Tilda, Home, Australia

becka_kate


Posted Aug 25, 2007, 10:25 am
Between March 2008 and September 2008 Tilda's temporary mentor will be Stef.

Well, I have been sitting and waiting for a long time to get my chance to be introduced to you all. My name is Tilda, and as you can see, I am a kangaroo with large feet, just perfect for leaping all over the place! While I am very proud to call Australia home, I am eager to meet the rest of the world and meet new people who I can introduce to Australia in some way.

My name is short for Matilda, the name of a very well known kangaroo that my friend Bec grew up with. This is where I get my love of sports from I guess. The Hockeyroos are a particular favourite - if you don't know, they are the Australian Women's Hockey team, and are currently ranked as the best in the world!

I would love to have the chance to see them play sometime, as well as to attend the Commonwealth Games.

I've just started a topic in the forum and would love to hear from people all over the world.
Delenna


Posted Sep 8, 2007, 7:08 pm
I arrived to Porvoo! I was immediately warmly welcomed by Lucky-Ducky (a TV visiting this family) and the people. Especially the young girls liked me very much from the start! I felt very relieved and safe. The people were having afternoon snack and they offered me some Carelian pasty. It was store bought and my host said the ones her grandma used to make and her mom still makes are better. They have a rye cover and rice porridge filling. Very yummy even this storebought!

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Cookbook:Karjalanpiirakat

My host took some pics, they'll be uploaded soon!

Delenna


Posted Sep 14, 2007, 8:37 am
Today we had a small sightseeing in the Old Town. My host and her eldest girl showed me the most well-known sight: the old shorehouses (those red ones by the river). The shore houses are now red, but they got their colour only in the late 18th century. Red ochre paint was used to paint the shore houses in honour of King Gustav III's arrival from Sweden. All of the houses along his route were painted, in order to make them more beautiful. The red ochre also helped protect the logs from wind and sun damage. Exotic fruits, wines and spices were brought to Porvoo, and the shore houses also served as intermediate storehouses for coffee an tobacco. Today the shore houses are used as private living quarters and storage space.

Porvoo is second oldest city in Finland. The current wave of settlement began in the 13th-14th centuries. Porvoo was grated city status in the mid-14th century. Porvoo has fought for its very existence on serveral occasions over the centuries. At the beginning of the 16th century, Danes arrived by sea to destroy the city. The Russians burned Porvoo twice. In 1760, a Porvoo housewife made fish soup, and the fire it caused destroyed the majority of the buildings in the city. The last misfortune was the arson in 2006 that greatly damaged a key landmark of Old POrvoo, the cathedral. At the beginning of the 19th century, Finland was annexed to Russia as an autonomous grand duchy. Tsar Alexander I convened the first diet in Porvoo in March 1809. In Porvoo Cathedral, he gave a sovereign pledge in which he ratified the country's religion, its constitutional laws and the rights of the estates.

In the fourth picture I'm looking at the hill on the other side of the river. On that hill there used to be a castle/fortress a few hundred years ago. It's special to my host as she used to date her husband on the side of that hill when they were teenagers :)

And in the last picture I'm sitting in the car heading back to host-home. I just wanted to show you that I was put in a seatbelt - my hostfamily really wants to take care of my safety!  :D
Delenna


Posted Sep 14, 2007, 8:47 am
This is how Old Porvoo looks at 9 o-clock on a Monday morning  :D Very quiet.

I got a lecture in history on the way to the "family-café":
Porvoo is second oldest city in Finland. The current wave of settlement began in the 13th-14th centuries. Porvoo was grated city status in the mid-14th century. Porvoo has fought for its very existence on serveral occasions over the centuries. At the beginning of the 16th century, Danes arrived by sea to destroy the city. The Russians burned Porvoo twice. In 1760, a Porvoo housewife made fish soup, and the fire it caused destroyed the majority of the buildings in the city. The last misfortune was the arson in 2006 that greatly damaged a key landmark of Old POrvoo, the cathedral. At the beginning of the 19th century, Finland was annexed to Russia as an autonomous grand duchy. Tsar Alexander I convened the first diet in Porvoo in March 1809. In Porvoo Cathedral, he gave a sovereign pledge in which he ratified the country's religion, its constitutional laws and the rights of the estates.

Porvoo has been an important centre of trade since the 13th century. Jokikatu and Välikatu have always been lively shopping streets. People came to the city to shop, spend the night, have fun and eat well. Today, this tradition continues as people enjoy the unique atmosphere in the streets, gardens, cafés, resraurants, hotels, galleries and museums. The buildings in Old Porvoo today were built according to a medieval town plan and are ofhistorical value in terms of their construction. The Old Porvoo district currently covers an area of 18 hectares, with 250 residential buildings and 300 outbuildings. Roughly 700 people live in this area. 

On the pics you can see the mentioned Jokikatu and Välikatu.
The pink building in the first picture is the historical museum housed in the Old Town Hall (1764). It features exhibitions from the prehistoric period and Middle Ages, clothing, jewelry, toys, vehicles etc.

That shop in front of which I pose on the crown is a toushop. They sell "old-fashioned" toys made of basically everything but plastic. The last pic is taken closer to the city center, showing the busy morning traffic on the main street.
Delenna


Posted Sep 14, 2007, 8:53 am
We left the older girls to play with friends and went to the library (me, my host and her youngest). We took some pictures on the way, just to show some regular street views. The first pic is taken towards the market place - malls/stores on both sides of the street.

In the library the pics are taken on the children literature side. I did a puzzle - the missing piece looks very familiar!
The last pic is taken from the outside of the library. It's really bigger than it looks from that angle.


Delenna


Posted Sep 14, 2007, 8:55 am
This is the little girl taking care of me! Keeping me warm and dry  :D
Delenna


Posted Sep 14, 2007, 9:12 am
I'm so glad I have my sweater! The northern wind is so chilly... The summer is over says my host and I can only agree with her. *brrr*

Here we're heading back home from the café and library. First pic shows the busstation, the second the market place next to it. Then we walked thru one of the parks. This one was called Runeberg's Park. It was named after the national poet J.L. Runeberg (see the statue).

Johan Ludvig Runeberg (1804-1877), who wrote the lyrics for the Finnish national anthem, "Maamme" (our Country), lived from 1837 on for 40 years in Porvoo with his family. He worked as a master at Porvoo gymnasium and lived in several addresses, lastly however in the empire style town quarter. He settled there with his wife Fredrika and his six children in 1852 and lived there till his death in 1877.
Poet J. L. Runeberg's home has been a museum since 1882.
The neighbouring block houses a collection of about 140 works of scuplture Walter Runeberg (1838-1920). The artist worked in Rome and Paris. His monumental works and portraits represent idealist classicism. There is a statue made by him of his father, J. L. Runeberg, in Helsinki and a smaller version in Porvoo.

After the park we crossed a bridge and I saw the river views. Those red houses are brand new. They're close to the old, red shorehouses and apparently the architects were inspired by the old ones.

Delenna


Posted Sep 14, 2007, 9:17 am
"The first sign of Autumn!" said my host when she saw those colorful leaves. She said it will be very pretty when all the leaves are colorfull like these.

Orthodox churcs near the home.

And a view to the home :) That white house on the right is a retirement home.



Delenna


Posted Sep 29, 2007, 7:32 am
Today we started a little trip to Tampere, a city about 200km from Porvoo. My host's eldest sister turns 50 and has a small party. In the car there were me, my host, her middle one and her toy doggie called Lurppa, TV Lucky-Ducky and my host's parents. My host drove and we stopped half way to the destination. The stop was a gas station/mall/cafe above the highway! We stretched out legs, my host's dad played moneygames - it's forbidden from people under 15 years so me and L-D just watched. We got to go on a slide too!
Delenna


Posted Sep 29, 2007, 7:39 am
Birthday party! There were about 30 people and one dog celebrating my host's sister. Good eating, drinkin, company... That white&brown cake is soooo delicious! It's made with a secret recipe only my host's elder siblings (and their kids) know. Their mother gave it to them, so my host doesn't get it, but she does get to enjoy it :)

My host, her daughter and us TV's stayed over night...
Delenna


Posted Sep 29, 2007, 7:56 am
here I am, in the city center of Tampere. It is located in the midst of a lake labyrinth - 200 lakes situated within the city limits! Tampere was established in 1779 by King Gustav III. Today it has over 200 000 inhabitants, being the 3rd largest city in Finland (after Helsinki and Turku). It's the 2nd largest student city (after Helsinki) and has for example 2 universities. According to a study in 2004, it was the most wanted place to live in! I don't wonder, it looks nice - and my host praises it too  :p

For example these things happened in Tampere the first time in the world: :stare:  :o
1974     NMT-phonecall
1984     biodisintegrating implant (Bioscience/Bionx)
1991    GSM-phonecall
1996      Personal Digital Assistant (Nokia)
2001    game- and photophones (Nokia)
2002     eCard (eTampere/Infocity)

More information here:
http://www.tampere.fi/english/tourism/index.html
Delenna


Posted Sep 29, 2007, 8:07 am
That is me at the railway Station in Tampere - and in the train with my host, her daughter and my friends L-D and Lurppa. Our tour in Tampere wasn't that long because the little girl got tired in walking, we understand her. I saw some very nice sights on the way. I even saw Hämeen linna (Häme Castle)! In the picture it's just behind those leaves.

Delenna


Posted Sep 29, 2007, 8:21 am
We arrived safely to Helsinki, the capital of Finland. There I am, in the Main Railway Station. I got to see a bit of the center as we walked to the buss station called Kamppi , which is quite modern (built last year) as you can see from the last pictures. It has 7 floors and 6 of them are filled with shops, stores, cafes...
Delenna


Posted Sep 29, 2007, 8:33 am
We took the buss home  :) On the way I saw the Parliament House and the Finlandia Hall and the Finnish National Opera House.

It was a good trip, I enjoyed myself  :D
Delenna


Posted Sep 29, 2007, 10:42 am
Greetings from Porvoo again :)

Today we visited my host's favorite sight in the town: the Linnamäki ("castle hill") where used to be a fortress hundreds of years ago. You can see the hill from down in my 8th September sightseeing (4th picture).

The hill is very "foresty" now and a good place to play Robin Hood I've heard  :D You can see the old town and all the bridges from the hill (on the right spot). The last picture is taken from the other side and there you see some regular houses.
Delenna


Posted Oct 3, 2007, 5:38 pm
These pictures are taken around the church (which you can also see there with pale roof - still being renovated). The red church next to it is The Small Church.

That yellow building in the first pic is The Bishop's House. This house was completed in 1927 and the bishop of the Swedish-speaking diocese now resides there.

The pink house is called The Poets' House. The city rents it for free to an artist (painter, sculptor, whatever) for a few years at a time.


More info also in English:
http://www.porvoo.fi/
annbear


Posted Oct 11, 2007, 11:41 am
Hello!
Here I am safe and well in Switzerland - the land of chocolate, cuckoo clocks and money. Maybe I´ll get rich...... :o Photos to follow of course. I´m looking forward to this.
annbear


Posted Oct 21, 2007, 3:21 pm
I am making my escape now. FREEDOM!!!!
I like the look of these mountains - very pretty I´m sure you´ll agree.
annbear


Posted Oct 22, 2007, 2:29 pm
Today I´ve been sitting on the balcony watching the world go by. I was glad I had my sweater as it´s getting quite cold - all ready for the ski season. Maybe it´ll even snow in the valley this week. Hurrah! :p
annbear


Posted Oct 22, 2007, 7:07 pm
I´ve made a new friend! There are lots of gnomes in Switzerland in gardens and on balconies. This is Cedric and he lives near the big window in Annbear´s apartment. Great view. We´ve got a lot to talk about but we really need fishing rods to complete the look.
annbear


Posted Oct 30, 2007, 7:13 pm
Another gnome!! Another new friend. This gnome is called Galen and he has come down from a high shelf to say hello and have a chat. It´s a very friendly place here.
annbear


Posted Oct 30, 2007, 7:16 pm
Another new friend -  a large furry dog called Bert. We had quite a chat. He wanted to know when dogvoyagers will start up but I told him I didn´t think he would like being posted much.
annbear


Posted Oct 30, 2007, 9:48 pm
This is me at the foot of Mount Pilatus. i hope you can see the red trains that take you up to the top. This is the steepest cog railway in the world. The gradient reaches 49 per cent at times. It´s very popular with tourists. Maybe I´ll go up one day but today we had no time.
annbear


Posted Nov 1, 2007, 10:27 am
I thought I would go for a spot of shopping in nearby Luzern. It´s very nice, right on the lake and I saw all sorts of different chocolate and even a few cuckoo clocks. Annbear wouldn´t let me in the expensive jewellry shops. Probably just as well...... :rolleyes:
annbear


Posted Nov 1, 2007, 6:50 pm
So this is me in Luzern saying hello to some exotic birds - a few of them were from my home country Australia - I´d forgotten how noisy parrots can be!! :o
annbear


Posted Nov 3, 2007, 12:58 am
I went for a little wander down by the lake - was very tempted to get on one of the boats and go for a cruise. Can´t go far here though - no sea. Oh well! ;)
annbear


Posted Nov 3, 2007, 1:44 pm
Hi, tree climbing is serious fun. I hope I don´t fall - it´s a long way down.....
annbear


Posted Nov 14, 2007, 10:00 pm
Hi, This is me in a cable car watching the other cable cars go down. Not sure i like this - we´re very high up :(
annbear


Posted Nov 14, 2007, 10:02 pm
Wow, this is cool!!! Up up and away........ :o
annbear


Posted Nov 15, 2007, 9:56 am
I went for a nice walk in the mountains - this is what was at the top of the cable car ride and I think you´ll agree - it was worth the trip :) It was so bright, I needed sunglasses and there was all this white stuff. You don´t get much white stuff in Australia!!! B)
annbear


Posted Dec 13, 2007, 12:55 pm
Avisit to Austria - more snow and very cold, about minus 12. I hope they do snowboots my size and do they have skis for kangaroos?? :p
annbear


Posted Jan 2, 2008, 7:46 pm
I think I make a very fine Christmas ornament. What do you think?
annbear


Posted Jan 2, 2008, 7:49 pm
I did visit here but was off elsewhere skiing down the slopes when the photos were done. Life is unfair sometimes. It´s very pretty and apparently here they speak francais or something - such a small country and so many languages - a bit different to Australia..... :rolleyes:
annbear


Posted Feb 3, 2008, 11:03 pm
This week I am off to Germany - time to get in the envelope and hope for fun times when I am released again ;)
BlackCat


Posted Feb 24, 2008, 3:54 pm
Hello,

I arrived in Germany safety. Fabi is a real nice girl and she takes us to a friend of her.
Photos will follow soon.

Have a nice day,
Tilda
BlackCat


Posted Feb 24, 2008, 4:15 pm
Hello mum,

we visited a friend of Fabi today - Vanessa. She is a nice girl and we had a lot of fun there. I watched her dog from a table :)!
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It was a nice day,
Tilda
fam-united


Posted Mar 28, 2008, 1:28 pm
Hi mummy,

I just wanted to let you know, that I arrived in Bruchsal. Petra is really busy, but we all wanted her to get in contact with our family before the human guests arrive. Petra told us, that her daughter celebrates her birthday today, altough her birthday was in December. It seems to be a funny family.

Bye, Tilda

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fam-united


Posted Mar 29, 2008, 6:48 pm
Hurray!!! Hurray!!!

We had a little party today!!!



We had some snacks and water to drink and a lot to laugh about, of course. Dogs became friends with cats, a turtle with a kangaroo, a monkey with a moose and more.

We played with a big and a small ball and we learned how to play the card game "Mau Mau".


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Didn't the table look nice?


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Mingus Moose prefered to sit on the ballon.


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(Playmo)Bill decided to not eat anything, because he was afraid to be too thick for his hobby.


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Bullet wanted all the peanuts for himself.

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Coco first had been a bit sad, because there was no honey on the table, but she liked the gouda then.


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How did (Playmo)Bill come to that peanut? Maybe he asked Mingus Moose???


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HolidayHarry had been really thirsty after eating a lot of sweets.


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Florence is very hungry and wants to try a chocolate banana muffin.


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Pebbels thought, that the Harry Potter muffin looked nice. It was a muffin with blueberries. Curly took the chocolate banana muffin too.


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Amara Anthea tried a muffin american style, just on with chocolate drops.


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AliG seemed to play the detective. What did he expect to find out today???


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Do you see how happy Tortilla and Josh look with this dish filled with gummi bears?


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Chokito, Davy and Schnuffi shared another Harry Potter muffin.


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Only Hasi prefered something healthy - she wanted to eat a carrot.


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I hadn't been sure, whether I should try a "nimm 2 " or whether it is better to eat a carrot too.



Then we started playing with balls. At first we choose the Australian ball, but it was so big, that the little toyvoyager among us had big problems.

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Later we decided to use a table tennis ball, which of course is much easier to play with.

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At last we learned how to play "Mau Mau".

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Our first winner was: Chokito
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Second place: Bullet
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Third place: Hasi
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Fourth place: Pebbels
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fam-united


Posted Apr 9, 2008, 8:09 pm
Today was one of the rare sunny days. Petra came home from school and packed her rucksack to show us some places in Bruchsal. She didn't have so much time for it, because she had to go back to school for a teachers' meeting.

Here you see the backfront of the palace.
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This is the Feldkirchle (field chapel)
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Next to the Feldkirchle (field chapel) you see this cross
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and these beautiful flowers
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fam-united


Posted Apr 10, 2008, 11:45 am
Today it's time for baking cakes for my host's mum's birthday. She is 70 years now and Petra was asked to bake two cakes: Donauwellenkuchen (Danube waves cake) and Zebrakuchen (zebra cake). Petra decided to bake a surprise cake too, with a part of the Happy Birthday song.

We sat all together watching and helping Petra with preparing the dough.

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So here are the photos with me. If you are interested in recipes, I can try to ask Petra to write them here or send them to you.

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Finally the cakes are ready

The nougat cream cake:
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only the words "Happy birthday" have to be put on the cake now.

The Zebra-cake
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Somehow we miss the last photo of the Danube waves cake, the one with the cherries.
fam-united


Posted Apr 27, 2008, 12:02 pm
Today Kari arrived at home again and he told us a lot about Australia. Now I know, that Kira1997 send him to my host family as a present for their daughter some years ago. He wanted to see them again, so he decided to go to Australia as a toyvoyager.

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fam-united


Posted Apr 27, 2008, 1:02 pm
Maybe you heard about the Buran arriving in Speyer? The new home will be the technical museum in Speyer: http://www.museumspeyer.de/index.html

The Buran ( the only space shuttle of the Soviet Buran program)was only on one unmanned spaceflight in 1988. The shuttle program was cancelled in 1993. It was destroyed by a hangar collapse in 2003.
The Buran is the world's first genuine space shuttle to be exhibited to the general public.

Petra wanted to go there to watch the arrival, but the weather was too bad, so we only got the chance to read the newspaper

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fam-united


Posted Apr 27, 2008, 1:14 pm
Hi Mum

today was a crazy, very busy and very rainy day again. It was only a short time without too much rain, so Petra decided to take us to a park with animals, that live in Germany. Here you see me with some wild boars. We only could take a few pictures and even missed some with the other toyvoyagers, because Petra's camera stopped working. She forgot new battery:(

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fam-united


Posted Apr 27, 2008, 10:04 pm
I had a really great day today. The sun was shining and it was really warm. Now I believe, that it is springtime.
Petra woke up early and told us to get ready to for a walk. We were very curious and excited of course. First we bought some bread rolls for breakfast (only a few bakeries or open on Sundays) and then we brought Ralf to work (normally he doesn't work on Sundays).

And then we drove in the car for about 15 minutes. We sat in the rucksack and you can believe me, it wasn't the best way to travel.

After we walked a little bit, we found this sign:

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It told us the rules, how we had to behave at this place.

Oh, you surely want to know, where we were. There is a small Japanese Garden not far away from Bruchsal in Münzesheim, which Petra was told, that it is really pretty. She never had been there before, but now she wanted to go there together with us.

So now look at the photos and enjoy!

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I saw a part of the Berlin Wall:
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This building was very interesting, especielly the ceiling, which was made of white and blue bottles.
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fam-united


Posted May 5, 2008, 5:06 pm
I think, I forgot to tell something about the history of Bruchsal.
Bruchsal was first named in 976 A.D., but since a few weeks we know, that it must be even older than this. They found something next to a church and realized that this is really old. I had been very curious to get to know more about this, but the weather was so terrible, that we had no chance to go there.
So you only see the most interesting places here. Petra was in a hurry, so the photos aren't that great she says.
Here you see the backsite of the palace and a part of the palace garden. The palace was nearly completely destroyed during the Second World War and rebuilt around 1973.

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fam-united


Posted May 5, 2008, 5:40 pm
Because the weather was much better than the days before, we drove to Untergrombach, which is one of the suburbs of Bruchsal. The Michaelsberg, a small hill - only 296m high, belongs to Untergrombach. You have a wonderful view over the Rhine valley and if the weather is very very good, you can see the Palatine Mountains in the far.
3500 - 2600 BC first signs of humans had been found on this place, the "Michelsberg culture".

This view shows a part of Bruchsal, which is at the border between Rhine Valley and Kraichgau.

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The quarry pond belongs to Untergrombach, which you see on this photo. This is the best view to see the Palatine Mountains on the horizon, but today we had no luck.

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You see another part of Untergrombach. You see, that it is also to the border of the Kraichgau.

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This nice chapel is called Michaelskapelle and it is on top of the Michaelsberg. Petra told me, that there are many couples, that want to marry in this chapel.

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Here you see so-called "Steinriegel" (field clearance cairn), made by people working on their fields a long long time ago. They threw the big stones from their fields to the border of the neighbour's field, so that in the middle all stones were accumulated. Many animals and flowers love this gaunt places and that's why a few weeks ago, people cleaned the Steinriegel from all the earth, that came between the stone during the many many years and from all the other plants, that love to grow in earth.

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Another word I learned is "Magerrasen" (neglected grassland), which is typical for the Michaelsberg. The town you see is Untergrombach.

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The Michaelsberg is nature reserve area, I'm sure, you already realized this too. There are beautiful rare flowers and animals.

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Tine1969


Posted May 12, 2008, 11:33 am
Hi :) !

Some days ago I arrived in Bedburg, the city of my new host. Here the weather was great - it was warm and sunny. I wasn't alone - another toyvoyager, Tux, welcomed me. That was fine too, because a new host family is always exciting and it makes me sometimes a bit afraid at first.

Because of the sun, my host Tine took the first photos outside. Tux showed me the nature of that place near my host's home. We sat down in the grass, looked at the flowers, climbed on some trees, had some time at the lake, saw the ruin of a former castle, sat down on a small bridge with the family's dogs - and at least we met a strange person sitting on a bench. We tried to talk to him, but he didn't answer...

Tilda
Tine1969


Posted May 12, 2008, 7:26 pm
Today Tux and I did a great trip - we visited the airport in Düsseldorf. Wow - the buildings were great and there were so many people. We also had enough time to see the airplanes. I hope you like our photos.

Tilda
Tine1969


Posted May 17, 2008, 1:30 pm
Hi!

Tux and I visited Cologne today. Wow - what a big city. After a shopping tour at first we visited the Cologne Cathedral. Then we walked to the ricer Rhine. I also saw the old church "Groß St. Martin" and the old quarter of the city.

Enjoy the photos :) !

Tilda
Tine1969


Posted May 17, 2008, 1:34 pm
Sebastiaan arrived today. Now we are three toyvoyagers in the house - great isn't it.

Sebastiaan is a new toyvoyagers from the Netherlands - Tine is his first host. But he isn't very shy - he showed us his new notebook, a nice picture of a typical Dutch windmill and some sweet special Dutch shoes.

I think it will be nice together with Tux and Sebastiaan.

Tilda
Tine1969


Posted May 21, 2008, 5:54 pm
Wow - we went on a trip to Monschau, a village in a montainous region not far from my host's home. There we did some hiking an climbing. After this we need some rest and bought cookies in a bakery. Then we went trough the village, looked at the old houses and visited the so called "Red House" which is one of the biggest houses in Monschau.

I loved this trip,

Tilda
Tine1969


Posted May 21, 2008, 6:43 pm
Today I had to go to the dentist - now I didn't have any teeth problems, but my host has. What a pity! Before visiting the dentist, we made a shot rest at the Hohensyburg or better at the ruins.

Tilda
Tine1969


Posted May 21, 2008, 6:45 pm
Good-bye, Tux - I am sorry that you left us today!

Before Tux went alone in the envelope we took some last photos. I hope Tux will have a wonderful next host!

Tilda
Tine1969


Posted May 31, 2008, 1:23 pm
Now I got the next photos from my host and of course I would like to show them - they had been taken our trip to Würzburg last week. We stayed there for two days. We went to the river Main at first and had a nice walk on the waterside. There we saw a great castle on top of the hill. And we saw also many ships on the river. Therefore Sebastiaan and I decided to go on a boat trip - we went to a small twon named Veitshöchheim by boat. There we visited the Rokoko garden, which was great. Sebastiaan loves the dragons most, but I was a bit afraid of them at first. Our host told me that they aren't real dragons but only stone statues... At the end of our trip we saw a funny green pig in the centre of the city - and another photo had been taken.

I hope you like my photos :) !

Tilda
Tine1969


Posted Jun 3, 2008, 1:54 pm
Hello - here are some photos of my last trip. We (my host family, Sebastiaan and I) went to Kornelimünster. I suppose you don't know where this town is, right? It's an old town close to the city of Aachen in Germany. It's not far from the border to Belgium and The Netherlands. In Kornelimünster we visited a great market. Many other people had the same idea - it was very full! Therefore we only have some photos of Sebastiaan and me - but I hope you like them.

Bye for today,
Tilda
Tine1969


Posted Jun 3, 2008, 2:00 pm
After some days with a lot of rain, we had a wonderful Sunday last weekend. We went again on a walk with the dogs - we started in our quarter of Bedburg, named Alt-Kaster. Then we went to the playground. After that we walked to the lake and then back home. It was great with so much sun.

Tilda
Tine1969


Posted Jun 8, 2008, 5:06 pm
After some days with a lot of rain Sebastiaan and I went on a trip today again. We visited the castle of Paffendorf and the castle park. It was fine there - I liked the nature!

I hope you like the photos too,

bye - Tilda
Tine1969


Posted Jun 14, 2008, 2:58 pm
Hi - today I have a short update for you. I visiting the open cast pit Hambach, an open cast mining in our region with my host. The weather was misty, therefore it was difficult to see much. But I hope you can receive an impression of everything, especially the huge excavators.

Tilda
Tine1969


Posted Jun 23, 2008, 7:34 pm
Sorry - I haven't posted during the last days. I had been a bit lazy, but at first Sebastiaan and I updated his travelog because he had to leave and to travel to the next host and then I was too sad for some days. But now I want to show you the photos of my last week with Sebastiaan and my host.

Here are we on the way to Tine's physiotherapy. We went there by car, but although I wished to be the driver, my host didn't allow me to do it. What a pity! We arrived a bit too early. During the waiting time we helped with the phone and the fax. And then we met Fridolin, the skeleton. At first I was a bit afraid, but after some seconds I liked Fridolin too.

Tilda
Tine1969


Posted Jun 23, 2008, 7:48 pm
Some days ago my host took Sebastiaan and me to her office in Düsseldorf. During the day we both helped her with her work. In the afternoon after work she showed us the Media Habour with the river Rhine, the TV-Tower, the marina and the silver Geary Building.

It was a day with a lot of work but also much fun :) !

Tilda
Tine1969


Posted Jun 23, 2008, 7:51 pm
On this evening we went to the castle park in Bedburg. I remember I was really sad on this evening because my host told Sebastiaan that he had to leave soon.

Here are the photos we took:
olgamaus


Posted Jul 10, 2008, 2:27 pm
Hi Mummy,
I arrived in Remscheid today. When I climbed out of my envelope I was welcomed by my new host, Katja, and the TovVoyagers Sylphide, Pip and Wadworth.

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My last host wrote a nice postcard to Katja.

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We had some fruits for lunch, peach and cherries.

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We'll take a walk in the afternoon. My host told me that yesterday it was raining so she can't wait to get outside.

Bye
Tilda
olgamaus


Posted Jul 10, 2008, 8:31 pm
Hi Mummy,
in the afternoon I took my first walk here. All the other TVs went with me.

Katja wanted to show us the muncipal park and an old district of Remscheid.

At the entrance of the muncipal park the observatory is built.

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We went into the park. Many flowers are blooming there.

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There's also a pond in the muncipal park,

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Then we went to an old district called "Hasten". This is one of the oldest districts of the town. Here you can see typical houses covered with schist.

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This is the museum of local history. Katja promised to visit the museum if the weather should stay bad.

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Here you can see an old factory building. Saws are made here. Im Remscheid all sorts of tools are made since centuries.

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Remscheid is built on a hill so you often have to walk steep uphill (and of course sometimes downhill). I'm glad I can jump so fast.

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In another little park a pillar is standing with the crest of the town and the names of the partner towns engraved. Remscheid has partner towns in England, France, the Czech Republik and in Saxony, one of 16 German states, formerly in the East of Germany.

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Bye
Tilda
olgamaus


Posted Jul 12, 2008, 10:03 pm
Hi Mummy,
today we helped Katja to cook a delicious soup with broccoli. We had broccoli, some deep frozen leek, green peas, vegetable stock, garlic and some spices.

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First we put some fat into a pot and steamed leek, garlic and green peas, later we put the broccoli into the pot and added vegetable stock. It had to boil for a few minutes, then it had to be purreed.

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We addef salt, pepper and spices like nutmeg, basil, oregano and mixed herbes from the health food shop. When the soup was almost ready, we added some green cheese and sour cream.

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The soup was really delicious.

In the late evening we were sitting on the kitchen's window sill, looking outside. We had two candles.

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While we were sitting there and talking we broke a secret. We told Wadworth where we will go next week (we were supposed to keep it for ourselves). We will fly to Munich on Tuesday. We will stay there until Thursday.

Katja told me that there is another animal living here that's called Matilda, but she is a real animal, not a ToyVoyager.

Here you can see Matilda:

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Matilda is a pet rat. Here you can see her and her daughters Karla (the grey-white one) and Nicole (the black-hooded). They are very curious and they wanted to play with me.

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They are not the only pet rats here. I was sitting with Sylphide in the corridor, where rat girl Jordan and her sisters were running around. The brown-white rat is Jordan, the others were hiding somewhere.

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Jordan seems to be a foot fetishist!

Bye
Tilda
olgamaus


Posted Jul 14, 2008, 10:53 am
Hi Mummy,
today a new ToyVoyager arrived, just in time. It's Barnardo from England.

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We have to pack our things now, we will have to be at Duesseldorf Airport at 08:20 am tomorrow. So we will have to get up very early tomorrow.

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Bye
Tilda
olgamaus


Posted Jul 18, 2008, 7:00 pm
Hi Mummy,
today we went by train to International Airport Duesseldorf in the early morning. We were booked on a flight to Munich at 09:05 am. After the check-in we went to the observation deck. We hoped to see a few planes landing or starting.

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We then got on board of our plane, an Airbus A 320.

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olgamaus


Posted Jul 19, 2008, 3:45 pm
when we arrived in Munich, we drove into town by train. We brought our luggage to our lodging and went into the old town by subway immidately.

Munich is the capital city of Bavaria, Germany. Munich is located on the River Isar north of the Bavarian Alps. Munich is the third largest city in Germany. The town has about 1.35 million inhabitants.

We startet our visiting tour in the old town.

Here you can see Sendlinger Tor, part of the city's former fortification.

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We were hungy and had lunch in a fancy doner kebap restaurant: Dönertier. It was opened by a Germany comedian, part of the famour duo Erkan & Stefan. Katja's daughter Alex was very anxious to visit this restaurant.

Erkan & Stefan created the "Dönertier", an animal that looks like a living kebap on it's spit. Alex wanted to buy such a plushy Dönertier.

Inside the restaurant we found a really exclusive interiour decoration, also many pictures showing the Dönertier.

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We found a shop where exclusive chocolates and other sorts of sweets are sold. We bought some delicious pralines and a special bar of chocolate for Katja's son.

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We made our way though the old town. I saw a lot of beautiful plastered houses.

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Here you can see the new town hall, located at Marienplatz.

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We then climbed upon Peterskirche, about 300 stairs. From the church tower you have a good look over the city centre.

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Here I am in front of the national theatre.

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To the same complex of buildings the Residence belongs, which is the former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs. You can also find the Court Garden in this complex. In the middle of the park in French style a circular temple (built in 1615 A.D.) is crowned by a statue of Bavaria.

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We went to English Garden, one of the world's largest urban public parks. We wanted to drink a beer in the Biergarten at the Chinese Pagoda.

First we rested in the Monopterus, a replication of a classical Greek temple.

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Katja had a surprise for us. She had contacted another ToyVoyager host who is living here in Munich. We met Pandamo in the evening. She also had some TovVoyagers to show them around.

We met at the German Museum, located on an island in the river Isar.

We saw some interesting things in the inner courtyard of the museum, for example this gigantic turbine, which belonged to a hydroelectric power station in China.

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Here you can see a  carousel close to the building of the museum and part of a ship's propeller.

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We walked along the river Isar with Pandamo. We made some group pictures with the TVs Mocha, Bestik and Hurley.

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We saw the Golden Friedensengel, which is standing on a pillar, 38 metres high. This statue reminds of the peaceful 25 years after the war between Germany and France in 1870/1871.

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We walked along the river Isar back to the English Garden to have another beer, but this time "Ein Maß", the Bavarian word for 1 litre beer.

We talked and talked and became really tired.  We went to our lodging in the late evening and fell asleep immediately.

Bye
Tilda
olgamaus


Posted Jul 19, 2008, 3:55 pm
Hi Mummy,
in the morning we visited Olympiapark. This is the Olympic Park which was constructed for the 1972 Summer Olympics.

Parts of the area are covered with a roof made of  plexiglas, hanging on gigantic poles made of steel.

Here you can see us sitting on one of the anchorage points.

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At noon we went to the Biergarten in the park. Here in Bavaria you are allowed to drink beer in broad daylight.

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After that we went to the Olympic tower which is 291 m high. At a height of 190 m there is an observation platform. From there you have a stunning view over the town.

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Here you can see the Olympic Village, where the athletes lived when attending the 1972 Olympic Games.

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We signed the visitor's book on the tower.

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We went back to the town centre to see more of the old town.

olgamaus


Posted Jul 19, 2008, 4:16 pm
In the town centre we visited the Viktualienmarkt, the most famous daily market in the town. You can find about 140 stalls and shops here where they sell all sorts of meat, vegetables, fruits, fish, herbs and spices flowers and more.

Katja's daughter tasted original Bavarian white sausages with sweet mustard and freshly baked pretzels.

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We are now standing in front of the Hofbräuhaus. A pantomime was standing in front of the beer hall. He wanted Katja to make a photo of him with me and Alex.

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Inside we ordered large beers, two "Maß". We also had lunch here. Alex had a Leberknödl soup and Katja had Obazda, a Bavarian cheese delicacy, a savoury blend of smashed mellow camembert prepared with cream cheese, cut onions and spicy paprika.

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We were very tired after that. Katja and Alex went to a vegetarian restaurant, we TVs stayed in our lodging for the rest of the day.

Bye
Tilda
olgamaus


Posted Jul 19, 2008, 4:34 pm
Hi Mummy,

today was our last day here in Munich. Yesterday in the late evening it started to rain heavily. Today it does not look better outside.

In the morning we visited the Residenz, but you are not allowed to take any bag inside the museum. Photos can only be taken without flashlight. We had to stay in Katja's bag at the warderobe.

Our flight back home was at 3:15 p.m. so we had to leave Munich early.

Here we are at the airport in Munich.

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This is our plane, again an Airbus A 320.

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I really enjoyed our trip to Munich.

Bye
Tilda


olgamaus


Posted Jul 19, 2008, 8:35 pm
Hi Mummy,

yesterday Hendrieke arrived, a ToyVoyager from Austria. Hendrieke is a goose.

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today we helped my new host Katja to prepare  her "Rumtopf" (fruit in rum).

We needed cherries (500 g), white rock candy (500 g) and a bottle of rum with 54 % alcohol.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/2682435433_266e013d39.jpg?v=0

First we had to clean the cherries and to pit them.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3185/2682435529_5bf7157c9a.jpg?v=0

Then we had to layer cherries and rock candy into the ceramic pot. Then you have to add rum until cherries and sugar are complete covered.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3229/2682435937_29e36c176b.jpg?v=0

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We put the lid on the pot and put in into the cellar, where it is dark and cool. In two weeks we will add apricots and peaches.

Bye
Tilda

olgamaus


Posted Jul 22, 2008, 2:57 pm
Hi Mummy,
today we met Felix, a travelling bunny. Felix is the main character of a popular children’s books series. When Felix is travelling, he sends letters home to his “host” Sophie. She is the little girl who owns Felix.

It was coincidence that Felix started travelling. In his first book he got lost on a holiday trip at the airport and made his journey round the world until he returned to his home. He became adventurous and started his next journey with the help of Sophie.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/2692283710_16f57edde1.jpg?v=0

Here Felix is exploring space. He writes a letter to Sofie from space. In his books you can find real envelopes and real letters.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/2692283770_78248075e7.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3219/2692283812_7b5bd69455.jpg?v=0

… and from the jungle …

[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3224/2692283854_f8c7b43429.jpg?v=0[/img]

… and from other interesting locations like the sea bottom.

When he arrives safely at home Sophie is over the moon. Maybe she hopes that Felix will stay with her forever but he’s already thinking about new adventures.

Felix is like a ToyVoyager. I also hope to get home safely when I finished my adventures.

Here in Remscheid it is raining. On Thursday the weather will be better, the weather forecast says.

Bye
Tilda

olgamaus


Posted Jul 23, 2008, 10:11 pm
Hi Mummy,
today the weather became much better. Since weekend it was not only raining but also  cold. We even had to turn on the heating. But today the sun was shining again.

The first photso are showing streets in the vicinity of my current home. Though you have to walk only a few minutes to get to the town centre with all its shops you have many trees here.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3113/2696057951_0647816b15.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3159/2696057601_65d9b91550.jpg?v=0

We went to the district Hasten. We walked along the route of tools (Trasse des Werkzeugs) which is a lane for pedestrians and cyclists which is build on a closed railroad line. It was sponsored by local companies. Each sponsor got a large metal sign with his name and a symbol for what the company is producing. In Remscheid tools are made since medieval times.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3043/2696056589_5aac39da45.jpg?v=0

You can find more tool symbols along the lane, for example here, where wrench patterns are stamped into the tarmac.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3203/2696871860_205aeb9104.jpg?v=0

Here you can see houses which are typical for this region. They are covered with schist and they often have green shutters. Most of them are build before 1900 A.D.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2031/2696056843_3c25e425e8.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3217/2696057001_44a2978e4c.jpg?v=0

This photo is showing part of the shopping street of this district.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3028/2696872316_01a158e7af.jpg?v=0

Here you can see something that is also typical for this region: Allotment gardens. Remscheid is located on a hill. You have many areas at the steep sides of the hill where houses cannot be built. Here you can find many of those allotments here. In Germany they are called "Schrebergarten".

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3101/2696872474_1b4e4c4fb7.jpg?v=0

We came back into the town centre. Here you can see a street where all houses survived World War II. In 1943 large parts of the town centre were destroyed but we are here in a part of the town that was not hit by bombs.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3291/2696872598_30c095dd85.jpg?v=0

At the moment I'm living in the attic storey of the house on the left side.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3003/2696057731_672db0fd85.jpg?v=0

Bye
Tilda



olgamaus


Posted Jul 25, 2008, 10:48 am
Hi Mummy,
today we went to Hitdorf with Katja's parents. Hitdorf is a small town located at the river Rhine. We took a walk along the river there.

Here you can see a ferry dock. The cable ferry is crossing the Rhine the whole day to bring cars, pedestrians, cyclists and biker to the other side.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3036/2699266078_94e4a71261.jpg?v=0

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http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3248/2699266536_f6a701f3ef.jpg?v=0

These power poles have protection against floodwater.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3146/2698449539_bbd775f7cb.jpg?v=0

We rested on a bank.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3176/2699265446_bc236d13f7.jpg?v=0

Many thistles are growing here.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3202/2698449277_095b4b76c7.jpg?v=0

This is the river mouth of the Wupper. The river Wupper is opening into the Rhine here.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3288/2698449437_1286839f60.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3197/2699266354_88810a7740.jpg?v=0

On the other bank a flock of sheep is grazing.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3098/2698623111_54c0c3067a.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3296/2699266660_305493a1bb.jpg?v=0

Bye
Tilda
olgamaus


Posted Jul 27, 2008, 9:17 pm
Hi Mummy,
today we visited the zoo in Wuppertal, one of the largest, most nicely landscaped zoos in Germany with many rare animals.

Wuppertal is the neighbour town of Remscheid, famous for the worldwide one and only Monorail Suspension Railway (Schwebebahn). The suspension railway travels along a route about 13 kilometres long, about 12 metres above the surface of the river Wupper and approximately 8 m above the city streets. At one point the railway even crosses the A46 motorway. The entire trip takes about 30 minutes. One of the stations is "Zoo/Stadion".

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3265/2707787584_58cb6cddc5.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3002/2706972103_9b5920581b.jpg?v=0

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http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3081/2707856256_29cae856bc.jpg?v=0

Here I am standing in front of the zoo.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3194/2707788154_befa0575b7.jpg?v=0

This is the entrance area.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3055/2706976163_991f5032e3.jpg?v=0

It was so hot today that many animals were hiding in the shadow or in their dens. The penguins were outside because it almost was their feeding time.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3224/2707788366_4a2473326c.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3093/2707788616_64a56b9b72.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3057/2706973169_0a4e338184.jpg?v=0

I saw Australian birds

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3213/2707791452_0aa7bdec90.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3092/2707791298_0eb34a7178.jpg?v=0

and kangaroos!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3190/2706977385_3182533c12.jpg?v=0

This is one of the ponds for ducks and geese. The island in the middle belongs to a monkey enclosure. The monkey can run and climb here.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3022/2707791652_33297a0b3c.jpg?v=0

Here are seals.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3185/2706976387_a50c89a77f.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3147/2706976563_325da503bb.jpg?v=0

When we left the zoo it started raining and we heard thunder in a distance. Now it's raining again.

Bye
Tilda
olgamaus


Posted Jul 29, 2008, 8:43 pm
Hi Mummy,
today Katja showed me the town hall. Katja took us to the law firm where she is working. When she finished work we only had to cross the street and we stood immediately in front of the town hall.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3094/2710578241_2b546cc9dc.jpg?v=0

Here you can see the lion, the heraldic animal of Remscheid, in front of the town hall.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3020/2711389926_767d226b8e.jpg?v=1217360390

This is the shopping mall that's bordering the farmer's market which is held on two day in a week.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3183/2710578921_d43b495458.jpg?v=0

This is a side wall of the town hall.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3183/2710578921_d43b495458.jpg?v=0

Here you can see the water tower. From here the water supply for the whole town centre is managed.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3108/2711390212_2d6602a29c.jpg?v=0

This photo is taken in a street in the vicinity close to my current home, a really quite avenue with lindens on both sides (and a lot of dog turd around every tree).

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3281/2714864968_c52a1cdf58.jpg?v=0

Bye
Tilda
olgamaus


Posted Aug 3, 2008, 3:26 pm
Hi Mummy,
today we took a long walk in a forrest in Solingen-Unterburg. Remscheid is surrounded by valleys, forrests, rivers and creeks. Solingen is one of the neighbour towns.

We saw a memorial for the German journalist and writer Hermann Löns. He lived from 1866 until 1914. He died in First World War. He is most famous as "The Poet of the Heath" for his novels and poems celebrating the people and landscape of the North German moors, particularly the Lüneburg Heath in Lower Saxony. Löns is well known in Germany for his famous folksongs.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3144/2727521597_fc414a161c.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3175/2727513237_295a2c3231.jpg?v=0

We reached the river Wupper. This part of the river belongs to the run-of-river power station in Glüder.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3211/2728350152_be1bf067ee.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2275/2727513337_6853ef198d.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3187/2728350274_d907273b3a.jpg?v=0

There's a nature trail in the forrest. Here for example you hear trough this ear trumpet the flowing of the water running down the rock.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3256/2728350500_a71149deb9.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3104/2728350408_b139f8f68c.jpg?v=0

We followed the river Wupper and crossed it here.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3037/2728350596_d2dabde2e2.jpg?v=0

At the end of our walk we reached the town again. From here you can go uphill with a chair lift. On the hill Schloss Burg is located, a medieval castle.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3052/2728342154_30832cc15a.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3095/2728342252_4b2e34ccbe.jpg?v=0

Bye
Tilda


olgamaus


Posted Aug 5, 2008, 10:15 pm
Hi Mummy,
today Katja showed us how to make a real cocktail. We made a Tequila Sunrise. Tequila Sundown would be better because it's already 11:15 p.m. here in Germany.

For a Tequila Sunrise you need Tequila, orange juice, grenadine syrup and ice, crushed ice for the glass and ice cubes for the shaker.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3018/2736736602_7402477d83.jpg?v=0

First you put 5 cl Tequila and 15 cl orange juice with ice  into a shaker. Then you put crushed ice into your glass and pour the juice with Tequila into your glass, using a strainer.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3100/2735902519_73c3dc70b7.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3091/2736736980_fe5a66837d.jpg?v=0

Then you pour 1 cl grenadine syrup from the rim into the glass. Put in a straw and stirr with caution until the grenadine will give a red shade on the bottom of the glass.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3221/2736737142_14c1ff707c.jpg?v=0

It tastes really good but you really should have only one of those cocktails. I think a bad headache would be the consequence of having more than one.

Bye
Tilda
olgamaus


Posted Aug 9, 2008, 4:59 pm
Hi Mummy

Lollipop, a care bear, arrived today.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3034/2746717770_aecbfae589.jpg?v=0

Katja decided to bake wafers. Tomorrow a friend will visit us and then the ladies and the TVs want to eat wafers with whipped cream and cherries.

We helped Katja to put everything we need onto the working space.

We had prepared everything for baking. For our receipe you need

250 g margarine or butter (to make the wafers a bit defatted we took 125 g margarine and 125 g curd cheese)
150 g sugar
1 package vanilla sugar
1 dash salt
4 eggs
500 g flour
1 tsp. baking powder
375 ml water
4 tbs. honey

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3226/2746204415_3867d88969.jpg?v=0

First we stirred margarine and curd cheese, added sugar and eggs, honey and stirred again. Then we mixed flour and baking powder. Then you have to add a few spoonfull flour and water alternately to the dough, then stirr again and so on.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3092/2746204527_9e31cf7f2b.jpg?v=0

When the dough was ready we had to preheat the waffle iron.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3013/2747040438_d70bc0b961.jpg?v=0

We filled dough into the waffle iron ...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3083/2746204907_a53397d052.jpg?v=0

took the baked wafers out of the waffle iron ...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3258/2747040568_2424238455.jpg?v=0

and piled the wafers.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3266/2747041124_a55699386c.jpg?v=0

When we finished work we had to air in the open kitchen window.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3267/2747040962_f464397ea5.jpg?v=0

Of course we tasted the wafers. They are really good. To eat more we have to wait until tomorrow.

Outside the sun is shining again after a few days of mostly variable weather. Maybe we will go outside when I finished here.

Bye
Tilda

olgamaus


Posted Aug 11, 2008, 6:53 pm
Hi Mummy,
today Katja took me, Hendrieke and Fester with her to work. She is working in a law firm. In her lunch break we made some photos.

Here you can see us sitting on the appointment calendar. I fixed a date, I answered the phone once.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3269/2752689231_b52dd3f2e1.jpg?v=0

This is a statue showing Lady Justice, the Roman Goddess of Justice. Usually she is holding a sword, scales and she is wearing a blindfold. This statue is a little bit abstract.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3116/2753522584_b139d207da.jpg?v=0

Here you can see us with the franking machine.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3267/2752688969_5923720b7a.jpg?v=0

olgamaus


Posted Aug 11, 2008, 7:03 pm
[php]When we finished playing with the office machines we went into the town centre. We had to buy some food like bread, cheese and fruits.

Many town halls in Germany have a restaurant in the cellar, usually called "Ratskeller". We also have such a restaurant.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3025/2753529844_ee070b0c45.jpg?v=0

The following photos are made in the shopping street. The entrance to the pedestrian area is marked by two large forceps.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3113/2752696729_5c0732643a.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3270/2752696911_72e0d37e9f.jpg?v=0

The shopping centre has a special decoration today - school started today. The school children had summer holidays almost seven weeks.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3053/2752697677_9d4d5b247a.jpg?v=0

Bye
Tilda
olgamaus


Posted Aug 11, 2008, 7:12 pm
When we arrived at home a surprise was waiting for us - mail from the USA. One of Mausi's hosts, wmphimu, had sent something to Katja.

We opened the envelope and found a cute book "If you take a mouse to school". Wmphimu had read another book of this series with Mausi and Katja loved this book. Now she received such a book as a present. She is really delighted!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3205/2753522858_84d0c5e39b.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3185/2752689463_ea78615e45.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3268/2752689567_4670916d8d.jpg?v=0

The story is told easily: If you take a mouse to school he'll ask for your lunchbox. When you give him your lunchbox, he'll want a sandwich. The mouse always wants more until in the end everything is starting from the beginning again.

This is my favourite picture:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2282/2753523784_017123f750.jpg?v=0

We like the book although we are not mice.

Bye
Tilda
olgamaus


Posted Aug 14, 2008, 1:47 pm
Hi Mummy,
today it was time to say goodbye to my friends.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3212/2762792246_01ddb694aa.jpg?v=0

I am now on my way to Munich.

Bye
Tilda
Pandamao


Posted Aug 16, 2008, 10:38 pm
It was a short trip and now I have arrived - looking forward visiting Munich.
Pandamao


Posted Sep 11, 2008, 10:25 pm
Today we went for another hiking tour - this time we were out all day for a 25 km tour. We started in Aying and then walked all the way to Kirchseeon. On the way we passed several lakes and had a stop-over and a swim at the Steinsee (stone lake).
Pandamao


Posted Sep 13, 2008, 11:52 am
Another day - another lake. The Deisenhofer Weiher is a nice little lake with a beergarden/restaurant attached. Today I did not swim as the wind was cold although the sun was still out.
Pandamao


Posted Sep 13, 2008, 12:06 pm
I went shopping on the nearby market - and it turned out that it is a famous market in Munich where lots of tourists go - the Viktualienmarkt.
Pandamao


Posted Sep 13, 2008, 12:10 pm
Probably it's one of the last summer weekends so I decided to go to Possenhofen at the Starnberger See (Starnberg lake). The water was still warm enough for a swim and I sunbathed close to the lake.
Pandamao


Posted Sep 13, 2008, 12:28 pm
The weather has changed - so no more swims in a lake. Instead we went sight-seeing in the Munich city centre. First we walked to the Residence, the Residence court and strolled through the English Garden to the Chinese Tower Beergarden.
Pandamao


Posted Sep 17, 2008, 10:09 pm
At first we were afraid when suddenly Maggy (our host's dog) jumped on the sofa. But then we realized that Maggy only wanted to play. She even offered her chewing bone. What a nice dog!
Pandamao


Posted Sep 20, 2008, 10:58 pm
Today we went for a walk at Schloß Nymphenburg (Nymphenburg Castle). It was a sunny day and great to see the castle. Unfortunately we had forgotten our camera, so no pics to see  :(
Pandamao


Posted Sep 21, 2008, 7:51 pm
This morning we went for a walk with the dog. And just when we passed the bridge close to Deutsches Museum a lot of horse-drawn carriages rode along. The horses were beautifully made up and the carriages with nice decoration.
It is the beginning of the Oktoberfest (large beer festival) and on this Sunday there was a tour of the city of horse carriage, traditional costume clubs and they were just heading off for the meeting point ... when we came home by chance we saw the same carriages at TV which showed the city tour.
Pandamao


Posted Sep 21, 2008, 8:41 pm
The weather was really nice so we headed out for a longish walk. First we took the S-Bahn to Weßling, then hiked along the Weßling lake over the fields into the forest and finally hit the Wörthsee (another lake). We went for a swim in the lake and it was great!!! Sun, blue sky, sailing boats, warm water ... and a day off from work with our host. Perfect! When we came back to Weßling we had walked about 18 km and then really enjoyed a relaxed evening on the couch.
Pandamao


Posted Sep 21, 2008, 9:33 pm
Today we went on the country-side. The round-trip from Aying took us over fields and through the forest.
Pandamao


Posted Sep 28, 2008, 9:06 pm
Today we had to get up really early - the train left at 7:42 a.m. to Geitau.
From there we walked about 3 hours to the top of the mountains to see the Soinsee (a mountain lake). When we came back in the evening all of us were really tired! Seven hours of hiking in the mountains!
Pandamao


Posted Sep 28, 2008, 9:28 pm
Today was another beautiful autumn day ... sunny, warm, a perfect day to go for another hike in the mountains. Today we went first to Schliersee (lake) and walked to the Gindelalm (Gindel alp) where we had a rest. Then we crossed the mountains and walke to another lake, the Tegernsee. The sceenery is great as the photos will show.
Pandamao


Posted Oct 8, 2008, 10:02 pm
Time to go - I'll continue the trail with BlackCat. Watch out, here I come!
BlackCat


Posted Oct 13, 2008, 5:06 pm
Today I arrived in Essen. It was the right time, because we want to do a lot the next days.
Today we went on a funfair. It was nice there, but not so much to see.
You can see a little bit on the photos.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1110/111008_kirmes_steele_14.jpg
There you can win toys, when you are good and catch them. We talked to the poor toys.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1110/111008_kirmes_steele_24.jpg
There you can buy candy. BlackCat got a gingerbread heart with the writing "I love you" on it from her boyfriend. It is so nice.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1110/111008_kirmes_steele_5.jpg
Here you can see the gingerbread hearts.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1110/111008_kirmes_steele_35.jpg
The bumper cars :)!

Have a nice day,
Tilda
BlackCat


Posted Oct 15, 2008, 11:30 pm
Hello mummy,

here is my update from the zoo. We went to the zoo Duisburg this Sunday. It was really nice there and I have made a lot photos. I will show them to you now.

When we arrived there, we first went into the aquarium, where we made some photos. I don't know the names of the fishs, but I like the photo.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1210/zoo_Bc_19.jpg

Then we saw this nice crocodile
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1210/zoo_Bc_31.jpg

And an iguana
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1210/zoo_Bc_32.jpg

We went into the Chinese garden of the zoo
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1210/zoo_Bc_121.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1210/zoo_Bc_130.jpg

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An elephant
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1210/zoo_Bc_17.jpg

An Amazon river dolphin – he is alone now, because his partner died in 2006.
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1210/zoo_Bc_41.jpg

lions
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1210/zoo_Bc_46.jpg

An unknown bird
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1210/zoo_Bc_49.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1210/zoo_Bc_50.jpg

2 emus and a zoo worker
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1210/zoo_Bc_51.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1210/zoo_Bc_52.jpg

Koala bears – Duisburg zoo is the first zoo in Europe who had baby koalas some years ago
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1210/zoo_Bc_55.jpg

Zebras
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1210/zoo_Bc_61.jpg

A seal
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1210/zoo_Bc_66.jpg

A giraffe
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1210/zoo_Bc_7.jpg

Penguins
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1210/zoo_Bc_73.jpg

A sea lion with her baby
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1210/zoo_Bc_77.jpg

Racoons (very far away)
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1210/zoo_Bc_84.jpg

Kangaroos – They are really far away, but I tried my best to make a good photo. Hopefully you can see them. They were so nice.
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1210/zoo_Bc_90.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1210/zoo_Bc_91.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1210/zoo_Bc_92.jpg

So, that was all. It was a nice day outside and I hope, you like the photos.
Will write to you later again.

Tilda
BlackCat


Posted Oct 17, 2008, 9:41 pm
Today we had to say goodbye to Nicki Bear. She is traveling again now and we are still staying here. Tomorrow we will say Goodbye to Odette. And we will have a special day. Will show you photos tomorrow, when the day is over.

Have a nice day,
Tilda

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1710/171008_11.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1710/171008_17.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Oct 21, 2008, 6:32 pm
Hello mum,

BlackCat and olgamaus met and went together to Venlo by train. It was a nice travel and we had a lot of fun. When we arrived in Venlo it was nice weather and we made a lot of photos.

Here is something about Venlo from wikipedia.org:
Venlo's history goes back to Roman times. Then it developed into an important trade post on the river Meuse and was a member of the Hanseatic League. It received city rights in 1343. Blerick, also founded in Roman times, on the other side of the river, was known as Blariacum.

Because of its strategic importance, the city of Venlo was besieged several times. The most significant siege was that of 1702, carried on by Menno van Coehoorn. Consequently, Venlo was incorporated into the Generaliteitslanden of the United Provinces and later became part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

And now the photos:

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1810/181008_3.jpg
A group picture in front of the post office. Hueso, Odette and Titch were too shy so they stayed in the bag of BlackCat.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1810/181008_5.jpg
That's the national coat of arms of the Netherlands. It is at the post office.

Some streetviews:
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1810/181008_8.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1810/181008_12.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1810/181008_67.jpg

The town hall of Venlo:
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1810/181008_13.jpg

Behind the town hall:
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1810/181008_16.jpg

In a souvenir shop:
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1810/181008_17.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1810/181008_18.jpg

A nice restaurant:
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1810/181008_20.jpg

A cheese stand at the market:
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1810/181008_22.jpg

We made a stop at the river meuse and wrote a postcard to an other host:
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1810/181008_25.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1810/181008_27.jpg

The river meuse:
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1810/181008_28.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1810/181008_37.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1810/181008_40.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1810/181008_42.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1810/181008_44.jpg

A streetsign
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1810/181008_48.jpg

A map of Venlo
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1810/181008_49.jpg

A shop decorated for halloween
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1810/181008_55.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1810/181008_59.jpg

A bar with a nice name ;)
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1810/181008_68.jpg

Soap bubbles on the street. There was a shop with a soap bubble machine:
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1810/181008_75.jpg

That was our day in Venlo. It was really nice and we had a lot of fun :)!

Tilda
BlackCat


Posted Nov 7, 2008, 10:54 pm
Hello :)!

Here I am again. BlackCats camera program is working again and I am happy about it. I am sorry for this late update, but there were a lot of problems here.

On the 24th October we went shopping for BlackCats friend, who will have a baby soon. We weren't allowed to make photos inside the shop, but we made some photos of the presents, we bought.

I will show you!

Tilda

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0111/071108_0.jpg
That's a towel with a cowl where you can put the head of the baby inside. The motive is a donkey.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0111/071108_1.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0111/071108_3.jpg
2 romper suits and a bib. Aren't they sweet?

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0111/071108_5.jpg
Me with the bib. It looks good, or?
BlackCat


Posted Nov 7, 2008, 11:01 pm
Hello everybody,

today we just had a lazy day. And nobody wanted to cook something. So we called a pizza taxi and they brought us some nice food.
We ate a cutlet with fries and as a dessert there was an apple pie made by BlackCats neighbour. It was really nice.

Have a nice day,
Tilda

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0111/071108_7.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0111/071108_9.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Nov 8, 2008, 7:00 pm
Hello :),
BlackCat was very stressed this week, so we just stayed in bed, watched TV and read a book. It was a nice week and we were really excited, because of our plans for the weekend. You will see later.

Have a nice day,
Tilda

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0111/071108_15.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0111/071108_11.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0111/071108_21.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Nov 8, 2008, 7:14 pm
Hello,

today BlackCat met a pen pal at the North Sea and we went with her. BlackCats pen pal was really nice and we had a lot of fun during the day.
We visited a rescue-breeding station for seals and saw a lot nice things there. I will show you the photos.

Have a nice day,
Tilda

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0111/Norden_11.jpg
In the rescue-breeding station we found this nice crab. It is just a statue, but I like it.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0111/Norden_16.jpg
This bird is eating rock worms normally. It isn't a real bird, but doesn't it look sweet?

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0111/Norden_18.jpg
A shell with a rock worm - not real, too.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0111/Norden_21.jpg
Here you can see a skeleton of a human and a skeleton of a seal. Can you see the difference?

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0111/Norden_28.jpg
A beach chair and we :)!

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0111/Norden_27.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0111/Norden_35.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0111/Norden_48.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0111/Norden_6.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0111/Norden_76.jpg
We found this ship on our way to the North Sea coast at the middle of the street.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0111/Norden_79.jpg
The North Sea

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0111/Norden_80.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Nov 8, 2008, 7:43 pm
After visiting Norddeich, we drove to Pilsum. There is a nice light house where a famous German movie was made. The "Otto" movies were made there.
It was already dark and it started to rain, so we just have one photo.
Hope you like it,
Tilda

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0111/Norden_101.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Nov 8, 2008, 7:48 pm
Today we welcomed a new guest. Margarida arrived from Remscheid today. Such a sweet bunny. We are good friends already.

Tilda

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0111/071108_34.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0111/071108_35.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0111/071108_37.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Nov 14, 2008, 2:15 am
Hello :)!

Today we went into the forest. We had a long walk there and when it got dark, we started to go a little bit faster because no one wanted to be in the forest while it is dark.
We saw a lot nice places and lots of nature. We made some photos, which I want to show you now :)!

Love,
Tilda

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1311/091108_2_10.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1311/091108_2_22.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1311/091108_2_17.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1311/091108_2_30.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1311/091108_2_7.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1311/091108_2_4.jpg
That's a lorry of former coal mine Katharina. The coal mine was closed 1972, only the lorry is left. The lorry should remind us of the coal mine.
BlackCat


Posted Nov 14, 2008, 2:21 am
Hello :),

today Sunshine, one of the TVs of BlackCat, arrived here again. She told us about her travel to Portugal and showed us her photos online.
I think we would become friends.

Tilda

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1311/131108_2_12.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Nov 16, 2008, 3:18 am
Hello :)!

Today we watched Domino Day in TV.
Domino Day is a world record attempt for the highest number of falling domino stones, organised each year by Endemol Netherlands. Together with Robin Paul Weijers, also known as Mr. Domino, parties team up to set a new world record.
I really loved all the nice pictures they made. But the TV isn't really good for photos. I hope you like it :)!
If you want to see a video of it, search at youtube for Domino Day 2008. There are nice things to see.

Tilda

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1411/141108_19.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1411/141108_15.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Nov 20, 2008, 7:10 pm
Hello everybody,

today was our washing day. BlackCat but all the dirty clothes in a big laundry basket and we sat us on it. We had a nice view when she took us to the washing machine.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/1711/171108_1.jpg

When we arrived, we looked at the washing machine. I saw the empty washer drum. Nothing was inside.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/1711/171108_6.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/1711/171108_5.jpg

BlackCat said, we should put the washing powder inside. We looked where and we found the box for the washing powder at the machine.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/1711/171108_7.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/1711/171108_12.jpg

Then she put the clothes inside and started the machine. We looked how long it will need and then went back into the living room.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/1711/171108_15.jpg

When BlackCat put the clothes into the dryer, we weren't allowed to go with her. She said, that she had put one toy in the dryer without washing it before and we didn't want to go with her, anymore.

It was a lot work, but it was nice.

Tilda
BlackCat


Posted Nov 20, 2008, 7:42 pm
Hello :)!

Today we had to help BlackCat making some things ready for her birthday tomorrow :)! It was nice to help her in the kitchen.
She wanted to make a marble cake and muffins. We helped her with the muffins and with the dough for the marble cake. When she was ready with the marble cake, we were really tired and slept. So she didn't make photos of us with it. Just with the muffins.

We started with the muffins. We put the dough into paper muffin cups.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/1811/181108_17.jpg

They were put on a baking dish. We put it into the oven.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/1811/181108_16.jpg

When they came out, they were ready. And they smelled so nice.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/1811/181108_35.jpg

Then we started to make the dough for the marble cake. My challenge was the vanillin sugar.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/1811/181108_31.jpg

I put it into the dish.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/1811/181108_32.jpg

Margarida and Dieuwerke added their ingredients and BlackCat mixed them. It was really nice :)!

Tilda

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/1811/181108_22.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Nov 20, 2008, 8:21 pm
Hello :)!

Before celebrating her birthday BlackCat went to Steele with us. We visited the christmas market (which was closed while we were there - it was too early). But we have photos for you because you can't close this piece of the christmas market :)!

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/1911/191108_2.jpg
A nice sheep watching us.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/1911/191108_10.jpg
A donkey. Its a girl - called Dalari. She was so sweet.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/1911/191108_14.jpg
A funny comic with a seagull. Isn't it nice?

When we waited at the bus stop we saw this police car. When the police men were away, we made some photos quickly. BlackCat said, that we aren't allowed to make a photo of a police man.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/1911/191108_29.jpg

Then we went back home.

Tilda
BlackCat


Posted Nov 20, 2008, 8:23 pm
Hello :)!

Before the guests arrived, we made a photo with the birthday table. You can see the marble cake, the muffins and some cookies of BlackCats grandmother (but you have to look really near).

Tilda

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/1911/191108_34.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/1911/191108_35.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/1911/191108_36.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Nov 20, 2008, 8:34 pm
Hello :)!

Today we had a boring day. But we helped BlackCat making some postcards ready for postcrossing. We choosed them. What do you think?!

Tilda

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2011/201108_1.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2011/201108_2.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2011/201108_3.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Nov 21, 2008, 3:42 pm
Hello :)!

It is snowing outside. We looked outside the window and it was snowing.
It was so nice. Now it isn't snowing anymore, but they said in the weather forecast, that there will be more snow tomorrow!

Tilda

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2111/211108_14.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2111/211108_15.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2111/211108_5.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Nov 22, 2008, 12:54 am
Hello :)!

When we saw that it was still snowing outside, we asked BlackCat to go outside with us. We were really happy, when she said Okay.
So we went outside, while it was dark already.
We built a little snowman and sat down on a stump. It was really nice sitting in the cold snow.

Tilda

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2111/211108_2_7.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2111/211108_2_15.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Nov 24, 2008, 9:29 am
Today I was allowed to sit on the breakfast table of BlackCat and her boyfriend. I was not alone, Dieuwerke and Margarida were with me. We sat there and we were allowed to eat a little bit of the bread rolls. They were really nice. We talked about our plans for the next week and about what we all have seen already. It was so nice.

Tilda

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2211/221108_2_2.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Nov 24, 2008, 9:53 am
BlackCat was away all the day long and we had a lot fun being alone in the flat. When she came back, she helped us in her bag and we went out in the garden of her mum. She wanted to show us something. When we arrived there was a lot snow and some nice things we were able to see and make photos with!

Tilda

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2311/231108_2_20.jpg
That's the birdhouse of her mum. Really nice :)!

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2311/231108_2_23.jpg
That's a reindeer decorated with a chain of lights. But they weren't on.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2311/231108_2_33.jpg
A terracotta snowman. Isn't he nice? :)
BlackCat


Posted Nov 24, 2008, 7:13 pm
Hello mum,

all the best for your birthday. I really hope that you have a nice day :)!

Your,
Tilda

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2411/241108_28.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2411/241108_29.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2411/241108_30.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Nov 26, 2008, 6:22 pm
It was snowing the whole day, but BlackCat wanted to go outside. So she put us in a warm bag and we drove to Burgaltendorf. That's a part of Essen, where a castle ruin can be found.

We went there and we had a lot of fun making photos in the snow :)!

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2411/241108_42.jpg
A field in front of the castle ruin.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2411/241108_48.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2411/241108_59.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2411/241108_60.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2411/241108_61.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2411/241108_74.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2411/241108_79.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Nov 26, 2008, 6:28 pm
Today we went shopping with BlackCat. In the centre we found this nice deco. We have just one picture, as it was too dark for more. I am really sorry.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2411/241108_16.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Nov 26, 2008, 6:39 pm
Hello,

today a big envelope arrived. We all sat around it and looked at it carefully. BlackCat said, it could be a new ToyVoyager.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2411/241108_86.jpg

So Margarida listen, if she could hear something. And there was someone speaking with her: "Help me off, please!" The voice said.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2411/241108_87.jpg

Everyone gets afraid of the envelope, but BlackCat opened it a little bit and Dieuwerke took a look inside...it was dark...but then...

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2411/241108_88.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2411/241108_89.jpg

Dieuwerke saw someone. It was Berkeley. Dieuwerke asked him to come outside.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2411/241108_91.jpg

So, Welcome Berkeley!

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2411/241108_90.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Dec 16, 2008, 10:46 pm
Today we said Goodbye to our dear Dieuwerke. We hugged her and were really sad. She is such a nice girl and I really like her. Hopefully we will see us again, soon.

Goodbye Dieuwerke, have a good travel,

Tilda

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/3011/301108_B_4.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/3011/301108_B_9.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Dec 16, 2008, 11:07 pm
Today is the first advent, so we had one burning candle on the advent wreath. After that we drove to Manderscheid for a "Burgenweihnacht" (a christmas market at a castle). We made some photos for you =)!

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/3011/141208_11.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/3011/301108_To_105.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/3011/301108_To_106.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/3011/301108_To_107.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/3011/301108_To_77.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/3011/301108_To_78.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/3011/301108_To_82.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/3011/301108_To_83.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/3011/301108_To_86.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/3011/301108_B_10.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/3011/301108_B_12.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/3011/301108_B_13.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/3011/301108_To_100.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/3011/301108_To_177.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Dec 27, 2008, 11:41 pm
Today we visited Wittlich. It is a nice old town with some nice old houses and a lot of pig statues.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/0112/301108_B_32.jpg
Some old houses

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/0112/301108_B_33.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/0112/301108_B_34.jpg
Just sitting around :)!

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/0112/301108_B_43.jpg
A nice view over the city.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/0112/301108_B_47.jpg
Some pigs...

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/0112/301108_To_240.jpg
...and more pigs.
BlackCat


Posted Dec 27, 2008, 11:52 pm
Today was the second advent. We helped BlackCat decorating her living room a little bit. She took a nativity scene out of a package and we looked at it. It looked so nice.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/0712/141208_10.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/0712/141208_28.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/0712/141208_23.jpg

After that we sat down in front of the advent wreath and sang a Christmas song together. What a nice day.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/0712/141208_16.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Dec 27, 2008, 11:58 pm
Today we went on the christmas market in the city. First we saw the big christmas tree at the main station. It was such a nice tree. BlackCat told us, that it is normally more decorated, but we loved it so much.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/1112/181208_5.jpg

After that we saw the statue of William I..

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/1112/181208_23.jpg

When we turned right a little bit I sat down. What a nice view of the cathedral and the town hall in the background. I really enjoyed it.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/1112/181208_24.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/1112/181208_25.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/1112/181208_26.jpg

Then I saw the big wheel. It looked so big. Wow.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/1112/181208_27.jpg

Then we went to the big nativity scene in the city. We saw some real animals and the statues. It looked nice, but a little bit like a shopping window in a big clothes shop.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/1112/181208_44.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/1112/181208_49.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Dec 28, 2008, 12:10 am
Today is the 3rd advent and we all sat at the advent wreath and thought about our wishes for christmas.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/1412/141208_12.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Dec 28, 2008, 12:14 am
Today we went into the city again, because BlackCat had to go to the bank. So we went with her.

When we went around we saw the carillon in the city. It was built in 1928 on the Limbecker street. The owner concealed it in the second world war so that it wasn't melt down for weapons. The house where it was in 1928 was destroyed in the second world war. After the war the owner bought a new house in the Kettwiger street where we saw the carillon now. It was rebuilt with the original bells in 1949. And there it is now.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/1912/181208_9.jpg

After that we went to the bank and saw the nice christmas bear next to it. He asked me what my wishes for christmas are and I told him a little bit about them. He listened to me and after some minutes we took this photo and went again.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/1912/181208_54.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Dec 28, 2008, 12:39 am
After decorating the christmas tree today, we sat down in front of the advent wreath and watched the four candles. It was such a nice moment.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2112/271208_11.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2112/271208_12.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Dec 28, 2008, 12:43 am
Today is christmas eve. It is normal, that German children get some of their presents on christmas eve. BlackCat was visited by her parents and her brother today. We all spent a nice evening together.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2412/251208_b_46.jpg
All presents that BlackCat got. Wow...

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2412/251208_b_47.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2412/251208_b_48.jpg
Me sitting on the christmas tree :)!

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2412/251208_b_58.jpg
Selfmade marzipan potatoes - really nice.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2412/251208_b_57.jpg
Muffins, gingerbread and cookies - jummie.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2412/271208_0.jpg
Santa Claus even thought of me.

What's inside?

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2412/271208_7.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2412/271208_8.jpg
Wow, a little pin with the emblem of Essen. Thanks Santa.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2412/271208_9.jpg
We all got one :)!

Mum, can you please send BlackCat your address? We will send it to you then, because I am afraid that it could get lost on my travel.
BlackCat


Posted Jan 4, 2009, 5:47 am
Hello :)!

Today we went to the mailbox together with BlackCat. It was very cold outside. We could see our own breath in the air and the cars had ice on them. It was soooo cold. I was freezing a little bit. But BlackCat put us in her pocket when we were freezing too much.
The next mailbox is 10 minutes away from here. That's not much, but some years ago there was a mailbox just around the courner of BlackCats house. The post office put it away and now everybody here has to walk 10 minutes.
When we arrived at the mailbox we had a short break on it. It was so nice.

Tilda

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2912/291208_3.jpg
BlackCats house from behind

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2912/291208_24.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2912/291208_25.jpg
on the mailbox :)

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2912/291208_13.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/2912/291208_19.jpg
ice on the car windows.
BlackCat


Posted Jan 4, 2009, 5:59 am
Wow, the last day of 2008.
We went to BlackCats parents and ate some Fondue with them. It was really funny to sit around and wait for our food.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/3112/311208_4.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/3112/311208_5.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/3112/311208_6.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/3112/311208_7.jpg

After eating we saw Angela Merkel in TV. She told everybody about her wishes for the next year and about the political situation. It was really interesting.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2008/3112/311208_11.jpg

And then the Countdown came...

10...
9...
8...
7...
6...
5...
4...

3...
2...
1...
BlackCat


Posted Jan 4, 2009, 6:35 am
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009!!!!!

The woman in TV was still talking while the countdown was already over and the firework behind her was starting. We watched the firework in TV, as outside it was too cold for us. We stayed inside while BlackCat and her family made some firework outside. It was funny.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/01/010109_3.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/01/010109_4.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Jan 4, 2009, 6:38 am
Today we helped BlackCat make some cards ready for postcrossing. She is a really active member there (her username there is Fabi) and we hope to show you some postcard she is getting soon :)!

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/02/020109_0.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/02/020109_2.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Jan 4, 2009, 6:53 am
Today we sat around on the desk and watched the whole flat, when BlackCat brought us a big envelope.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/03/030109_1.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/03/030109_2.jpg

First we didn't know why she brought it to us, but then we heard a voice from inside.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/03/030109_3.jpg

And then Thiele came outside. He said Hello to us.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/03/030109_4.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/03/030109_6.jpg

And then he showed us the postcard he was bringing for BlackCat. What a nice card.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/03/030109_7.jpg

So, welcome Thiele. I hope you'll have some great moments here =)!
BlackCat


Posted Jan 5, 2009, 6:36 am
Today we visited the Zollverein coking plant in Essen. It is one part of the World heritage Zollverein.

I first would like to tell you something about it:

The Zollverein coking plant in the Essen suburb of Stoppenberg was built between 1958 and 1961 as a working link with shaft 12 at the Zollverein Pit next door. The coking plant took huge amounts of coal from the pit, as well as from other collieries in the region, and processed them into coke. Soon the maximum daily production of 5000 tons of coke was insufficient to meet demand. For this reason the plant was extended in the 1970s, when it became one of the largest and most modern coking plants in Europe. The Zollverein coking plant employed 1000 persons and produced amounts of coke well in excess of 7000 tons per day. Because coke ovens should never be allowed to get cold, production continued non-stop around the clock for 365 days a year. During the 1980s and 1990s demand for coke steadily declined as a result of the crisis in the steel industry, and on the 30th June 1993 the Zollverein coking plant was finally closed down.

It was really interested to see how such a coking plant looks like. I will show you the photos now and I will try to tell you, what you can see on the photos and what it was for.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/04/040109_3.jpg
That's the shaft 12 at the Zollverein Pit from behind. We went through a forrest when we made this picture.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/04/040109_10.jpg
That is a hoist. It can be moved on trails. It is so big, you can't believe it until you see it.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/04/040109_21.jpg
You can see a part of the coke oven batteries on this picture and behind it you can see the "Sonnenrad". It is a big wheel where you can see the coking plant from above and you can drive in it with this big wheel. It wasn't opened.
This photo was made in front of the ice skating parkour. It is always in front of the oven batteries in winter. It will be close again on the 11th January. There were a lot people skating.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/04/040109_33.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/04/040109_34.jpg
Again two photos in front of the oven batteries. I am sitting on the coping of the conveyor band.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/04/040109_36.jpg
That's a machine which brought the coal into the oven batteries. It is really big for a little one like me.

I hope you like the pictures and the informations about the coking plant. Maybe we will go there again and show you some other areas of it. But now we have to get warm again.

Greetings,
Tilda
BlackCat


Posted Jan 13, 2009, 5:02 pm
When I looked outside today I was surprised. There was so much snow. I can't go away from the window. It looked so good. Snow, everywhere snow ;)!
BlackCat said that there are around 10cm new snow here. Wow.

Tilda

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/05/050109_14.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/05/050109_15.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Jan 15, 2009, 12:23 pm
Today we went with BlackCat into the city centre. She had to go to the doctor and we went with her. As we had not much time she just showed us the church in the city. I really like this little church :)!

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/06/060109_40.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Jan 15, 2009, 12:55 pm
Today we said Goodbye to Margarida and Berkeley. They have to travel on. I really hope, that they will have a good travel!

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/07/070109_0.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/07/070109_3.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/07/070109_4.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/07/070109_6.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Jan 15, 2009, 8:56 pm
Today a new envelope arrived here.
We were really snoopy who has arrived there.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/12/120109_0.jpg

Then a little head looked outside of the envelope.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/12/120109_1.jpg

Oh, it is Friendship bear :)! Welcome :)!

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/12/120109_2.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Jan 17, 2009, 3:36 pm
Hello :)!

Today a lot ToyVoyager arrived here. 4 new Voyagers arrived here. Wow. That is a lot, or?

So, we welcomed Germania and Tiger Lilly :)!

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/17/1701_DSCI2081.jpg

And then Bruni Lila.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/17/1701_DSCI2083.jpg

And then we said hello to Cassandra.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/17/1701_DSCI2084.jpg

So much new guests :)!

Happy welcome :)!
BlackCat


Posted Mar 18, 2009, 11:36 pm
Today we went to a part of Essen that is called Kray. BlackCat needed to get a package from the post office there so we went there all together. On the way back to a bus stop we saw this wonderful church. It is the St. Barbara church. BlackCats grandparents married in this church. Doesn’t it look nice?

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/19/5a81227c.jpg
The church tower

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/19/6.jpg
The front door of the church

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/19/7.jpg
Another view of the tower.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/19/2.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Mar 18, 2009, 11:39 pm
http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/23/9.jpg
That’s us in front of the pitman statue in Steele. Pitmen were really good for the city Essen, because they had a lot of coal mines here. Now there are only a few ones left and no one is still working, but this statue should remind you of the pitmen that did the work to make Essen to such a big city like it is now.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/23/10.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/23/11.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Mar 18, 2009, 11:41 pm
Today we went with BlackCat when she visited her boyfriend at work. He is working in a company that is in the Margarethenhöhe.
The Margarethenhöhe is a jewel of the city. It is one of the loveliest examples of the German garden city idea. This area of the city is idyllic and was donated in 1906 by Margarethe Krupp on the occasion of her daughter Bertha’s wedding. Maximum two storeys high, comfortably equipped flats for workers and employees were developed following the plans of architect Georg Metzendorf. Even though the area gives a feeling of unity, no house is the same. Various design elements such as bow fronts and hedgerows, arched gables, plaster and natural stone foundations were used to give homes individual appearances. The estate has been under historical preservation since 1987.
It was really nice there but it was still dark, so the photos aren’t so good.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/28/26.jpg

A picture of Margarethe Krupp
http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/January/28/6.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Mar 18, 2009, 11:42 pm
This is one shop in the city of Essen. We found it when we were just walking around there. Doesn’t it look nice?

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/February/01/30.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Mar 18, 2009, 11:44 pm
Today we made some cookies for the budgies of BlackCat. She found a recipe online how she can make cookies for her birds herself and wanted to try it. So we went with her in the kitchen and helped her as good as we could.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/February/03/bcbd9c3c.jpg
Looking for the grain feed

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/February/03/1.jpg
Putting an egg to the flour

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/February/03/3.jpg
Mixing it

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/February/03/5.jpg
Putting the grain feed into the mix of eggs and flour

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/February/03/6.jpg
Mixing it again

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/February/03/7.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/February/03/8.jpg
Making little cookies of it (not perfect, we know)

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/February/03/9.jpg
and now we have to wait 15 minutes…

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/February/03/11.jpg
The cookies are ready =)!

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/February/03/15.jpg
And the birds are happy about it.
BlackCat


Posted Mar 18, 2009, 11:45 pm
Bruni Lila has to go today. So we all said Goodbye and waved. It was a nice time with Bruni and we all hope that the travel will be fast and nice.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/March/04/28.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/March/04/29.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Mar 23, 2009, 7:33 pm
Today we all went to the youth centre with BlackCat. She wanted to go into the studio and take us with her.

I was allowed to sing a song.
http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/March/19/21.jpg

And listened to it after that.
http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/March/19/24.jpg

It was so nice.

Tilda
BlackCat


Posted Mar 23, 2009, 7:34 pm
Today we helped BlackCat writing a lot postcards that she will send tomorrow. It was a lot work, but it was fun.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/March/23/2.jpg
becka_kate


Posted Apr 5, 2009, 8:05 am
Thank you so much to all of Tilda's hosts who have helped Tilda win a Golden Bear in the Classics category! You are amazing - thank you so much for showing Tilda your 'worlds'
Rebecca
BlackCat


Posted Apr 9, 2009, 6:34 pm
Today we had to say goodbye to Friendship Bear. I hope he will have a good time at the next hosts!

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/april/03/c5cdefcb.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/april/03/4.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Apr 9, 2009, 6:36 pm
Today I saw that I have won a Golden Bear Award. Oh my god. Mummy, I am so happy about that.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/april/04/9.jpg

We made a little party for me and it was so nice.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/april/04/10.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/april/04/12.jpg

Can you see the Golden Bear Award? :) I am happy.
BlackCat


Posted Apr 9, 2009, 6:46 pm
Now I am leaving Germany again. BlackCat said, I will come home now. So I hope you will be happy when I am back at home Mum!

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/toyvoyagerfriend/2009/april/07/4.jpg

I said Goodbye to Germania and Cassandra and then I went into my envelope and to the post office...

So now I am on my way home :)!
See ya soon, Mum!
becka_kate


Posted Jul 30, 2010, 1:46 pm
Woo-Hoo! I've been released from 'retirement' in Bec's bedroom and gone out travelling again. I'm so excited! Bec decided to take me to Adelaide with her for a few days.

Adelaide is the capital of South Australia (The early British settlers were rather unimaginative when naming their "free" colonies!). As capital cities go, its pretty small but very pretty and great for walking around.

Our first stop of the trip (and the reason for coming) was at the Adelaide Zoo to see the pandas which recently arrived in Australia from China.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4150/4842847763_62fed9268e.jpg

Later in the day we visited the South Australian Museum where we learned all about South Australia’s most famous explorer, Sir Douglas Mawson, who led the first Australian expeditions to Antarctica around 100 years ago. Sadly, the museum is not a fan of photography, so you'll have to take my word about the size of the albatroses, seals and penguins we saw!
becka_kate


Posted Jul 30, 2010, 2:14 pm
Today we travelled around the Barossa Valley in the Adelaide Hills. This is one of Australia's most famous wine growing regions. Chances are, if you've ever tried an Australian wine, it came from here..
It must have been all the wine tasting that had gone to Bec's head, because she forgot to take my photo at many of the places we visted  :stare:
But, she did remember me when we visited the Cleland Wildlife Park near the end of the day, where I met a koala & a kangaroo up close and personal.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/4842848841_278c6ae468.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/4842849075_84b3ac02d1.jpg
becka_kate


Posted Jul 30, 2010, 2:29 pm
Today we explored the Murray River by bus, paddle steamer and car ferry (as pedestrians  :rolleyes:)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/4843467520_3b204591f8.jpg

The Murray is the longest river in Australia, the 16th longest in the world and the third longest navigable river in the world, after the Amazon and Nile. For a long period of time, before cars and trucks it was an essential part of trade between South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, even though in times of drought the paddlesteamers could be stranded at one spot or another for months at a time.
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Now, many people travel it in houseboats. It must be a lovely way to pass a week or two, just slowly meandering along...
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becka_kate


Posted Jul 30, 2010, 2:43 pm
After our paddle steamer ride we travelled into Mannum which was where the first paddle boat on the Murray was built and launched. From the lookout you can see quite a distance along the river and see how much the drought has affected the water levels. Apparently a year ago the wet land area to this side of the river was totally empty, but thankfully there has been rain this year and now the water levels are starting to rise.
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There were also these really funny signs all along the edge of the lookout... Obviously its not a good idea to get too close to the edge!
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becka_kate


Posted Jul 30, 2010, 3:02 pm
Next stop was the teeny tiny town of Walker Flat, and when I say town I mean river crossing with a service station / cafe and some picnic tables!
To get across the river in most places you have to travel by car ferry as they are actually less expensive for the government to run rather than building bridges, even though they are run at no charge!
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To use up some of the time the tour company had assigned to this town we went across the river and back as pedestrians.
Check out the size of the cliffs on the other side of the river. Can you imagine how huge this river must have been in the time when it was carving out the landscape??
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becka_kate


Posted Jul 30, 2010, 3:13 pm
Our last stop of the day was at the World's Largest Rocking Horse, the home of a fantastic wooden toy shop. The rocking horse is 18.3 metres tall, which is approximately the height of a six-storey building! You can pay to climb up to the top of its head, but we passed on that option thanks to the rain and got a jump start on some Christmas shopping instead.
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becka_kate


Posted Jul 30, 2010, 3:33 pm
Last day in Adelaide... time to do some shopping in Rundle Mall and check out the Art Gallery (the perfect day for indoor activities thanks to rain, rain and a chilling strong wind)
Rundle Mall made history in Australia in 1976 when it became our first pedestrian street mall and if you come to Adelaide its where you come to shop. Its also the most expensive of the Orange spaces in the Australian version of Monopoly. (some useless information for you!)
There are a number of sculptures dotted throughout the mall. Our favourites were the group of life-size bronze pigs - Horatio, Truffles, Augusta and Oliver - rooting around a rubbish bin. How cute are they?
This is Horatio...
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And, this is Oliver.
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There are also some beautiful old buildings in the mall, like this one, the Adelaide Arcade.
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becka_kate


Posted Jul 30, 2010, 3:37 pm
Soon it was time to hop back on the plane, but Bec's considering coming back to South Australia next holidays to visit Kangaroo Island and has promised that if she does, its only fitting that as the kangaroo rep in our family its only fitting that I get to tag along. Paws crossed!!  ;)
becka_kate


Posted Jul 30, 2010, 3:40 pm
Hey,
I'm home, safe and well and have shared the details of my many adventures with those members of my family who haven't been able to read about them here. Thanks heaps to all of my hosts!! I'm looking forward to heading out on the road again sometime
Tilda

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