat, though it's not a traditional recipe, of course. Actually the recipies may vary, some add potatoes, some add pumpkin, just use your fantasy)))) Then make the dough: simply mix warm water, flour and salt. Here is our result:
Then roll out the dough, cut it into squares and put the filling inside.
Form mantis by attaching the opposite sides of the squares.
We made 4 such plates
We steamed one part of the mantis and the rest was frozen
Yummy!
Love you,
Dille
Posted Aug 30, 2015, 3:20 pm
That looks delicious! We can see you have fun with your host and your new friend.
Enjoy your stay at Galiya's home! It's great to hear from you, 'cause we miss you!
Love,
your big sis Kamille & Emjay
Posted Sep 3, 2015, 12:22 pm
Galiya apa's toyvoy is back home, she is very happy
Well, I have good news and bad news for you.. Actually today it was Galiya apa's small and modest wedding ceremony
But the sad thing is that she forgot to take me with her there.. So, I have a post factum photo only)
In the evening their closest relatives came to congratulate them. Anyway, it was nice to see their happy faces
Love you too!
Dille
Posted Sep 3, 2015, 1:06 pm
Congratulations on your wedding, Galiya! Be happy and stay happy
I'm glad to see Batyr. Give him a big hug from me.
Have fun, Dille. Your sister and me are looking forward to your next post.
Love,
Emjay & Kamille
Posted Sep 10, 2015, 7:17 pm
I'm here with a new update, at the end of which you will see something romantic and beautiful
Actually we went to a shopping mall called "City-centre" that is situated not in the city centre, of course, but almost on the outskirts, a good sense of humour they have
But these outskirts are quite privileged ones, since there is the Universiade village nearby (the 2013 Summer Universiade, officially known as the XXVII Summer Universiade, was held in the city of Kazan (Tatarstan, Russia))
We didn't buy much, but that's not the point of shopping, the main thing is to have fun
Then we went back home by a tram
Only two stops, not far!
And the promised romantic thing is a rainbow that we saw today in the evening
It was really brighter in life, but the photo is also ok!
Love you!
Dille
Posted Sep 20, 2015, 10:20 am
So we were at the hairdresser's yesterday!
I got a head massage and hair mask, I felt very girlish)) A nice day it was!
Cheers,
Dille
Posted Sep 27, 2015, 12:21 pm
Here's a non-routine update for me and a routine one for Galiya apa
We went to a local supermarket to buy some food
On our way
In the shop
At home
August-September are a watermelon season here) The one we bought wasn't very red, but it was yummy really! And on the last photo you can see a Tatar dessert called chak-chak. It is made of small fried dough pieces poured with honey paste. Yum-yum!
Have a nice day there!
Hugs,
Dille
Posted Oct 3, 2015, 6:20 pm
Another update and another trade and entertainment centre
Hugs and kisses
Dille
Posted Oct 15, 2015, 6:53 pm
This is going to be my largest update here I guess
The pictures were taken at the end of September, we went for a walk around the city centre, it was really warm then! Now it's coooooold, for October) +2C right now, if interested
Out of the metro:
A viewpoint from the top of the station's entrance (see the previous picture
)
Behind us is the Kazan Kremlin:
At the other side there is the beginning of the pedestrian Baumana street:
I have very few pictures of this street, don't know why
Maybe I was too busy looking around
Heading up to the Old Tatar district past fountains and the Tatar State Academic theatre:
The most of the renewed part of the Old Tatar district is situated near the bank of the Qaban lake. Approaching:
The views of the district itself:
During this walk we had a cup of tea and some watermelon in a local cafe here
It was a great day!
Thank you for viewing
Love you!
Dille
PS: A "déjà vu" photo
Posted Oct 16, 2015, 9:29 am
Thank you for the updates! The Tartan district looks really pretty. Good to see you're having fun!
Two weeks ago it was nice and warm here too, but now it's cold (+8 and mostly raining) Good weather to stay in and look at your updates.
Take care! We miss you!
Love,
Kamille & Emjay
p.s. We like your new hair ribbons!
Posted Oct 25, 2015, 2:43 pm
Another September update
We went to one of the recently renewed parks. There were a lot of people since it was a weekend, thus few pictures are here)
We ate some candyfloss
Life is sweet!
Cheers!
Dille
Posted Nov 15, 2015, 3:28 pm
Here is the promised surprise!
It took a loooot of time and a great deal of effort and patience to make it!
But I have a new dress now!
In fact it was a real challenge for Galiya apa since she had last sewed a garment 18 years ago at school)))) I helped her as much as I could
My dress resembles Tatar traditional women's clothing
I like it very much! And it's warm! That's vital since we have winter here already
Miss you!
Dille
Posted Nov 24, 2015, 8:05 pm
Are you and Kamille ok? You didn't react to the last update, so I was worried a little. Or maybe you didn't like my new dress?
Anyway, we went to a master class on ebru! Ebru is a traditional Islamic and Turkish painting art, and can be defined as painting on water and transferring this painting onto paper. This was a first try to all of us! And it was really interesting!
This is one of the pictures Galiya apa made:
And also we made a photo frame in this technique! Beautiful, isn't it?
Have a nice day! Take care!
Dille
PS: By the way all the snow from the previous photos has melted
Posted Nov 25, 2015, 11:48 am
I'm so sorry I didn't react earlier! We were busy with all kind of things.
Anyway, I looooove your new dress! I'll ask Emjay if she can knit a matching sweater for me. I'm glad you're dressed warmly now.
It's cold here too. We have rain and hail.
Give Galiya apa a big hug for sewing your beautiful dress! And also a virual hug for you from me and Emjay.
Your big sis Kamille
Posted Dec 2, 2015, 8:45 pm
There was a small, but cosy postcrossers' meeting this weekend
Galiya apa was very happy, since it was her first such experience ever
Rise and shine!
Dille
Posted Dec 6, 2015, 12:44 pm
We celebrated "Sinterklaas" yesterday. It's a Dutch tradition. Sinterklaas (St. Nicolas) comes by and gives presents to all children. I got a nice sweater, the same colours as your dress. Do you like it?
I miss you, little sis! I hope to see you soon! My regards and a big hug for Galiya apa, because she is such a wonderful host for you.
Bye!
your big sis Kamille xxx
Posted Dec 9, 2015, 5:48 pm
What a wonderful sweater))) We should take a picture together, shouldn't we?
Missed you too!
I have an update to come))
Wait and see))
Yours,
Dille
PS: Galiya apa wonders who brings us presents at Christmas, if St.Nicolas comes so early))
Posted Dec 9, 2015, 9:22 pm
Together with Galiya apa and her children we went to an interactive science museum called "Laboratorium"! It was fun!
There were many interesting things that just couldn't be taken pictures of, like a short absolutely dark labyrith where you could trust only your sense of touch or writing on a board with light etc.! But there are still some pictures from there, enjoy
The entrance:
The museum itself is inside a trade and entertainment center that can be seen out the windows of the museum:
The rooms with expositions:
A closer look at some of them:
Above there is a 3D illusion when you look inside.
The "inner life" of a piano.
Only three colours that make a huge spectrum when creating a shadow
An illusion of a portal...or maybe not an illusion
A huge kaleidoscope. In the background you could measure your lung volume by inflating a balloon.
Yes, yes, that is still the same museum)) Galiya apa had a try to sit on this chair, not comfortable she said
The distribution of weight, you know..
In fact, a head should lie on this plate, but I'm just too small to show you)) Another illusion
At the end of our visit we played this giant tumbling tower game:
So, I have surely become smarter!
Love you!
Dille
PS: And oh! forgot to tell you! We have a new tv guest, his name is GustavHH
Posted Dec 12, 2015, 3:03 pm
Heading to you!
Posted Jan 2, 2016, 1:56 pm
Posted Jan 2, 2016, 1:57 pm
Posted Jan 2, 2016, 1:58 pm
Posted Jan 2, 2016, 2:00 pm
Posted Jan 2, 2016, 2:02 pm
Posted Jan 2, 2016, 2:03 pm
Have a happy new year, everyone!
Posted Jun 20, 2016, 9:03 am
I'm at home with my sister, but.. I keep dreaming about far away places like Canada. I'm going there in August and I'm preparing by looking at the wonderful pictures by Smaug. Looking forward to visiting this beautiful country!
Posted May 7, 2017, 1:28 pm
My trip to Canada fell through. Never mind. Perhaps another time.
Anyway, I'm on a new adventure now, with my best friend Minnilotta. We're on our way to RikeH in Germany and she will take us to Niagara Falls! Isn't that great!? And it's cool I can share it with my best friend.
Before we went in our travel-envelope we said goodbye to Indigo, my big sis Kamille and my cousin Abby. Kamille smiles, but she's anxious to let me go. I got lost a few times. But don't worry, Kamille! I'm in safe hands!
Posted May 15, 2017, 7:01 pm
Look, Minnilotta and I arrived in Sülfeld. Dicker Kumpel gave us a warm welcome.
Then he introduced us to Kleine Fee, Stoker and Sansone. I am sure, that we will have a nice time together.
Love
Dille
Posted May 24, 2017, 7:52 pm
Can you imagine, where I am? Right – it's the Port of Hamburg.
And I saw the Elbphilharmonie of Hamburg in the distance.
This is the River Elbe.
And the Landungsbrücken.
Last views in two directions.
Yours
Dille
Posted Jun 5, 2017, 6:50 pm
There are 4 Round Churches on Bornholm – this is the Sankt Ols Kirke.
It was exciting. We climbed up these stairs.
Later it became steeper, very – and dark.
This is the altar.
I liked the painting on the ceiling.
The church and the bell tower looked so beautiful!
Yours
Dille
Posted Jun 5, 2017, 7:17 pm
The fortress Hammerhus looked great – it is only a ruin now, but worth a visit.
We had a nice view from this point.
The fortress was really big, I think. You still can see it today.
It looks great over there. I will have a closer look.
Really beautiful.
This was my famous view of the fortress.
Yours
Dille
Posted Jun 6, 2017, 8:24 pm
This is the Port of Sandvig
You can see two big hotels next to it.
We drove to Madsebakke. There were nice scratichings in the rock. You can see a ship here.
A better view here – it is a ship out of the Bronze Age.
I have no idea, where these circles stand for.
On the way home we stopped at the cliffs Helligdomsklipperne.
Yours
Lille
Posted Jun 12, 2017, 10:15 pm
Today we went to Almindingen – it is the fifthbiggest woodland of Denmark. First we went to the Ekkodalen.
It was so beautiful here.
The path was very steep – so we decided not to walk on it.
Then we went to the point, where you here the echo.
Next to it was a spring.
Then we went to the Gambleborg.
The way was long and exhausting – and unfortunately there was not much to find of the old castle.
But back at the carpark we stopped for a delicious licorice ice-cream.
We continued to the highest point of Bornholm – Rytterknægten.
The view wasn't that great.
I really preferred the lake not far away – the Borgesoe.
It was next to the fortress Lilleborg.
It was nice here.
Yours
Dille
Posted Jun 15, 2017, 12:00 am
We found a great place – called Slaus Stene. A farmer worked as an artist here – this is a self-portrait of him.
This was one of his first artworks – a card of Bornholm.
What a wonderful fortress.
I loved this troll.
This one was scary.
Surely he created a round church. It was so nice here.
Later we went to Arnager. The Danish love their flag. You see it everywhere.
But we were here for another reason – the longest pier of Denmark.
Surely we walked all the 200 meters to the end.
The view was beautiful.
Yours
Dille
Posted Jun 15, 2017, 12:07 am
It was time to show our holiday home. It was big enough for all of us here.
A great living-room…
…and a nice kitchen.
Do you know what this is? It was the start of a wasps' nest
These were our favourite places – we could sit here and watch TV, or turn around and look into the beautiful garden.
Love
Dille
Posted Jun 30, 2017, 2:03 am
What a beautiful place. I visit the Niagara-Falls. Behind me you see the US-Fall.
There is the Canadian fall – it seems to be wider.
It looked so beautiful!
We went behind the falls – well – this view wasn't that exciting. But it was very loud – and I felt the power of the water.
Then we went onto a great viewing-platform.
It was very wet – you see the people with the yellow ponchos. Thank you Rike that you took photos, although your camera got wet…
Our last stop were the rapids. The walk was called White Water Walk – and the view was so beautiful.
I learnt about rapids – there are 6 grades for it. These have the number 6 – the most dangerous rapids.
You cannot see on the photo, how fast the water moved.
It was a great day here.
Yours
Dille
Posted Jul 23, 2017, 6:53 pm
We went to Upper Canada Village. Many old houses are here – we saw many of it.
It was very interesting!
Bye
Dille
Posted Aug 7, 2017, 8:20 pm
A short review of Dicker Kumpel's birthday. We sang a song for him – then he got some gifts. A funny guy who glow in the dark – and someone who can climb on walls. Great.
Later we sat in front of a fireplace.
Yours
Dille
Posted Aug 7, 2017, 8:35 pm
Time to see the artists from Dicker Kumpel's birthday. The first guy walked down the wall.
We had a nice party with a drink and popcorn while we waited that it will get dark. And then we saw the funny green glowing boy. This was great!
Love Dille
Posted Oct 22, 2017, 7:53 pm
We were in Montreal. We went into the cathedral, saw a nice big sailing ship and nice old buildings.
Bye
Dille
Posted Oct 24, 2017, 3:50 pm
we are back in Germany - today we went to Bad Segeberg. There was a beautiful lake and a nice church.
Love Dille
Posted Oct 26, 2017, 10:20 am
we went to Lübeck – a very nice city in Germany. First, we saw the famous Holstentor and the storage buildings next to it.
Then we went onto a church tower and had great views over the city. Later we saw the city hall and other old buildings.
Yours
Dille
Posted Nov 10, 2017, 9:15 am
we are on holiday at the North Sea. Today we walked on a dyke to the Eidersperrwerk.
It is located at the mouth of the river Eider near Tönning on Germany’s North Sea coast. Its main purpose is protection from storm surges by the North Seas. It is Germany’s largest coastal protection structure.
Yours
Dille
Posted Dec 17, 2017, 3:42 pm
we were in Friedrichstadt. It is a beautiful city, I loved it there.
Yours Dille
Posted Jan 14, 2018, 10:50 am
Today we met Snowy and Rudi. Minnilotta and I recited a Christmas Poem and then we received gifts.
We all had a nice Christmas together.
Yours
Dille
Posted Jan 22, 2018, 1:17 pm
we visited Dicker Kumpel's Grandma and loved her Christmas Decoration!
Happy New Year.
Yours
Dille
Posted Feb 19, 2018, 7:39 pm
We were in Hamburg and saw nice thinks. The famous Elbphilharmonie, some parts of the Port, the old warehouse district, the town hall and the Binnenalster. I had a great time there.
Yours
Dille
Posted Apr 4, 2018, 10:23 am
Posted Apr 29, 2018, 5:42 pm
I went into a nice deer park today. First, we met a wolf.
Nice flowers…
We fed some friendly deer.
Can you see me?
Storks.
This car brought turf out of the swamp.
More deer.
Other animals.
At the end I saw wolves – that was amazing.
Yours
Dille
Posted May 2, 2018, 5:11 pm
I am on holiday again – this time we went to Kühlungsborn at the Baltic Sea.
This is the town hall.
There were more beautiful buildings.
A fish spa – this is funny.
Can you see us?
What a nice pier.
And a wonderful beach.
I walked onto the pier.
Great views in all directions.
This was a watch tower in the time of the GDR.
I had a great day here.
Yours
Dille
Posted May 26, 2018, 11:59 am
I spent a long time here with RikeH and Dicker Kumpel. It was a nice time – but now I miss you and come back home.
We said good-bye to all the others here.
I will miss my good host Dicker Kumpel.
A big hug – then I jumped into the envelope. Fortunately, I travel with Minnilotta. It won't be too boring.
See you soon!
Love Dille