LiLA Bear, Lisbon, Portugal

strangeMissy


Posted Apr 26, 2008, 10:36 am
Dear Diary,
Yesterday I had some kind of argument with my tutor. I finally decided to tell her about my traveling plans, and that was really upsetting for her... But really, it's her fault. She's the one who can't stop talking about places she wants to see when she's grown up (and rich...).  So of course she understood everything I said, but the thought of leaving me alone on such a long journey isn't easy for her. Finally she agreed to find some nice people willing to show me the world- maybe they'll even help me with my greatest dreams!
So I really hope there are some friendly guys who like cute little bears like me =D That would also help me to handle my complexes- I was given to my tutor as a christmas present by someone who doesn't really like her...
I'm already so exited =D

People I'll visit:
Marjolein (Netherlands) hosted
clgeorge (UK) hosted
Szandra (Hungary)hosted
Swit (Portugal)hosted
LydiaAbigail (Norway)
Eryah (Netherlands)
MarionJ (Estonia)
Delenna (Finland)
Raptor/+/Rex  (USA)
JaymeC (Japan, but US adress)
Lerie (Australia)
Vicki (South Africa)
BlackCat (Germany)
strangeMissy


Posted May 3, 2008, 1:25 pm
Dear Diary,
Tomorrow I'll start my journey to the Netherlands- honestly, I was quite disappointed when I saw that tiny envelope... And it was quite sad to say goodbye to Susi, my favourite cat. I'll miss her!
http://communityneu.klz.apa.net/static/sites/solembum/media/SANY0008.story.jpg?tmp=1934
Well, after my tutor hugged me a last time I really had to squeeze in that envelope. Maybe I'll even reach the Netherlands alive =) My tutor told me it's great there, she once was on sailing holidays and loved those little islands =D
http://communityneu.klz.apa.net/static/sites/solembum/media/sany0020.story.jpg?tmp=1934
strangeMissy


Posted May 6, 2008, 6:28 pm
Due to some problems in school/life/whatever, my tutor couldn't bring me to the postoffice- she'll do it tomorrow. And at last she found a bigger envelope =D
Marjolein


Posted May 19, 2008, 5:09 pm
Dear mum,

Good news! I finally arrived in 's-Hertogenbosch today! The trip was actually quite good, although it took a very loooooong time! Here you see me coming out of the envelop. Nick was welcoming me to Holland :)

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3322.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3323.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3325.jpg

Here I am!!!
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3326.jpg

I looked at my envelop and saw all the pretty stamps.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3328.jpg

And I didn't come alone. I had my diary with me, a pretty card and a book about Graz, where I come from.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3327.jpg

I will update again soon! Now I need a looooooong sleep! Bye!
Marjolein


Posted May 22, 2008, 10:45 am
Hello mum,

Marjolein was very excited today because Manchester United was playing in the Champions League final. Uhm, yeah well Marjolein is a big, no HUGE Manchester United fan. So she was constantly screaming during the gaming and pinching me when she found it too scary. Well, there was nothing else to do for Nick and me, then just make ourself comfy and watch the game.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3336.jpg

Well, it was excited, Manchester scored a goal, Chelsea scored a goal, there was extra time, a Chelseadude hit a Manchesterdude and the Chelseadude got a red card so he had to leave. But it stayed 1-1 so it all came down to penalty's. Christiano Ronaldo (Manchester) missed his penalty, giving Chelsea some hope.
Edwin van der Sar (the goalkeeper of the Dutch national footballteam) was having a though time at first, guess he was tired.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3338.jpg

But Edwin van der Sar did very good. John Terry (Chelsea) also missed his penalty and then Van der Sar stopped the penalty of Anelka (Chelsea) and this means:

Manchester United won the Champions League!!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3340.jpg

Marjolein was jumping up and down and screaming and really acting a bit weird. But the people on tv where acting even more strange, but I guess they were all very happy with winning.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3349.jpg

Can you see me?
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3355.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3358.jpg

Miss you! Love Lila
Marjolein


Posted May 25, 2008, 10:05 pm
Dear mum,

I went to Vlissingen this weekend! Marjoleins parents took us to the province Zeeland. Vlissingen is near the coast and the sea. Nick and me had our own seat in the train!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF33642.jpg

This is the view from the window of the hotelroom

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF33682.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF33692.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF33702.jpg

We took a walk by the sea of Vlissingen. It's the North Sea and we could almost see England haha.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF33782.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF33792.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF33802.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF33812.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF33862.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF33872.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF33902.jpg

And we took a walk in the city of Vlissingen. We saw some cool graffiti!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF33912.jpg

It was a beautiful, real Dutch city.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF33942.jpg

But this wasn't all; we went to the movies! To Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull! It was a cool movie with lots of action and humor! And I had this HUGE bag of M&M's just for me!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF34012.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF34022.jpg

After all this walking we went to bed in the hotelroom.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF33652.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF33662.jpg
Marjolein


Posted May 26, 2008, 10:14 am
The next day we went to Belgium! To the city Brugge (Bruges). We had to drive from Vlissingen to Terneuzen and there go into a tunnel under the sea!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF35042.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF35062.jpg

Not long after the tunnel we reached the Belgium boarder.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF34062.jpg

Nick and me had a very good seat in the front of the car, we could see everything. I thought Belgium looked really cool!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF34082.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF34092.jpg

We are almost in Brugge!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF34142.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF34152.jpg

Then we reached the entrance of Brugge. Too bad the bridge was up.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF34182.jpg

But after some waiting we can go through!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF34192.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF34202.jpg

We parked the car and went checking out Brugge by foot. It is a really beautiful and old city! Marjolein said it was the most beautiful city she had ever seen!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF34242.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF34282.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF34352.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF34362.jpg

After some sighteseeing we went to a real Belgium museum: the fries museum (Frietmusem)! Fries where of course invented in Belgium and it what's they're famous of.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF34402.jpg

Fries are called 'friet' in Belgium. In Dutch the mostly call it 'patat'. The museum first showed the history of the patato. This is me witha bunch of patato's.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF34412.jpg

I also baked some fries. Well okay not for real it was just pretend.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF34442.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF34452.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF34462.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF34492.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF34512.jpg

And at the end of the tour it was of course time to taste some fries! And these fries weren't pretend!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF34562.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF34622.jpg

Well my belly was full, so of into the city again. Of course I wanted to be in a picture with the famous Belgium poet Guido Gezelle.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF34662.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF34672.jpg

Do you see me sitting at his foot?

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF34682.jpg

We also went into some churches. This is inside the 'Onze Lieve Vrouwe Kerk'. This is Madonna with child.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF34692.jpg

Children are baptised in this thing, it's like nothing I've ever seen before!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF34852.jpg

In the street I saw puppets sitting in the window! Maybe if they're done drinking tea they could join ToyVoyagers.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF34872.jpg

But fries aren't the only Belgium thing. They also have Belgium chocolate! So we went to the chocolatemuseum. Man, these cocaobeans are really big!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF34892.jpg

Aah I'm falling in!! I'm gonna die!! Help!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF34902.jpg

O no you're not falling! I will save you! Nick said.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF34912.jpg

Pfieuw happily Nick was there to save me!! I was really scared!

They had art completely made out of chocolate! I really liked the chocolatefairy.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF34952.jpg

And Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Carribean.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF34992.jpg
Marjolein


Posted May 26, 2008, 10:38 am
That evening we went back to Vlissingen. I wanted to had my picture taken with lots of other stuff in Vlissingen to show you!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF35082.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF35092.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF35102.jpg

Marjolein


Posted May 26, 2008, 10:41 am
It was sad moment when we had to go home again. But I've enjoyed the weekend in Vlissingen en Brugge very much! And there was a surprise waiting for us when we got home! A new tv had arrived! It was Pingu from England!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/Pingu1.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/Pingu2.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/Pingu3.jpg

He told me and Nick his journey had been good and he is looking forward to spending time with us in Den Bosch!

This was my story of this weekend. I'll be back soon! Love you!
Marjolein


Posted May 27, 2008, 3:06 pm
Another tv arrived today! It was Roots Bear! He has already had a long yourney, because he was lost on his way to the Ukraine and ended up in Saudi Arabia! But now he is here and we will show him a good time :)
Marjolein


Posted May 28, 2008, 1:50 pm
Dear mum,

Today I went sightseeing in the city 's-Hertogenbosch, or Den Bosch as the Dutch (lazy as they are) call it. It is a beautiful city! Marjolein took me on her bike. I could see everything from basket.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3536.jpg

We drove into the citycentre where we arrived in a couple of minute because Marjolein and her boyfriend Kasper live very near the centre of Den Bosch. They just live here since September 2007. They have two rooms in a small house they share with another couple and they live above a snackbar! The people that own the snackbar are also the owners of the house above it. Marjolein and Kasper share a kitchen, bathroom and toilet with the other couple. They are from Den Bosch and know lots of people here. Marjolein and Kasper don't really know anyone so Marjolein is glad the tv's come to visit her now. Of course her friends and family visit but because Marjolein is from Groningen, which is in the north of the Netherlands and about 350 kilometres away, they don't visit often.

But we went to the citycentre.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3537.jpg

This picture is not of a church as you might think. It actually where Marjolein and Kasper's docter and pharmacist are!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3538.jpg

At this photo you can see the building of the docter better, it's built against the building that looks like a church.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3539.jpg

Now, this is a church. And it has some weird art in front of it. It's called the 'Sint-Jacobskerk'. A 'kerk' is a church in Dutch.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3540.jpg

This is just a really cool street.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3541.jpg

And this is the Sint-Jans Cathedral on the marketplace called the 'Parade'.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3542.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3543.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3544.jpg

This is the Hinthamerstraat (straat=street), the biggest shoppingstreet of Den Bosch.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3545.jpg

And the inner citycentre, the market place called the 'Markt'. And you can see by all the stands it actually was a marketday.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3546.jpg

They are working on the market. Renewing the bricks and stuff. And Marjolein told me there was a big statue of Jeroen Bosch (the person the city was named after, a writer) but he has been moved and Marjolein doesn't know where he went.

We also did some shopping. We went to a secondhand store. Do you like Marjoleins new shirt?

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3547.jpg

This is the most Tourist street of Den Bosch, from where you can take a trip in a boat all through Den Bosch. The innerwaters are called the Binnendieze. (binnen means inside) You also have the Buitendieze. (buiten means outside). Marjolein went on a boattrip in the Binnendieze when she just moved her and she says it is beautiful.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3548.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3550.jpg

But there is a time of sightseeing and a time of going to the grocerystore, so we went to the Albert Heijn to get some milk.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3551.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3552.jpg

On our way back we also saw some pretty sights.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3553.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3554.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3555.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3556.jpg
Marjolein


Posted May 28, 2008, 2:16 pm
And another tv arrived today! Another? Yes another! It's getting very gemutlich here! It was Chompers!!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3557.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3560.jpg

He came from Remscheid, Germany and he brought a nice card!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3561.jpg

Miss you! Lila
Marjolein


Posted May 30, 2008, 12:00 am
Dear mum,

I went to see the Dutch national footballteam today!! In the footballstadium of PSV Eindhoven in Eindhoven. The match was between Holland and Denmark. It was so cool!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3564.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3596.jpg

Before the match, there was a giant toy on the field! He had a drum with 'Dutchy' on it. Marjolein told me this is the mascotte of the Dutch team. I said he should also travel but Marjolein doubts he will fit into an envelop. She told me a little secret: there is actually in man inside that lionssuit!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3592.jpg

But then the match began. First it was time for the national anthems. The Dutch anthem is called the 'Wilhelmus' named after Willem I, king of the Netherlands in the 16th century. The song has 15 verses but they only sing one at the footballmatches. Most of the Dutch only know this verse.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3615.jpg

That's the goalkeeper of the Netherlands, Edwin van der Sar, on the big screen. We also say him on television when Manchester United won the Champions League!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3624.jpg

And they're off!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3626.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3632.jpg

Do you see all the people nicely dressed in orange? Orange is the Dutch national colour. This is because their royalty's (queen Beatrix and family) are called Oranje (orange in Dutch).

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3635.jpg

Rafael van der Vaart (number 23, footballer of HSV, in Germany) took a cornerkick for Holland.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3638.jpg

And Holland scored!!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3646.jpg

Chompers was so excited! We couldn't see anything!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3650.jpg

But I was also partying!
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3655.jpg

So when the second half of the match began, it was 1-0 for Holland.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3671.jpg

But then Denmark got dangerous!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3674.jpg

O no! Denmark scored!!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3676.jpg

And that was the end of the match. The first half was very good, but the second half the Dutch team played sloppy and they let Denmark make a goal. I hope they will do better at the European Championship next month! This game was just for practice.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3679.jpg

The stadion of PSV Eindhoven is a very beautiful stadium, also on the outside. It's called 'Philips Stadion' because Philips is their sponsor. Philips is a factory that makes lamps and other electric stuff. Eindhoven is therefore also called the 'Lichtstad' translated something like The city of Light. That sounds beautiful doesn't it?

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3681.jpg

Miss you! Love Lila
Marjolein


Posted May 31, 2008, 9:35 pm
Hi mummy!!

We went to the biggest Bingo of Holland today! There where lots of Dutch singers and Marjolein and Kasper also won something! They both won a replica of the t-shirt the Dutch national team whore during the World Championship of 1974! It was so cool!

This all happened in the footballstadium of the club Vitesse, the Gelredome, in Arnhem (or Arnheim in German). It didn't really look like a stadium, like the Philips Stadion. But that's because the Gelredome was also built for things like performances of big artists and of course superbingo's hihi.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3730.jpg

It was really big and there where about 36000 people inside!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3682.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3683.jpg

Gerard Joling, who is a famous Dutch singer, presented it. He looks a bit weird in is golden suit but Marjolein said that's because he is gay.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3684.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3685.jpg

Jan Smit also performed. He is from Volendam and he has is own real life soap. He has been a famous singer since he was very small and he sang a song for his grandmother. Marjolein has got one cd of him and she thinks he's cute. O and she has some underpants that say: Mrs Smit, as if she is Jan's wife haha. Marjolein got them from Kasper, he is a bit weird too.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3689.jpg

Politicus Agnes Kant was also on the party. That is because the goal of the Bingo was to raise money for playgrounds for Dutch children. Agnes Kant also wants more playgrounds.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3692.jpg

And of course was Rene Froger singing on stage! He also sings in English so I could finally understand some of the songs!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3694.jpg

That's me in the photo with Rene Froger! It's a bit hard to see because Marjolein forgot to turn of the flash, but it really is me!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3695.jpg

This is Edsilia Rombley. She went to the Eurovision Songcontest for the Netherlands twice. She never won.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3699.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3701.jpg

Pingu filled in the Bingocards for Marjolein.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3703.jpg

The biggest act was Frans Bauer! All Dutch people love him because they think he is so normal. The Dutch don't really like it when people are to drama. Frans did kidnap this child on stage but she seems to enjoy herself.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3716.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3724.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3725.jpg

The Bingo was also the final for a program called 'Kinderen zingen met Sterren', which means Children sing with Stars. There where 4 teams on stage. The team that sang with the duo Nick and Simon from Volendam won.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3727.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c162/marjoleinaneth/DSCF3728.jpg

We had a great time!

Love Lila
Marjolein


Posted Jun 2, 2008, 6:35 pm
Hi mum,

I helped Marjolein make dinner tonight! We made Russian Stroganoff with cucumbersalad! It was very good!!

Bye!
Marjolein


Posted Jun 2, 2008, 6:40 pm
Dear mum,

Today was my last day in 's-Hertogenbosch! When you read this I am probably on my way to England because I asked Marjolein to write for me. I said goodbye to everyone! I gave them all a big hug. I am going to miss them very much! But I will meet cool new tv's in England!

I'll catch up with you soon!

Love Lila
Marjolein


Posted Jun 2, 2008, 7:02 pm
When we got home from the Gelredom a new tv had arrived! It was Davy! He is really sweet!
strangeMissy


Posted Aug 4, 2008, 2:09 pm
Finally Lila arrived at home... I'll send her to the next host as soon as possible. And thx to Marjolein, you were a wonderful host!!
strangeMissy


Posted Aug 19, 2008, 3:14 pm
Sigrid put me in a big envelope and sent me to the next host, where I should arrive soon!
clgeorge


Posted Aug 27, 2008, 7:42 pm
I've been lost for a couple of months. But today I arrived in London and am ready for some new adventures!  :D
clgeorge


Posted Sep 30, 2008, 9:59 pm
Today I had a trip to the zoo! It was a lot of fun to see other furry creatures, like the wolves....
clgeorge


Posted Sep 30, 2008, 10:01 pm
Others were pretty weird & I hadn't seen them before, like the anteaters. The baby one - Silva - is adopted by my hosts sister!
clgeorge


Posted Sep 30, 2008, 10:02 pm
The elephants were pretty cool
clgeorge


Posted Sep 30, 2008, 10:03 pm
Others were more familiar. Getting up close & personal here..
clgeorge


Posted Sep 30, 2008, 10:06 pm
A visit to a premiership football game today. Here I am soaking up the atmosphere at half time at White Hart Lane. Unfortunately I didn't see any goals and Tottenham could only manage a 0-0 draw...
clgeorge


Posted Sep 30, 2008, 10:08 pm
Pretty excited today as I'm off on a long weekend to Malta!
clgeorge


Posted Sep 30, 2008, 10:28 pm
The penguins were a lot of fun.
clgeorge


Posted Sep 30, 2008, 10:30 pm
The sealions just seemed to want to sunbathe!
clgeorge


Posted Sep 30, 2008, 10:31 pm
Didn't want to get too close to the new cheetah....
clgeorge


Posted Oct 4, 2008, 8:29 pm
Arrived in Malta today. What an amazing view from the room of Valletta across the harbour!
clgeorge


Posted Oct 4, 2008, 8:31 pm
It's a great hotel and had some fab thai food at one of the restaurants set around the pool
clgeorge


Posted Oct 4, 2008, 8:34 pm
Took the ferry across the harbour to Valletta. Taking a closer look at the Grand Harbour here...
clgeorge


Posted Oct 4, 2008, 8:36 pm
At the Baracca gardens with my travel buddies! We decided to join some of the characters from Les Miserables
clgeorge


Posted Oct 4, 2008, 8:38 pm
A group shot - we're just loving our time in Malta
clgeorge


Posted Oct 4, 2008, 8:40 pm
Exploring more of the gardens & the monument to the great siege
clgeorge


Posted Oct 4, 2008, 8:40 pm
Another great meal!
clgeorge


Posted Oct 4, 2008, 8:43 pm
Another day, the sun's out and the view is still great!
clgeorge


Posted Oct 4, 2008, 8:44 pm
Last day and last chance to explore those steep streets of Valletta!
clgeorge


Posted Oct 4, 2008, 8:45 pm
Back home- was great to get away for some winter sun in Malta..
clgeorge


Posted Oct 19, 2008, 7:58 pm
Before I head off to my new host I thought I ought to see as much of London as I could. I took a couple of my friends with me and headed off to see the sights! We started off with some shopping at Harrods....
clgeorge


Posted Oct 19, 2008, 8:00 pm
We thought we'd take a taxi to piccadilly and almost got sent home early!
clgeorge


Posted Oct 19, 2008, 8:01 pm
Here we are with Eros in Piccadilly Circus. The countdown to the new James Bond film is in the background
clgeorge


Posted Oct 19, 2008, 8:02 pm
Thinking of having afternoon tea at the Rtiz!
clgeorge


Posted Oct 19, 2008, 8:04 pm
Walked through St James's park and fed the ducks. Posed on the bridge with Horse Guards parade and the London Eye in the background
clgeorge


Posted Oct 19, 2008, 8:05 pm
outside Buckingham Palace
clgeorge


Posted Oct 19, 2008, 8:06 pm
In the Mall with Big Ben behind us
clgeorge


Posted Oct 19, 2008, 8:07 pm
I wonder if the Queen is inside...
clgeorge


Posted Oct 19, 2008, 8:08 pm
Taking a closer look through the fence at Buckingham Palace. I quite like the soldier in the hat!
clgeorge


Posted Oct 19, 2008, 8:09 pm
Looking through the gates of the Palace
clgeorge


Posted Oct 19, 2008, 8:10 pm
On our way to see the Houses of Parliament. It was exactly 6 o'clock...
clgeorge


Posted Oct 19, 2008, 8:12 pm
Making a phone call home!
clgeorge


Posted Oct 19, 2008, 8:13 pm
Thinking about popping to the House of Commons
clgeorge


Posted Oct 19, 2008, 8:14 pm
At the church in Wesminster Abbey
clgeorge


Posted Oct 19, 2008, 8:15 pm
There was a protest outside the House of Parliament about the Iraq war so I was able to fulfil one of my missions!!
clgeorge


Posted Oct 19, 2008, 8:16 pm
Getting on the tube to continue our tour of london!
clgeorge


Posted Oct 19, 2008, 8:17 pm
Stopped off at the cenotaph on the way to see the prime minister
clgeorge


Posted Oct 19, 2008, 8:18 pm
outside 10 Downing Street
clgeorge


Posted Oct 19, 2008, 8:20 pm
At horse guards parade - I wanted to take this one home with me!!
clgeorge


Posted Oct 19, 2008, 8:20 pm
On the way to see Nelson's Column
clgeorge


Posted Oct 19, 2008, 8:22 pm
Last stop on the tour was to feed the pigeons in Trafalgar Square and think about jumping in the lion fountains!
clgeorge


Posted Oct 19, 2008, 8:23 pm
And to finish off..... Relaxing with a cocktail after all that walking!
Szandra


Posted Jan 18, 2009, 3:50 pm
Helloooo from Hungary!!!
I'm having a great time here, and I have already met with some other ToyVoyagers: Louis the rat, Elsie and Valma...wait... she is not a tv! :stare: She is a cute little pet rat. :)
http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/P1180341.jpg

As in the last few days it was snowing, I wanted to go out and play in the snow! Everything was so beautifully white!
Louis and Elsie didn't want to come out with me, they said that they are freezing... But a bear like me never freezing! ;)

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/P1180346.jpg

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/P1180348.jpg

The patway was like an icerink. I didn't want to lapse, so I had to be careful!
http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/P1180345.jpg

And I met with a red cat, called Jeni. He looks like Susi!! :stare: Maybe he is a Hungarian relative!
http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/P1180347.jpg

More news about me are coming soon!
Big hug to my Mum! :)
Szandra


Posted Jan 25, 2009, 10:31 pm
Again in the snow!!! :D At night it was snowing, so when we woke up in the morning we decided to go out and bulid a snowman! It was cold, but the sun was shining, we really had a great time!

I was the smallest, so I made the head:
http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/9-2.jpg

Louis made the middle part of the snowman:
http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/8-1.jpg

And Elsie made the biggest snowball:
http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/7-1.jpg

And here it is!!! Our snowman! Isn't it nice?! ;)
http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/6.jpg

After that, we tried ice-skating in the little garden lake, but Elsie didn't want to come, she worried that maybe the ice is too thin.
http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/10-1.jpg
Szandra


Posted Jan 25, 2009, 10:34 pm
Today we baked sajtos rúd (cheese sticks cake). It was great to spend this cold afternoon inside the warm kitchen!

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/4-1.jpg

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/3.jpg

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/5f.jpg

And we ate it all...  :rolleyes: I'm a very little bear, but I can eat as much as Elsie!! B)
Szandra


Posted Jan 25, 2009, 11:01 pm
Now we are in Szandra's flat in Budapest.
The sky was so beautiful when the sun was going down. We went out and made some photos from the terrace.

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/12-1.jpg

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/14-1.jpg
Szandra


Posted Jan 26, 2009, 6:06 pm
What a sunny day!!! And finally Szandra had time to show us the capital city.

Our first stop: Heroes' Square
The monument was built for the 1896 Millennium celebrations, that's why it is called Millennium Monument.

Hungary celebrated the 1000th anniversary that its ancestors found a place to settle down in the Carpathian Basin. Every part of the monument plays tribute to determining parts of Hungary's history.

The memorial won the first prize at the 1900 World Exhibition in Paris. The monument was completely finished in 1929 and the square received its name than too.
Since 2002 the Millennium Monument together with Andrásy Avenue is part of UNESCO's prestigious World Heritage sites


And here I am in front of it:
http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/16.jpg

Two museums flank both side of Heroes' Square, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Hall of Art.
http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/15-1.jpg

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/17.jpg

Than, we walked around the Vajdahunyad Castle, that is situated in the City Park, which is the largest park in Budapest.
The castle was modeled from a castle of the same name in Transylvania, Romania.
http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/18-1.jpg

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/21-1.jpg

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/22-1.jpg

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/23-1.jpg

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/24-1.jpg

We took a look at the ice rink. It's a pity that we didn't have time for ice-skating. :thinking:
http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/20.jpg

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/19.jpg

And finally the Széchenyi Thermal Bath:
http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/25-1.jpg

Szandra


Posted Jan 27, 2009, 8:23 pm
And this day still hasn't ended!
We met with one of Szandra's friend, Szilvi. And went to the Hopp Ferenc Far East Museum.
There wasn't allowed to take photos, but one of the ladies was kind and told Szandra that she can make 2-3 photos. So she had to hurry, unfortunately we aren't on this pics, but we were looking out from her bag.:)

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/39-1.jpg

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/32-1.jpg

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/33-1.jpg

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/34-1.jpg
Szandra


Posted Jan 27, 2009, 8:49 pm
In the evening we were walking on the riverside of Danube. It was a perfect place to see the Buda Castle Palace and the Chain bridge.
http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/37-1.jpg

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/41.jpg

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/36-1.jpg

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/42.jpg

Little Princess statue:
http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/38-1.jpg
Szandra


Posted Jan 30, 2009, 10:19 pm
Yesterday we walked a LOT and today... we continued it!;)
We went to see the Szent István Bazilika (St Stephen's Basilic). It is dedicated to Hungary's first king, St. Stephen. The largest church in Budapest, about 8500 people can get in.

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/P1260513.jpg

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/P1260512.jpg

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/P1260511.jpg

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/P1260520.jpg

View from the entrance.
http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/P1260516.jpg

Inside it wasn't allowed to make photos, so ... we aren't on the pics which were made in secret! ;)

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/P1260518.jpg

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/P1260519.jpg
Szandra


Posted Feb 9, 2009, 9:21 pm
Szandra is studying in fashion stylist department and today she had an exam exhibition at school. She had to present her best works made in this half year.
And we all wanted to help her!;)

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/P2010573.jpg

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/P2010572.jpg
Szandra


Posted Feb 11, 2009, 6:27 pm
Some weeks before I was walking on the riverside of Danube, but this time I could see it also in the daytime.
http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/P2020599.jpg

This mini version fits perfectly for small ToyVoyagers like us, don't you think?;)
http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/P2020595.jpg

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/P2020596.jpg

We took a look at the Pesti Vigadó (Pest Concert Hall).
The Vigadó is one of the city's oldest concert halls, dating to 1864.
http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/P2020598.jpg

On our way back home we stopped making a photo on the Vörösmarty square.
http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/2-1.jpg

Here you can see us with the Gerbeaud House which is a world famous pastry shop on Vörösmarty square.
The café was founded by Henrik Kugler in 1858 and expanded by its later owner, Emil Gerbeaud.
http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/P2020606.jpg
Szandra


Posted Feb 11, 2009, 6:40 pm
Tonight we baked pancakes with banana! We were perfect assistants!;)
http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/P2030608.jpg

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/P2030609.jpg
Szandra


Posted Feb 11, 2009, 7:00 pm
Now we are all in Szandra's hometown, Miskolc.
And today we went to the city center to meet with one of her friends, Zsuzsi.

In the backround you can see a big white building, this is the National Theatre of Miskolc. Unfortunately this is not the best view to see how does it look like.
http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/P2060616.jpg

Me and Margarida with Zsuzsi:)
http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/P2060622.jpg
Szandra


Posted Mar 4, 2009, 10:00 pm
Hello Mummy!

Today Szandra shew us Lillafüred which is also a part of the city, Miskolc. There were trees all around and we saw also the Hámor lake.
This lake is 1,200 metre-long, 4-8 metre-deep, but due to it's depth and cold water it is not suitable for swimming.

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/46.jpg

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/45.jpg

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/47.jpg

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/48.jpg

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/49.jpg

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/52.jpg

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/53.jpg

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/51.jpg

This is the Anna Cave. Unfortunately when we were there it was closed. :(
http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/54.jpg

On this photo in the backround you can see the Castle Hotel.
http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/szandrika/43.jpg

We really had a nice time in Lillafüred! Everything was so calm!
Swit


Posted Jun 3, 2009, 12:08 am
Hi!

I arrived at Lisbon airport yesterday! It's so hot here and I'm very tired from travelling. I'll need to rest for some days before start discovering the place.

See you soon!  B)
Swit


Posted Jun 21, 2009, 10:36 pm
Hi!

I've already travelled a bit in Lisbon but took just a small amount of photos, it's soooooooooooo hot...  :(

Here's my first photos, on the way to my host's work. A statue of a teacher.
http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/2705/1011007.jpg
http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/9904/1011008.jpg
I'm on a University campus.
http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/6359/1011009.jpg
Next to it is the National Library:
http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/8351/1011010.jpg
http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/9569/1011011.jpg
And a small park in front of it.
http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/5278/1011012.jpg
Here comes a plane, already with the landing gear on. It will reach Lisbon's airport in a minute!
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/6109/1011013.jpg
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/9122/1011014.jpg
http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/7214/1011015.jpg
I finaly arrived. I can see a lot from this 13th floor! Mainly hotels. And a new one is being constructed.
http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/1417/1011018.jpg
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/9601/1011020.jpg
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/7824/1011021.jpg
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/4225/1011023.jpg

We have got to work now, it's all for today.
Swit


Posted Jul 3, 2009, 10:18 pm
A day to visit Lisbon's bull fight arena. Lately it is used for other kind of shows (which is great). Under it there's a shopping mall. But the weather is too good today to spend the end of the afternoon underground.  B)

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/8637/fotosalemo041.jpg
http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/1899/fotosalemo045.jpg

I tried to open but all doors were closed...  :(
http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/8607/fotosalemo046.jpg
http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/8822/fotosalemo048.jpg

There's a garden for kids, I'm going to play a bit.
http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/2093/fotosalemo047.jpg

On the other side of the street there's a library.
http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/8533/fotosalemo049.jpg
http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/754/fotosalemo054.jpg

And an hotel.
http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/3756/fotosalemo052.jpg
http://img369.imageshack.us/img369/4060/fotosalemo055.jpg

And the head office of the biggest portuguese bank!
http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/9780/fotosalemo053.jpg

The main entrance:
http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/2631/fotosalemo056.jpg

Cute statues on the gardens:
http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/2092/fotosalemo057.jpg

It's all for now!  :)
Swit


Posted Jul 24, 2009, 10:39 pm
A day in the park, enjoying the good weather... there were some flowers.

http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/571/fotosalemo001.jpg
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/8026/fotosalemo002.jpg

Trees... I just want to run and play football!
http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/2830/fotosalemo003.jpg

Wait... over there... it looks like a play ground!
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/8601/fotosalemo004.jpg
http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/6761/fotosalemo005.jpg

I'm going to hide here, I'm playing hide and seek with a kid!
http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/5483/fotosalemo006.jpg

This flower is so pretty!
http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/9070/fotosalemo007.jpg

Palm trees, I love them!
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/7854/fotosalemo008.jpg

Water! So cool, it's more fresh here!  B)
http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/3189/fotosalemo009.jpg
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/887/fotosalemo010.jpg

Let me look closer...
http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/5156/fotosalemo012.jpg

Oooops!!!!
http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/6486/fotosalemo014.jpg

SPLASH!!!!!!!!!

:o
Swit


Posted Sep 5, 2009, 10:43 pm
After my August holidays, here I am back to the city! I went downtown to check the views from an elevator. It's the Elevador de Santa Justa.
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/4777/fotosalemo029.jpg
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/7292/fotosalemo030.jpg
http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/2154/fotosalemo031.jpg

I'll stay here seated for a while, just watching the view...  B)
http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/4765/fotosalemo032.jpg

I can see the Tagus river from here!
http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/1016/fotosalemo035.jpg
http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/4305/fotosalemo037.jpg

And the Castle of Sta. George!
http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/103/fotosalemo036.jpg

But what is closer is this old convent, burnt and destroyed by the big earthquake of 1755. :(
http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/9152/fotosalemo038.jpg

Oops... I forgot I have fear of high places!!! Look at the tiny people down there! I better go to a lower place!  ;)
http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/7618/fotosalemo039.jpg

Back