Ceryni, Da Nang & Ho Chi Minh City, Vie

Mondfalke


Posted Apr 18, 2008, 8:41 pm
Hello world!
I am a 99 year-old male turtle. My 100th birthday will be in November this year and so I decided that I want to see some more of the world now. I have spent my life in Hamburg, the last years with my good friend Jenny. One of my biggest dream is to meet some of my turtle relatives.
I am very small, just 4 cm tall and my weight is 20 g. I don't know why I am this small but I think this would be good for travelling.
Here are some photos of me
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/mondfalke/Toyvoyagers/Ceryni_klein2.jpghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/mondfalke/Toyvoyagers/Ceryni_klein1.jpg
I hope to visit you soon!

My hosts:
shana10214 (USA)
Charda (Netherlands)
Michele_one_L (USA)
December: samsmith621



Mondfalke


Posted Apr 23, 2008, 9:09 pm
I am on my way to the USA! I am so excited to see my first host, a new continent and a new country. I hope I will arrive soon. It is not so comfortable in an envelope as I recognised very fast. I can't believe it that I am on my way to see the world and that my travel had really started by now. I hope to find a lot of friendly hosts and to meet lots of other TVs.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/mondfalke/Toyvoyagers/101_3235.jpghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/mondfalke/Toyvoyagers/101_3234.jpg
shana10214
shana10212@gmail.com

Posted Apr 26, 2008, 5:09 am
Hello!
I have made it safely in Florida. I arrived here along with Playmobil(Bill) also traveling from Germany. I also met 3 other Tvs, Lemony, Antonio, and Summy, but they were in there envelopes as I got out of mine. They are leaving tommorrow. It is late right now so I am going to bed but I will update tommorrow with pictures. I am a bit Jet-Lagged  :(
Bye,
Ceryni
shana10214
shana10212@gmail.com

Posted Apr 26, 2008, 6:07 pm
Hello!
Now I am all rested up and ready to begin my journey :)
I am sure I will have a great time here in the Sunshine State.
Andrea says I am very cute. Here is a picture of Playmobil(Bill) and I.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3107/2443547538_e4d30f999c_m.jpg
Now Andrea is going to show me around the house.
Bye,
Ceryni
shana10214
shana10212@gmail.com

Posted Apr 26, 2008, 6:41 pm
Hello!
Andrea showed me around the pool. I think I am really going to like it here!!

First I met Andrea's dog Chloe. She is a boxer. Good thing she didnt try to eat me like the last toyvoyagers, she tried too.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2273/2442808105_5af3727b23_m.jpg

Next I decided I would float around the pool as I didnt want to get wet.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2243/2442808261_f9b7e29b57_m.jpg

After I rested on the chair. I really like it here so far!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2401/2442808373_7684aeb98f_m.jpg
Bye,
Ceryni
shana10214
shana10212@gmail.com

Posted Apr 29, 2008, 2:04 am
Hello!
Today we didnt really do much but we played hide and go seek in the front yard before it rained.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2029/2450028011_a42711bc1a_m.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2403/2450027879_e2fd0e76f8_m.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3264/2450027611_37070f5564_m.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2215/2450853250_b46562502c_m.jpg

Can you spot me??

After we played a little basketball.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2243/2450027767_fb45970076_m.jpg

Then we grilled out chicken for dinner-we were very carefull around the grill!!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2252/2450028165_5ee68c7d18_m.jpg

After it rained really hard and we had to go inside.

Bye,
Ceryni
shana10214
shana10212@gmail.com

Posted Apr 30, 2008, 9:56 pm
Hello!
It has been so hot and we have been hanging out inside but this weekend we are going to the beach!! Andrea says that I will love Florida beaches  ;)
Bye,
Ceryni
shana10214
shana10212@gmail.com

Posted May 4, 2008, 10:47 pm
Hello!
Today Playmo(Bill) and I went to the beach. It was alot of fun! I decided not to get really wet so I didnt go swimming.

Here is before we left, we packaed up snacks, drinks, chairs, and other stuff.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2248/2465813756_4963242774_m.jpg

We decided to build sand castles when we got there.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2084/2465814054_65e2aa469c_m.jpg

We then decided to dig holes.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2175/2465814394_834e9fa01e_m.jpg

Then we build walls.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3052/2464986491_81d4dc1cf1_m.jpg

Then I was ready to face the water :)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3147/2464987185_5f2f85edb3_m.jpg

After we ate lunch.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3218/2464990167_eae7b7dcca_m.jpg

What a fun day! I am so tired.
Bye,
Ceryni
shana10214
shana10212@gmail.com

Posted May 10, 2008, 3:00 pm
Hello!
Today a new TV arrived, her name is Lillebi.
Here is a picture of us.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3142/2479780211_6f3bbd4266_m.jpg

Shortly after we went outside and there was a turtle outside! I was so excited because I am a turtle my self. It started running away from us so I couldnt get a picture up close. I am surely not imtimidating, am I?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3078/2479779929_7aa3f263e2_m.jpg

Here is a picture of it with out me there.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3001/2480595232_2b3972cb66_m.jpg

Mission complete!!
Bye,
Ceryni
shana10214
shana10212@gmail.com

Posted May 11, 2008, 10:51 pm
Hello!
Today we decided to make breakfast for Andrea's mom in honer of mother's day. We made her breakfast sandwhiches.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3116/2484555798_91ae2978fa_m.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2067/2484555934_b3666b9a4e_m.jpg

*Gulp* These were very yummy....I mean they look yummy. I didnt have one or anything.... ;)

Guess what?? On may 31 and June 1 Andrea is out of school for the summer and we are going to Disney. It is 1 hour away from Tampa. We are going to Epcot, the disney park, if you want to look it up :)
I am so excited to go to Disney!!
Bye,
Ceryni
shana10214
shana10212@gmail.com

Posted May 18, 2008, 2:38 pm
Hello!
I am sorry I havent updated in a while, Andrea's exams start this week and end next Friday so she is super busy. So today she took us to Chick-Fil-A the resteraunt. It was yummy and after we played in the play area.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3289/2502098120_98f572de20.jpg?v=0

Bye,
Ceryni
shana10214
shana10212@gmail.com

Posted May 27, 2008, 1:48 am
Hello!
Andrea has one exam down and 4 more to go. Latin is tommorrow. That is going to be her hardest exam. I also just met Budin who arrived from Malaysia. She is a very nice bear.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2078/2525672859_e6b721e9aa.jpg?v=0

Andrea says I am leaving soon and my brother Joonas will go to Disney. I am excited to countinue my journey. Andrea says I will leave this week. I will miss my friends here.

I will update soon,
Ceryni
shana10214
shana10212@gmail.com

Posted May 30, 2008, 8:53 pm
Hello!
This is Andrea, Ceryni left yesterday for the Netherlands. I wish you a safe journey and it was a pleasure having you stay here.
Andrea
Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Jun 5, 2008, 9:47 pm
Hi mom!

Today I arrived in the Netherlands! I was really happy when they opened the envelope and I saw all these friendly faces welcoming me.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo001.jpg
Here's our first group picture together :)
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo002.jpg
And after this long flight I was a bit dehydrated of course, so they gave me some water. That was really refreshing! I think I'm gonna like it here!
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo003.jpg







Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Jun 6, 2008, 10:59 pm
Hi!

Last night we watched a movie together with our host. It was a BBC miniseries about the life of Charles II. Here you can see us watching it.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo004.JPG
Unfortunately, most of us didn't really think it was that interesting, so we fell asleep on the couch, except for Trafalgar. He was enjoying it thoroughly!
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo005.JPG
Tonight I went along with my host and her boyfriend for a ride in a car! They had to run an errant, and since the others had already seen this car, now it was my turn! These were taken during the ride:
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo006.JPG
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo007.JPG
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo008.JPG
I think I'm a bit too small and too light to use the steering wheel!
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo009.JPG
This is a very luxurious and large seat for a small turtle like me! At least I have enough space for my legs  ;)
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo010.JPG
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo011.JPG
Tonight we helped our host assemble the envelopes for a Postcrossing Round Robin. Just look at all those envelopes with tea! I'm just glad that I won't be leaving yet in one of those!
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo012.JPG
Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Jun 9, 2008, 9:52 pm
Yesterday evening we had lasagne for dinner. This is us around the dish :)
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Trafalgar/photo049.JPG
Tonight we watched television. There was a football match on TV. It's a very important match between Italy and the Netherlands in the European Championship. None of us are usually in favour of the Netherlands, but since we're here, we'll try our best :D
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Trafalgar/photo058.JPG
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Trafalgar/photo059.JPG
Our host's boyfriend said we should drink beer while watching soccer. We looked at the bottle and we decided against it.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Trafalgar/photo060.JPG
This bucket of ice cream looked much more attractive than that bottle of beer!
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Trafalgar/photo061.JPG
The Dutch team won from Italy with 3-0! Everyone is really excited here! Except for my host, because she hates soccer. But everyone on the streets is yelling and shouting and singing, and cars are honking. I'm quite excited the match ended this way!
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Trafalgar/photo062.jpg


Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Jun 11, 2008, 10:11 pm
My host had her second exam today. It was about English Morphology, whatever that may be :) As long as my host knew what it was about. Mira and I got to come with her this time. On the way back from the university to the railwaystation we took these pictures. This is me in front of the statue of Rembrandt. He was a famous painter who was born in Leiden.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo013.JPG
And this is an image of him.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo014.JPG
Here I am in front of a Dutch windmill and a bridge. The windmill is still in use, though not right now ;)
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo015.JPG
My host says she always loves this view. It's so Dutch with these boats and the houses around it. I thought it was very pretty.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo016.JPG
This is a car where you can buy fish during the daytime. It was closed now. My hosts always walks past it very quickly, because it smells like fish and she doesn't like that.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Mira/photo079.JPG
Okay, let me explain why the next picture is here and why you don't see anything. This is a busstation. Usually there are many buses over here, all day long. But now the bus drivers are on a strike. They have been on a strike for a couple of weeks now. First they would still drive during rush hour, but since last week they don't drive at all. My host doesn't really mind, because she hardly ever uses the bus, but many people are dependent on them and for them it's very inconvenient. Imagine all the people living in the smaller villages where they don't have the train! I hope they'll reach a solution soon.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Mira/photo080.JPG
And here's the proof I actually was in Leiden :D
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo017.JPG
Here I am on the train.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo018.JPG
This picture turned out to be a bit artistic. At least you can see a bit of the interior of the train and the speed the train is going by.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo019.JPG
This is the picture my host wanted to take: me in front of Dutch grassland.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo020.JPG


Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Jun 14, 2008, 8:10 pm
Today a new TV arrived! He's a little dog and his name is Moony! He is just in time for our trip to London, so he's a very lucky guy!
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Moony/photo001.jpg
Here's our group picture. Well, tomorrow we're going to pack and then on Monday we'll be flying to England! How exciting!
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Moony/photo002.jpg

Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Jun 21, 2008, 11:16 pm
Okay, here's a really short update. All of us have arrived safely in the Netherlands today. We had a great week in London and we have seen quite a few famous landmarks. Our host says she'll update the pictures within a few days, but that might take a while, because there are so many :)
Here's all of us in the hotel room. We'll talk later!
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/photo006.jpg


Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Jun 22, 2008, 6:12 pm
Today is the big day! We're travelling to London, England! This plane is not the one we were flying with, but it is a nice Dutch plane here at Schiphol airport in Amsterdam.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo021.JPG
The flight went very smoothly. There were no delays and no turbulence. The plane was very full and it was impossible for my host to take any pictures. So this is where we arrived: London, England!
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/London/photo001.JPG
We were pretty early at the hotel, like 12 in the afternoon, so my hosts decided to go for a walk through the city. We went to the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the Big Ben and the London Eye.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo022.JPG
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/London/photo002.JPG
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo023.JPG
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo024.JPG
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/London/photo003.JPG
After that we walked to Buckingham Palace.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/London/photo004.JPG
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/London/photo005.JPG
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo025.JPG
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo026.JPG
That was all we had seen the first day. My hosts were both very tired from the trip and from walking around, so they went back to the hotel early.

Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Jun 22, 2008, 8:32 pm
On Tuesday we first went for a walk through the park in the Kensington Gardens. There we met this squirrel. He wasn't what you would call shy or anything.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/London/photo006.JPG
On the other side of the park was the Royal Albert Hall. This is me in front of the statue in front of the hall.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo027.JPG
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/London/photo007.JPG
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/London/photo008.JPG
My host saw this bus coming by with this lovely advertisement. Isn't it impressive?
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/London/photo009.JPG
We went to Piccadilly Circus by Underground. Here's the proof :)
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo028.JPG
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/London/photo010.JPG
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/London/photo011.JPG
This is just a random spot in London.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/London/photo012.JPG
After that we walked to Trafalgar Square. This is the National Gallery on Trafalgar Square. We didn't go in there today, but we did so on Saturday, allthough we weren't allowed to take any pictures in there.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/London/photo013.JPG
Here I am on Trafalgar Square.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo029.jpg
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo030.jpg
This is quite an exceptional building in London.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/London/photo014.JPG
Here I am in front of the Tower Bridge. Lovely picture, right?
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo031.jpg
That was all we saw on the second day of our trip to London :)

Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Jun 22, 2008, 10:15 pm
This day we went to the Tower of London. This is me in front of the building where they keep the crown jewels.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo032.jpg
Today we went to the British Museum.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/London/photo015.JPG
There were many interesting statues there.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo033.jpg
My host said she just loved these Greek statues. They were very impressive.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/London/photo016.JPG
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo034.jpg
This isn't Greek, I know, but Egyptian, but still very interesting to see it for real.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/London/photo017.JPG
The architecture of this building is also very special.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/London/photo018.JPG

Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Jun 22, 2008, 10:44 pm
On Thursday we only visited Westminster Abbey, but we weren't allowed to take any pictures there, so there's just this picture of the Big Ben of that day.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/London/photo019.JPG
On Friday we went to the Tate Britain museum. Again, we weren't allowed to take any pictures there, so there's just this picture.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/London/photo020.JPG
In the afternoon we went to the Museum of London. This is me outside the museum. I know it says 'Useum of London', but the 'M' is just hidden behind the tree ;)
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo035.jpg
After our visit to this museum we walked to St. Paul's Cathedral. It was really close by. We didn't go in though, so we only took these pictures from the outside.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo036.jpg
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/London/photo021.JPG
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/London/photo022.JPG
When we came home (in the hotel) that afternoon my host wanted to take pictures of the hotel room, and of course we wanted to be on these pictures. This is us in the bathroom.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/London/photo023.JPG
The bathtub was really big and comfortable, but the dogs didn't want to join us.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/London/photo024.JPG
Our host Charda found this British bear in a souvenirshop and she decided to adopt him. He was all right, a bit posh maybe.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/London/photo025.JPG
Our last group picture in England!
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/London/photo026.JPG
On Saturday we flew back home to the Netherlands, to our host's home that is of course. The plane on this next picture isn't our plane, because we were inside ours, but it was of the same airline.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/London/photo027.JPG
And this is the view from the airplane while in the air. Cool huh, all those clouds.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/London/photo028.JPG
So now we're back in the Netherlands. As you can see, we had a great time in England!

Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Jun 26, 2008, 6:33 pm
Today we had a typical Dutch meal: andijviestamppot with bacon and cheese. It looks good, doesn't it?  :)
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/Ceryni/photo037.JPG
Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Jun 26, 2008, 7:31 pm
Today was a day of goodbyes. First we said goodbye to Mira.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/GoodbyeJune2008/photo001.JPG
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/GoodbyeJune2008/photo002.JPG
After we put her in an envelope, we said goodbye to both Sylphide and Trafalgar.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/GoodbyeJune2008/photo003.JPG
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/GoodbyeJune2008/photo004.JPG
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/GoodbyeJune2008/photo005.JPG
And here's our last group picture together.
http://www.charda.nl/photos/TV/GoodbyeJune2008/photo006.JPG
Now they're off to their new hosts!

Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Jun 27, 2008, 6:37 pm
Today our host came home with an envelope with foreign stamps on it. Well, that can either be tea via Postcrossing or a new Toy Voyager! And yes, it was a new TV. She is called Bellatrix and came all the way from the United States. She looks like a friendly lady to me.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3044/2615642587_c25f945482.jpg?v=0
This is all of us together. We look like a happy bunch, now don't we?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3096/2615642591_535cf95653.jpg?v=0

Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Jun 28, 2008, 8:10 pm
Today our host went to the animal shelter to do volunteer-work. Unfortunately she couldn't take any pictures in there, but she did take some pictures on the way to the shelter and on the way home. This is me on the tram. And yes, it was raining pretty hard outside at this time.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3283/2619056748_d36ee68c5c.jpg?v=0
My host thought this was a very pretty sight with the trees :)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3052/2619056882_ea2de9e0c4.jpg?v=0
And this is a Dutch postbox. My host send a couple of cards for Postcrossing. But still, not me yet :)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3229/2619057038_83cd475e5f.jpg?v=0

Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Jun 29, 2008, 8:48 pm
We had a really relaxed Sunday today. What do you think of this breakfast? I thought it looked really good and it tasted a lot better than the croissants we had for breakfast in the hotel in London :)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3232/2621416661_1f35492ea9.jpg?v=0
Tonight wasn't so relaxed though. This is the pile of laundry our host Charda had to fold. She asked for our help, and after that breakfast of this morning, of course we were willing to help!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3232/2621416107_8c91f2e4d7.jpg?v=0
We tried to help with folding one of Charda's shirts.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3172/2622239250_c5f33c93aa.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3018/2622239356_b9f0d1f86a.jpg?v=0
To achieve this fold took us fifteen minutes, so Charda decided to fold the shirts herself. She did give us a task we were better at:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3291/2622239444_72280e97cd.jpg?v=0
And with a bit of teamwork:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3007/2621416481_ec22befb0e.jpg?v=0
We managed to fold them all!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3247/2621416561_d203b02b29.jpg?v=0
Oh and mum, I really hope Germany is going to win tonight  :D

Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Jun 29, 2008, 9:19 pm
We begged and pleaded with our host because we wanted to see the football game. And so she put us all in front of the TV (as in television, not ToyVoyager). But what a strange game this is. Why is this Spanish guy sitting on the grass? I thought they were supposed to run around after a ball?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3155/2621568041_06acfdbb10.jpg?v=0
Hmm, this is more like it. I wonder who's going to win. The Welpies keep saying: "The Dutch! The Dutch!" I don't have the heart to tell them they are no longer in the tournament.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3046/2622391850_b03b8a39b3.jpg?v=0
Update 11 pm: Sorry mom, Spain won! I think it was still a great game.

Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Jun 30, 2008, 9:12 pm
Because we wanted to see a bit more of the Netherlands, we went to its capital today! We went to Amsterdam! This is me in front of the Queen's Palace. Well, one of them anyway.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3082/2624906017_cc14a5d269.jpg?v=0
This is the New Church:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3052/2625727540_a57b6ab4bc.jpg?v=0
This is a monument in remembrance of the victims of WWII:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3266/2625727838_ccef72a0bb.jpg?v=0
Madame Tussaud:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3042/2625727672_7aa14e102d.jpg?v=0
Look, a really wet pigeon on the Dam Square. That's quite funny, since there's no water in sight. ;)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3085/2624907107_cc8f7c5f55.jpg?v=0
When walking through a big city, you need to eat of course! So here we are, sharing a cheese-snack and a drink (Dubbelfris):
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3096/2624908049_ef1b2cc0db.jpg?v=0
Here I am in front of the Munttoren:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/2624908255_a1e22806cc.jpg?v=0
Do you see these nice flowers behind me? They're fake :D The flowermarket is on the other side of these buildings and looks a bit like the image on the building.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3060/2624908941_671bde2ec0.jpg?v=0
Here is a church. I have no idea what it is called. My host said she couldn't find the name.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2625730828_8811950e25.jpg?v=0
These are just some boats in front of the Central Station in Amsterdam.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3160/2625877922_f750065090.jpg?v=0
And the famous bikes in Holland :)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/2625057315_0170ddeabc.jpg?v=0
A view at the water behind Amsterdam Central Station.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3165/2625730934_a27e1232f5.jpg?v=0
The last group picture on the train before heading back to The Hague and Leidschendam.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3189/2624910307_37f099d1f3.jpg?v=0

Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Jul 4, 2008, 10:21 pm
Because we had been sitting at home idly all week, we begged our host to do something fun with us. And so we had our own TV-balcony party. A party isn't a real party with only three attendents, so we invited some other toys around the house as well.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3039/2637420252_06c6829344.jpg?v=0
First we welcomed a new member of the family. This hedgehog was rescued from the shelves of a store today. He had been shouting out at our host last week, but then she pretended not to hear him. But the thought about him didn't let her go, so she went back today to save him. He doesn't have a name yet. Do you have any ideas?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3018/2636596471_084545dacb.jpg?v=0
We started the party by playing with the ball.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3142/2637420680_9924c86b97.jpg?v=0
It was more 'noseball' for some of us than football.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3006/2636596841_7c05644ea9.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3037/2637421024_b64287692d.jpg?v=0[/img
<br/>
[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2310/2637421226_3dba6c45d0.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3041/2636597405_07e1db1dae.jpg?v=0
Suddenly Jason came onto the balcony and intruded upon our game. He took hold of the ball...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3146/2636597641_c65daf4611.jpg?v=0
And he wouldn't let go!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3021/2637421794_69c07c7b71.jpg?v=0
We decided to let him have his fun with it. We just went on to play another game. We played Ludo. Moony and Bellatrix were in one team, Yolanda and Mouse in another, the latest arrivals as the bear from London and the hedgehog were together and then the small cat and dog together with me in another team. Jason was still involved with his ball, so we just let him.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3272/2637421954_3ce15b3f1e.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3053/2637422136_33da867154.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3279/2637422404_981b4efc89.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3064/2636598691_f8f1ed311f.jpg?v=0
It looks like the green team won, which consisted of the bear from London and the hedgehog! Congratulations guys!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3057/2636598887_a1a1c98166.jpg?v=0
Then we continued the party by playing a card game. No one really knew the rules, so we kind of made them up as we went along.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3165/2636599083_c19144b59e.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/2636599263_bd983502b4.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3278/2636599485_1c22a3647b.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3081/2636599689_be26868854.jpg?v=0
Since no one knew the rules, there was no winner in this game. But we sure laughed a lot and had a lot of fun!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3259/2637423778_a14571e27c.jpg?v=0
It got a bit colder and darker, so we huddled up closely together and our host lit a candle. Okay, so it's no real bonfire, but my host that was a tad too dangerous on her balcony. But we settled for the TV-sized flame :D
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3026/2636600085_b4e08268a7.jpg?v=0
All in all we had a great evening tonight!

Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Jul 5, 2008, 10:04 pm
Bellatrix was just relaxing when she heard someone call her name. She went over to him to find out what he wanted to ask her.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3093/2640270782_2490cf9947.jpg?v=0

"Bellatrix, I have a very special assignment for you. Go and call the other travellers from the foreign countries over here. "Ceryni, Moony, get over here! We need to do something!"

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3084/2640270406_20ab1e7203.jpg?v=0

"Good, I see you are all here. I have an assigment for you. All of you have life-missions regarding places in the world you would like to visit. Now I want you to go on a 'Quest of Exploration' to see if there are any creatures here in this house who have some more information for you about these locations. I'm not saying that they have, but some of them might. Good luck and return to me when you are finished!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3056/2639442965_b9782c8616.jpg?v=0

So we set out on our journey and we found this cat:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3104/2640269682_70ce113009.jpg?v=0

We talked to this English bear:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3272/2640269406_00492b95d0.jpg?v=0

We found Rudolph. We're guessing he was born in the States somehow.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3192/2639442101_dfa89217dc.jpg?v=0

This feline creature certainly looks like she could know about the Moulin Rouge.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3175/2640269170_753ca28482.jpg?v=0

Mouse! Do you know anything about the Galapagos Islands?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3185/2640269064_fa7dc27948.jpg?v=0

Jason, why are you sitting in a box? Is there a chance you know something about the Atlantic Ocean?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3145/2640268752_e72a6f9ff4.jpg?v=0

I think that we found all of them. Let's go back to the panda.
"Hello again. You did a great job! I hope this quest enriched all your lives now that you know what your missions are about."

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3064/2639441383_dec5c2ccd2.jpg?v=0

"I only have one quest reward for the three of you. It will go to the lady of you three, to Bellatrix!"

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3020/2639440999_790ee40004.jpg?v=0

This is Bellatrix with her 'Bracelet of Exploration'.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3194/2639440607_daf068a5d2.jpg?v=0

Dear Moony, you look like a happy dog. Never forget to have fun in your life and to obtain what you wish for.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3012/2640267006_539103a578.jpg?v=0

Dear Ceryni, you may be small, but remember, it is not size that matters, but perseverance and strength.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3045/2640266540_d5f255ffd8.jpg?v=0

Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Jul 7, 2008, 10:21 pm
This weekend our host is going camping together with her boyfriend. His inflatable bed had gotten a leak the last time they went camping, so they bought a new one last weekend. The one with the camo print is his. (He actually hates the print, but it was the only print they had :))
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3166/2646792931_1e5dac6c11.jpg?v=0
Of course we had to test out if you can actually sleep on one of these. And yes, they are quite comfortable, especially for light TVs like us.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3175/2646793021_dd9784ac6b.jpg?v=0
And they needed a tent as well to sleep in, but my host wasn't going to set this one up in her house. It's also new, but we'll find out this weekend whether it is complete and working. Uh oh, I hope all will go well.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3084/2647624752_fb7dc4fec3.jpg?v=0

Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Jul 9, 2008, 11:09 pm
Tonight we went to a Greek restaurant together with our host, her boyfriend and his family. It was a really special evening. This is the menu that's on the table for the different kinds of coffee that they serve.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3028/2653272045_563f5e25fb.jpg?v=0
First we ate some bread.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3021/2653272305_7efe9fcb89.jpg?v=0
Finally some real food arrived. I first started with the cabbage of course, cause that's what we turtles like to eat :)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3051/2654097604_cbb8425857.jpg?v=0
Here you can see me with my host's dish. She chose a vegetarian meal, so this is all vegetables and potatoes. It tasted really good, especially the lettuce.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/2654097848_e4003407c2.jpg?v=0
'Kalí Órexi' is Greek for 'Have a nice meal'. In Dutch this is 'Eet smakelijk'.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3092/2654099322_a196c6bb66.jpg?v=0
And this is the dessert we shared together. Looks delicious, doesn't it?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3190/2653275805_27cd6c6bae.jpg?v=0

Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Jul 10, 2008, 10:23 pm
We're going away for four days; two people and three TVs and this is all our luggage. Okay granted, we're going to stay in a tent so we need to bring everything ourselves, but still. If I were going on a trip by myself, I wouldn't need all that luggage. But then again, that would mean I were to be released in the wild and I would have to look for my own food and shelter. On second thought, nah, I'll stick with these people for a while and hope they'll send me to a nice next host in due time.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3276/2656945570_fa762f788c.jpg?v=0
And they don't even have a car! We're going to the other side of the country with public transportation. Now that's going to be some trip!

Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Jul 15, 2008, 11:21 am
Today was the big day that we were going camping! Our host Charda and her boyfriend Icewatcher are First Aid volunteers at a larp-event. Larp stands for 'Live Action Role Play'. Charda and Icewatcher don't roleplay, they just take care of the people who do, together with six other volunteers. Just look at the pictures and you'll see what it entails :)
This is us on the train with Charda's coffee.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3255/2671023296_3af80630dc.jpg?v=0
On the train still on The Hague Central Station.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/2671023516_c21f163b0a.jpg?v=0
Here you can see nicely what a Dutch train looks like. I know I've been on a train before, but this one looks a bit different. This one is used for the longer distances.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3255/2670200985_2266d4459b.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3074/2670201103_c244be14cf.jpg?v=0
Around noon we arrived in Ommen at the camping site where we were staying for the weekend. First we got acquainted with all the residents of the First Aid tent. This rabbit is called Ko, Ko Nijn.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3233/2671025042_aff0b91989.jpg?v=0
This frog seems to be part of one of the First Aid bags.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3192/2671025166_63fc00170e.jpg?v=0
This is the First Aid kit they used for the weekend.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3135/2671025280_d73c357230.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3284/2670202769_c514fde40e.jpg?v=0
We also had an owl in the tent, called Oehoe.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3015/2670202863_1ccc8e8a28.jpg?v=0
This bed was pretty comfortable in the tent. It is used for the patients of course.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3190/2671025704_b11d104273.jpg?v=0

Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Jul 15, 2008, 11:47 am
Suddenly this bat was in the First Aid tent. He did look a bit scary. His name is 'Creep'. I think the name befits him!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3028/2670204025_fb5431a2f1.jpg?v=0
These are the tents to the right of the First Aid tent.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3051/2671026962_f9f6deb645.jpg?v=0
And these to the left. These were the merchants where you could buy weapons and armour.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3229/2671027108_6a4d138938.jpg?v=0
This is the interior of the First Aid tent.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3031/2670204551_25d1bf534d.jpg?v=0
I met this scary guy somewhere on the terrain. I think it was a warning what happens to you when you attack the people of the fort behind him. :stare:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3251/2671027742_e3d9ba6e6d.jpg?v=0
These people:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3193/2671027888_055083362f.jpg?v=0
There was a really nice purple elf who offered us some tea. This is tea made from real mint-leaves.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3247/2670205405_e44e8c053a.jpg?v=0
Just a tent on the terrain.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/2670205553_3e20113306.jpg?v=0
Some people were making stew here. It smelled really great.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3109/2671028322_f682457799.jpg?v=0
This area is the most important area of the whole terrain. It is called the 'Ritual Circle' or 'Pentagon'. This is where the players have to perform their rituals. This is also where they summon their elemental princes. This is where all the major events take place.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3275/2670206551_ff0feb9612.jpg?v=0
This is the arena where people would fight throughout the weekend. They never fight to really hurt each other. They fight with fake weapons and with magic.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3098/2670206671_dd6e885ff0.jpg?v=0

Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Jul 15, 2008, 12:06 pm
Here I am in one of the shops of the merchants. These weapons look really impressive, but they are not at all dangerous. They are made of foam so that people can hit you with it without any real damage.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/2671030250_856a4994da.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3257/2670208003_bcb941b887.jpg?v=0
This nice lady was so kind to want to pose with us.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2198/2671030606_efa27438fd.jpg?v=0
Today this hare arrived in the First Aid tent. His name is Peter.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3265/2670208341_cb0826a877.jpg?v=0
Creep welcomed Peter, though I'm not quite sure this was just a kiss...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3110/2670208445_02b53bd0a0.jpg?v=0
Meanwhile we were playing this game. It is called 'Regenwormen', which means in English 'Earthworms'.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3072/2671031032_217de5dfc4.jpg?v=0
After that we had time to chat with Peter.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2252/2671031156_fc1b1aaffa.jpg?v=0
Late at night we encountered this really scary monster. He is a mummy and apparently he needed some new bandages. He said something that they needed to be changed once every three-thousand years. The girl on the picture is not our host, but one of the other volunteers. I thought she was very brave to get this close to a real mummy!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/2670208845_750b534c59.jpg?v=0

Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Jul 15, 2008, 12:19 pm
Wow, this is already the last day! Here you can see the tent in which we slept for three nights.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3291/2671031444_4e35ee4c85.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3281/2671031826_2e10d0c89e.jpg?v=0
This picture was taken during the final battle. The participants beat all the monsters, so all ended well.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2671031948_0f43dfbacf.jpg?v=0
It has been a very special weekend for me. I have never been to an environment like this one and I met many special people and strange creatures. I hope the pictures show you a bit what it was like.

Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Jul 16, 2008, 6:33 pm
Two exciting packages arrived today! The first one was a package we received through Postcrossing. It's a travelbug! We're going to place it in a cache next week.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3068/2670933357_225c1c9c0f.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3227/2670933147_63fdfaebbe.jpg?v=0
And the second package was a ToyVoyager! It's a purple bear from the US and his name is Harvie!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3058/2671754846_0f67f28e10.jpg?v=0
Here we are all together.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3057/2671754764_34a16dab04.jpg?v=0

Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Jul 19, 2008, 4:14 pm
Today a ToyVoyager arrived! But apparently it wasn't a new one, but one owned by our host Charda! Tiah Tigris will be here for a short stay-over until she is ready to travel onwards to Australia! She's a very sweet girl.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3008/2682680604_a4fcbd09f8.jpg?v=0
And here are some pictures to show you that we're not bored over here. Here we're reading a Donald Duck. It's entirely in Dutch, but we can look at the pictures and Tiah translates for us.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3074/2681862793_426c570b62.jpg?v=0
Jason passed by and asked if we wanted to play with the ball with him. Of course we wanted to!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3190/2681862985_b7852e4fec.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/2681863223_3fbbf574b6.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3136/2681863423_e579f8d9c6.jpg?v=0
Well, we'll talk later!

Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Jul 19, 2008, 8:59 pm
There was a rainbow outside this evening! Our host spotted it from inside, grabbed her camera and told us to come along. You can see it here all the way from the left side...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3242/2683366268_f210dedde5.jpg?v=0

...through the middle...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3276/2683366528_945d40030d.jpg?v=0

...and this is the right side...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3118/2683366364_e220fe7a12.jpg?v=0

And here I am posing in front of it as proof that I've seen it too ;) Isn't it cool!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3039/2682548553_b85b75f1bc.jpg?v=0

Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Jul 24, 2008, 9:59 pm
Look, this is what we ate today. No, it's not very healthy indeed, but it sure tasted great. It's croquettes made of potatoes, kipnuggets, a cheese soufflé and apple/strawberry sauce. And yes, the soda is indeed green :)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3202/2698877075_98b94cf642.jpg?v=0

Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Jul 24, 2008, 10:16 pm
We thought this was a very funny picture. The text says: 'The polar bears are back'. I don't think this ostrich is very happy with the situation.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3224/2699746328_2b179011c6.jpg?v=0
And look at these small geese. They're still so small and fuzzy :)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3254/2699746418_580a34c9be.jpg?v=0
Today was also the day for Tiah Tigris to resume her journeys. She's now on her way to Australia!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/2699693274_12802a3e34.jpg?v=0

Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Jul 24, 2008, 10:48 pm
Yesterday was a really special day. We went to visit Charda's grandmother in Oosterhout in the South of the country. We even stayed for the night. Here we are on the train on our way there.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2698931047_19e1b6f198.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3234/2699746490_2c6f337e0e.jpg?v=0

And here's the view still at The Hague Central Station.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3097/2698931153_c155bbf333.jpg?v=0

Today we walked through the village of Oosterhout. We first met these deer in a small park.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3251/2698877359_9d62aa0e44.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3252/2698877561_1ccbf67a06.jpg?v=0

Here you can see what used to be a small castle. Nowadays it's just a building with some apartments and offices.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3240/2699694056_2607dc87ab.jpg?v=0

Here's another beautiful building.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3144/2699694120_60fa9cef3b.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3234/2698878227_e17706463f.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3110/2698878303_591ec47b8d.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3005/2699694596_80492bda9c.jpg?v=0

This statue is in honour of all the men who are fifty years old. Apparently they have the tradition in this town to visit this statue once a year with all the fifty-year-old men. The mayor is also there and he will give a speech. And after that they will party together ;)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3220/2698878655_6b3eaab62c.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3285/2699694746_7a3338959d.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3014/2699694844_07de6a3055.jpg?v=0

This statue looks a little scary, but we were brave enough to take a picture with it :)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3048/2699694918_695b14fc70.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3010/2699695028_a2c8b390b5.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3220/2699695128_f3e8f789ce.jpg?v=0

These persons were a lot nicer than the ghosts of the other statue. This statue was made in remembrance of the Second World War.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3165/2698879447_24acd50773.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3045/2698879635_94cff6a585.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3136/2699695880_d2b48e319f.jpg?v=0

And now we're back home again :)

Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Jul 24, 2008, 10:58 pm
When we came home today, a new TV was already waiting for us! It's Jadzia Tam!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3242/2698879971_5f877d12ae.jpg?v=0
And at the same time we had to say goodbye to Moony. He is leaving to a new address already. We're sad to see him go...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3080/2699696240_4b51d12194.jpg?v=0

Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Jul 29, 2008, 9:26 am
Last weekend we went to a friend of our host in a town called Almere in the middle of the country. We didn't take too many pictures there, since we mainly watched television and relaxed there, but I do have some pictures to show you :)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3155/2711952296_d50ff44ed3.jpg?v=0
This is me yet again on a Dutch train. The houses you see behind me are in Amsterdam.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/2711140413_7a28bcbea3.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3108/2711952804_4f7b6b1bf0.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3087/2711953110_7ef65d0652.jpg?v=0
Since it was really warm weather all weekend long, we sat outside in the garden. The mother of our host's friend had just cleaned up the garden and had taken away all the weeds, so don't you think it looks pretty?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3182/2711953354_9655af2a18.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3121/2711953634_9dd79fbffa.jpg?v=0
Here we pose together with the dog that lives there. Her name is Buffie. Yes, as in the Vampire Slayer. Now, this was not a vampire slayer, she was pretty sweet, but she did look at us like she wanted to eat us. And apparently that's what she usually does to her toys :o
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3043/2711953866_768f60f19c.jpg?v=0
Since it was really warm all weekend long, we lay down in this comfy chair for a little while. The sun had already gone away, but it was still pretty nice like this :)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2711954152_3e96feb1f5.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3130/2711142325_1aee52f2b3.jpg?v=0
And because it was so warm, we got to share an icecream! It was vanilla icecream with strawberry sauce.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3282/2711954604_1a0326a5f9.jpg?v=0
We met this giant Dora in the guestroom where we slept. And do you know what's so great about her? She speaks English! She teaches all the little Dutch children how to speak English. "Let's go!"
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3093/2711954772_7d6e5c1ec8.jpg?v=0

Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Jul 29, 2008, 8:08 pm
Today was another exciting day. Do we get any rest around here? We went to Leiden today. Our host had some errands to run there and we tagged along. I had already been here, but we did see some things that I hadn't seen last time. We went by bus and this was the first statue we saw once we arrived. A statue of Rembrandt!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3078/2713826345_c8feee4e51.jpg?v=0
Right behind the statue of Rembrandt was this nice building. Inside the building is a secondary school.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3036/2714640056_f2c85e987f.jpg?v=0
This was at the other side of the street.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3080/2713827041_280b50eff5.jpg?v=0

Here I am in front of the Pieterskerk. Unfortunately lots of construction men were working on this building, so we couldn't get a better picture than this, if we wanted a picture without scaffolding. Do you see the picture with the two keys over the door? That's the coat of arms of Leiden.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2009/2714643160_50528cd1b1.jpg?v=0

This is all of us on a cache, a real geocache. This is where we left the travelbug that was sent to our host via Postcrossing. Our host had found this cache last year, so she walked straight to it, without a GPS this time.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3217/2713829919_17f59145c9.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3086/2713830081_16931666c4.jpg?v=0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2213/2714643642_21f67ef6e1.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3059/2713830459_19bb6c1737.jpg?v=0

Just look at these houses. They're so typically Dutch.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3045/2714644186_7d41ff46b0.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3105/2714644262_e54510dce6.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3204/2714650220_442d392d2f.jpg?v=0


And then there was a surprise when we got home. Two new TVs were waiting for us! Their names are Resi and Chipper.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3256/2714650532_a6e1f22de6.jpg?v=0

Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Aug 4, 2008, 12:04 pm
Last weekend we went camping. Our host was a First Aid volunteer at an event called 'Castlefest'. Our host didn't have much time to take a lot of pictures, but she took some, so you can see where we've been. Since we were camping at the location, this is everything we had to bring. Luckily we went by car this time.
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f233/Charda1982/IMG_3773.jpg
On the first day we met this cute thermos. It was strange. I think this penguin would prefer cold drinks, but he contained coffee!
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f233/Charda1982/IMG_3781.jpg
These weapons are used in LARP, which stands for Live Action Role Play. These swords are covered in foam so that they don't hurt if you get hit by them.
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f233/Charda1982/IMG_3784.jpg
This horse looks so cool!
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f233/Charda1982/IMG_3785.jpg
This construction is a 'stool of witches'. Here you can be tested whether or not you are a witch.
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f233/Charda1982/IMG_3787.jpg
In the First Aid tent we met this nice couple. They look pretty cool, right?
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f233/Charda1982/IMG_3800.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f233/Charda1982/IMG_3802.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f233/Charda1982/IMG_3803.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f233/Charda1982/IMG_3804.jpg
He is really scary! You can't even see his face!
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f233/Charda1982/IMG_3805.jpg
Girls playing the harp.
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f233/Charda1982/IMG_3807.jpg
Some other girls with a large weapon.
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f233/Charda1982/IMG_3809.jpg
This tree had a man in it! Or was it a treant? I don't know exactly what it was, but he had this really dark grumbly voice.
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f233/Charda1982/IMG_3820.jpg
The Wickerman statue was burnt on Saturday evening. Unfortunately we weren't there at that moment, because we had to stay in the First Aid tent.
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f233/Charda1982/IMG_3822.jpg
These helmets and weapons were for sale.
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f233/Charda1982/IMG_3825.jpg
I think this man was hung there as a warning for others. It looked pretty frightening to me!
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f233/Charda1982/IMG_3827.jpg
The polar man and this dog looked pretty good together, but the man was only posing with the dog.
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f233/Charda1982/IMG_3830.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f233/Charda1982/IMG_3831.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f233/Charda1982/IMG_3833.jpg
People dressed in the most splendid outfits.
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f233/Charda1982/IMG_3834.jpg
Suddenly we heard this loud roaring outside of the First Aid tent. What could it be? Oh no, it was a real dragon! But our host told us that this was a trained dragon and it was safe to pose with him. Well, I didn't feel too comfortable so close to him.
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f233/Charda1982/IMG_3858.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f233/Charda1982/IMG_3859.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f233/Charda1982/IMG_3860.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f233/Charda1982/IMG_3861.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f233/Charda1982/IMG_3862.jpg
And now we're back home, safe in Leidschendam again, far away from knights, goblins and dragons. Phew, I think I'm gonna need some rest to recover from this weekend.

Charda
charda1982@gmail.com

Posted Aug 6, 2008, 7:07 pm
Today I left the Netherlands. I have been here for a very long time and I have seen many things. I have been to London, Amsterdam, Leiden, Ommen, Lisse and Almere. That's quite a journey for one TV!
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f233/Charda1982/IMG_3865.jpg

Yolanda found it especially hard to say goodbye to me. She became quite attached to me and I to her.
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f233/Charda1982/IMG_3869.jpg

Now I am on my way back home! Here I come, mom!

Mondfalke


Posted Oct 5, 2008, 12:21 am
Hello there!
Sorry for just writing now but I have been very busy since I arrived back home safely.
Thanks a lot to my hosts, I had a real great time with you!
Perhaps I will go on another trip soon, I hope it very much!

Bye,
Ceryni
Mondfalke


Posted Oct 7, 2008, 5:22 pm
Hello!
I am very happy that I can continue my travels. I will start to Michele in the USA tomorrow! I hope I will have a quick and quiet trip!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/mondfalke/Toyvoyagers/IMG00105.jpg
Bye,
Ceryni
Michele_one_L


Posted Oct 17, 2008, 7:10 pm
Hi Mom! I arrived in New York this afternoon. I'm off to take a nap so I'll update again later.
fam-united


Posted Dec 1, 2009, 6:49 pm
Hi Mum,

I'm back in Germany after a long stay in Canada. I will try to update as soon as possible, but right now my host is ill, nothing serious, but enough that she can't go on the computer for a longer time. She said, that she just wanted to let you know, that everything is fine.

Bye, Ceryni
fam-united


Posted Dec 7, 2009, 9:03 pm
Today evening my hosts had a dinner called "Würstchen im Schlafrock" (kilted sausages). My host wanted some fresh vegetables in it, but there was only one small piece of a tomato. They also had a beer called Rauchbier, so it was a very special dinner.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2689/4164328632_968f33753f.jpg
fam-united


Posted Dec 7, 2009, 9:07 pm
It is a time for baking cakes it seems. So here we are preparing a cake called Torta di Mandorle, a cake with many almonds.


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2533/4166536263_3d06655171.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2795/4167312912_1a35799b39.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2526/4167306144_58dab5d94d.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2693/4166552415_17dd5380a9.jpg
fam-united


Posted Dec 19, 2009, 11:13 pm
Later we helped getting finished with decorating the house. There are so many nice little things to put up and maybe you will see more photos of everything later.

This is my hosts' favorite window decoration.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2656/4166557143_82ffe250b0.jpg


Here you see the advent calendar for our hosts' daughter. This year there are ships sailing on the sea.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2630/4166541025_49e76c6fb0.jpg


There is a really frosty decoration in front of the entrance. I like it.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2493/4166530847_909d62c0a6.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2451/4166533639_b605be8513.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2602/4167308242_612e6bfe3d.jpg


Finally here is the cake. It tastes great.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2666/4167321470_a4a038cf59.jpg



And here you see the decoration of the kitchen window.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4166560327_599c6b3fd8.jpg
fam-united


Posted Dec 31, 2009, 11:21 am
It is the first day, that my host has time to bake some Christmas cookies. We were allowed to help her. Everyone had a special job to do. She put the Christmas CD into the CD player and we sang the songs together with her.

We start to prepare the dough for Husarenkrapferl and Vanillekipferl (crescent-shaped pastry or roll with vanilla) and Kokosmakronen (coconut macaroons) . I think, these are really funny names.


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2518/4198698030_c8ae19b35e.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4198700018_4309feecae.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2599/4197948313_362d705c17.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2499/4197950141_5162c5405f.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2783/4198705890_b5fed4424b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2584/4197956115_b4a2a8445c.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2521/4197954103_dc717e881d.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2737/4198712318_7706473bb0.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2591/4198714288_c4faf9a7f0.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4197962039_df98e1632c.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4197964119_4b1a355147.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2515/4198722500_300b48d3a5.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2657/4198720386_4e2425dfe9.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4197972781_6efee35743.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2637/4198724732_c1fef73529.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2555/4197974637_ffe4d71eaf.jpg
fam-united


Posted Dec 31, 2009, 2:07 pm
Today we have beautiful, but cold weather and we asked our host, if she would have time to show us some places in Bruchsal. She packed us in her rucksack. We still had about -12°C, what is rather cold in this region.


Bruchsal (orig. Bruohselle, Bruaselle) is a city at the western edge of the Kraichgau, approximately 20 km Northeast of Karlsruhe in the state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It is located on Bertha Benz Memorial Route.
Bruchsal is the largest city in the district of Karlsruhe and is known for being Europe's largest asparagus producer and one of the economic centers of the region of Karlsruhe


Bruchsal is located at the edge of the Upper Rhine River Plains and the Kraichgau along the Saalbach, which is a small tributary of the Rhine that joins it between Philippsburg and Oberhausen.
                                   
Ancient era and early Middle Ages
Excavations and artifacts that were discovered evidence a settlement existing on the Michelsberg (Untergrombach) as early as 4000 BC during the Neolithic. In the core of Bruchsal the oldest settlement discovered was dated back to 640 AD. It is located near the present Peterskirche, where I stay right now. The first mention of Bruchsal in official documents occurred in 976 when the King came to town. And during October of the year 980, Otto II and his Court stayed at the King's palace in Bruchsal for several days

1248 was the first time Bruchsal was referred to as a city and in 1278 St. Peters Church is mentioned for the first time. After extensive damage to both, the Palace and the Peterskirch were reconstructed in 1320. The Bergfried (an outlook and defensive tower bastion) was erected in 1358 and the city wall was completed in 1452. In 1460 the first coin was pressed in Bruchsal.


By April 24, 1711 Bruchsal had recovered sufficiently to play host to Prince Eugene of Savoy of the Habsburg Court in Vienna. Then in 1716 the Bishop of Speyer, Heinrich von Rollingen, moved his residence into the Bruchsal Palace. This move elevated the city's status to that of an official residence of the Diocese of Speyer. At the same time, Bruchsal became the seat of the "Vizedomamt", the most important office held by the Diocese on the West bank of the Rhine. In 1719 Cardinal Damian Hugo von Schönborn became the new Bishop and after settling in he commissioned in (1722), among others, the new baroque château and the new Peters Church (from 1742). Both were built and, in part, designed by Balthasar Neumann. In the Bishop's honor, the Southern gate out of the château grounds is referred to as Damian's Gate to this day.



In the afternoon of March 1, 1945, Bruchsal was bombed. In addition to the 1,000 lives that perished that day, the entire inner city and the baroque château were destroyed. The baroque palace was rebuilt in the 70th.
   

That's enough of history now. I'm not sure, whether you want to read everything, but I thought, Petra should write a bit about Bruchsal's history. She used wikipedia and you will find more history and information there.

We went to see the palace. You see some small houses in front of the palace, which belong to the soon opened Christmas market. It is the back side of the palace.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4227631431_3044583644.jpg   



The tower on the right side belongs to the catholic church St. Damian and Hugo.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2629/4227655987_964e80122b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2528/4228491674_de88ff6a78.jpg



There's a nice pond in the park, which is frozen right now.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4228449938_cc0750d298.jpg



There are statues, which show the four seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. And there are four statues showing the four elements water, fire, earth and wind.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2620/4228496208_9737a0a59e.jpg



There are some of the most beautiful and oldest houses of Bruchsal in Franz-Bläsi-Straße.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2617/4228468842_ae97121355.jpg
fam-united


Posted Dec 31, 2009, 2:09 pm
The Belvedere (Bruchsal) was originally designed as a Manor for fun and games, to which a shooting house was added for use in the shooting competitions often held by the Court. As time went by, the Manor was nicknamed Belvedere by the city's residents, as it enjoyed the best view of the city. The Belvedere is part of the City Gardens.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2670/4228543014_f44aaa3b87.jpg


view out of a window:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2525/4227770917_c02a728692.jpg[img]null[/img]
fam-united


Posted Dec 31, 2009, 2:12 pm
Snow! How nice and beautiful, even when it is only a whiff of snow.

Here is a view out of a window, where my hosts live. You see the top of the tower of the city church and next to it, you see cranes where they build a new shopping center.


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4228713352_a9565abe9e.jpg



Looking to the other side you see this beautiful building, which is called Santa Maria. I hope, to have a closer view soon.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4227949559_3dc2265e6e.jpg


The large building is the music school. The part of the red tower belongs to the Bergfried, the tower of the old castle, and the small small part of the tower to its left is the tower of St. Damian and Hugo.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4227951979_2a151f19e1.jpg


Then we closed the window, because it still is really cold outside. My hosts love to decorate the windows with paper crafts.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/4227981023_22ce3849b9.jpg


Then we went downstairs to warm up next to the oven in the livingroom.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2587/4228010239_2fba5a6d05.jpg


I asked my host, whether she would like to take a photo with me and the Adventskranz (advent wreath) and she did.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2540/4228046435_980fdbe398.jpg
fam-united


Posted Dec 31, 2009, 2:14 pm
My host said, that now it would be more than urgent to bake some more cookies or we only would have four sorts. You see, that Sweetsy arrived at our home today and also Princess Sarah. Sweetsy brought some wonderful gingerbread cookies with him. But four sorts of cookies aren't enough for all of us, so we told her, that we all would help together and get some more done.

Here we read the recipe for our host's favorite gingerbread recipe. Sweetsy was so happy, that at his first day he had the chance to try another gingerbread recipe: Zigeunerschnitten. The recipe is handwritten in our host's book, because it is a family recipe from her grandparents. She said, that she never found this recipe somewhere else, but maybe someone knows this recipe too?


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2797/4228059259_824eff7b63.jpg


At first Pinkz helped to weigh the butter.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4228828174_365839d261.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2584/4228064735_d47b60cc9c.jpg


Then BineHH helped to add the sugar for the dough.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2645/4228068315_af0018d60e.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2537/4228071371_18265e6125.jpg


Galo said, that if it comes to eggs, it would be his turn. We all were a bit nervous, because we didn't know, if he could stand it.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4228074643_f7a94c1675.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2505/4228077853_e0562d708d.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2740/4228081145_62b205359b.jpg



Hey, Galo! What's the matter!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2658/4228084343_d76fbc4d2d.jpg



Wake up! We knew it! It was too hard for him!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/4228853634_63afb4517e.jpg



After a while Galo felt better and we all went back to our places.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/4228090117_1cd25a226f.jpg



Now Jennifer added almonds.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/4228093383_efc6159a7e.jpg


Sweetsy added raisins.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4068/4228096583_c16dd93cf4.jpg


We had to have a break in preparing the dough for Zigeunerschnitten, because we forgot to buy some necessary ingredients. So we went on with preparing other cookies.


Jimmy_D helped to prick out the Spitzbuben cookies.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2768/4228874822_a5e7193390.jpg


Smooch and Scotty helped to roll the dough for Zimtsterne (star-shaped cinnamon cookies).

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4228111031_b0475c76b8.jpg


I tried to help to form Nougatkipfert.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4228881134_9f0c894cfb.jpg


Finally one other family member bought the missing ingredients for Zigeunerschnitten and we had been able to finish the dough.

Scotty added candied lemon peel and candied orange peel to the dough.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2730/4228123717_5af280dd5c.jpg


Spooky used the spoon to add cacao powder to the dough.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2623/4228893700_9c65608a5f.jpg


Then it was time to add the cinnamon.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2623/4228896822_c4def1bd91.jpg


At last it was time to add the flour.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2649/4228899910_d1f62b42bb.jpg


Pinkz stirred the dough.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4015/4228136101_1d95926cc4.jpg


The result is a really heavy brown dough.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2526/4228905492_c04332f144.jpg


Smooch and Galo rolled the dough on the baking plate. It is hard work.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4228884096_91b6091a6b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4228120427_bccff107f6.jpg


After baking the air smelled of gingerbread, yummy. Nevertheless we still had to decorate the Zigeunerschnitten.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2622/4228144717_b8bf838a8b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2685/4228147449_a0a7bf97b6.jpg


After the Zigeunerschnitten were cold enough we cut them into smaller pieces and put them in a box.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2764/4228917374_6208beb0ac.jpg


We also decorated the Nougatkipferl

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2727/4228920622_48534842b7.jpg


and Husarenkrapferl

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2751/4228157647_3d1d5853bd.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2663/4228160839_f87a950851.jpg


fam-united


Posted Dec 31, 2009, 2:15 pm
Here you have another view out of a window in the attic. It shows the view to the church St. Peter, which is next to the graveyard.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4228948342_82c6053e33.jpg
fam-united


Posted Dec 31, 2009, 2:17 pm
Merry Christmas to everyone at home.


For Holy Eve we have chicken fricassee for dinner. This is a traditional food in my hosts' family.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2781/4228974046_99f9283a16.jpg



Later after singing Christmas songs and unwrapping presents we had time to eat some Christmas cookies.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2713/4228256093_c468244866.jpg
fam-united


Posted Jan 3, 2010, 2:57 pm
I wish you all a happy new year. There is no big party at my hosts' home, so you only see a photo with me and a part of the Christmas tree.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/4240944602_56d9e4144d.jpg
olgamaus


Posted Apr 10, 2010, 7:07 pm
Hi Mummy,
I don't know what happened, but somehow I woke up in Remscheid in Northrhine-Westphalia. But that's ok, because I am not alone here but with some more ToyVoyagers.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2781/4503027157_e8eb7b165e_o.jpg

My new host is Katja, she took me and Diddl-Maus into town. First we had a look at the beautiful city hall.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2021/4507883527_a3613dd3c7_o.jpg

We went to the shopping mall than.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4508522902_65d4b1a41d_o.jpg

The next photo was taken not too far from my current home, in front of the local court.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2102/4507883747_a7c9775177_o.jpg

Only one street away from my current home I saw a lot of pretty old  houses.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2383/4507883867_4309372c5f_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4508523228_2c1ca14617_o.jpg

We went to Katja's sister-in-law when she finished work. From here you can see the outskirts of the neighbour city Wuppertal.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4500717280_0cebb0281c_o.jpg

Bye
Ceryni
olgamaus


Posted Apr 16, 2010, 5:17 pm
Hi Mummy,
we took a short walk in the city centre in our lunch break. Katja is working close to the city hall, so today I will show you the lion pillar on the market place, in front of the city hall.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4525239085_daca9bfb19_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4525239239_f0d67e42c9_o.jpg

Here you can see the public library ...

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4525868804_284a31004b_o.jpg

... and here the central bus station.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4525869606_45af2dcc97_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4525868590_1778010037_o.jpg

The municipal music school is situated in this pretty house.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4525870266_12a8b59235_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4015/4525239043_efc50e2726_o.jpg

The pedestrian area is beginning here.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4525238547_a108f548fb_o.jpg

We had to go back to work than. We took a last photo in front of the shopping mall.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4008/4525870176_e04a3742e8_o.jpg

Bye
Ceryni
olgamaus


Posted Apr 16, 2010, 5:39 pm
Hi Mummy,

we had to do buy a few things when we finished work. We decided to go a long way round, we were not in a hurry.

This is one of the churches in the city centre with a nice café in the foreground.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4525240261_46bdafe482_o.jpg

This is the large bus stop in front of the central station. All those those trees are blooming.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/4525868930_2c09aee1b6_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4525239929_a2356110da_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4525240183_54b3120592_o.jpg

This is the central station - however, they have two tracks for passenger trains and a few more for freight trains here.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4525869322_f90eb22a3d_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4525239563_c5a46be5ac_o.jpg

The "Trasse des Werkzeugs" (Route of Tools) is starting here. It is a path for pedestrians and cyclists, built on a closed railway  track. It was sponsored by local tool producing companies, so it was called "Trasse des Werkzeugs". They have a lot of metalworking industry here, especially tools are produced here since the middle ages. Close to the central station you can see lots of industrial buildings.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4525239343_27a891bc73_o.jpg

I am sitting on the counterweight of a railway crossing gate.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4042/4525239717_ec547bc011_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4068/4525238359_a6cafa8164_o.jpg

The "Trasse des Werkzeugs" is about 5 km long, conncecting the station with the old district Hasten.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4026/4525239479_b3795c3368_o.jpg

More industrial buildings ...

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4525869484_66d55b0c92_o.jpg

You can find a lot of information signs along the path.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4525869034_d8454193eb_o.jpg

Some houses were built really close to the former railway track.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4525239647_07bb31e9cd_o.jpg

In this area you can a rest and sit down on those round benches.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/4525869126_249d83bee5_o.jpg

You can also find signs with the logos and informations of the sponsoring companies here.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4525238271_6873de00cc_o.jpg

Than we had to buy a few things here.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/4525868876_fe59c4c1b6_o.jpg

Bye
Ceryni
olgamaus


Posted Apr 18, 2010, 11:51 am
Hi Mummy,

we took a long walk today along the so called "Obstweg Leichlingen" (translated it must be something like "Route of Fruit"  :D ). Leichlingen is a small town, halfway between Remscheid and Cologne.

The walk is following a route through traditional orchard meadows, along homesteads and through rural hamlets. It is about 9 km long.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4529227348_2b8d5e8299_o.jpg

We had to follow the marking showing an apple.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4528595369_dd6aba2a01_o.jpg

You can find information boards along the walk, telling you interesting facts about local fauna and flora, about the region itself, about fruit-growing and special sorts of apples, peas and other fruits.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4042/4528595441_40b29a53e4_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4528595543_19f8f5e521_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4529228586_2a953f1dd7_o.jpg

These are pea trees, their blooms are not fully opened yet.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4528596561_f73b54f07a_o.jpg

On the meadows the first daisies and Cuckoo Flowers are blooming.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4528596645_862482880c_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4528596751_106d8b83db_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4528596841_8e068ea210_o.jpg

You can find blooming fuit trees everywhere, even in the forest.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4528597655_508811b37c_o.jpg

This is  blooming hawthorne.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/4529231734_c6676fa9dd_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4528598805_90b6051bb5_o.jpg

In the gardens also lots of flowers are blooming. Leichlingen is closer to the river Rhine than Remscheid, so the climate is milder here.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4528598917_054fbe44e7_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4528598989_e1b06d765f_o.jpg

These trees are apple trees.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4529232242_3b2d64d2dd_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4528600055_2a48e6ef12_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4529233332_63b9ed5403_o.jpg

We are really enjoying the sunshine.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4529227056_876b4e8f76_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4529233332_63b9ed5403_o.jpg

We had to walk along a street for a while.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4529234466_64d5a8895e_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4528602335_4a46da56f3_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4529235700_a0bca3bfca_o.jpg

Here you can see the city centre of Leichlingen in the valley.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4528602725_4cdf0583c5_o.jpg

We went into town than, looking for refreshments.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4008/4528602813_041e45ce21_o.jpg

The river Wupper is running through the city centre.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4528594325_ab7ab35f91_o.jpg

Here is our reward for more than two  hours walking :D

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4529225138_e13f9c8e4f_o.jpg

That was a really nice trip!

Bye
Ceryni
olgamaus


Posted Apr 26, 2010, 7:15 pm
Hi Mummy,
we are celebrating a really important commemoration day today: The Day of German Beer. Since 1984 the issuance of the "Reinheitsgebot"  (German Beer Purity Law) is celebrated by the German brewers.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3502/3468704477_0ce3e44b1c_o.jpg

We also did :D

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3429/4555418666_14df614964_o.jpg

Cheers!

Bye
Ceryni
olgamaus


Posted Apr 26, 2010, 9:14 pm
Hi Mummy,
today it is a wonderful sunny day. We took a walk with Katja's brother-in-law and his dog Berti in one of the valleys which are surrounding the city centre of Remscheid.

First we had to walk to the South of Remscheid, from here you have a good view to the city centre on its hill.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2731/4535333681_964698b77a_o.jpg

We went to the "Eschbachtal" (Eschbach Valley). The "Eschbach" is a creek which is running through this valley.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2715/4535967032_d13fbf751b_o.jpg

We saw several ponds which belonged to mills in the past.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4535334265_e02d1f641f_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4535967890_96b94415b1_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2680/4535333973_90e2e49be4_o.jpg

Bye
Ceryni
fam-united


Posted Apr 29, 2010, 9:07 am
It is snowing! I'm so looking forward to playing in the snow, but it is night and my host told me, that it is time to go to bed.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4359278018_e09d71f664.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2748/4358534749_dcd42bdd75.jpg
fam-united


Posted Apr 29, 2010, 9:08 am
I love to see all the snow. I hope, that we will find time to go out, but my host's husband is really ill and I think, that I will have no luck. Please help praying, that he feels better soon.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4359279176_e6fe1d0772.jpg
fam-united


Posted Apr 29, 2010, 9:10 am
Today it is time to do some homework. My host helps her children writing vocabulary cards, while they do their homeworks. Here you see Latin vocabularies.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4358533839_cd30db4448.jpg




We went to the church St. Peter to have a short rest from writing and of course to enjoy the snow.


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2764/4358537781_0c17bc9a27.jpg


Here you see the statues of St. Peter and St. Paul.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4068/4359275420_726b54996e.jpg
fam-united


Posted Apr 29, 2010, 9:12 am
Today we went on a short walk around the Michaelsberg, which belongs to Untergrombach. It's a nice place, when there is snow.


The houses on the right side in the far belong to Bruchsal.


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4005/4358530873_01c33b8513.jpg



These houses belong to Untergrombach. Behind the dust in the far are the Palatinate Mountains.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2768/4358531977_01e3723715.jpg



This chapel is on top of the Michaelsberg. Many people like to marry there.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4358529717_00731de060.jpg
fam-united


Posted Apr 29, 2010, 9:13 am
Last night we got snow again. It is sad, that the old snow just melted away, so there are still only a few centimeters of snow.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/4358540225_f43a29fdd9.jpg
fam-united


Posted Apr 29, 2010, 9:14 am
Today I saw "New Moon" in the cinema. I really liked it. Not too far from the cinema I saw this church. It is called Lutherkirche, an evangelic church.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4358538865_87ff026faf.jpg
fam-united


Posted Apr 29, 2010, 9:15 am
Help, Mum. Yesterday we watched this one house burning, that has a little framework. It is the house in the middle of the photo. The flames were really high and we all are still trembling. Thank God, nobody lives in this house and nobody got hurt otherwise we wouldn't have taken this photo.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3591/4555033543_ba85b2cdc7.jpg
fam-united


Posted Apr 29, 2010, 9:17 am
My host had a disc prolaps in her neck and she felt and still feels really bad. So our activities are rare right now, but today we went on a short walk around this beautiful sea. We really enjoyed it.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3072/4555037439_49812f9466.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3375/4555671024_571df31350.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3045/4555675240_175002d119.jpg
fam-united


Posted Apr 29, 2010, 9:18 am
Tonight there we watched the full moon.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3417/4555047701_1d8873dcce.jpg
fam-united


Posted Apr 29, 2010, 9:19 am
My host's most activities are watching tv, reading and walking up and down in the house. She doesn't go out alone, still afraid, because she feels so dizzy. So here we watched one of her favourite tv series: McLeods Daughters'. She prefers the ones with Claire:)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3514/4555052021_b7e7cc9338.jpg
fam-united


Posted Apr 29, 2010, 9:21 am
Today we went for a little walk in a wood next to a small animal park. My host's son went with her and so she took us with them. We enjoyed the lovely weather again.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/4555056653_6523e30a7c.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3056/4555061717_85e54cb298.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3454/4555695844_0214e4f55a.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4555700060_6c54848580.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3470/4555074919_37b26dfea2.jpg
olgamaus


Posted May 1, 2010, 9:57 pm
Hi Mummy,
today it's the International Worker's Day, so Katja suggested to visit a very important former workplace, the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen. To get there, we met Katja's friend Erika and went to Essen by bus and train.

We met in Remscheid-Hasten.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3339/4568380693_875527bed1_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4568380787_72aa4a187e_o.jpg

Erika brought a birthday present for Katja, she was celebrating her birthday last week. Erika covered pieces of bananas with dark chocolate and decorated them with real flowers, with ground ivy, in German they are called "Gundermann".  Those plants are edible, in ancient times they were used as a preservation spell against plague and also as a medical plant.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3376/4569017502_940ba35f08_o.jpg

Of course everyone tasted them, they were delicious :)

olgamaus


Posted May 2, 2010, 8:52 pm
We reached Essen and went to Zeche Zollverein by tram.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4568381043_0d270c111e_o.jpg

The Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex is a large former industrial site in the city of Essen. It has been inscribed into the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites since December 2001.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3300/4568381129_169fa4c5b7_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4569017818_ffb73daf85_o.jpg

The first coal mine on the premises was founded in 1847, mining activities took place from 1851 until 1986.

The two parts of the site, Zollverein Coal Mine and Zollverein Coking Plant ranked among the largest of their kinds in Europe. The Zollverein Coking Plant was erected in the late 1950's, closed in 1993. Shaft 12, built in Bauhaus style, was opened in 1932 and is considered an architectural and technical masterpiece, called "the most beautiful coal mine in the world". After it had been closed down in late 1986, shaft 12 was declared as a memorial. You can see it on the very first photo.

You can walk in the area everywhere, so we took a walk around.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3417/4569017894_d486764540_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3406/4569017984_05bbca3daa_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4010/4569018098_08afd4fc3a_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/4568391707_7646412907_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3376/4569018176_75471c637f_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3409/4569018282_127aa05289_o.jpg

We decided to visit the coking plant than, we had to walk a few minutes to get there. On our way we saw this gigantic hauling machine.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3313/4569018376_e705f12e65_o.jpg

Soon we reached to coking plant Zollverein.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4568381873_e1fbb5c920_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4569018562_915147bf6e_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4568382083_69c2fdbac3_o.jpg

You cannot imagine how large those tubes are!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4569018794_157ff38953_o.jpg

Everything is gigantic here - there are screws which are larger than me!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3257/4569028688_4052e5b34a_o.jpg

We reached the end of the coking complex. The artificial channel is opened for ice skating in winter.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4569018910_80a06ef3f9_o.jpg

We walked back on the rear side of the coking plant.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3351/4568382369_133b687a9b_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3403/4569019104_0eff13f987_o.jpg

We went to the visitor's center than which is situated in the former coal washing plant. You can see the old machines here. It is quite dark here in this part of the complex.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4568382587_7935ff7998_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3333/4568380441_4fb1b063a5_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4568380573_311cc4a515_o.jpg

We found a beer garden on the estate, we all needed refreshing.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4568391973_8d08c85588_o.jpg

When we went back to the central station, we had to wait for our train. We made good use of our time :D

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3217/4569028394_beb1ce811d_o.jpg

I am glad that I do not have to work in a coal mine.

Bye
Ceryni

olgamaus


Posted May 6, 2010, 8:02 pm
Hi Mummy,

we took a walk in the afternoon. Although the sun was shining it was rather cold. We went to the municipal park first to have a look at the ducks. We hoped to see cute ducklings but it seems there are still no ducklings.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4581844102_18f62c2851_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/4581214123_c05f90fa3c_o.jpg

The rhododendron is already blooming.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3311/4581214199_6d926a2100_o.jpg

This memorial is dedicated to the dead of severals wars earlier than World War I.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/4581853602_6203d068a0_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4581844376_48d55ba21f_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4581214369_e5a7e4e4af_o.jpg

We left the park than and walked to one of the oldest districts, to Hasten. You can find those typical old houses here, also old factories among dwellings.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4581214603_8e27d3585c_o.jpg

This district is surrounded by woodland.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/4581214689_5594c73cdc_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4581844860_60e4f03331_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4042/4581844904_745f966330_o.jpg

To walk home we had to walk uphill for an eternity.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/4581214885_7daaa435e1_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4581845048_6a0ca59db6_o.jpg

Bye
Ceryni

olgamaus


Posted May 9, 2010, 2:39 pm
Hi Mummy,
we visited the neighbour city Wuppertal today. The first thing to see when you enter the city centre is the "Schwebebahn", a suspended monorail, the worldwide one and only of that kind.

The Schwebebahn is built above the river Wupper. It was opened in 1901 and it is still in use as a local transport system. It travels along a route 13.3 kilometres long, about 12 metres  above the surface of the river Wupper  and about 8 m above the city streets.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/4589361183_0e38908f62_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/4589361249_b67701f90b_o.jpg

We took a short walk along the river Wupper. Here you can see the Schwebebahn in front of a bank building.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4589361355_8552d3336b_o.jpg

The Schwebebahn has 20 stations, each of it built in a different style, some in the original old-fashioned style, some in a modern style. This one is definitely one of the modern ones.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4589361447_cd63bd1b9d_o.jpg

We went with the Schwebebahn for three stations.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4589361533_eb3a4bec94_o.jpg

Here you can see the train leaving into the other direction.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4589544889_ab7e3a3ccc_o.jpg

Katja told us that we would visit the Botanical Garden than, high upon the hillside. The city of Wuppertal is situated in the valley of the river Wupper, the slopes of the valley are really steep, so in Wuppertal about 500 stairs were built  along the slopes. Most of them were built in 19th century when the housing areas grew. Here is one of them.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4589982338_fe389f90b1_o.jpg

We reached the Botanical Garden than. It was originally built in 1890 as a school garden in the place which is now the rose garden. Between 1908-1910 it relocated to today's site, the Villa Eller'schen, a former country house of textile manufacturers named Eller, which contained a villa , orangery, residential and farm buildings, and the Elise Tower (built 1838) which provides the garden's focal point.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4589361797_d776da98bb_o.jpg

First we had a look at the greenhouses.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4589982410_e1f36d103c_o.jpg

We decided to climb onto the tower.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4589361889_d528be7f43_o.jpg

The outlook is fantastic!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4589982638_b727db170d_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4589362041_f897e7290f_o.jpg

On this zoomed photo you can see the city centre with the characteristic bank building.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4589570963_2630d795f5_o.jpg

Here you can see the greenhouses.

[img] [/img]

This is the villa, in the former orangery nowadays a nice café is situated.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4589362111_fe0d21c3fb_o.jpg

We saw lots of pretty flowers.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4589981778_7d8af46f0a_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4589981850_931702ab75_o.jpg

Here you can see part of the villa. The former orangery is containing a nice café nowadays.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4589360971_6691dc7f4e_o.jpg

Of course we posed for a nice group photograph.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4589371049_b410dd7db2_o.jpg

It was time than to leave.

Bye
Ceryni

olgamaus


Posted May 15, 2010, 10:44 am
Hi Mummy,
we took a walk today in the neighbour city Solingen, in the valley and hills of the river Wupper. We started our trip in Solingen-Widdert. From here we walked downhill to reach the Wupper valley. In those rural districts you can often find the traditional old houses, called "Bergische Häuser".

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1229/4608538372_69a707046c_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1200/4608537108_4a10478cc7_o.jpg

This is the river Wupper which I already saw last weekend in Wuppertal. About 20 km from here the Wupper will flow into river Rhine close to Leverkusen.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3386/4607930729_ee9cbe86c0_o.jpg

We followed our path uphill until we were about 120 m above the valley. You have great overlook from here.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4607930777_b4e053fe6e_o.jpg

We walked through the forest, over hill and dale. Sometimes we had to cross smaller creeks.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1371/4607930833_ed0c042c56_o.jpg

We took a group photograph ...

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4608537368_3910d0bdb2_o.jpg

... at the foot of this impressive rock.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4608537450_d6d6b7d0dc_o.jpg

We had to cross another creek. This is the bridge that was once leading across it.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1167/4607930875_921040a6f7_o.jpg

We had to balance over a few stones instead.

Finally we reached the river Wupper again.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3300/4607930519_e5133b216c_o.jpg

We walked through a hamlet with lots of pretty old houses.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1273/4608538260_7bf21eb4f9_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1068/4608538306_4491db0d4b_o.jpg

One of the local farmers is selling potatoes, eggs and honey here in this booth. Nobody is watching over the goods here, you can take what you want to buy and put the money into the savings box. We bought potatoes and eggs.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1257/4608533808_f68eecb873_o.jpg

Bye
Ceryni

olgamaus


Posted May 17, 2010, 9:20 pm
Hi Mummy,
we went to Remscheid- Lennep today. Lennep is the oldest district of the municipal area, with own municipal law since the 1260's years. This district belongs to Remscheid as part of the city since 1929 A.D.

Lennep still has its medieval  city core. Many of the old houses are under monument protection.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4612489413_c3a8d9cc20_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4612489579_b112c1e66e_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4612489727_4cd1c3e430_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3411/4612490057_899c8d6577_o.jpg

This is the market place, the farmer's market is held here twice a week.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3417/4612490205_0001b189af_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4613105364_f653fbaf05_o.jpg

This is the "Roentgen-Museum". Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen, the founder of the x-rays, was born in Lennep in 1845 A.D.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3413/4612490641_c131edc303_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4026/4612490775_4d3114a446_o.jpg

This is the school which Katja attended until 1982.

[img] [/img]

This is one of the annexe of the old school building.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3551/4612489093_e35bb86b5e_o.jpg

Bye
Ceryni

olgamaus


Posted May 21, 2010, 6:56 pm
Hi Mummy,
I decided to travel home for a while. Before I said goodbye to all my friends here I welcomed Bart and Squirt, another turtle.  I really enjoyed my stay here at olgamaus' home, but now it's time to make room for another turtle :)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3349/4626671363_1a2fa49705_o.jpg

I think I'll be home tomorrow - at least the German Mail promises so.

Bye
Ceryni


Mondfalke


Posted Jul 27, 2010, 1:23 am
Hello!
I am home for a few weeks now and I am ready for some new adventures. I am not sure yet where I will go next but I am sure I will find great new hosts!

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-ljFgno21w/TE4mCb2JavI/AAAAAAAALYc/cF-1brADtus/s640/P1030983.JPG

BlackCat


Posted Jun 25, 2011, 3:14 am
HELLO?????????????
ANYBODY OUT THERE???????????
http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/24/24june_2.jpg

HELLO?
http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/24/24june_3.jpg

Oh...hello everybody.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/24/24june_4.jpg

Hey mum :)!

Wanted to let you know that I am at my new hosts home now :)! She welcomed me really warm and her big teddy bear Flip said Hello as well.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/24/24june_6.jpg

And I am not alone :)!

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/24/24june_7.jpg

Love you and hope we can show you some nice updates.
Ceryni
BlackCat


Posted Jul 1, 2011, 12:08 am
Hello mum :)!

Today we went on a fun fair. It was a lot of fun and we saw a lot of things, so I have some photos to share now. We won’t comment them all, if you want to know something, you can ask BlackCat. She said she isn’t able to write to all the attractions something in English and the others comment themselves. Hope, you don’t mind! Have fun looking at the photos.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_4.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_6.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_8.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_9.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_11.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_14.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_15.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_18.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_20.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_22.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_26.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_27.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_29.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_33.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_34.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_38.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_40.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_42.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_43.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_49.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_50.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_53.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_55.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_57.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_58.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_60.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_61.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_64.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_65.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_68.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_70.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_72.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_73.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_75.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_78.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_79.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_85.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_86.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_89.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_91.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_90.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/26/26june_95.jpg

It was a long day.

Love,
Ceryni
BlackCat


Posted Jul 1, 2011, 12:17 am
Today Bobi and dotdog left BlackCats house. We all said Goodbye to them. We hope they will travel safe and fast.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/27/27june_0.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/June/27/27june_2.jpg

Love,
Ceryni
BlackCat


Posted Jul 3, 2011, 3:07 am
Hey Mum :)!

Today we visited the castle ruin Altendorf.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/02/02july_1.jpg
Here you can see the ruin from the street.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/02/02july_3.jpg
That's how the ruin could have looked in 1200.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/02/02july_6.jpg
The former kitchen part.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/02/02july_9.jpg
And the tower.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/02/02july_11.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/02/02july_12.jpg

Maybe we will visit it again to get more infos about it. But I am not sure about that. For now we left and I am home, sleeping now.

Love,
Ceryni
BlackCat


Posted Jul 11, 2011, 8:09 pm
Hey mum,

today we went to the "Veltins Arena". BlackCat took me with her and wanted to show me around. So here we go.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/05/05july_0.jpg
This is the place for the training, most of the times.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/05/05july_1.jpg
With a beachvolleyball place.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/05/05july_2.jpg
When there were interviews some years ago they were made here (but this is from the old Parkstadion!).

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/05/05july_3.jpg
A cat walking around there.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/05/05july_4.jpg
One of the lights of the old stadion (Parkstadion).

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/05/05july_5.jpg
The "Nordkurve" where the fans of FC Schalke 04 were standing.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/05/05july_6.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/05/05july_7.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/05/05july_9.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/05/05july_10.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/05/05july_11.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/05/05july_12.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/05/05july_8.jpg
That's the centre where players that have problems because of an illness or so recovered.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/05/05july_13.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/05/05july_14.jpg
Another field for training.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/05/05july_15.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/05/05july_16.jpg
The ARENA!

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/05/05july_17.jpg
a little closer.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/05/05july_18.jpg
The plan of it.

And now I show you the thousand friend wall. You were able to donate some money and get a place on it for it.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/05/05july_20.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/05/05july_19.jpg
Mr. Böker is definitely my favourite on this wall...:D

That was our day there.

Love you,
Ceryni
BlackCat


Posted Jul 11, 2011, 8:11 pm
Later this day we went shopping. And from the shopping centre you have this amazing view to the coal mine Holland.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/05/05july_23.jpg

Love,
Ceryni
BlackCat


Posted Jul 11, 2011, 8:17 pm
Hey,

BlackCat had the wonderful idea to show me another soccer stadium today...but she forgot that the women soccer world cup was there...so just a quick photo for you and we will go there again later.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/06/06july_0.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/06/06july_1.jpg
I am already studying the plan.

Love,
Ceryni
BlackCat


Posted Jul 11, 2011, 8:20 pm
Hey,

as BlackCat didn't want to go home without seeing a stadium, we went to the one of BVB 09. She wasn't really happy there, as she is fan of FC Schalke 04, but it was okay for her. I hope you like the photos as well.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/06/06july_2.jpg
Fanshop

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/06/06july_3.jpg
You can see the inside

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/06/06july_4.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/06/06july_5.jpg
From the museum - the old trikots.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/06/06july_6.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/06/06july_7.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/06/06july_9.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/06/06july_8.jpg
I don't know how this field is called, but it was right next to the stadium - maybe it was the old one? Not sure...

Love,
Ceryni
BlackCat


Posted Jul 11, 2011, 8:22 pm
Hey :)!

Today was the Beginning of the season at Schalke and BlackCat went there with her boyfriend and another friend. I was really excited, as I was allowed to go with her. But she only had the time for one photo of me inside the Veltins Arena.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/10/10july_0.jpg

We wanted to get autographs of the players, but the row was all around the stadium and BlackCat wasn't feeling that well to stand in line for such a long time. So we saw Benedikt Höwedes from far away, which was okay. He looks nice ;)!

Love,
Ceryni
BlackCat


Posted Aug 19, 2011, 1:58 pm
Hello mum,

today we went to Gladbeck. We just had a short walk there, as it was raining a little. But we made some photos for you!

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/13/13july_4.jpg
The ice cream shop seems to be a Schalke fan like BlackCat.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/13/13july_2.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/13/13july_3.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/13/13july_1.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/13/13july_0.jpg

I really liked the short walk.

Love,
Ceryni
BlackCat


Posted Aug 19, 2011, 2:00 pm
Hey mum,

today Monkez arrived here at BlackCats home. I welcomed him and I hope we will have a lot of fun together.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/20/20july_0.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/20/20july_1.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/20/20july_2.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/20/20july_3.jpg

Greetings,
Ceryni
BlackCat


Posted Aug 20, 2011, 9:39 am
Hello,

today we went on a geocaching tour with BlackCat and her boyfriend. And we saw some nice churches, which I want to share with you.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/19/19july_1.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/19/19july_3.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/19/19july_4.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/19/19july_7.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/19/19july_8.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/19/19july_11.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/19/19july_14.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/19/19july_15.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/19/19july_16.jpg

It was a nice day :)!
Ceryni
BlackCat


Posted Aug 20, 2011, 9:49 am
Hello :)!

Today we visited the Margarethenhöhe, which is a part of Essen.

Here you have some infos that wikipedia has:
Founded by Margarethe Krupp in 1906, the garden city with its 3092 units in 935 buildings on an area of 115 ha (284.2 acres) (of which 50 ha are woodland) is considered the first of its kind in Germany. All buildings follow the same stylistic concept, with slight variations for each one. Although originally designed as an area for the lower classes with quite small flats, the old part Margarethenhöhe I has developed into a middle class residential area and housing space has become highly sought after. A new part, Margarehenhöhe II, was built in the 1960s and 1970s but is architecturally inferior and especially the multi-storey buildings are still considered social hot spots.

BlackCats boyfriend is working in a company which is located in the Margarethenhöhe, so he knows some nice places where the tourists normally don't go. But see yourself, we made a lot photos this time. :)

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/26/26july_2.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/26/26july_3.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/26/26july_6.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/26/26july_7.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/26/26july_9.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/26/26july_11.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/26/26july_13.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/26/26july_14.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/26/26july_15.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/26/26july_17.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/26/26july_18.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/26/26july_21.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/26/26july_23.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/26/26july_24.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/26/26july_27.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/26/26july_29.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/26/26july_30.jpg

It was a long walk, but I loved it there. What do you think?

Love,
Ceryni
BlackCat


Posted Aug 21, 2011, 10:36 am
Hello :),

today was a long and nice day. We made 2 long walks, but first I show you the first walk.

We visited the Zoo today. It is called Zoom in Gelsenkirchen. It has 3 parts: Alaska, Africa and Asia. We saw a lot nice animals and some of them even had babies. But see yourself!

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_0.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_2.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_4.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_5.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_6.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_7.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_9.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_11.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_13.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_14.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_15.jpg
That's Antonia. She is NO baby polar bear, she is vertically challenged. She is really old already. And she has to life alone, as the other polar bears would kill her...

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_17.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_19.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_21.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_23.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_26.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_27.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_30.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_31.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_33.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_35.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_37.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_40.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_43.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_45.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_48.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_51.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_52.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_53.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_54.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_55.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_60.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_61.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_63.jpg

That was a long walk. I loved the zoo. What do you think?

Love,
Ceryni
BlackCat


Posted Aug 21, 2011, 10:47 am
Hello again,

later that day we had a walk in Hattingen Blankenstein. It is a part of Hattingen, where you can see a castle and such. It is really old and I loved it a lot. Hopefully you like the photos as well.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_64.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_67.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_68.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_70.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_73.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_74.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_77.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_79.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_80.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_82.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_85.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_86.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_88.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_91.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_92.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_95.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_96.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_97.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_98.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_99.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_100.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_101.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_103.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_105.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/29/29july_106.jpg

It was a long day and we were really tired when we came home. We just went to bed and slept.

Love,
Ceryni
BlackCat


Posted Aug 21, 2011, 11:05 am
Hello everyone,

today we made a walk through Haltern (am See). Why do I write (am See)? It is because it was just added for tourists. The city is still called Haltern everywhere, but the signs say Haltern am See and such. It is just for tourists. Funny, or? Changing a city name for tourists...

We had a nice time in the old town of Haltern. But see yourself, we made some photos.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/31/31july_0.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/31/31july_1.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/31/31july_2.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/31/31july_5.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/31/31july_7.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/31/31july_8.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/31/31july_11.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/31/31july_14.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/31/31july_16.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/31/31july_18.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/31/31july_23.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/31/31july_22.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/31/31july_25.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/31/31july_28.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/31/31july_29.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/31/31july_34.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/31/31july_36.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/31/31july_39.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/July/31/31july_13.jpg

It was a nice day.

Love,
Ceryni
BlackCat


Posted Aug 21, 2011, 11:15 am
Hey,

today we had a short walk to the "Langenberger Sender". There are two big antenna towers. You can see them from nearly everywhere in Velbert. So it was nice to see them so close.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/06/06august_1.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/06/06august_3.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/06/06august_4.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/06/06august_7.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/06/06august_8.jpg

What a nice view :)!

Love,
Ceryni
BlackCat


Posted Aug 21, 2011, 11:31 am
Hello :)!

Today we visited the Baldeneysee (Lake Baldeney). It is a lake in Essen. We really enjoyed our time there!

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/07/07august_0.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/07/07august_1.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/07/07august_5.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/07/07august_7.jpg

It was really nice at the water.

Love,
Ceryni
BlackCat


Posted Aug 21, 2011, 11:39 am
Hello,

today we had a nice and sunny walk through the fields in Essen-Kettwig.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/09/09august_9.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/09/09august_10.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/09/09august_11.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/09/09august_12.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/09/09august_13.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/09/09august_14.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/09/09august_15.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/09/09august_16.jpg

Love,
Ceryni
BlackCat


Posted Aug 21, 2011, 11:57 am
Hello everyone,

today BlackCat visited a pen pal who is living not so far away from her home. We went with her and had a lot of fun in Viersen. You will see on the pictures.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/16/16august_0.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/16/16august_1.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/16/16august_5.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/16/16august_6.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/16/16august_7.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/16/16august_8.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/16/16august_11.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/16/16august_14.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/16/16august_15.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/16/16august_18.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/16/16august_20.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/16/16august_23.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/16/16august_30.jpg

It was a nice day and I hope I will spend 100000 more nice days here.

Love,
Ceryni
BlackCat


Posted Aug 21, 2011, 12:16 pm
Hey,

today we made a walk in the forest near BlackCats home. It was a nice walk and we made a lot photos to show you!

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/17/17august_0.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/17/17august_1.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/17/17august_7.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/17/17august_14.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/17/17august_15.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/17/17august_16.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/17/17august_17.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/17/17august_32.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/17/17august_33.jpg

It was nice in the forest, as the sun wasn't shining on our heads all the time.

Love,
Ceryni
BlackCat


Posted Aug 23, 2011, 12:44 am
Hello :)!

Today we were allowed to join BlackCat while she was working in the youth centre. There was a teenager disco (for kids from 13-17) today and we were really excited.

BlackCat decided that we will be a good decoration and made us ready for our "work". It was a lot of fun and we laughed a lot.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/19/19august_3.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/19/19august_2.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/19/19august_1.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/19/19august_0.jpg

I really hope we can go to another teenager disco together again.

Love,
Ceryni
BlackCat


Posted Aug 23, 2011, 12:56 am
Hello,

today we visited the zoo of Bochum, which isn’t a big one. There are no really special animals, only 2 sharks. But we weren’t able to make photos there, as the light was so bad. But we made some other photos with the animals outside and with a fountain where you can drink water from (like in America, BlackCat said). Looks nice and we all tried and had fun. Hope you’ll enjoy the photos as well.

I am sorry for not so much photos, but most of the animals were behind glass windows, which made it impossible to make good photos...sorry.

Do the penguins count for my life mission? BlackCat said that I hopefully will stay some longer, so that she can maybe show me some penguins closer than this.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/20/20august_3.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/20/20august_7.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/20/20august_15.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/20/20august_18.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/20/20august_19.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/20/20august_20.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/20/20august_21.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/20/20august_22.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/20/20august_23.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/20/20august_24.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/20/20august_25.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/20/20august_26.jpg

It was nice, but not such a big zoo.

Love,
Ceryni
BlackCat


Posted Aug 23, 2011, 1:26 am
Hello,

today we made a walk through the fields of Essen-Kupferdreh. It was a really long walk, but we really enjoyed it. Hopefully we will make more walks like this in the next weeks.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/21/21august_11.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/21/21august_10.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/21/21august_12.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/21/21august_19.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/21/21august_26.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/21/21august_34.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/21/21august_35.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/21/21august_55.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/21/21august_56.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/21/21august_61.jpg
Here you can see lake Baldeney (far, far away, between/behind the trees) and some cows (the black points in front of it).

Love,
Ceryni
BlackCat


Posted Sep 18, 2011, 7:52 pm
Hey,

today was nice weather, so we decided to have a walk. First we really had a nice walk in the fields. We had a wonderful view from there. I loved it. But look at the photos yourself.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/24/24august_16.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/24/24august_17.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/24/24august_18.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/24/24august_19.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/24/24august_23.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/24/24august_25.jpg

For the other place I will make an own entry.

Love,
Ceryni
BlackCat


Posted Sep 18, 2011, 7:54 pm
Hey,

When we had a short walk in the forest today, we were all excited. Suddenly there was a ruin on a glade. BlackCat was sceptical first, but her boyfriend took her hand and we went inside. It was so wonderful. We made a lot photos to show to you, but you can’t see how beautiful it really was. I enjoyed it a lot.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/24_1/24august_4.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/24_1/24august_8.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/24_1/24august_13.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/24_1/24august_15.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/24_1/24august_20.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/24_1/24august_29.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/24_1/24august_31.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/24_1/24august_36.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/24_1/24august_45.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/24_1/24august_47.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/24_1/24august_51.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/24_1/24august_57.jpg

Later BlackCat found out, that it was a house of a coal mine which was closed in 1968. Really interesting, don’t you think?

Love,
Ceryni
BlackCat


Posted Sep 18, 2011, 7:54 pm
Hey,

Today a new voyager arrived here. SamSam came all the way from USA to us. I hope we’ll have a lot of fun together.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/30/30august_1.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/August/30/30august_0.jpg

Love,
Ceryni
BlackCat


Posted Sep 18, 2011, 7:56 pm
Hey,

Today we drove to Haltern am See. BlackCat wanted to have a walk in the moorlands near Haltern. The moorland is called Westruper Heide in German. But suddenly it started to rain really crazy, so we stopped our walk. But we have some photos for you.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/September/04/04september_5.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/September/04/04september_4.jpg

Love,
Ceryni
BlackCat


Posted Sep 18, 2011, 7:57 pm
Hey,

Today we went to the city centre of Essen. We found a really cute house near the Grillo theatre.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/September/10/10september_3.jpg

Later we found out that it is the house for the coulisses of the theatre. Really cute.

Then we went on the shopping street and saw the carillon of the city of Essen. Really nice one. But it was no full hour, so no sound was playing.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/September/10/10september_5.jpg

Later we went on and saw a statue. In the background you can see the cathedral of Essen (the green roof) and the town hall of Essen (the big black house).

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/September/10/10september_10.jpg

It was a nice day.

Love,
Ceryni
BlackCat


Posted Sep 18, 2011, 7:59 pm
Hey,

Today we went in a little animal park. It was for free and we really enjoyed looking at the animals. We made some photos to show to you!

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/September/15/15september_0.jpg
Turtles :)!

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/September/15/15september_1.jpg
Can you see them??? :)

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/September/15/15september_5.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/September/15/15september_9.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/September/15/15september_15.jpg

Love,
Ceryni
BlackCat


Posted Sep 22, 2011, 12:51 pm
Hey :),

today we drove to the North Sea for one day. BlackCat wanted to go there and her boyfriend said: Okay, let’s go. So we took a 3,5 hour drive with the car to go there. When we arrived, it was really windy and BlackCat was really angry that she forgot something to protect her ears. But it was okay. We went to see the lighthouse of Pilsum. Otto, a famous German comedian, filmed a movie there. The lighthouse is pretty famous in Germany and we weren’t alone there. But it was nice.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/September/19/19september_4.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/September/19/19september_9.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/September/19/19september_13.jpg

Later we went to the beach. BlackCat showed us a big sign where you can see what animals are living in the Wadden Sea. We wanted to find animals, but the flood was coming and so we were just watching the waves and feeling the wind on our skin.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/September/19/19september_20.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/September/19/19september_24.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/September/19/19september_29.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/September/19/19september_34.jpg

It was a really nice day and I really hope we will do something like that again!

Love,
Ceryni
BlackCat


Posted Sep 27, 2011, 12:59 pm
Hey =),

today we went shopping in Venlo – Netherlands with BlackCat. She really loves shopping there as a lot stuff is cheaper then in her hometown. And she just drives like 40 minutes to get there. This time we were allowed to go with her.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/September/22/22september_2.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/September/22/22september_3.jpg

First we had a short walk at the river Maas which is flowing through Venlo. Last time that BlackCat was here there was a forest at the other side of the river. Now the trees are away and they are building something there.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/September/22/22september_14.jpg

After that we saw a house with that picture on it. Torsten, BlackCats boyfriend, said it could have been a brewery. We are not sure about it, but we liked the picture.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/September/22/22september_20.jpg

Later we had a look at the sign post to see where we could go. Do you see the little guy on it?

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/September/22/22september_25.jpg

That is the town hall of Venlo. It is really big and does look nice from the backside. We didn’t have the time to go to the front, as the parking ticket was just for 1 hour. So we had to hurry with shopping and get back to the car.

That was a nice time in the Netherlands.

Love,
Ceryni
BlackCat


Posted Nov 16, 2011, 4:02 am
Today I said Goodbye to all the other voyagers at BlackCats house. I wasn't the only one leaving, so we said Goodbye together.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/November/08/08november_4.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/toyvoyagersfriend/2011/November/08/08november_5.jpg
Xadrian
xadriankruez@hotmail.com

Posted Mar 27, 2012, 5:35 pm
Hello!
I have arrived safely in England.  Already I've met other toyvoyagers like me at my new host's house!

Meet my new friends!  Nanu the dog, Rendolph the reindeer, Horscht the other reindeer, Paul the giraffe and Aidan the koala.

http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af270/CyndiB_Photos/Ceryni/P3270083.jpg



I gave my host the postcard you sent.  She says "Thank you!"



http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af270/CyndiB_Photos/Ceryni/P3270084.jpg



Love,
Ceryni
Xadrian
xadriankruez@hotmail.com

Posted Apr 24, 2012, 3:03 pm
Hello!
Today my host took me into London.  We first stopped off at China town for a look around.


http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af270/CyndiB_Photos/Ceryni/P3250006.jpg



Look at all the ducks and squid hanging in the window!



http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af270/CyndiB_Photos/Ceryni/P3250016.jpg



Next we hopped on the tube as they call it and went to see a huge clock tower called "Big Ben".    Wait a minute... this looks familiar!  I've been in this area before!  Well, nevermind, its always nice to visit tourist spots again...


http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af270/CyndiB_Photos/Ceryni/P3250025.jpg



Right next to Big Ben was the Houses of Parliment.



http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af270/CyndiB_Photos/Ceryni/P3250024.jpg



http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af270/CyndiB_Photos/Ceryni/P3250044.jpg



Oliver Cromwell.
(Some information on Mr. Cromwell.)



http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af270/CyndiB_Photos/Ceryni/P3250043.jpg




This town has lots to see! Literally across the street was Westminster Abby where they hold lots of Royal marriages and such.



http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af270/CyndiB_Photos/Ceryni/P3250066.jpg



The London Eye... looks just as it did last time :)



http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af270/CyndiB_Photos/Ceryni/P3250076.jpg



Having fun,
Love Ceryni
Xadrian
xadriankruez@hotmail.com

Posted Jun 10, 2012, 6:54 pm
Hello!
My host has returned from America and has now been able to upload some photos.  Her fiance was nice enough to show me around the back garden while she was away.



http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af270/CyndiB_Photos/Ceryni/DSC_0463.jpg



http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af270/CyndiB_Photos/Ceryni/DSC_0462.jpg



http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af270/CyndiB_Photos/Ceryni/DSC_0461.jpg



http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af270/CyndiB_Photos/Ceryni/DSC_0460.jpg



http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af270/CyndiB_Photos/Ceryni/DSC_0459.jpg



Can you see me?



http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af270/CyndiB_Photos/Ceryni/DSC_0464.jpg
Xadrian
xadriankruez@hotmail.com

Posted Jun 10, 2012, 7:06 pm
Hello!
It has been rainy lately so we have been staying inside and making our own fun.  Today my host brought out some Warhammer models to paint.



http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af270/CyndiB_Photos/Ceryni/P6040269.jpg




I got to help paint a Skaven model.  What is a Skaven you might wonder?  Well, as far as I can tell it's ratmen who like to stab at things with shivs!




http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af270/CyndiB_Photos/Ceryni/P6040267.jpg
Xadrian
xadriankruez@hotmail.com

Posted Jul 17, 2012, 2:33 pm
Hello!
Today my host took me to St. Alban's Cathedral in St. Albans. 

Here is a link to some information about the church.


http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af270/CyndiB_Photos/Ceryni/DSC_0608.jpg



http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af270/CyndiB_Photos/Ceryni/DSC_0607.jpg


The tomb of St. Alban.


http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af270/CyndiB_Photos/Ceryni/DSC_06041.jpg



The Wallingford astronomical clock.


http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af270/CyndiB_Photos/Ceryni/DSC_0606.jpg



http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af270/CyndiB_Photos/Ceryni/DSC_0605.jpg


I miss you!
Xadrian
xadriankruez@hotmail.com

Posted Aug 27, 2012, 2:26 pm
Hello! Today my host took me to the Hell Fire Caves, an old chalk cave in High Wycombe.

Information on the cave can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellfire_Caves

It was a boiling 88 degrees today so exploring a cave was a great idea!  The cave was wonderfully chilly inside!



http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af270/CyndiB_Photos/Ceryni/P8180382.jpg




The entrance to the caves.



http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af270/CyndiB_Photos/Ceryni/P8180385.jpg




Do you recognize these mannequins?  They are some of the famous people to visit the caves.



http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af270/CyndiB_Photos/Ceryni/P8180355.jpg



The cave was very dark inside and my host was not able to get many good pictures, but she did manage to take a few good ones of me by some cave carvings.  Who carved these skulls?


http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af270/CyndiB_Photos/Ceryni/Untitled.png




http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af270/CyndiB_Photos/Ceryni/Untitled3.png



After caving we went on a short walk in the woods near my host's house.


http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af270/CyndiB_Photos/Ceryni/P8020352.jpg



http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af270/CyndiB_Photos/Ceryni/P8220393.jpg



I hope you are doing well! My host has been trying to PM you for some time, but no replies.  We're getting a bit worried!
Xadrian
xadriankruez@hotmail.com

Posted Oct 13, 2012, 2:50 pm
Hello!
I am on my way to Vietnam!  Very exciting!! I can't wait to get there and experience the food and culture... yum!
charteuxheart


Posted Nov 16, 2012, 2:08 pm
Hi mom <3
I arrived today safely  :D
http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/7255/picture007.png
I gave my host a postcard from London. She loves it so much!
http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/3589/picture011.png
I can't wait to explore here but I'm tired a little bit so I need to take a rest now  :rolleyes:

Love
Ceryni

charteuxheart


Posted Nov 18, 2012, 4:00 pm
Hi mom <3
Today, I and host mom went out for dinner. We went to a Phở restaurant. Phở a traditional food here.

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/9863/pb180045.png

It came with a lot of vegetable, yummy  :p

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/66/pb180043.jpg

To eat this, I have to use chopsticks. Host mom show me how to use it Hmm.. pretty hard  :(

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/8833/pb180046.jpg

Finally, I decided to use a spoon cause it seems easier for me hehe.

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/3949/pb180049.jpg

Have a nice day  :)
Ceryni
charteuxheart


Posted Nov 20, 2012, 3:38 am
Hi mom <3
The weather is really good today. Sunny, not too hot and not too cold. What a beautiful day! We decided to go to Bến Thành Market. It was built in 1912. It is the symbol of Ho Chi Minh City.

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/7180/pb190041.jpg

They sell so many things here. Fabric, fruit, food, souvenir,...

http://imageshack.us/a/img821/3020/pb190042.jpg

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/9990/pb190044.jpg

http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/5783/pb190048.jpg

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/9679/pb190049.jpg

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/3653/pb190054.jpg

http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/3521/pb190045.jpg

Did you see the durians? Vietnamese people love it! But it smells not so good isn't it?

http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/113/pb190055.jpg

Ohh, I saw some toys here too <3
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/706/pb190051.jpg

Then, we took a short break. It's luch time, we decided to use Bánh Cuốn (steamed rolled rice pancake).

http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/9775/pb190063.jpg

This is how they made it:

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/6048/pb190056.jpg

http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/9198/pb190057.jpg

Hmm, look so good.... :p

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/2630/pb190059.jpg

Of course, I have to use chopsticks!

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/7399/pb190061u.jpg

It's perfect to use with pennywort drink, made from fresh pennywort <3

http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/3979/pb190062.jpg

On our way home, I saw the Rex Hotel, one of the olddest hotel in HCM City.

http://img600.imageshack.us/img600/9659/pb190070p.jpg

Love
Ceryni

charteuxheart


Posted Jan 4, 2013, 3:56 pm
Hi mom :)
We went to Cà Mau today! A beautiful city in southern Vietnam ^^

http://imageshack.us/scaled/landing/402/img0235kn.jpg

We use a boat to go cause there is so many rivers here. Did you see a boat behind me? Boats is also one of the major transportation here. B)

http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/4636/img0222re.jpg

http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/8045/img0221xfb.jpg

This is our boat.

http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/575/img0209yv.jpg

The weather is nice, sunny but a bit hot  :rolleyes:
Then, we visited  the southernmost point of Vietnam.

http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/5549/img0278rz.jpg

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/3524/img0282rz.jpg

After that we went to a Vietnamese wedding  . The bride and the groom look really happy. Best wishes for them! <3

http://img802.imageshack.us/img802/1152/img0450xl.jpg

Ceryni


charteuxheart


Posted Feb 11, 2013, 12:39 pm
Hi mom :)
Today we wake up early and go around the city.

http://imageshack.us/a/img145/6411/p1050074.jpg

People use motobikes more than cars, cause cars are very expensives.

http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/3104/87047181.jpg

For dinner, we try "Hủ Tiếu Xương" which is white noodles with pork bone broth, shrimp, char siu and some vegetables.

http://imageshack.us/a/img843/3880/pb250011u.jpg

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/6074/pb250012.jpg

Yummy <3

Love
Ceryni

charteuxheart


Posted Feb 11, 2013, 2:07 pm
Hello mom ^^
I'm going to a Cat coffe shop  :D

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/185737_465946423462118_311762253_n.jpg

There are so many cats here and they are super cute  :p

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/553179_465950133461747_522589179_a.jpg

They love me <3

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/163317_465950610128366_1225458269_n.jpg

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/282827_465954223461338_569599790_n.jpg

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/580733_465962293460531_1420474817_n.jpg

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/479716_465962130127214_2068505184_n.jpg

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/603086_465960993460661_1794201533_n.jpg

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/293635_465960393460721_783248240_n.jpg

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/406111_465958866794207_1528028642_n.jpg

How are you now?
Love
Ceryni
charteuxheart


Posted Mar 9, 2013, 5:57 am
Hi mom,
Today we visited a beautiful city in south Vietnam.

http://imageshack.us/a/img39/7121/mg7921.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img20/3095/mg7965.jpg

There is a lot of river so we have to take a ferry.

http://imageshack.us/a/img849/702/img3039ll.jpg

First, we stopped at a temple. It's the temple of Bà Chúa Xứ (Lady of the Realm) on Núi Sam (Sam Mountain). It was built a long time ago, for about 200 years ago.

http://imageshack.us/a/img5/1218/mg7385.jpg

http://imageshack.us/scaled/landing/577/picture007bj.jpg

http://imageshack.us/scaled/landing/194/picture011ql.jpg

http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/5185/picture022io.jpg

Then, we have luch  :)
Some oysters:

http://imageshack.us/a/img22/2185/picture005tt.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img208/5194/picture003yb.jpg

Some snails:

http://imageshack.us/a/img811/8467/img3050nw.jpg

Salad (Mango and dry fish):

http://imageshack.us/a/img21/1585/img3046f.jpg

Sea food hot pot with a lot of vegetable:

http://imageshack.us/a/img841/5848/img3051l.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img15/4038/img3053fd.jpg

After that we go around and get back to the hotel    ;)

http://imageshack.us/a/img811/7011/picture023uo.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img233/4562/picture047da.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img706/2091/picture046mp.jpg

Love you  :D
Ceryni
charteuxheart


Posted Apr 5, 2013, 4:31 pm
Hi mom :)
We visit Can Tho City today. We arrived at midday. We have lunch and take a rest. Then, in the afternoon, we go around :).
There is alot of rivers here.
http://imageshack.us/a/img823/5108/65966773.jpg

http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/833/qy4m.jpg

This is the symbolism of Can Tho City.
http://imageshack.us/a/img10/3456/picture058me.jpg

Then we try fresh sugarcane juice.
http://imageshack.us/a/img703/6950/picture059g.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img688/2050/picture062l.jpg

We go to the flower street. It's a place that people sell a lot of flower for the Tet holiday which is very close now :).

http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/580/q4nr.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img201/4468/picture064t.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img694/3416/picture078a.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img42/8629/picture066zh.jpg

Miss you :)
Ceryni
charteuxheart


Posted Jun 29, 2013, 11:52 am
Hi mom 
We wake up very early today, at 6AM ^^. After we finished breakfast we visit "chợ nổi", it's a market on river. We are very exciting   
They sell flower, fruit, grocery, food,...
People here are familiar with boat and rivers, even kids.
http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/835/vig1.jpg

http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/593/21wl.jpg

http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/825/unfy.jpg

http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/856/7zw.jpg

http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/90/v11w.jpg

http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/542/qftx.jpg

http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/543/9mbr.jpg

https://imageshack.us/a/img5/9598/picture111z.jpg

https://imageshack.us/a/img7/8082/picture096g.jpg

Then, we get back to home in Sài Gòn. We have a great time here  :D

Love
Ceryni
charteuxheart


Posted Jun 29, 2013, 3:36 pm
Hi mom!

Today is the Lunar New Year! How excited <3
This is the traditional flower festival in southern Vietnam. It's so beautiful! It only bloom when the Lunar New Year come.
http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/21/69f5.jpg

We eat some delicious food for celebrate this special time, they are the must-have in new year!
https://imageshack.us/a/img14/8880/picture198nt.jpg

At night, we watch the firework on television.
http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/850/zkv6.jpg

Love
Ceryni <3
charteuxheart


Posted Jul 7, 2013, 7:31 am
Hi mom!
Yesterday, we went by train to Huế. We arrived in the evening today. It's such a long way. I'm pretty tired but I'm so exited to visit that beautiful place.  :D

http://imageshack.us/a/img849/4886/picture260j.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img843/1516/picture250n.jpg

The landscapes ouside are amazing.
http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/829/y26c.jpg

http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/694/2o4e.jpg

http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/96/l1ck.jpg

Finally, we are here, at Huế.
We take a rest in hotel and go out for dinner. For dinner we try the speciality of Huế.
Bánh bèo - Vietnamese savory steamed rice cake, it's filled with savory ingredients including chopped dried or fresh shrimp, scallions, mung bean paste, crispy fried shallots and fish sauce.
http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/593/4nsw.jpg

Bánh bột lọc - Vietnamese clear shrimp & pork dumpling, it is wrapped and steamed in banana leaf. It’s chewy and delicious.
http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/191/ubd7.jpg

Bánh ram ít - Vietnamese sticky dumplings, it’s also chewy and sticky.
http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/197/ow73.jpg

Bánh nậm, I don’t know what’s this called in English but it’s also made with rice flour, fresh shrimp and meat.
http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/694/h5d4.jpg

Chả tôm – Shrimp cake.
http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/90/5wot.jpg

All of them are ate with fish sauce.

After that, we go to Hương River and listen to Huế's music.
They are practice before the show. They are wearing Áo dài, Vietnamese traditional cloth.
http://imageshack.us/a/img109/1345/picture310k.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img801/2390/picture312t.jpg

I wish that you could listen the music, it's amazing!!
https://imageshack.us/a/img825/9800/picture322y.jpg

http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/42/32ek.jpg

Then we go around the city and get back to the hotel.

Love
Ceryni  :D
charteuxheart


Posted Jul 7, 2013, 11:04 am
Hi mom 
Today, from Hue, we go to Quang Tri for visit the Church of Our Lady of La Vang.
http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/547/bc5n.jpg

Church of Our Lady of La Vang, built in 1928 and destroyed in 1972 during the war.
http://imageshack.us/a/img560/333/picture344q.jpg

http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/841/mxfv.jpg

This is how it look like in September, 1967.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/La_Vang_Church_%28Built_1928%2C_Destroyed_1972%29_September%2C_1967.jpg/326px-La_Vang_Church_%28Built_1928%2C_Destroyed_1972%29_September%2C_1967.jpg

Then, we visit Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. I'm so excited!!!
http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/51/esni.jpg

http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/96/9x5y.jpg

It is a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Quảng Bình province. There is a cave which is one of the longest and biggest cave in the world.
We are on the way to Phong Nha Cave, this the Son River in the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/13/r7f6.jpg

http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/834/qsxo.jpg

http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/59/j577.jpg

http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/580/y0b3.jpg

http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/41/kyak.jpg

The mouth of Phong Nha cave with underground river .
http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/507/s88z.jpg

Inside of the cave, some places are very dark, it's really difficult for host mom to taking picture.
http://imageshack.us/a/img546/710/picture387.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img829/4775/picture388b.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img20/1848/picture393t.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img841/4207/picture394l.jpg

http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/507/v1w5.jpg

http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/23/puei.jpg

http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/24/jhtu.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img812/7844/picture411t.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img541/5038/picture412g.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img507/1086/picture414i.jpg

After that we come back to the hotel to take a rest cause there is a long journey tomorrow    :p

Ceryni
charteuxheart


Posted Jul 13, 2013, 8:22 am
Hi mom!
We will visit Tomp of Khai Dinh and Tomp of Tu Duc today. Tu Duc and Khai Dinh are the Emperors of Vietnam.
The Tomb of Khải Định is located in Chau Chu mountain near Hue in Vietnam. It was built for the Nguyen Emperor Khải Định. It was built from 1920 to 1931 taking 11 years to complete. The tomb is a blend of Western and Eastern architecture. It is located on a steep hill.
http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/827/g8xm.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img853/6448/picture425.jpg

Most of the things inside the Tomp are made out of ceramic and real gold.
http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/818/yr7i.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img24/258/picture426o.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img829/6506/640px1.jpg

This is Khai Dinh.
http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/692/q7ta.jpg

The landscape here are amazing, it's one of the reason why Khai Dinh choose this place to built his Tomp.
http://imageshack.us/a/img15/441/picture435y.jpg

It's time to visit the Tomp of Tu Duc.
Tomb of Tự Đức is located in Hue, Vietnam. It is built for the Nguyen Emperor Tự Đức and took three years to build from 1864–1867. It is divided into a Temple Area and a Tomb Area.
http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/546/oegr.jpg

http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/585/sj02.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img69/1343/picture437k.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img153/220/picture438a.jpg

In the evening, we take a bus and go to Hoi An, we will stay here for one night.
Goodbye Hue!!
http://imageshack.us/a/img855/8862/picture472c.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img9/4889/picture473n.jpg

Finally we arrived to Hoi An :)
http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/20/c8x3.jpg

At night, we go to have some beer :)
http://imageshack.us/a/img841/6130/picture483lk.jpg

These lanterns are like the specialty in Hoi An. They are everywhere.
http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/827/u56m.jpg

Ceryni
<3
charteuxheart


Posted Jul 13, 2013, 5:00 pm
Hi mom!
This morning, we are on the way to Mỹ Sơn Holy Land. It is situated in an august mighty valley complex. The Holy Land with more than 70 tower-temple architectural structures of Cham Pa civilization retaining  historical, cultural, architectural and artistic values from 9 centuries’ time (from 4th – 18th century), is regarded as monumental as other renowned relics in the region of South East Asia such as Angkor, Pagan, Borobudur. Time and the wars have severely impaired the relic. Still, the remainder in My Son play a critically important part in world historic architectural heritage. As the cultural heritage’s globally prominent values need to be protected for the sake of human beings, My Son relic complex was entered in the UNESCO’s register as the World Cultural Heritage on December 4th 1999 in the city of Marrkesk, the Republic of Marocco. 
https://imageshack.us/a/img849/5883/picture1055w.jpg

http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/15/vlz6.jpg

http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/43/mdfs.jpg

http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/62/87w2.jpg

http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/33/7g4z.jpg

https://imageshack.us/a/img189/6407/picture1054o.jpg

https://imageshack.us/a/img33/5148/picture1043.jpg

http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/515/s0v5.jpg

https://imageshack.us/a/img801/6175/picture1072.jpg

After visiting the My Son Holy Land, we are on the way to Da Nang.
At night, I'm so excited cause there is a firework competition. <3
A lot of people come to watch it. Today is the first day of the competition, it will ends tomorrow, we will comeback then.
https://imageshack.us/a/img850/2336/picture1133.jpg

https://imageshack.us/a/img708/4606/picture1131z.jpg

https://imageshack.us/a/img14/9580/picture1148b.jpg

https://imageshack.us/a/img593/7375/picture1135y.jpg

https://imageshack.us/a/img21/2216/picture1150c.jpg

https://imageshack.us/a/img607/6360/picture1139w.jpg

Ceryni <3
charteuxheart


Posted Jul 13, 2013, 5:05 pm
Hi mom!
Today is a very special day! Today is the Liberation of Saigon (30/4/1975 - 30/4/2013), it's the end of the Vietnamese War. It has a very special meaning to every Vietnamese people.

The firework competition is continuing today. But today we found a better place to watch. (I wasn't in these pictures cause it's dark, it's very hard to taking pictures).

https://imageshack.us/a/img836/9624/picture1240.jpg

https://imageshack.us/a/img10/7735/picture1276.jpg

https://imageshack.us/a/img195/6269/picture1292.jpg

It's the last day we are in Da Nang, we'll come back home in Ho Chi Minh City tomorrow, how sadd :(

Miss you
Ceryni <3
charteuxheart


Posted Jul 16, 2013, 4:01 pm
Hi mom!

Before going home, we decided to go to the beach. It's rainy a little bit, but it can stop us to have fun :)

https://imageshack.us/a/img203/4592/picture1353.jpg

https://imageshack.us/a/img35/275/picture1354k.jpg

http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/6/x5tq.jpg

http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/109/ydnw.jpg

http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/194/8js4.jpg

This is a very special type of boat in Vietnam, it's called thuyền thúng

https://imageshack.us/a/img221/7595/picture1334.jpg

It's time to going home, I have such a great time here <3

Love
Ceryni

Back