Domino, Pentney, Norfolk, England

LittleBlogFrog


Posted May 27, 2010, 8:37 am

UPDATE: Domino is now on the way to his first host Edit in Spain.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello, I'm Domino... :) Im currently looking for my first host to kickstart my travelog. Im about 5 inches tall and quite light too!

Im not fussy about where I visit... however I would like a host who is quite involved in Toyvoyager already and could take some lovely pictures of me in the great outdoors because I love adventures ...

PM my host if you are interested?
I hope to see you soon.


Edit


Posted Jun 7, 2010, 8:50 am
Hi Mummy,

Just a quick note to let you know that I have arrived to Spain. My host, Edit, picked me up this morning at Correos (Post Office) and now I am in her office. A bit boring because she has to work, but she says that in the afternoon I can meet some toys, and even another TV! :)

Bye,
Domino
Edit


Posted Jun 7, 2010, 4:35 pm
Hello Mummy,

We have arrived home from the office. It was a bit boring there, but my new host let me to take a look at my travelog :)
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TA0HWi2kCHI/AAAAAAAAC8A/9jFp72kPFMg/DSCN0004.JPG

Now we are in the flat and I met my new friends:
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TA0HXHw9dFI/AAAAAAAAC8E/8KIzqS1EplE/DSCN0007.JPG

They are very nice and friendly. The big one, black&white is called Pandi Panda, the little white dog is Milou, then Twix, another TV, and finally Osito (Little bear, in Spanish). They say that my new host is very tired today and maybe we cannot go out this afternoon. Well, until tomorrow then!

Bye,
Domino
Edit


Posted Jun 9, 2010, 6:51 am
Hello Mummy!

Yesterday rain and wind arrived here and we could not go out for a walk. Instead we spent the time in the flat with my new friends. With Twix we found a pineapple, it was bigger than us :)
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TA8oOeRuXZI/AAAAAAAAC8w/hR9CO39EnXo/s512/DSCN0009.JPG

And later Milou showed me the books about his adventures. He and his friend, Tintin, had a lot of interesting adventures together, and a person called Hergé wrote some books about them.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TA8oPEb4f5I/AAAAAAAAC80/kRt_9e3Tn8o/DSCN0012.JPG
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TA8oQL1f6HI/AAAAAAAAC84/gpIKOGJaHYU/DSCN0015.JPG

I hope the weather will change soon and we can all go for a walk.
Till next time,
Domino
Edit


Posted Jun 10, 2010, 6:13 am
Hello Mummy!

Yesterday was another rainy day, but late in the afternoon the sun started to shine. My host told me when it is raining and the sun is shining we might be able to see a rainbow. So we went to the window to watch and look!
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TBBzDCfmK5I/AAAAAAAAC-Q/uR9pUmPf108/DSCN0029.JPG

Bye,
Domino
Edit


Posted Jun 12, 2010, 8:58 am
Hi Mummy!

Finally I could see a bit of the town where I am staying now. It is called Toledo, it is a very old town. My host tells me it used to be the capital of Spain. Now the capital is Madrid, and Toledo is about 70 km from it. Toledo is famous of many things, and lots of tourists come every year from all over the world to visit.

When they arrive, they can start their visit here, in this building.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TBM7lDJ0PEI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/dxQ6jIsrAyo/DSCN0030.JPG
It is called Toletum, and it is for the reception of tourists. Nearby there is a nice little park.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TBM7llxi4lI/AAAAAAAAC_c/JP1ucVT9tck/DSCN0031.JPG
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TBM7mFdkJLI/AAAAAAAAC_g/CWtUw-jEf58/DSCN0038.JPG

And you can have a nice view to the historic center of the city.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TBM7m-SuT7I/AAAAAAAAC_k/2g58vSviUPM/DSCN0039.JPG

But instead of going there, my hosts decided to head towards the river, which is called Tajo.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TBM7oFmONfI/AAAAAAAAC_o/z1sJzoiEgw0/DSCN0040.JPG
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TBM7ol2bVBI/AAAAAAAAC_s/Q7RqoY7fWKU/DSCN0043.JPG

And suddenly we were at the train station:
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TBM7p3SEeXI/AAAAAAAAC_w/bFYp50cs6Po/DSCN0046.JPG

But instead of taking the train, we came out. We were there a lot of time though, so maybe they bought a ticket?? Maybe we will travel somewhere? The train station is a very nice building, look:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TBM7qpiYG_I/AAAAAAAAC_0/kKTPurzN5Cg/DSCN0051.JPG

From the train station we took a bus to the center of the city. I saw this shop window, but my hosts did not let me in :(
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TBM7q_ImVaI/AAAAAAAAC_4/jGFUNwtcFHk/DSCN0054.JPG

They wanted to show me the historic center
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TBM7rR3uJqI/AAAAAAAAC_8/LLwdcrpip6U/DSCN0057.JPG
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TBM7r8Aof5I/AAAAAAAADAA/sWu40qiuLq0/DSCN0058.JPG
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TBM7sjME6kI/AAAAAAAADAE/MxoIx3NB8vs/DSCN0059.JPG

It was a nice day. I wish you a nice weekend Mummy,
Domino
Edit


Posted Jun 14, 2010, 6:12 am
Hi Mummy!

Do you remember that we went to the rain station on Friday? It turned out that my hosts bought tickets to a special train called Tren de la fresa (Strawberry train). First we went to Madrid, to an old train station that is a museum now.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TBW3fzoBVCI/AAAAAAAADBI/49uzKTLbLjA/DSCN0065.JPG

There we took our train. It was an old one, and they even gave us strawberries. Twix and I liked it very much.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TBW3gcNgIKI/AAAAAAAADBM/1r9fk7d6jak/DSCN0070.JPG

Then we arrived to Aranjuez. First we visited the palace and its gardens. Unfortunately it was not allowed to take photos inside the palace, only outside.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TBW3hVAID2I/AAAAAAAADBQ/uNJtiGi6gtI/s512/DSCN0086.JPG
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TBW3izOu8rI/AAAAAAAADBU/evG-LlzFdxQ/s512/DSCN0092.JPG
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TBW3kOlgM3I/AAAAAAAADBY/AP_Qq_-mOyk/DSCN0097.JPG
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TBW3kwdaznI/AAAAAAAADBc/quxsmCnvEMM/DSCN0099.JPG

There were lots of fountains. Can you see my on this picture?
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TBW3nP1VKCI/AAAAAAAADBk/sXMARurw2ZQ/s512/DSCN0110.JPG

I even climbed on a tree
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TBW3oW-n46I/AAAAAAAADBo/xoNfhfdsiVQ/DSCN0125.JPG


I had a very comfortable travel :)
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TBW3p-RvHFI/AAAAAAAADBw/G64j10lqWGo/s512/DSCN0130.JPG

And we even saw ducks
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TBW3q1YtODI/AAAAAAAADB0/yHjo9Y9WNkk/DSCN0159.JPG
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TBW3rJp_J6I/AAAAAAAADB4/T4-kwckhw9g/DSCN0160.JPG

We found another nice building, a smaller palace
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TBW3sdW5bgI/AAAAAAAADB8/xk5R-Mal6LE/DSCN0214.JPG

At the end of the day, we took the Strawberry train again to return. It was a very nice day. Hope you also had  a great weekend Mummy.
Bye,
Domino
Edit


Posted Jun 19, 2010, 8:35 pm
Hello Mummy!

Today we were in Madrid. My hosts had to buy some things and after that they show us a bit from the city. First we were at Puerta del Sol:
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TB0ZFMJHriI/AAAAAAAADKY/C0lEYW_mQLc/DSCN0250.JPG

From here we went to Plaza Mayor. It is a really nice square:
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TB0ZHUOZkyI/AAAAAAAADKc/w_UTYFIUOr8/s512/DSCN0253.JPG
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TB0ZH8J4U4I/AAAAAAAADKg/MRegITlAyI8/DSCN0254.JPG

Then we went to see a stadium, the Vicente Calderon Stadium. This is the home of Atletico de Madrid, the team that won the Europa League this year in Hamburg.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TB0ZJc--I-I/AAAAAAAADKo/i0ami_6rjvA/DSCN0287.JPG

We saw the museum as well:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TB0ZIXrbfHI/AAAAAAAADKk/OLtp2frSpmQ/DSCN0274.JPG

After the museum Twix and I found a playground and had some fun:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TB0Za1lliGI/AAAAAAAADLU/q9E9tOkvOis/s512/DSCN0288.JPG
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TB0Zbm_L9wI/AAAAAAAADLY/TFm_qB8nC0s/DSCN0289.JPG
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TB0ZcQ18diI/AAAAAAAADLc/U_5f1U2Zs4s/DSCN0290.JPG

Good bye,
Domino
Edit


Posted Jun 28, 2010, 2:49 pm
Hello Mummy!

Last weekend we went to a very nice city called Avila. My hosts told me that it is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and most famous of its medieval city walls that go around the old center. We went for a walk around the walls, look:
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TCil_9V4BwI/AAAAAAAADM8/oEQUP4oPvtk/s512/DSCN0294.JPG
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TCimBJgN39I/AAAAAAAADNE/TWCjOvgLTj8/DSCN0303.JPG
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TCimBu088pI/AAAAAAAADNI/k3EVa7kjVgo/DSCN0312.JPG
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TCimBxLPEEI/AAAAAAAADNM/SK2CmbtdFes/s512/DSCN0321.JPG

There were nice flowers:
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TCimAYKDQaI/AAAAAAAADNA/rLDnfSsZHCE/DSCN0298.JPG

We also went to a lookout point and had a great view on the city:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TCimC5_ugtI/AAAAAAAADNQ/btJGZFEZx_U/DSCN0340.JPG
Edit


Posted Jul 5, 2010, 6:17 am
Hello Mummy!

Last week was a bit boring, my host had a lot to do, so Twix and me decided to go on an adventure in the weekend. As none of us has a camera, finally we took our host with us.

We went to the airport and took a plane. When we arrived we saw that we were in Paris! But it was raining and raining and raining all the time. Still, we decided to discover the city!

We saw the Tour Eiffel:
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TDFphXxRauI/AAAAAAAADPA/TxPyqSiPzuw/s512/DSCN0363.JPG

The Arc de Triomphe:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TDFpiKLExfI/AAAAAAAADPE/kPFWPg96ops/DSCN0372.JPG

And the Notre Dame:
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TDFpiTmBdgI/AAAAAAAADPI/exeoAT-TAxU/DSCN0502.JPG

Fortunately we did not get wet, our host was taking care of that. All in all, it was  really nice day :)

Domino
Edit


Posted Jul 5, 2010, 6:20 am
The next day the rain stopped, but it was time t come back. At least, I could enjoy the flight:

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TDFpi4Qs-DI/AAAAAAAADPM/FhKEeGsJpDU/s512/DSCN0565.JPG
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TDFpjEBcQcI/AAAAAAAADPQ/2R_-ef_Ht4s/s512/DSCN0573.JPG

Have a nice week Mummy!
Domino
Edit


Posted Jul 12, 2010, 5:38 am
Hello Mummy!

Yesterday we said goodbye to Twix. We were all a bit sad, but he is going to have new adventures and we are going to follow his travelog :) We were already preparing to the World Cup final, that is why Leo has the Spanish flag.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TDqZzmL-b0I/AAAAAAAADSg/3xGWCUEJ-w8/DSCN0617.JPG

The weather is very hot here, but I hope we can go out soon to have some fun :)

Have a nice week,
Domino
Edit


Posted Jul 21, 2010, 6:07 am
Hi Mummy!

I am sorry for not writing to you for some time. Here it is so hot (30 degrees in the flat and 38 outside), that my host does not go anywhere these days. But today she let me help her making orange juice.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TEZ67Bc4ZwI/AAAAAAAADU4/1S1EycjHtRc/s512/DSCN0675.JPG
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TEZ67-veICI/AAAAAAAADU8/i1qf3cpc7ZE/DSCN0676.JPG

And then, as I helped her so much. she gave me ice cream! From orange, of course :)
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TEZ68BYJj4I/AAAAAAAADVA/zW0d0OXCrg8/DSCN0679.JPG

I hope the weather will change a bit soon, because this is too hot, even for a little dog like me.

Domino
Edit


Posted Jul 23, 2010, 1:45 pm
Hello Mummy!

A new TV arrived today! He is called LeoTiger and this is his first stay on his travels. We all met to welcome him. Here is a group photo:
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TEmLmKIykpI/AAAAAAAADW4/tbgVUleYGuA/DSCN0685.JPG

Today my host had a great day, she received a loooot of postcards. Look:
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TEmLmqN_eQI/AAAAAAAADW8/_9Fx69HzZG0/s512/DSCN0690.JPG

Bye,
Domino
Edit


Posted Jul 27, 2010, 6:21 am
Hello Mummy!

This weekend we went for a walk in the old center of Toledo. My host told me that Toledo was very famous of its swards in the old days. Nowadays they sell these kind of things for the tourists. Look:
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TE5n-sX3cTI/AAAAAAAADZw/A0iDXuBBh94/s512/DSCN0732.JPG

The other thing Toledo is famous is the mazapan. It is typical at Christmas, but here you can buy it all over the year.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TE5n-xyzEKI/AAAAAAAADZ0/T9WgdFAaebg/DSCN0733.JPG
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TE5n_Xqr4QI/AAAAAAAADZ4/N51gvqxV8qk/DSCN0734.JPG

We went to a nice little park to sit down and take a cold drink against the heat:
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TE5oAfUY-7I/AAAAAAAADZ8/0Nbda4LUGCc/DSCN0735.JPG

Afterwards I could see the post office :)
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TE5oA1ussYI/AAAAAAAADaA/g_zvyaWIoZM/DSCN0737.JPG

When we arrived home we had lunch. Hmmmm, it was delicious:
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TE5n-KSaLII/AAAAAAAADZs/q5COzK7Bc7U/DSCN0695.JPG
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TE5oBdiXKNI/AAAAAAAADaE/b0bXWhKmYOo/DSCN0739.JPG

Bye,
Domino
Edit


Posted Aug 5, 2010, 6:35 am
Hello Mummy!

Last weekend I visited Avila again. I wanted to go by car...

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TFpMfyAVQjI/AAAAAAAADdw/ymoyh-exEQ4/DSCN0793.JPG
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TFpMgfLs_0I/AAAAAAAADd0/oboeP9EchH0/DSCN0794.JPG

...but my host convinced me to go by bus

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TFpMhJSG9iI/AAAAAAAADd4/YkfulP3mFVY/DSCN0795.JPG
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TFpMh18-EEI/AAAAAAAADd8/DfxbRHqN2VE/DSCN0796.JPG

This time I saw the Cathedral of Avila and also a very nice square

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TFpMel1UDJI/AAAAAAAADdo/fulzRJ1M7a8/DSCN0790.JPG
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TFpMfNZx_BI/AAAAAAAADds/MPXsu5UZlgM/DSCN0792.JPG

I hope to have more fun soon :)
Bye,
Domino
Edit


Posted Aug 16, 2010, 6:51 pm
Hello Mummy!

Today my host took me and LeoTiger to the campus of the University of Castilla-La Mancha. This place used to be a factory where they made cannons and other army stuff. Now it is more peaceful, especially in the summer when the students are on holiday. Here are some photos of the campus:

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TGl5h88EZMI/AAAAAAAADgo/qYPZW6vrdIU/DSCN0805.JPG
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TGl5i8Mfe3I/AAAAAAAADgs/kzxj4fp_aj4/DSCN0806.JPG
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TGl5kz1zWdI/AAAAAAAADg0/HNnnoEPF5Mk/DSCN0808.JPG
Edit


Posted Aug 16, 2010, 7:00 pm
Hello Mummy!

We went to a nice excursion! My hosts, LeoTiger and me. In the morning we took the Cercanias train and went to Alcala de Henares. Here we are on the train:
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TGl5lu6nO1I/AAAAAAAADg4/XDm6zxqklAc/s512/DSCN0812.JPG
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TGl5mra6LII/AAAAAAAADg8/Pz2vOWG7qAM/DSCN0814.JPG

Alcala is a very nice little town. We saw many interesting buildings. This is the Cervantes museum:
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TGl5nTLdSbI/AAAAAAAADhA/-g_EdfLs0jY/DSCN0817.JPG

Some more buildings and a nice square:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TGl5oW6r9PI/AAAAAAAADhE/LiN31Dsh3Cs/DSCN0826.JPG
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TGl5pd_uMKI/AAAAAAAADhI/FO9giDF9-hE/DSCN0833.JPG
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TGl5qgzHOMI/AAAAAAAADhM/ZNeyZCK8GmY/DSCN0834.JPG

And here I am in front of the University!
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TGl5q2dfnNI/AAAAAAAADhQ/q6zdCIPpSCU/DSCN0837.JPG

Unfortunately you cannot see Alcala on the map, but this is the map of the Cercanias trains:
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TGl5rfTydsI/AAAAAAAADhU/Qp3LToMevoM/DSCN0843.JPG

And this is the train:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TGl5r0FpbkI/AAAAAAAADhY/u3S_fbCZh2Y/DSCN0844.JPG

Have a nice week,
Domino
Edit


Posted Aug 21, 2010, 9:28 pm
Hello Mummy!

Today we went to the Zoo. It was a hot day and most of the animals were taking a siesta in the shadow, but we could see some of them. Here I am with a giraffe:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/THA1GgjoKjI/AAAAAAAADic/aQGkIdxcQDE/DSCN0857.JPG

And here are the bears:

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/THA1HBKMjAI/AAAAAAAADig/xoq2MSkaLZ8/DSCN0895.JPG
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/THA1J4c_foI/AAAAAAAADi0/yP0H5mJWo6I/DSCN0949.JPG

Not very visible, but behind me is a dolphin!!!

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/THA1IbYyxAI/AAAAAAAADio/uBycWECbQ7g/s512/DSCN0917.JPG

Here you can see better:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/THA1JdvawCI/AAAAAAAADis/b_oZ0vwsw9A/DSCN0918.JPG

And this is a shark! I was a bit afraid:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/THA1L6Y4-HI/AAAAAAAADjE/fMGWosvo_5Q/s512/DSCN0991.JPG

These were more peaceful:

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/THA1LTLbH4I/AAAAAAAADjA/ggwvesN1L6w/DSCN0970.JPG

A Metro stop for fish? No, this was an advertisement, encouraging people to come to the Zoo by Metro.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/THA1K7aPBsI/AAAAAAAADi8/JEnwcoTGlyE/DSCN0966.JPG


And at the end of the day I became an animal peligroso! (=dangerous animal) :)

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/THA1KZ9X3PI/AAAAAAAADi4/19iswLTPUhc/DSCN0951.JPG

I hope you are having a nice weekend!
Domino
Edit


Posted Sep 3, 2010, 6:08 am
Hello Mummy!

Lately I was busy, traveling around :) Here you can see me at the airport with LeoTiger. As I am already an experienced traveller, I knew immediately that being at the airport means something interesting to come :)

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TH-zETbATHI/AAAAAAAADmI/fQJbvXDqLAw/s512/DSCN1093.JPG

And some more photos:

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TH-zFeyNFQI/AAAAAAAADmM/nISV_StrD-8/DSCN1096.JPG
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TH-zFwGM4HI/AAAAAAAADmQ/HAFETMW0wD8/DSCN1098.JPG

But where were we traveling? I tell you now! :)
Edit


Posted Sep 3, 2010, 6:11 am
Turned out that we went to Hungary. But my host had lots of things to do and could not take me with her all the time. Still, one day she took me to Esztergom, which is right on the border with Slovakia. She told me that if I cross the bridge I will arrive to Slovakia. I had to try this!

Here I am on the Mária Valéria bridge, still in Hungary.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TH-zGv-mdyI/AAAAAAAADmU/DoMrPkZBzek/DSCN1129.JPG
Edit


Posted Sep 3, 2010, 6:14 am
You can see that the border is in the middle of the bridge. I am crossing it right now:

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TH-zIbLkFwI/AAAAAAAADmg/V-qggK8DqAs/DSCN1143.JPG

And here I am already in Slovakia, watching the views. You can see Esztergom (Hungary) behind me:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TH-zHUUzF0I/AAAAAAAADmY/6C7WSDfovFA/DSCN1136.JPG

This was interesting! But let's go back to Hungary:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TH-zH_-0nTI/AAAAAAAADmc/WV-RjmdSaB4/s512/DSCN1142.JPG

Edit


Posted Sep 3, 2010, 6:16 am
So we came back and had some sightseeing in Esztergom. It is a really nice little town:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TH-zJfaDkNI/AAAAAAAADmk/gaYF_N8OsiE/DSCN1155.JPG

You can see the bridge in the background:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_P9yA5AsMp6c/TH-zJnzAsWI/AAAAAAAADmo/aT26aashxM0/DSCN1163.JPG

Bye,
Domino
Fukumo


Posted Oct 14, 2010, 4:04 am
Hi Mom!!

Wow... I finally arrived here in Canada... talk about a trip!  I'm just a little bit - okay... QUITE a bit! - stiff from being sealed up in the envelope for so long.  Luckily, I arrived here at my new Host-Mom's work where she works as an RMT (registered massage therapist).  She works in a chiropractic clinic and she said that I was able to get some treatments from everyone  :D

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/5079602401_7cae6c208e.jpg
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First, they wanted to check my reflexes to make sure everything in me was working in tip-top condition.  Then it was off to get some chiropractic therapy.  Because I was so small they ended up using a stimulator on me instead to gently adjust my tiny joints.  Then it was off to a nice - a bit painful - massage.  Aahhh... I felt so much better afterwards!

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When everyone was done with making me feel better, I was able to wander around on my own and I found all sorts of neat things to play with... namely BONES!!  :o  As a pure breed dog, I must say that even I wasn't immune to the lure of a good bone or two!  ;)


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/5080197002_b0d52a2b61.jpg
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Ooh... just a small taste won't hurt!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/5079602649_16220d4ae0.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/5080196660_1f4768353e.jpg
...my new osseous friend... Os-ten!  and he's all ready for Halloween!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/5080196630_c09bd192f3.jpg


Anyhoo... I think it's time for me to take a nap now until it's time for Host-Mom to take me home with her.  Can't wait to meet my new Host-Dad!  Will update soon!

Miss you and love you lots!
xo Domino

Fukumo


Posted Oct 17, 2010, 7:56 am
Hi again Mom!

Just a quick update today!  Host-Mom decided to show me some of the landmarks around my new temporary home  :)

Williams Lake is home to the annual Williams Lake Stampede which happens every summer.  Every Canada Day long-weekend the town becomes busy with all sorts of cowboys!  They accumulate scores at this event which will often help to indicate where they will stand at the Calgary Stampede, which is the largest stampede in Canada.

Needless to say, there is quite a bit of cowboy influence in the area.  There are 3 large statues scattered around town of cowboys and my Host-Parents took me to 2 of them!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/5088201083_62a5b043c0.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4133/5088799086_18d728aa13.jpg
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Williams Lake also is a resource community which depends a lot on the forestry industry.  So afterwards they took me to the Tourism Discovery Centre which is made entirely out of local wood.  It opened only recently back in 2006 and was built by 2 local log home builders.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4133/5088201133_08f12710d2.jpg

Isn't it quite grand?  B)

Unfortunately, it was closed when we got there!  :( But they promised to take me back next weekend because there are apparently a lot of neat things to see inside.  I can't wait!

Miss you lots Mom!
xo Domino

Fukumo


Posted Oct 22, 2010, 4:26 am
Hi Mom!

Today I was pampered.  Host-Mom took me to the hairdresser's with her.  I didn't have much to trim off, but I did enjoy a rather nice head massage and grooming!  ;)


http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1372/5103943254_2e5442e95e.jpg
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http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/5103351417_8d74f58d45.jpg
...don't I look smashing?  B)

Then later in the evening my Host-Parents took me out for sushi for dinner.  It was pretty tasty, but it's more for the cats I think  :rolleyes:  I'll have to make sure to remind them that I'm a dog and prefer real meat!

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1164/5103943444_85c528bb54.jpg
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http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1147/5103943404_7f197e988c.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1164/5103943474_acf515fbc6.jpg

Still... I ate too much and I'm sooooo full now!  Gonna have to lie down.  Hope you're doing well and will write soon!

xo Domino
Fukumo


Posted Oct 31, 2010, 12:08 am
Hello Mommy!!

Sorry I haven't been updating lately... it's getting to be that time of year and Host-Dad caught the flu last week.  And then Host-Mom came down with a cold herself!  So they haven't been able to take me out much with the weather being so cold out  :(

But Host-Mom took me into work with her for Halloween.  She fashioned a kitty mask on me and let me eat all the chocolate bars I wanted!  :D


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/5129491179_afd8cf663c.jpg
...don't I look smashing?  ;)
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1421/5129491081_74c7aa0814.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/5129491289_5de3043aaa.jpg

I had so much frolicking around the place.  It was odd how no one found a dog in a cat mask roaming around the clinic as unusual  :thinking:  But I guess that is what the spirit of Halloween is all about!

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1065/5130093822_9e024562f6.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/5130093792_2afe1ce3ab.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/5130093902_df6a75ffbe.jpg

My Host-Parents promised to make it up to me next weekend for such a boring week... can't wait!

Missing you lots
xo Domino
Fukumo


Posted Nov 8, 2010, 12:31 am
Hello Mommy!

Today my Host-Parents took me on a sight seeing tour of Williams Lake.  It turns out that this happens to be the hometown of Rick Hansen!... and so there was an old sign dedicated to him as you enter the town.


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4005/5155741633_f6fa1410f6.jpg
...old sign...

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/5156351516_9ce09ca15c.jpg
...new sign!...

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/5156351552_0ae42e1bd8.jpg
...view of the "Williams Lake"...

Next stop, they took me just west of town along Highway 20 to head into the region known as the Chilcotin.  First we crossed the Chilcotin Bridge (much better known to the locals as Sheep Creek Bridge) which was built in 1961 to replace the old suspension bridge.  It crosses over the Fraser River, which happens to be one of the longest rivers in BC.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1256/5156351806_7663e55703.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/5155742043_fd9681ae67.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/5156351930_2dabf18ebd.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1139/5155742163_16633a4153.jpg
...see the pillars on the right side?  Those were the support beams for the old bridge...

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/5156351732_329df6bc03.jpg
...the Fraser River...

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/5155742289_f8207322da.jpg
...Host-Dad thought this pic was to dangerous to take... Host-Mom called him a wuss  ;)

We drove a little further out and came across a rest-stop that allowed a nice view of the valley.  See behind me where there's a mountain range in the middle of the picture?  The Chilcotin people in the past called it the "Sleeping Giant" and that bump is supposed to be his feet.  However, if you look at it differently, the locals here also call it "Monkey Face".  Can you see the "eyes" and "mouth"?

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1310/5156351666_6fb82a990f.jpg

Well, that's it for now... I thought it was quite the adventurous day... don't you think?  Will write again soon!

xo Domino
Fukumo


Posted Nov 17, 2010, 6:52 am
Hi Mommy!

Today was another eventful day!  We drove in last night into Vancouver, which was roughly a 6 hour trip.  Today we will be seeing the Body World & the Brain exhibit at Science World!  Host-Mom had been waiting all season to go since it's arrival in Vancouver back in September!

Here we are taking a few quick pics of the surrounding scenery.  The days are getting shorter now and dusk seems to be falling right around 4pm  :(  Then it started to rain, but surprisingly these pictures turned out really well and the weather even seems deceivingly good!


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/5183385703_62615756f4_z.jpg
...BC Place in the background.  It was the venue to the 2010 Olympic opening and closing ceremonies.  Now it's undergoing renovations to getting a new roof.  The stadium to the right of it is the Rogers Arena (formerly GM Place).  It was temporarily renamed Canada Hockey Place during the Olympics...


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/5183385823_2d24b6002e_z.jpg
...a statue carved out of a cedar trunk outside the exhibit...

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/5183402479_708f168602_z.jpg
...a passing Skytrain...

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4127/5184000664_9fd33da597_z.jpg
...False Creek and some of Vancouver's city skyline...

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/5183410793_c570733fdd_z.jpg
...Science World!...

We bought our tickets and were on our way, but then unfortunately we were informed that no flash photography was allowed inside the exhibit  :(  Oh well... we still managed to take a couple of pictures of their promos to give you an idea of what we saw inside  ;)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4106/5183983804_acb8b49d2f_z.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1019/5183385777_7fa4d0667a_z.jpg

Whatcha think... pretty fascinating isn't it??  ;)

xo Domino
Fukumo


Posted Nov 18, 2010, 6:29 am
Hi again Mom!

Yesterday was Host-Mom's mommy's birthday so today the family is taking her out to dinner.  It was my host-Parent's responsibility to pick up a cake so we stopped in Chinatown.


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/5183385975_ee073dfa54_z.jpg
We picked up a fruit cocktail cake from Maxim's Bakery.  It's a light sponge cake with fruit inside of it and it's her mommy's favourite!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5183984034_fbe2cbbc82_z.jpg
...taking the time to pose with one of the regulars  ;)

Dinner was at a restaurant called Shabusen, which featured all-you-can-eat sushi, as well as korean barbeque, which you cook yourself on the grill in the middle of the table.  I ate too much again but I couldn't help it because the food was too good!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/5183984116_393eacd621_z.jpg

Of course I didn't leave a LITTLE bit of room in my tummy for some cake... mmm!!

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1010/5183386049_591d7d002a_z.jpg

xo Domino
Fukumo


Posted Nov 18, 2010, 6:35 am
Hi Mom!

Today is sorta sad because it is time to say goodbye to my host-Parents.  But at the same time, I am very excited because Host-Mom informed me that I will be spending Christmas in Germany!

We woke up this morning and there was a light cover of snow on the ground... looks like it snowed a bit last night!  Host-Dad said that it was unusual to be this late in the year and with no heavy snow on the ground yet.


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/5183386105_30f4a3eaab_z.jpg
...not enough snow to make a snowman  :(

Host-Mom gave me a hug in the privacy of her car before taking me to the post office where I will be sent on my way!

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1420/5183984238_6459a6f5b5_z.jpg

Can't wait to see my next host!

Missing you lots,
xo Domino
fam-united


Posted Nov 27, 2010, 8:47 pm
Hi Mum,

I arrived at Bruchsal just in time to help decorating the house.

I will come back soon and tell you more about the place I'm right now and of course about the toyvoyagers, especially puppies, I met for the first time.

Bye, Domino
fam-united


Posted Dec 4, 2010, 10:06 am
My host told us, that it is time to write a list of cookies, we want to bake. It seems, that she plans to bake a lot. As she is ill right now, it might take some time to get things started.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5285/5230968786_2778b807ea_o.jpg

There are many more toyvoyagers here, who all want to help us baking the cookies. You can't imagine, how loud it can be with so many tvs around:)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5167/5230968870_18244fe27d_o.jpg


Oh, what's that sound. It is so loud outside, that we can hear it over our babbling.

It's big ready-mix truck in nice colours.


http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5285/5230969604_a0466f329f_o.jpg
fam-united


Posted Dec 4, 2010, 10:42 am
It is Saturday before 1rst of Advent and we decided to start decorating the house. This is a Christmas Crib Scene for windows, which our host regularly sellotapes to the window of their dining room each year.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5121/5230970220_f9f445b4e6_o.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5166/5230970294_2d5b4b1b44_o.jpg


fam-united


Posted Dec 4, 2010, 11:05 am
Later the door bell rang and the postman brought a small package. We were so excited, because we all waited for another puppy. Guess, who it was? - Moony from blackcat.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5250/5230377035_33f57fa4c4_o.jpg

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He told us a lot about his life.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5086/5230970568_f130ceffa0_o.jpg


Then we started to do some own paper crafts. We asked for paper, scissors and pencil and started to cut and glue this wonderful star. Everyone had to do some work, but it seems, that our host forgot to take photos of each of us, while we did our work.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5244/5230377309_b3bb7e7635_o.jpg

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http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5122/5230378271_b23fdb0fe8_o.jpg


When we started to glue the parts together, we invited all the other toyvoyagers at our place to join us and see the star grow.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5246/5230378361_5b8e149975_o.jpg

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Chuckle shows you, how the finished star looks like. He is as proud as if he would have created it by himself, although we puppies have done the work. But it makes us even more proud of this fascinating star.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5081/5230972286_fec3476a11_o.jpg


fam-united


Posted Dec 4, 2010, 1:21 pm
Did you know, that we dogs are able to do such wonderful stars? I really didn't, but after we finished the star yesterday, we decided to try a new one. It seems a good way for dogs to do such crafts, it is kind of meditation. - I didn't know, that dogs can meditate until yesterday, but they can. It makes us calm, that's what our host says. She seems to love it, when we are calm and not as loud as we are, when we tvs are all together.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5288/5230378911_f4b9966de8_o.jpg


All the other toyvoyagers came too and told us, that they would do the work today. You should have been here. It wasn't that calm and silent in that moment as we all barked at them.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5245/5230379007_a803b72c3a_o.jpg


Finally we were alone again and we started to fold the paper for the new star.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5245/5230972568_e6b34bda6e_o.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5082/5230379177_8c8c4ef2be_o.jpg

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Then we started to cut lines into the paper.


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http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5281/5230973046_4df53215ab_o.jpg



Those nosy toyvoyagers! Here they are again. Our pieces for the star were finished, so it was no problem this time. They told us, that they only would watch and not talk. Who wants to believe this?

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5044/5230973156_dafdd2e667_o.jpg

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http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5287/5230379831_25a40a59ba_o.jpg


Here we start to sellotape the pieces - from one side, then turning the piece and sellotape from the other side.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5206/5230973490_006d053f5a_o.jpg

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At last everyone helped to glue the five pieces together to one star. Even the other toyvoyagers were allowed to help us.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5245/5230380321_988a8f5ea5_o.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5288/5230380413_a1d279ba5e_o.jpg
fam-united


Posted Dec 4, 2010, 2:50 pm
Stars are really fascinating - so here comes star number three. This time all toyvoyager worked together, although on the photo it seems, that only one dog did the work.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5284/5230974014_82bb52a86e_o.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5288/5230974202_9dffbb470e_o.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5161/5230974296_64b639b21c_o.jpg
fam-united


Posted Dec 4, 2010, 3:14 pm
Yesterday it was 1rst Advent and today we have a nice meeting with pastry and tea. Our host's singing teacher came to join us. It was her last singing lesson with this nice teacher, so she and her son invited her to visit them at home. She was also her son's and daughter's singing teacher.
We lighted the first candle and sat down in the middle of the table - our host was very delighted
:)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5246/5230380887_3c272675c9_o.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5124/5230974494_2e93e4c6e6_o.jpg


This is a few out of the kitchen window. You see the snow? It's a pity, that our host still isn't well enough to go outside with us.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5169/5230381555_52884c4b67_o.jpg


Our star also found a place at this kitchen window.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5088/5230384079_68ab9b1a2c_o.jpg
fam-united


Posted Dec 5, 2010, 9:37 am
Maybe you know, that my host works as a teacher. Right now she is class teacher of 3rd graders. She loves her job and she loves her class. She always talks about her kids and she doesn't only mean her own children, but her pupils. A few days ago she went to a book shop in the inner city and stayed there for hours. We all wondered, why she didn't come back home again. Today she showed us, what she had done. She went there to search for books for the Advent Calendar for her pupils. She didn't buy the books from her own money, but recieved the money from their parents. But she bought the books and before she bought them, she thought and thought, which book would be good enough for which child. She and the female book seller really enjoyed it - that's what she said.

Take a look at all the books. There are 19 books for her 19 pupils.


http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5289/5230384315_a6602897a2_o.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5162/5230978022_53de54d7cb_o.jpg
fam-united


Posted Dec 18, 2010, 10:35 am
The next day we had everything done, the packages were wrapped in Christmas papers and the pupils' names were in the little sacks. So our host could take the Advent calendar with her to the school. She told us, that she reads an Advent story each morning in the first school hour. At first they light the candles of the advent wreath. At last she asks one pupil to go to the Advent calendar and open the number for the day. The pupil, whose name was told there, gets up and draws out one of the packages out of the covered basket. The name on the package tells then, who will recieve it. This way three pupils have to do something each day.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5083/5230386381_c80a42cc3c_o.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5242/5230386481_5be86e44e8_o.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5125/5230386625_e1db065712_o.jpg
fam-united


Posted Dec 18, 2010, 11:16 am
This late afternoon we drove to Münzesheim. We thougth, that we could visit the Japanese Garden there - we've already heard a lot about it. But it was already too dark, so we had to stay inside. We were at an occupational therapist with our host's daughter. She had some problems at school with other pupils of her former class bullying her. She now tries to get more self-confidence here. I think, it is a really nice woman and a nice place, too.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5127/5230386697_207b6b2468_o.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5044/5230387061_f3c5d03f52_o.jpg
fam-united


Posted Dec 18, 2010, 1:57 pm
It's the fourth of December already. Today we found a lot of snow outside, so we ran to play in it and have a walk. At first we found a trail in the snow in front of the front door.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5287/5270428545_97027ab545_o.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5007/5271036364_c24b7806e6_o.jpg


At first we took a photo of the kindergarden, which is next to the church St. Peter. It has some nice Christmas decorations.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5246/5271036614_fc92c23629_o.jpg


We turned to see to the baroque church St. Peter. It is one of the few buildings of Bruchsal, which survived World WarII. It is closed, so we had no chance to go inside, but maybe we will go there during the Christmas Time.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5125/5270428967_8517862cc9_o.jpg


Next to the church St. Peter is the graveyard of Bruchsal. You have to walk up and down there, so it is rather difficult for older people to walk there.

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Here you see the back side of the house Sancta Maria. You will see the front side later. The grey wall on the left side belongs to the new apostolic church. You maybe can imagine, how steep the ways of the graveyard are, when you see, that we look down on Sancta Maria right now and even this house is higher than the entrance we were at first.

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There is a nice garden, which belongs to Sancta Maria. Do you see the little church tower on the left? It is the tower of the city church. There is another small small piece of the tower of the church St. Damian and Hugo, when you look well peer at the branches. This church belongs to the palace of Bruchsal.

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This is the front side of Sancta Maria. It houses a catholic school for social education and more. There still live some Franciscan nuns.

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We only had to walk down this street from Sancta Maria to our current home. You see the working place - nobody is working right now because of the cold weather.

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When we came back, we found some more trails in the snow next to the trail we've seen at first. Who might this have been?

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It was so cold, that we didn't want to stay outside any longer, but our host said, that she first has to clean the way in front of the house again. We asked Chuckle to open the door.


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He was a bit too small, so he asked Bluto and Scotty to help him, but they still weren't tall enough.

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Hypno-Dog came to help them now. He climbed on their heads and Chuckle on his, but you see, they still didn't reach the lock.


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Hypno-Dog called for Travelling Tuffy, who then climbed over their heads and sat down on Hypno-Dog's head and Chuckle sat on his head then. It was really heavy already.

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Because they still were too small to reach the lock, I asked them, if I could help. Of course they let me climb over their heads and Chuckle sat on my head then. You see, that we still had no luck.

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Chuckle called for Schnuffi to help them.

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And then Kari came and also Mustang Monkey asked, if he should help Bluto and Scotty to carry all these other toyvoyagers on our heads.

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We were really close to the lock now, but then it happened....! Oh God! I hope, nobody got hurt.


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Thank God! Nothing bad happened to us toyvoyagers. Now we knew a bit better how to do it. So we were a bit faster in building the toyvoyager tower.

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You see we had a different order now and we were building more a pyramid than a tower.

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We didn't feel anything of the cold weather now. We really sweat already.

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And yes, with Brinda's help Chuckle reached the lock finally.

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He turned the key and then....

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What we didn't think of was, that we all will fall down - except Chuckle, Scotty and Bluto. But we all were happy, that we had been successful. Maybe we can go on walks without our host every now and then from now on.


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P.S. My host read this and she told me to tell you, that she will keep her key at a safe place from now on. You might feel better to know this, but we all still will try - oh, no eehmmm, I think, we won't try it again;)
fam-united


Posted Dec 18, 2010, 4:35 pm
After we had some rainy days and our host had been ill with laryngitis, we have the chance to walk in the snow again. This time we have more snow than last and everything is more beautiful. Even the wellknown church St. Peter. Last time we took the photo while standing in the graveyard area already. This time we are in front of the kindergarden.

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We walked across the graveyard again and then out of Bruchsal into fields. Maybe you see the little yellow sign on the left side of the snowy road. That's the place-name sign of Bruchsal or it's end.

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On the side of the road we found this cross. It is there for someone, who died in the 17th/ 18th century or something.

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Then we walked through a [url=Sunken lane]hollow way[/url]. It is Hohlweg in German. It was so beautiful with all the snow on the trees and road.

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Then we walked on a fieldway and had a nice view back to Bruchsal.

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On our way we found another trail. If it was a deer?


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I'm sure, that someone wonders, who left this imprints here.

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fam-united


Posted Dec 19, 2010, 8:08 am
In the evening we went to one of the Christmas markets in Bruchsal. It was the one, which only happens on the last weekend before Christmas. It's more modern style - that's what our hosts say, because there are such crazy lights on the palace wall. We enjoyed to drink a Kinderpunsch and to warm up standing next to a fire place. We saw several Christmas things to buy. It was so crowdy there, that we had no chance to take many photos.

This shows the first Christmas Market of Bruchsal. It always starts on the weekend of first of Advent and ends two or three days before Holy Eve. It is a really really small market but with a merry-go-round and with nice decorated houses. My hosts live only a few meters up the street - I'm looking to the street.


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The front of the palace is beautiful in the snow at night.

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Here you see the houses - tents- of the second Christmas market at the palace and the colourful stars on the palace backside wall.

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fam-united


Posted Jan 1, 2011, 4:52 pm
It's that time of year again, when our host goes into her kitchen for hours and bakes and bakes a lot of cookies. This year we asked her, whether we could help her with her work. At first she seemed a bit hectic and not in the mood to let us join, but then we were allowed to watch and even help her baking.

Here you see Moony cutting the vanilla bean.


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Paul Penguin adds the almonds.

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Landroval tries to stir the dough. Wow, this mixer is heavy.

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Even little Brinda helps. She gets the dough out of the mixing bowl.

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Schnuffi writes the name of the cookie on the aluminium foil: Husarenkrapferl.

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For the second cookies we need some almonds again. Hypno-Dog adds them to the dough.

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Kari adds the flour

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and Traveling Tuffy the sugar.

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I like the cocos flakes, they are just as white as he I am. We need the flakes for cocos macaroones with marzipan.

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Chuckle helps to stir the dough this time.

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To put the dough on the baking plate we need someone really strong: Hypno-Dog.

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Tuffy is waiting impatiently.

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Brinda tries to show them, that she's also really strong.

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After the dough for our Husarenkrapferl was in the fridge for about two hours, Paul puts them on the baking plate and does the last step before we put it in the oven.

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While the Husarenkrapferl are baking, our host forms the Vanillekipferl.

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Some Vanillekipferl are already baken, while some more are waiting for an empty oven.

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That's how the finished Vanillekipferl look like.

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We all try to help getting the cocosnut macaroones finished. We want to dip them in the melted chocolate.

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Don't they look nice?


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It's better to not show, how we looked like after the work was done.:)


Our host prepared another dough for Spitzbuben cookies. We are allowed to help cutting them out. For some of us it is hard work, but for others just as easy as climbing a tree.

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Umechan and Paul are really strong. They can roll the dough with the marmor rolling pin.

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Then we are able to cut the cookies out again.

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fam-united


Posted Jan 1, 2011, 5:31 pm
It's the last school day before Christmas break. We help our host to pack Christmas presents for her pupils: some dices and packs of cards.

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fam-united


Posted Jan 1, 2011, 6:01 pm
In the afternoon it was time for more baking::)


We help to finish the Little Spitzbuben.

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the Bethmännchen

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Then we roll the dough for the Terrassen cookies

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and cut them out in three different sizes.

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These cookies should be Nougatkipferl, but we do Nougat rolls.

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fam-united


Posted Jan 1, 2011, 6:08 pm
Today we "glue" the Terrasse cookies together - with the help of some marmelade

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and cover them with powder sugar.

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At next we prepare the dough for Zigeunerschnitten, our host's favorite cookies.

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While we all worked, Moony jumps around like crazy. It is no surprise, that he falls into the powder sugar. What a laughter!:)

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Paul and Landroval try to pick a walnut. It is also fun to watch them.

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fam-united


Posted Jan 2, 2011, 5:41 pm
In the afternoon we have to finish the Husarenkrapferl. We have to powder them with powder sugar and then fill in marmelade in the little holes.

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After we baked the Zigeunerschnitten, we have to decorate them and cut them in smaller pieces.

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Then we cut out the Buttergebäck. We use many different small forms.

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Then we decorate them with colourful sugar pieces and bake them in the oven.

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What a mess! We have to clean up, before we can do more baking.

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That's much better now:)

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Look, who is back at home!!! What a Christmas surprise! Aaron, the donkey, came back after staying in Singapore for about two years. He told us, that he won't travel again. He is just too large to take him with in a bag, although he is rather small, when he is folded in a package. He had to tell so much about his life, too much to repeat it here. For us he is just a sign, that it is possible to come back home after years.:)

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Aaron joined us in watching how to bake cookies.

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It looks a bit messy again. This will be Walnuss-Aprikosen-Taschen (something like walnut-apricots- bags)


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fam-united


Posted Jan 2, 2011, 5:49 pm
Today it is Holy Eve. In the morning there is time for some more baking in the kitchen. We all sit down at our special place again.

After baking and cooling down we cover the Walnuss-Aprikosen-Taschen with powder sugar.

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Springerle are some of our host's favorite cookies. Many people say, that you have to bake them weeks before Christmas so they get soft enough for take a bite without breaking a tooth. Our hosts usually bakes them the day before Holy Eve or on Holy Eve and she never has problems with them being too hard.

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While Petra is still baking and baking and preparing dinner, we sit behind the kitchen window and watch the weather change. At first we had rain, but now it starts to snow.

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It is midday now and we are still sitting at the same place.

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Still watching:)

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and watching

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It can be boring to sit here and not be allowed to get up:(

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We watch and watch and watch the snow falling down. You may see, that it starts to get white outside.


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Finally it is dark and we still watch the snow falling.

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fam-united


Posted Jan 15, 2011, 10:41 am
Finally it is so dark outside, that we were allowed to help and set the table for dinner. We also helped to cook, but there are no photos of it. We have pasties, corn salad and chicken fricassee.

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fam-united


Posted Jan 15, 2011, 10:54 am
Then  we heard a little bell ringing - the sign, that the Christchild - Christuskind - was there and had brought the presents. Now we were allowed to enter the livingroom and see the Christmastree for the first time. While our hosts were singing and playing the flute, we sat on the presents and helped singing. I'm so sorry, that there is no record of it, you would have loved it:)

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After singing and reading the Christmas story - I never thought, that this really would take more than half an hour time to get finished with this - everyone was allowed to open the presents. I'm also sorry, that we don't have photos of us, but we all were too busy.

Then we sat down, played a game and ate some of our selfmade cookies. Our host told us, that she tries to put some recipes on facebook.

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fam-united


Posted Feb 5, 2011, 9:50 am
Today we all were invited at my host's parents home to celebrate Christmas together.

We sat next to the cakes and cookies. You surely know those cookies
:)

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(I'm sorry for the bad quality of the photos)
fam-united


Posted Feb 5, 2011, 10:19 am
Today we went shopping and bought a new bird feeder for the balcony in front of the kitchen. At first we played in it for a while until out host told us, that it isn't for us and we should go in the house again, so the poor birds find some seed while it is so frosty outside.


At first umechan climbed into the house.

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Then Brinda and Kari joined umechan.

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Also Landroval and Paul Penguin came to sit in the small house, while Chuckle sat on its roof. He tried to climb, but got some cold fingers and had to be really careful to not be frozen to the chain.

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But then we came and chased them away. We laughed  so much, that Hypno-Dog and I lay in the house holding our tummies, while Schnuffi and Tuffy watched from the roof.

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But maybe you know the saying: He laughs best that laughs last? Of course the others laughed, when Moony feel from the house down the balcony. But you can be sure, that he didn't get hurt, because he feel on the soft snow.

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iloveletters


Posted Feb 12, 2011, 4:59 pm
Dear Mommy!

I arrived in Thuringia, central Germany, this week.

I already found many news friends here, TV Owen is visiting right now too and the other three want to become TVs soon, too.

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The house cat 'Pünktchen' is a sweety - we get on well.

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And here is a look into the garden where I am right now.

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It is getting warmer, no more snow.

Hope to see lots of interesting places soon.

CU!


fam-united


Posted Feb 19, 2011, 4:46 pm
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Today evening we have Raclette for dinner. We really liked it. My host got to bed after dinner, because her daughter was ill. So we enjoyed a game called "Mitternachtsparty" - midnightparty - without her.

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fam-united


Posted Feb 26, 2011, 4:47 pm
On 6th January is Epiphany and all children of my host family went with the starsingers. Two of them weren't dressed as kings this year, only the daughter was dressed. She was the starcarrier. It's sad, that we don't have a photo of it. Somehow we missed it. But when we came home, we had the chance to take a look at all the sweets, which they got as presents beside the money. The money is for charitable use, but the sweets are for the children. We came home with three bags - for each child one bag of sweets. Here you see, what one child had in his bag.


http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5212/5459136938_42c17e28aa_o.jpg

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http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5096/5459137290_4e1f4d2cb8_o.jpg
fam-united


Posted Feb 26, 2011, 5:13 pm
On 6th January also was our host husband's birthday and today we celebrate with the family. For his and my host's parents she made a roast in a clay pot. It was really a lot meat for, but of course there were 10 people and us, who wanted to eat something as lunch.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5172/5458530501_bbeaae1735_o.jpg

We helped to cut apples and onions, which we added to the meat.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5212/5458530649_47e946e387_o.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5015/5459137924_bbfc3dd3f6_o.jpg

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http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5014/5459138256_2b0dd2fedb_o.jpg

fam-united


Posted Feb 26, 2011, 5:31 pm

Again we celebrated the birthday. This time we helped to bake a lemonade cake.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5012/5459138410_422fbbf8b2_o.jpg

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http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5096/5459140456_c6ddc0a789_o.jpg
iloveletters


Posted Mar 1, 2011, 3:59 pm
Ah, well nothing really going on here. My host has to work all day long and not much free time. We have not traveled anywhere but stayed at home.

We did school things (yuk, terrible maths...)

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080292.jpg

we were reading this book about Goethe, the poet

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080294.jpg

and we wrote cards for postcrossing

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080293.jpg


iloveletters


Posted Mar 7, 2011, 3:09 pm
This morning we went to Erfurt since my host had a meeting at the university there.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080295.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080296.jpg

Us on the way back on the motorway. Brilliant weather with blue skies.


http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080298.jpg



Well, and it is Carnival Season here in Germany so we went to one Carnival party this afternoon. We saw a  great show with dances and acrobatics, singing and more music.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080299.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080311.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080306.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080300.jpg

iloveletters


Posted Mar 7, 2011, 3:50 pm
This weekend we went to Magdeburg, the state capital of Sachsen-Anhalt. Since we went by truck to fetch something my host had bought we were only able to travel slowly and we took about 5 hours for these 300 kilometres.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080320.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080312.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080315.jpg

We stayed in a little family run hotel and went into the city on Saturday afternoon.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080352.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080325.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080326.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080327.jpg

Here are some places in Magdeburg that we visited.

The green Citadel - built and designed by Hundertwasser. It was the last project of this great artist.
Green Citadel

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080330.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080331.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080334.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080335.jpg

The cathedral square:

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080343.jpg

And the old quarters of the city.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080328.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080348.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080344.jpg

Hey, I guess the tree was there first....

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080345.jpg

The river that runs through the city - the river Elbe.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080349.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080346.jpg

We had dinner at a South American restaurant and on this plate we ordered oystrich, crocodile and cangaroo meat. I tasted all of them and well.... nothing special or any strang taste.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080350.jpg

On Sunday morning we said byebye to Magdeburg.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080355.jpg

iloveletters


Posted Mar 7, 2011, 3:58 pm
Today was a great spring day.

There are snowdrops all over the garden!

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080371.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080372.jpg

We also went shopping today.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080368.jpg

iloveletters


Posted Mar 20, 2011, 11:56 am
Time to cook lunch. We had chicken soup! Yummy.
But first to peel the carrots and cut them.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080403.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080404.jpg

Weather is great, spring is arriving. So we continued building the garden shed.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080405.jpg

Hey, be careful with this saw!

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080406.jpg



iloveletters


Posted Mar 30, 2011, 2:33 pm
Here is an update of what we did lately:

Last weekend I went to a village called Behringen together with my host.
She had a conference at the castle hotel there.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080426.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080425.jpg

Mh, strange people, strange clothes...

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080428.jpg

Let's have a closer look:

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080427.jpg

We also went to a Steak restaurant.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080423.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080422.jpg

Let's have a look at the menu:

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080420.jpg

Difficult choice! I went for the spare ribs. Yummy!

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080419.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080421.jpg

Going down by lift, push the button...

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080424.jpg

Bye, Bye!

iloveletters


Posted Apr 5, 2011, 5:50 pm
We welcomed spring this weekend officially with a big parade in the city of Eisenach.
Thousands of visitors came with us.
The festivity is called 'Sommergewinn' - winning of summer.
We had beautiful warm weather, so it already worked.

We went by train, because it is difficult to find a parking space.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080429.jpg

It is a tradition to make paper flowers and to wear them on the day. 
Everything is decorated with paper flowers, too.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080431.jpg

Here you can see some marching bands and wagons of the parade:

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080433.jpg

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http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080441.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080442.jpg

Loved this one best: hihi, snail mail!

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080443.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080444.jpg

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http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080446.jpg

In an old part of the town all the houses are decorated with flowers and eggs and show historic figures and scenes.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080449.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080450.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080451.jpg

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http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080453.jpg

There was also a fun fair!

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080448.jpg


iloveletters


Posted Apr 9, 2011, 6:01 pm
We went to Gotha yesterday and visited the castle grounds of 'Schloss Friedenstein' which was built around 1640.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080462-1.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080463.jpg

View to the city center with the old town hall in red.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080461.jpg

iloveletters


Posted Apr 9, 2011, 6:06 pm
We baked a Mandarin-Schmand (cream) Cake this morning.

First the cake base

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080464.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080465.jpg

Then we have to prepare the pudding for the cover

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080466.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080467.jpg

Adding everything for the cream and stirr well

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080468.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080469.jpg

Ready for the oven:

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080470.jpg

And this is what the final result looks like. Yummy!

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080471.jpg

iloveletters


Posted Apr 22, 2011, 9:44 am
Easter Time!  We went to visit my host's family in Saxony. Look at the garden and the beautiful flowers!

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080484.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080487.jpg

Easter decorations:

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080485.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080486.jpg




iloveletters


Posted Apr 22, 2011, 9:45 am
I have a new friend. This is Nook the Husky. He is a new Toyvoyager living with us at the  moment. Soon he will start his travels!

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080488.jpg
iloveletters


Posted May 6, 2011, 7:57 am
Last week we went on a short trip to Ireland.

We stayed in Ballincollig, near Cork.

But first we there was a long journey by coach and ferry.

We crossed from Fishguard to Roslare. Bye bye Great Britain!

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080498.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080504.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080505.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080506.jpg

We went to Charles Fort and Kinsale for a day trip!

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080531.jpg

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http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080535.jpg

Kinsale Harbour:

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080559.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080562.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080560.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080561.jpg

And we went to Cork and the old jail.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080581.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080573.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080577.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080576.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/iloveletters/Domino/P1080575.jpg

iloveletters


Posted May 6, 2011, 7:58 am
Well, it is time to say Goodbye to Germany.

I am on way back home in England.

Looking forward to seeing you again mom!
iloveletters


Posted Jun 16, 2011, 5:15 pm
Domino is back home in the UK!
La_Kate_Boheme


Posted Nov 4, 2011, 10:30 pm
Hey Mummy,

I arrived in Dortmund, Germany, today!! Well, it's not the first time that I'm in Germany so I already know a little bit about this country, but I've never been to the Ruhr Area, so this is new to me.
This is me after the arrival:

http://i43.tinypic.com/xgj1w.jpg

My new host was glad about the photo that you included, she really likes cupcakes  :D
Well, I already met some other dogs here in Germany. They're really nice and live here since my host was a little child.
Here I am with Bobo and Scooter:

http://i44.tinypic.com/2yw5s00.jpg

The journey to Germany made me soo tired and I just wanted to recover, so Kate took me to bed. She said we'll start our tour through the Ruhr area tomorrow. I'm excited!!

Well, good night mummy!! Love u


http://i43.tinypic.com/fu2r9y.jpg
La_Kate_Boheme


Posted Nov 6, 2011, 5:04 pm
Hey Mum,

Kate and her best friend Jane threw a surprise party for Janes boyfriend yesterday due to his 21st birthday. It was such a funny evening with loooads of alcohol.  :D
Thank god, my host is an anti-alcoholic and doesn't drink alcohol so she kept an eye on me that I didn't drink too much.  :rolleyes:

Well, you won't believe what happened...!! I met another ToyVoyager, Bubo!! His current host, Tiffy, is one of Kates best friends and took Bubo with her. Bubo is from England, just like me. We had so much fun, talking about our life in England and our life in Germany.
Kate is a huge fan of England, so she has a huge Poster of the Big Ben in her room... Reminds me of my home..
This is Bubo and me in front of the poster:

http://i39.tinypic.com/27wt4k4.jpg

Well, the night was long, we went to bed around 5am today. Gosh, I'm still tired.
Kate had to clean up the whole flat today and she wasn't really happy about it. Thank god I'm her guest and don't have to do something in the household.

http://i39.tinypic.com/ka3dc1.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/20shg9c.jpg

These are the leftovers of the night (well, at least a part of it)

http://i40.tinypic.com/300utsz.jpg

And last but not least, this is the reason why some guests were quite drunk!

http://i44.tinypic.com/aoanp3.jpg

Tequila - terrible stuff..

However. Kate will take me to university tomorrow. I'm quite excited! :)
I hope you had a great weekend, mummy!!!
I'll spend the rest of the day at home, recovering from the exhausting night, watching some TV

http://i43.tinypic.com/30hpi0n.jpg

Byebye Mum!!
Domino xxx
La_Kate_Boheme


Posted Nov 8, 2011, 6:13 pm
Heey Mum,

Kate took me with her to university, called "TU Dortmund" (Technische Universität Dortmund) in german, in english it's something like "Technical University of Dortmund". The university has many different departments, there are natural sciences, humane scienes, engineering and teacher training. It was built in 1969. It has 2 different campuses - northern campus and southern campus - which are connected by overhead tracks, called "H-Bahn" (Hängebahn). The northern campus is huge! :o There are sooo many massive buildings and so many people!!
The southern campus is much smaller and more familiar.
Kate studies 'spatial planning' and most of her subjects are on the southern campus.
There's a beautiful forest between the campuses where aren't so many people, there's barely one so it's cool to hang out and take a break from everyday life.  :D

Northern Campus:
in front of the huge canteen where's also a book trade, coffehouse and a bank:

http://i40.tinypic.com/257j95w.jpg

in front of the building where all the faculties of humane sciences are:

http://i43.tinypic.com/34fehs6.jpg

enjoying the weather between two lectures  B):

http://i41.tinypic.com/r7ipms.jpg

Southern Campus:

the building on the right is the one of my hosts faculty:

http://i41.tinypic.com/25fn2qh.jpg

this is me in one of the lecture halls before a lecture (well, me, Kate and her friends were there before all others, that's why the hall is so empty):

http://i43.tinypic.com/17coyg.jpg

this is a signpost where the buildings and faculties are listed which are located on the southern campus ( Kates faculty is "Fakultät Raumplanung" ) :

http://i43.tinypic.com/2vmfz1x.jpg

Between two lectures Kate, her best friend and me went for a walk and they showed me the vicinity. During our walk, we saw the overhead track (departs every 5 minutes):

http://i40.tinypic.com/2f06j47.jpg

And finally, this photo was taken in the forest:

http://i41.tinypic.com/2dhu42b.jpg

As you can see, I gathered many experiences and saw many new interesting places around the campuses. Well, the campuses are so damn huge that I can't take photos of every building, but I hope that you have a small impression of how everything looks like.  :)

The day was quite depletive, so I just wanna relax now.
Miss and love you, mum!!

Domino xxx
La_Kate_Boheme


Posted Nov 13, 2011, 12:19 am
Heey Mum,

how are you? Hope you're fine end enjoy the weekend!
Friday was St. Martin's Day in Germany, it's the day when people celebrate St. Martin, a Roman soldier, for cutting his cloak in half to share it with a poor man. There's a procession, where kids go through streets with paper lanterns, singing songs about Saint Martin. Traditionally, they all meet up at their elementary school or kindergarten and walk all together, sometimes with a small marching band. Afterwards, there's a short performance where the story is staged by amateur acteurs.
However, Kate is 20 years old and still goes along with some of their mates, without any lanterns or so, just walking and watching the kids having fun. The performance afterwards was quite good!! Unfortunately it was too dark to take any pictures. I really tried, mum, I swear!! But the procession starts when sun's gone down and the flash just made me gleaming and the rest was just black. I'm so sorry!! :(

Well, later that evening, we went to cinema with some of Kates best mates. Guess what we watched... Right!! The Lion King!! Funnily even though it's a children's film, there were no kids at all!! Just adults and teenagers. Lol.

Well, let's come up to saturday. We went to Cologne to see a Musical!! Cologne is best known for its history (2000 years!!) and for its international important events. Maybe you know the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom). It's huge!!  :D
However, we went to the "Musical Dome" right beside the Cologne Central Station where the musical "Elisabeth" is shown for a month (afterwards it tours through different cities in Germany). It's about Elisabeth of Austria, her life with Franz Joseph and his cruel mother Sophie, Elisabeths deep love for the death (figured as a very good-looking man), her changing life and her tragical killing. It's very dramatic, but it was awesome!!
I took some photos in the theatre but I can't upload them now, so you have to wait until tomorrow or monday.  :rolleyes:

So.. Kate told me I'll meet some other hosts with their current TVs tomorrow. They're gonna show us the beautiful city where my host is originally from. Bochum!! I really can't wait to spend some time with the others, having fun and talking!!  :)

It's really late now and I have to go to bed, mum...

Love you!!
Domino xx
La_Kate_Boheme


Posted Nov 13, 2011, 8:52 pm
Hi Mum,

it's me again. I had som busy days and I'm really tired but I really wanna show you the places that I visited.
First of all, the next two photos were taken in Cologne on Saturday.
Before you see the photos you have to know that the Musical Dome is a makeshift and doesn't look very good. I don't know how to explain it... It's not a real building, it's made of containers or something like that, until they start to build a real theatre close by it.  :rolleyes:
This is me on the stage of the Musical Dome:
http://i42.tinypic.com/9i8bwo.jpg

Auditorium:
http://i40.tinypic.com/15y7x2d.jpg

So, let's come up to todays tour. Kate and me met some friends from Ratingen and Mettmann, RedSwan and Lizzy. They are hosting TVs, too!! So I met Mr. Scraps and Buxi. We visited many places in Bochum and got to know each other.
Our tour started at the "Zeiss Planetarium Bochum". It's the most modern planetarium worldwide at the moment, even though it doesn't really look like it'd be so modern...  ;)
http://i41.tinypic.com/eoadj.jpg

Kate told me some interesting things. Did you know that Bochum was a host city for this year's FIFA Women's World Cup? No? Well, I can proof it  :) It's me, Buxi and Mr. Scraps:
http://i44.tinypic.com/2cxah3l.jpg
http://i44.tinypic.com/2ldinhv.jpg

Mr. Scraps and me:
http://i44.tinypic.com/2efq8li.jpg

Later that day, we drove to the "Tippelsberg". It's a hill from which's top you can see Bochum and some other cities like Essen, Herne and Gelsenkirchen. Unfortunately it was very nebulous so the view wasn't that nice and I couldn't see so much.. :(
http://i41.tinypic.com/hts3va.jpg

A german folklore says that a giant lives in the forest behind the hill. This is one of his footprints.
http://i43.tinypic.com/x0whs5.jpg

Just hanging around.. haha
http://i41.tinypic.com/2zyycu9.jpg

After visiting that hill we drove to the "Deutsches Bergbau Museum" (German Mining Museum). Bochum and the whole Ruhr Area were famous for mining and industry. In the past, there were lots of collieries and steel productions in the Ruhr Area. Most of the collieries doesn't exist anymore.
This is me in front of the museum and a shaft tower:
http://i42.tinypic.com/25gyqzp.jpg

The symbol for mining:
http://i44.tinypic.com/1j81gw.jpg

Last but not least, we visited the "Jahrhunderhalle" with its "Westpark". In the past, from 1903 on, the Jahrhunderthalle was a machine hall for furnaces, around the buildings were lots of buildings in which people worked with steel and so on. In 2003 it was restored and a beautiful park rised behind the hall, the "Westpark". Since this time, the hall is a very important place for several events. It's such a cool place, you can still see bullet holes from World War II!!  :stare:
http://i43.tinypic.com/htifyw.jpg

Cooling tower:
http://i44.tinypic.com/2usipm1.jpg

Mummy <3
http://i44.tinypic.com/16j0hnq.jpg

Hanging out in the park:
http://i42.tinypic.com/10qm49f.jpg http://i44.tinypic.com/10morcy.jpg
http://i40.tinypic.com/xanjpy.jpg

Yeah, that was my day. I know, this is a loooong update, sorry, but I just want you to know where I am and that I have a great time here, mum!

Lots of love!!  :D
Domino xxx
La_Kate_Boheme


Posted Nov 18, 2011, 12:53 pm
Hey mum,

first of all: I'm so sorry, it's been so long since my last entry. The last days where very busy and I visited some new places. On Tuesday, Kate took me to a concert in Dortmund. Do you know Tyler Ward and Boyce Avenue? Tyler is a famous YouTube-Star from America and Boyce Avenue are YouTube-Stars too. Unfortunately Kate forgot to take some pictures. Shame on her!! Well, there were lots of young girls, screaming and crying, you could have thought that it was a concert of the Backstreetboys or Robbie Williams  :D Haha well, that was a bit.. wierd. Thank god, Kate isn't one of them and didn't scream or cry  :D
Yesterday, Kate took me to the christmas market in Bochum. It was the opening day. I think it's waaay too early for christmas markets, I mean hey, it's the middle of november, it's more than a month until christmas! However, we were there but I didn't get a christmas feeling...
Look, Santa with his sleigh above the market!!  :stare:
http://i40.tinypic.com/9bg683.jpg

Even though it wasn't very cold yesterday, we drank some hot chocolate with cream. Yummy!!  :)

http://i40.tinypic.com/6r0yhe.jpg

We didn't take more pictures there, but I'll take more pictures of me on the market until christmas, I swear!!

Today, I got to know Kates dog, called "Lady". She's a Jack Russell Terrier and 11 years old. I bet she wasn't really pleased about being photographed whilst sleeping :/
http://i39.tinypic.com/2llzvp4.jpg

Afterwards, Kate surprised me with a Video:
http://i44.tinypic.com/xbz5vd.jpg

101 Dalmatians. Kate watched that movie many times when she was a young girl. A film about dalmatian dogs.. Walt Disney had a good liking!!  :D I'm sure you know that movie, mummy, don't you?
Well, one of my missions is to be photographed with 5 spotty things. Kate wants to complete that mission and started photographing me with spotty things. This is the first thing, a little jacket with spots:
http://i43.tinypic.com/10wqmj6.jpg

Tomorrow, Kate will take me to her old secondary school because it will be the Open Day and on sunday, we're gonna go to a benefit gala!! It takes place in the theatre of the musical "Starlight Express" (by Andrew Lloyd Webber). The cast will perfom songs from different musicals like Cats, We Will Rock You, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Cabaret and much more!! The income and all the donated money will be donated to the "Red Nose Day". It's for children in need. Great, isn't it?
Everything's so exciting here, mum...

Love and miss you!!
Domino xxx
La_Kate_Boheme


Posted Nov 21, 2011, 8:22 pm
Heeey mummy,

how are u? I hope you had a great weekend, well, I definitely had!!
Yesterday was the Charity Gala with the cast of the musical "Starlight Express" in Bochum. They performed soo many different songs, had great choreographies, beautiful voices and most of them looked very good  B)
At the beginning of the evening, I really wasn't sure if'd like it or if musicals bore me, but I really enjoyed the show!!
However, there were songs from the musicals The Lion King, Spring Awakening, Cabaret, Moulin Rouge, Gypsy and maaany more! Besides, one of the singers sang "Memory" from Cats, dressed as a cat. I sooo wanted to jump off my seat and chase her  :rolleyes:
Well, Kate told me that the theatre was actually built especially for this musical in 1988. It is about the world championships of the trains. The question is, who will win the race? Diesel, electricity or steam?
Every single actor wears roller skates during the whole show, because they are all trains (engines, carriages, freight-trains and many more). There are 4 races, some love stories and much more. Maybe you know that musical. Suitable for this show, there are rails on the ground of the whole stage and some tracks through the audience.
Kate told me, one day she'll watch the show with me.
For the charity gala, they put the orchestra on stage and some boxes. Normally, this stuff isn't on stage.
Unfortunally, it was dark when we came to the theatre, so the pictures are very dark... This is the theatre:
http://i43.tinypic.com/kdlh5d.jpg
http://i43.tinypic.com/ridbhv.jpg

This is me in front of the stage:
http://i43.tinypic.com/2i254x2.jpg

And in front of the audience:
http://i40.tinypic.com/35aoxz4.jpg

All in all it was a nice evening with lots of nice guys and some great songs.  :)

Today we went to an American Diner in Dortmund after university, called "Road Stop". The furnishing was sooo cool!! You won't believe it, mum! It's not typical for Germany but I really liked it. Here are some impressions:
in front of the house:
http://i44.tinypic.com/11twljr.jpg
http://i42.tinypic.com/msv7q.jpg
inside:
http://i44.tinypic.com/a09w0k.jpg
http://i40.tinypic.com/21vds5.jpg
our food.. yuuuummy!!!
http://i44.tinypic.com/154ziud.jpg

I'm so in love with that Diner, you can't imagine!!
Well, that's it for today.
I looooove you, mum!!
Domino xxx
La_Kate_Boheme


Posted Nov 25, 2011, 9:17 pm
Hi Mum,

bad news... Kate is very sick since tuesday so we couldn't go out and see anything and couldn't take any pics of me. She's sooo sorry, but it really wasn't possible...  :(
Just want you to know that I'm fine... well, a bit bored, but fine.

Love you mum!!
Domino xxx
La_Kate_Boheme


Posted Nov 29, 2011, 10:05 pm
Hello mummy,

so here I am with some new pictures of me. :)
Even though Kate didn't feel really well, we headed to Cologne on sunday. It was the second time for me in this city and I saw more places than the last time. The weather wasn't that good, but it was a great day anyway.
At first, we visited a bridge where lovers hang padlocks with their names or dates or something like that. It's a huge bridge and there are thousands upon thousands padlocks!! It's very impressive!
This is just a small part of the bridge (but the padlocks are on the whole bridge!!)
http://i40.tinypic.com/k3nc5u.jpg
http://i40.tinypic.com/nqwo7o.jpg

Then we turned around and Kate showed me the big river that flows under the bridge, it's the Rhine. It's one of the most busy waterways worldwide. Well, the background doesn't look very nice, but maybe you can imagine how huge the bridge is :)

http://i40.tinypic.com/11u7sy8.jpg

Afterwards, Kate showed me the Cologne Cathedral ( "Kölner Dom" ). Kate told me, people began to build it in 1248, so it's a veeeery old cathedral. Besides, it's the third highest church building worldwide!!  :o

http://i44.tinypic.com/mbl9c9.jpg
http://i44.tinypic.com/2iqb91g.jpg

The area around the cathedral (mainly in front of the portal) is called "Domplatte". On the Domplatte are many street artists in costumes and all that stuff. And as I turned my head to the left, I saw two hilarious men!! Check this out:

http://i42.tinypic.com/10z3j9z.jpg

I couldn't believe my eyes! One of them looked just like me, dressed as a Dalmatian, his head in a small box. It looked like there was a real dog in that box. I was so happy as I saw him, mum!! That was really funny and the man in the costume was very amused about taking a photo with me, hahaha  :D
Well, afterwards we went to the Musical Dome. I already told you about it, do you remember, mum? We watched the musical "Elisabeth" again. The last time, we sat in the second row but this time we sat in the 18th row. In my opinion, it was too far away from the stage...
This is me in front of a poster of the musical:
http://i44.tinypic.com/2mwe1rt.jpg

and in the auditorium:
http://i39.tinypic.com/m79lco.jpg

Yeah, that was my sunday in Cologne.
Big kisses
Domino xxx
La_Kate_Boheme


Posted Dec 4, 2011, 11:52 pm
Happy second sunday in Advent, mum!!

It's the second sunday in Advent and christmas eve is coming closer. People in Germany are already going nuts because of buying presents and all that stuff, even though there are still 20 day left until christmas eve!! Full shops, stressed people.. Maddish...  Did you already buy some presents for your lovelies, mum? I hope I'll get some great presents from you when I'm back in England later.  :p
In Germany, the children get their presents on 24th, on christmas eve. That's a bit different to the british tradition.
However, I wanted to show you some decorations at Kates place so that you can see how I spend my christmas time here in Germany.

http://i41.tinypic.com/30iyyjs.jpg

This is me in front of an Advent calendar. Almost every children and teenager has an Advent calender (sometimes even adults have an Advent calendar) with chocolate. Every day in december until 24th you open a little door with a small piece of chocolate behind it.
http://i43.tinypic.com/2qip9gi.jpg

We baked some cookies, called "Vanillekipferln", that means vanilla crescents. These ones have a chocolate glaze which is totally untypical, but we wanted to try something new. They are so delicious!!  :) In the background is an Advent wreath. This is another typical thing in christmas time here in Germany. On every sunday in Advent you light a candle, so on the first sunday you light one candle, on the second sunday you light two candles and so on.
http://i43.tinypic.com/ins3mq.jpg

This is me in front of a small christmas tree. Cute, isn't it??
http://i42.tinypic.com/s1kx76.jpg

So, I hope you have a great time at the moment and you're not too stressed out with buying presents and all that stuff.

Love and miss you, mum!!
Domino xxx

http://i39.tinypic.com/2llek5s.jpg
La_Kate_Boheme


Posted Dec 10, 2011, 1:16 am
Good evening mum,

how's life? Hope you're doing well!!
After some busy days at university Kate finally showed me the city of Dortmund and the christmas market there.
We started our tour in a shopping center called "Thier Galerie". It's quite new (opened in september) and looks so nice!! But the architecture in view of the placement of the escalators is horrible.. However, there are many nice shops and everything looks so friendly and new... Nice place :)

http://i41.tinypic.com/msn8ro.jpg

After spending 2 hours in this center, we walked through the city straight to the christmas market ("Weihnachtsmarkt) and Kate showed me some interesting places. The "Dortmunder Weihnachtsmarkt" is the biggest christmas market in Germany. That's quite cool, I think :) Have you ever been to a christmas market, mum? It's sooo typical german, every city in Germany has a christmas market. Kate told me some things about it and explained it to me. There are lots of small wooden huts where you can buy almost everything. Candles, decoration, food, presents, clothes, bags, jewellery, muuuch more and most of all: Glühwein (something like hot wine punch). Even in Great Britain are many german christmas markets and british people love it, especially the Glühwein. We met many english guys that evening who came to Dortmund just to visit the christmas market. Besides, Kate knows some people from England who live here since a few years and they love it. The atmosphere, the Glühwein.. almost everything.
Well, Kate walked with me into a big department store and I just thought "How the hell shall I see the christmas market when we walk into a store?!" But then it got clearer. We walked to a big window and I got a beautiful look over a part of the christmas market.

http://i44.tinypic.com/358s11k.jpg

That picture right above shows a part of the christmas market and a huuuge christmas tree (made of 1700 spruces, it's 45 meters high!!) Unfortunately there's a reflection in this picture because of the pane.
So, after seeing the market from above, Kate showed me the market.
The next picture shows the big tree from close up. The roundly emblem illustrates the german championship shield, because the football team of Dortmund, BVB Borussia Dortmund 09, is this years champion. Have you ever heard about it?

http://i40.tinypic.com/2h8baj7.jpg

The following picture shows a stall where you can buy beautiful candleholders and wind chimes.  :)

http://i40.tinypic.com/fbvuip.jpg

Here you can buy some sweets, mostly gingerbread hearts, roasted almonds and sugar-coated or chocolate-coated fruits. There are different sayings on the gingerbread hearts written with sugarcoating, like "I love you", "Little darling", "Little witch", "sexy", "Greetings from Dortmund" and many more. Delicious!! I didn't know that things like this exist!

http://i39.tinypic.com/f06gs1.jpg

Well, the last picture shows a stall where you can buy drinking horns, mead and loads of alcohol.

http://i42.tinypic.com/o89jkg.jpg

So.. that was my day in the city. I hope you like my pictures, mum! I'm tired now and have to get up early tomorrow, so I'll go to bed now.

I love and miss you!!
Domino xx
La_Kate_Boheme


Posted Dec 11, 2011, 1:31 pm
Hiii mum,

I had a very exciting saturday. In the morning, we went to the theatre of the musical "Starlight Express" again. I already told you about it, do you remember? Unfortunately I was just able to take some pictures in the dark, last time. But now I made some great pictures with sunshine  :)

This is the theatre and a locomotive which is on the forecourt (it's there because the musical is about trains):
http://i43.tinypic.com/2ps0hec.jpg
http://i40.tinypic.com/mh4ztg.jpg
http://i42.tinypic.com/w9y0w2.jpg

This one shows some of the main characters of the show (but not all) The first one (on the right side) is Poppa (an old steam train, male), then comes Dustin (big hopper car, male), Greaseball (the mean diesel engine, male), Dinah (dining car, very naive, in love with Greaseball, female), Electra (electric loco, also mean, very sexy and rich, male), Pearl (observation carriage, in love with Rusty, female), Rusty (young steam train, main character, male), Caboose (brake van, split personality, very mean, male), Espresso (italian engine, male), Ashley (smoking carriage, female), Bobo (french engine, TGV, male), Buffy (buffet carriage, female), Hashamoto (japanese engine, male), Volta (Electra's freezer truck, female), Ruhrgold (german train, ICE, male) and Joule (Electra's dynamite truck, female). Mum, it was very hard for me to learn all the names, and to be honest... I needed Kates help to list them all here!!  :rolleyes:
http://i42.tinypic.com/24no1hh.jpg

This is Electra. He looks feminine, doesn't he? This character is kinda transsexual...:
http://i40.tinypic.com/np0ykz.jpg

Joule (left), Ruhrgold (middle) and Volta (right):
http://i44.tinypic.com/11v723n.jpg

After showing me the theatre, we went to the stadium of the football team "VFL Bochum". Kate told me, in the past it was a relatively well team, but now it's in the German second league and isn't very well...
I think, the stadium looks quite ugly..
http://i39.tinypic.com/4khamx.jpg

On our way back to the car, we passed a bridge from which you can see the highway ("A40" - Autobahn 40). It goes straight through the whole Ruhr area:
http://i41.tinypic.com/fe2io5.jpg

Afterwards, we visited the "Deutsches Bergbau museum" (German mining museum). I already told you about that aswell, but now we've been in it and it was so awesome!!  :o I've never seen something like that before. You might think "What is so cool about a museum?" but it was great.. We've been in an adit and on the top of the shaft tower. But I'll make another travelog update this evening just about the mining museum with many pictures.

Love you  :rolleyes:
La_Kate_Boheme


Posted Dec 11, 2011, 6:40 pm
So, here I am again.

As I told you earlier, we visited the german mining museum. At the beginning, we rode in an elevator to the top of the shaft tower, that belongs to the museum.  It has a height of 50 metres!! The view was stunning!! We were able to see places which are actually quite far away. But it was sooo cold and windy up there :( My nose and my paws were like ice, but it was totally worth it!!

http://i43.tinypic.com/xf1569.jpg
http://i39.tinypic.com/oh78so.jpg
http://i41.tinypic.com/16awr3m.jpg
http://i44.tinypic.com/11b0j90.jpg
http://i40.tinypic.com/2urksog.jpg

Then we rode down to the adit. It’s nearly at a depth of 20 metres. It was very dark and tight down there, but it was very exciting.
Here are some pictures of some machines which were used in the past.
This is a road header and a conveyer band:
http://i42.tinypic.com/2n05450.jpg
http://i40.tinypic.com/33vi0wp.jpg

This is an original bike which was used in the adit:
http://i39.tinypic.com/2rohz69.jpg

This is me on a drill jumbo:
http://i44.tinypic.com/28ard7b.jpg

Just some parts of the adit:
http://i39.tinypic.com/30ixt9s.jpg
http://i40.tinypic.com/4gkhzp.jpg
http://i40.tinypic.com/mwb8dl.jpg
http://i41.tinypic.com/4gmbr.jpg
http://i42.tinypic.com/10h5753.jpg
http://i43.tinypic.com/15gyu7m.jpg
http://i40.tinypic.com/351ig7n.jpg

This is a heading machine and the imprint of a hole which was made of the machine:
http://i40.tinypic.com/2hf0zld.jpg
http://i42.tinypic.com/15mz285.jpg

This is a stretcher for wounded people (looks kinda creepy...) :
http://i41.tinypic.com/152zx9s.jpg

This is an effigy of the last mine horses stable. The horse was named Tobias. He was the last mine horse in the Ruhr Area and worked for 12 years until 1966 in a mine in a city called “Recklinghausen”. After an accident below ground he got a shock and refused working. After that, he lived 4 years on a farm and enjoyed his life. Just fancy that I would’ve worked in a mine, never (or at least rarely) seeing sunlight and breathing fresh air. Oh well, thank god I’m a dog, living in the present, having a safe home.
http://i39.tinypic.com/2eprf6e.jpg

Guidepost for the mine worker:
http://i40.tinypic.com/wrm42a.jpg

In this carriage, mine workers were transported to sections which were further afar. Unbelievable, how real men should’ve fitted into these carriage..:
http://i40.tinypic.com/2iqe1sn.jpg

I tried to phone you, mum, but I had no reception… Hahaha. Well, it’s an old phone:
http://i43.tinypic.com/13zcojm.jpg

This is a escape capsule for people who were buried:
http://i43.tinypic.com/v4rnv5.jpg

This is a minecart which had its last use in January 11th 2000
http://i40.tinypic.com/j9a2ok.jpg

Look… an orange room. My eyes hurt so much when we walked into this room!! It leads to a exhibition area about the mining disaster in Chile last year.
http://i39.tinypic.com/2h4ydn5.jpg

The last picture shows the original escape capsule which was used in Chile last year. It’s quite hard to believe that you’re right in front of the capsule that saved so many lifes last year and brought so much joy and hope to so many people all over the world. Somehow it was quite emotional…
http://i44.tinypic.com/2quss3n.jpg

So that's it it..
Love you!!  :)
La_Kate_Boheme


Posted Dec 18, 2011, 11:12 pm
Heey mum,

happy fourth sunday in Advent  :)

http://i44.tinypic.com/2qa06ld.jpg

Next week is christmas eve, I really can't wait!! Last days were quite busy, lots of things to do for christmas, besides there was a party last night at Kates home because of two birthdays of two of her dearest friends. It was a theme party. "Casino". Everybody looked so great  B) We played Roulette and Poker, danced and ate some delicious food!!

http://i42.tinypic.com/16hkd4g.jpg
http://i39.tinypic.com/lzn9c.jpg

This is me with Bubo and Carlisle (both currently hosted by Tiffy) playing Roulette. I think you know Bubo from some other messages from me.

http://i44.tinypic.com/bkeoh.jpg

Even though it's still a week until christmas eve, Kates friends did some "Secret Santa". It was great fun and there were so many great presents and everyone enjoyed it. It was so nice to see all those happy faces!!  :)
These are just a few presents (from 3 people I think), there were loooaads of other presents later that eve.

http://i39.tinypic.com/flgj2c.jpg

Today, we had to clean the whole flat, it was so much... Afterwards, the relatives of Kates flatmate came because of her birthday, unfortunately the camera didn't work during that time, the battery was dead. Bad timing, boo!
So, today I saw the first snow in this year!! It wasn't much and it didn't stay, but I saw it, that's good enough.

Aaaah, and here is the next picture for my spotty mission:
http://i42.tinypic.com/2s93ad2.jpg

So, that's it for today, Im very tired and really wanna sleep now.
I hope you had a great weekend just like me!!

Hugs and kisses

Domino xxx

http://i40.tinypic.com/10hw2h3.jpg
La_Kate_Boheme


Posted Dec 22, 2011, 6:21 pm
Hello mum,

christmas is coming closer and closer. The weather here in Germany isn't really nice, raining all day and no snow :( So somehow it kinda doesn't feel like christmas...
However. Kate and me spent wednesday evening on a christmasmarket in Münster. Münster is about 1 hour by train from Dortmund and it's such da beautiful city with great architecture.  :)
It was already dark when we arrived there so the photos aren't that good, but I hope it's okay. Kate gave me a red scarf because it was very cold. It was spotted, just like me!! (spotty thing no. 3, --> mission)

On this picture you can see some beautiful houses in the city centre. Almost every house there looks like these ones. Isn't it nice?
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rNWrkvzi7B8/TvNwhbhwR-I/AAAAAAAAABg/RZY88oBtedc/s640/DSC02572.JPG

Just a view from the street to a part of the christmas market (a bit dark)
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JYkgW_Jtws0/TvNsM2Qzr8I/AAAAAAAAABI/hHWNcQhcZxk/s720/CIMG6086.JPG

A big christmas pyramid:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ojUuPH1X_J4/TvNsO2JD8tI/AAAAAAAAABM/UPwJv1FbhV4/s512/CIMG6088.JPG

Well, this is me in front of a huge nutcracker, I think it looks so cool!! :
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WAXo6WKuF7k/TvNsMNUXwDI/AAAAAAAAABE/sTFk2ADoziE/s512/CIMG6085.JPG

I met Santa with one of his reindeers:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_kMUH5LJYfw/TvNsP5JK_QI/AAAAAAAAABQ/jKENeSAr9u0/s720/CIMG6090.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5wBvES9nXYY/TvNsRWe6exI/AAAAAAAAABU/c7KKBhf5pYE/s512/CIMG6091.JPG

A christmas crèche / crib and an angel:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wvuaxj5lRdQ/TvNwiJezWoI/AAAAAAAAABk/MIzn7J7GHM0/s640/DSC02573.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MMPbtGWoonk/TvNwjJqoAnI/AAAAAAAAABo/3zRUpgnzUk0/s512/DSC02574.JPG

After an exhausting and long day, we drove home and were home very late, around 10:40pm. I was very tired but it was so worth it!
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w26N_7bd3Bk/TvNsT9ZkwlI/AAAAAAAAABc/dcSynRbwwcs/s512/CIMG6093.JPG

I learnt some german, so that I am able to wish you something in german. Don't worry, I'll translate it for you  ;)

Liebe Mama,
fröhliche Weihnachten und ein glückliches neues Jahr!!
Mögen all deine Wünsche und Vorsätze wahr werden.
Ich liebe dich!!
Domino xx


( Dear Mum,
merry christmas and a happy new year!!
May all your wishes and resolutions come true.
I love you!!
Domino xx )
La_Kate_Boheme


Posted Dec 24, 2011, 10:55 pm
Merry christmas!!

Well, Christmas Eve is almost over here in Germany. I had a very exciting day. Kate and me started the day with decorating the christmas tree at her parents flat. Kate told me that it's a tradition in their house that she decorated the tree in the morning on 24th. It was a very great fun!!  :D
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LFkCGSaFn3s/TvZM0OfkxMI/AAAAAAAAABs/R8g78HPytGU/s640/SAM_0787.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-c46FDqtol4U/TvZM1K__yNI/AAAAAAAAABw/xg0xu3yVPic/s640/SAM_0790.JPG

This is a christmas ball which Kate bought in Dublin when she was there this year.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1MWmpskPmwo/TvZM2HzEpWI/AAAAAAAAAB0/wEyGvy7_jVA/s640/SAM_0792.JPG

This is the tree with the christmas crib.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T_NN7ILCfPI/TvZM4MXQysI/AAAAAAAAAB8/udReRHTU82E/s512/SAM_0795.JPG

After decorating the tree, we had some free time and didn't do very much. About 2.30pm Kates grandma, Kates brother and his girlfriend Jenny (she is from china, so she doesn't have her family here in europe and she doesn't really knew christmas at all, that's why she spent christmas with us) came to us. Kate, her mum, her grandma and Jenny went to the church, there were many kids which did a play. It was so cute!!  :)
Afterwards we went home, there were Kates other grandma and her grandpa already waiting for them. We had to wait in Kates room until a little bell chimed in the living room. That's the sign that the "Christkind" (in english it would be christ child) was there, so we went to the living room where we wished everyone a merry christmas and saw the presents. Kates presents were under the tree, her brothers presents where on the coffee table.
These ones are Kates presents (after she unpacked most of them)
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8j_hbivKKHo/TvZM5gxsuzI/AAAAAAAAACE/IYa9fhuicfk/s512/SAM_0801.JPG

This is an old casket which is nealy 40 years old (Kates mum got it from her grandma when she was a child, now Kate got it from her mum) with some presents in it. Still packed:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xWjdDLO_5AM/TvZM69QlTTI/AAAAAAAAACI/neQj_r8bpyE/s640/SAM_0803.JPG

Unpacked:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QaQ1p86FDtw/TvZM7zbYMxI/AAAAAAAAACM/44jHX4wZ8Vw/s640/SAM_0806.JPG

Some other presents:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xUJh-Rl0YZQ/TvZM8j1Mt_I/AAAAAAAAACQ/DrO6xQrqsfo/s512/SAM_0807.JPG

After getting the presents, it was time for dinner. We had braised beef, red cabbage, potato dumpling and some baguette. For dessert there were ice cream and "Heidelbeerschaum". Neither Kate nor me could find an english word for this.. It's a foamy dessert made of blueberries.
During dinner we didn't take any pictures, but we could take some pictures in the kitchen with the leftovers  :rolleyes:
Some braised beef:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9F6RQpiWxZk/TvZM_GvATAI/AAAAAAAAACc/GPWEaxsxLes/s512/SAM_0812.JPG

Red cabbage and potato dumpling:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AKW6HEy8tYs/TvZM-U_ChTI/AAAAAAAAACY/ccymUsXJKyo/s512/SAM_0811.JPG

After dinner, the family stayed a few hours, talking and laughing. Now it's late at evening and everyone is at home and I am very tired.
I know your big day is tomorrow, so I hope you have a great day and a tranquil yule with your family and all your beloved ones!!

Love and miss you, mummy!!
Domino xxx
La_Kate_Boheme


Posted Dec 28, 2011, 6:18 pm
Hey mum,

how are you? I hope you're fine and you had some wonderful days with your whole family and your beloved ones with lots of fun, love and presents!!

On december 25th, Kate took me with her to her uncle, his wife and Kates two cousins. They live in Gehrde, that's a small village with 2507 inhabitants in the middle of nowhere! There were some roe in their backyard, I think that proofs best how isolated it is. This is their house:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gPJ422DSyX4/TvtQ7oEI1wI/AAAAAAAAACg/bj79OQUja0k/s640/SAM_0813.JPG

As we entered the house I was quite impressed. Everything looks so old and awesome!!
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vqP-le1ZDCk/TvtQ8SowhRI/AAAAAAAAACk/zPna83n6M54/s640/SAM_0816.JPG
These skull/horns are from an antelope (or something like this) which Kates uncle shot in Namibia  :thinking: I don't know what to think about it.. Well, but the other things look great.

This is the huge christmas tree.. I don't remember that I saw such a big christmas tree in a private house before!! (by comparison the door in the background and the big chair on the right side)
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dirBU98eBUI/TvtQ9Yo172I/AAAAAAAAACo/9O0FZVjO6Bs/s512/SAM_0817.JPG

We ate some red cabbage and potato dumplings again (seems to be kinda traditional in Germany) and turkey. Later that day, a familymember played some christmas songs with her saxophone.  :)

Well, that's it for now.

Love you!! xxx
La_Kate_Boheme


Posted Jan 3, 2012, 12:06 am
Happy New Year, Mum!!!

It's 2012 now and feel kinda melancholic and I recalled the past year 2011.. I visited so many places and had great times everywhere. I met many people and TV's, saw many cool things and learned much about Germany and Ireland. But then again, I've been separated from you for long times and I missed you every single day...
But now, I have to look ahead. It's a new year and I'll start other adventures and visit new places. I'm sure no matter where I'll be, I'm gonna have a good time there.
So now, after that short sentimental outburst of emotions, I tell you what I did on New Year's Eve.
Kate and me spent the day (and night) in Bochum at Kates parents with her brother and his girlfriend. In the afternoon, we decorated the living room and the dining room with balloons and paper streamers. It was great fun!!

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Zig3MXd3BnM/TwG4JXq7qnI/AAAAAAAAADU/nMT2DAUXJyc/s512/SAM_0842.JPG

Afterwards we watched "Dinner for One" a few times. It's an english sketch with Freddie Frinton and May Warden wich is shown several times on different tv channels every year on New Year's Eve in Germany since 1972! It was so great to see something on tv in my own language!!  :D
About 9pm, we had some dinner with meatballs, eggs, noodle salad, escalopes, baguette and some desserts like ice cream, jelly filled donuts (in Germany they're called "Berliner", like the capital of Germany, Berlin) and jelly. So, there was enough for everyone and catered for all tastes.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eXuvYpJscSo/TwG4AzMaRgI/AAAAAAAAACs/RXXU4me10Dc/s512/SAM_0818.JPG

some Berliner with cream and some without cream:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ewGZrrvdkGM/TwG4HmyfIbI/AAAAAAAAADM/zzpLKVzauBo/s512/SAM_0840.JPG

The remaining time, we listened to music, watched tv and just had a great time. At midnight we clinked glasses and wished a happy new year to everyone.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Sh6RycSipsI/TwG4F5pMJkI/AAAAAAAAADE/6PH7dmmH3V0/s640/SAM_0837.JPG

After that, the firework started.. Unfortunately the camera was slow off the mark, so we couldn't take nice pictures of it, just dark pictures with little disappearing colourful spots  :(
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9Bm6XoTFUMo/TwG4DmMiq4I/AAAAAAAAAC4/kC0xhThXyJY/s512/SAM_0829.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZT0mkT9n8Qs/TwG4FLCSo7I/AAAAAAAAADA/uwI7rvbX6Z4/s640/SAM_0833.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-J8LTBDqJtmw/TwG4EWjTezI/AAAAAAAAAC8/7vS1EqQP-zg/s640/SAM_0832.JPG

I'm so sorry that I can't offer you better pictures of the fireworks, mum  :(

After the fireworks we listened to music and watched tv again. By and by Kates mum went to bed, her brother and his girlfriend went home and Kate, her dad and me spent the rest of the night together until 5am.
All in all, it was a great night.  Well, it wasn't a big party and it was quite comfy, but it was nice and I liked it.

I hope you had a great New Year's Eve, too!!

Love you, mum!!
Domino xx
La_Kate_Boheme


Posted Jan 4, 2012, 9:39 pm
Hello mummy,

today was a quite exciting day, because HolgiHH, a TV from Sülfeld (Germany), arrived today!! He is a donkey and visited maaany places all over the world.
This is HolgiHH and me at his arrival:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LDlXpSh01yU/TwS7jkrZSGI/AAAAAAAAAD8/7q9eEK9V9qQ/s512/SAM_0862.JPG

Kate and me showed him the flat, afterwards we had a little conversation about our homes and our mums (Don't worry, I just told him good things about you  ;) )
I showed him where I'm from and he did the same. It was quite interesting. He is from Sülfeld, it's a small town near Hamburg.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GU9hgTgBawA/TwS7nYBJMBI/AAAAAAAAAEM/YJjb97bLHwo/s512/SAM_0868.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aNxZ3HPkkEY/TwS7ocyHtGI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/x-OkG8yddBM/s640/SAM_0870.JPG

Do you remember my mission, being photographed with five spotty things? Well, I think it's complete. Yaay!! :)
These are the last two spotty things, a christmas ball and a pinwheel.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ERnrlcqd_bI/TwS7ev4G2dI/AAAAAAAAADo/up6LZ2FBx6k/s512/SAM_0852.JPGhttps://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9r93eMYmVq4/TwS7f65so_I/AAAAAAAAADs/FHkmPh2peG8/s512/SAM_0856.JPG

Mission complete  :D

It's late now and I'm very tired...
Good night, sleep well!!
Love you, mum.

Domino xx
La_Kate_Boheme


Posted Jan 5, 2012, 7:51 pm
Hi there,

today was a quite sad day..  :( Kate told me that it's time for me to start a new adventure. On one side it's a bit sad to leave Kate and the Ruhr Area, but then again I'm soo looking forward to see a new place and meet my new host. I already know where I'm gonna go, it'll be Austria. At least they speak almost the same language as in Germany.

Well, knowing that today was one of my last days in Germany I enjoyed every single hour here today.
I made a last visit to Kates university today. Everything looked a bit more bleak than the last time. I think it's because of the weather... Heavy rain and storm  :(
Because of the rain we took a photo on a window in the maths-tower on the 10th floor!! It was really high but pretty cool  B) The maths-tower is on the northern campus.
The big building on the right side is the library:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yxuCtJmxAp4/TwXtiZAhsII/AAAAAAAAAEs/yC9bX68AH5I/s640/SAM_0879.JPG

As I already implied, the weather was really strange. There was some heavy rain and storm followed by sunshine and lull.
We catched a rare moment with sunshine when we came home today and used this moment to take a picture  :)
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_FsSQORVSqc/TwXtjognDwI/AAAAAAAAAEw/mg3lbCLIwlo/s640/SAM_0880.JPG

When we turned around, we found a heap of ice. I was quite confused because it wasn't cold today at all. It must be from last nights hailstorm.  :stare:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kWFUC93ABqQ/TwXtmT4KnFI/AAAAAAAAAE8/FXfTs-6hcMc/s512/SAM_0883.JPG

Well.. I don't know exactly when I'll leave Dortmund, I think it'll be tomorrow or at the latest on saturday.
I'll get in touch with you before I start my travel. Promise!  :)

I really miss you, mum!!
Kisses and hugs,
Domino xxx
La_Kate_Boheme


Posted Jan 6, 2012, 4:10 pm
Hi mum,

today's the day, I've passed the point of no return. I'm on my way to Austria now. I'm a bit excited and I couldn't sleep very well...
Well, I took a last look from the balcony and finally said goodbye to HolgiHH and Kate. It was a very emotional moment.. Kate cuddled me a last time before I left the flat to the post office...

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eYoC2UHjjos/Twcahc_MXPI/AAAAAAAAAFE/kHJ0-CwlB-A/s640/SAM_0885.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ke17iViTCJE/TwcajLz7dGI/AAAAAAAAAFU/hQXXjNfYcSo/s512/SAM_0888.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-460sz0WzCBU/TwcaiB3MmkI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/wKOQ28IyWAA/s512/SAM_0887.JPG

Byebye Dortmund..
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WevngtPecGI/TwXtngc4YtI/AAAAAAAAAFA/wsVocO8xP2w/s640/SAM_0884.JPG

I'll notify you when I'm in Austria, mum.

Love you!!
Domino xx
curious77


Posted Jan 16, 2012, 1:57 pm
Hi mum!!!
I've arrived in Austria! I brought a postcard from Dortmund, which my new hosts really liked! I've already met Albus, he is very nice! I arrived just in time for some baking. Curious77 cheated and bought the pastry, but we used homemade jam from a friend! Don't they look delicious? Many hugs!!
curious77


Posted Jan 20, 2012, 1:29 pm
Hi mum,

We couldn't do many exciting things this week....whenever my hosts were not busy, it was snowing or raining like crazy. So I spent my time reading a book or talking to Albus. But today was different  :D We decided to go to a restaurant. On our way to the restaurant, we stopped at the monastery church of Klosterneuburg. Actually, you can't see the church from this side, but it's the view you get when driving into the town and it's quite impressive. I had "Eiernockerln" for lunch and a Latte Macchiato (decaffeinato, like George Clooney  ;) ). Then we took a little walk. I really enjoyed being outdoors. We walked along a very old wall and wondered what's on the other side. We even discovered a secret door behind a tree, but I have no adventure to tell, we couldn't open the door. Still, it's nice to imagine a beautiful secret garden.....
curious77


Posted Jan 24, 2012, 4:47 pm
Hi mum,
Today we went to a very nice quarter of Vienna. We went to the Museumsquartier, which houses several museums. There are plastic couches in the yard during the warmer seasons and then you can also buy food and drinks and just enjoy the sun between the museums. I think you'll spot the museum of modern art in the photos  ;) We also went into a museum shop and discovered a very strange lamp - poor fellow!!  :rolleyes:
curious77


Posted Jan 24, 2012, 4:55 pm
... just across the street there are the museums of history of art and natural history, which face each other. Albus and I had some fun in front of the museum of natural history. Afterwards, we went to one of the biggest shopping streets of Vienna, Mariahilferstraße. We discovered some cute stuff in the shop windows. Hope you like the pictures, mum!
curious77


Posted Feb 2, 2012, 3:36 pm
Hi mum,
I just wanted to let you know I'm fine. My hosts caught a cold last weekend and they are terribly sorry that we couldn't do anything interesting these days. They promised to make up for it later on! Hope you are fine! Sending you a big hug!
curious77


Posted Feb 4, 2012, 6:48 am
Hi mum,
Last evening we went out again. We went to the Vienna city hall square, where you can go ice skating in January and February. We took a look at the map of the ice skating area. Isn't it cool with all the ice paths through the park? There were also some stalls, but we decided to go into a pub because it was freezing cold. It was difficult to choose something from the menu, but finally I went for a Schnitzelreindl, pieces of Schnitzel with potatoes AND potato salad. There should have been parsley, too, but apparently the cook was too busy  :p While we were waiting for our dinner, we had some fun with a fortune-telling game. You draw gummi bears and the combination of colours tells you something about your future  :)
curious77


Posted Feb 5, 2012, 4:13 pm
Hi mum,
Since it is the Fasching season (carnival), my hosts had a little fancy-dress party. The theme was "underwater" so I decided to dress up as a seal ....  ;) just a joke! I dressed up as an octopus! We helped our hosts decorate the flat. And then we ate Krapfen. They reminded me of the Berliner I ate at Kate's. But Krapfen are filled with apricot jam. The guests had some funny ideas, there was a Spongebob, Triton with some cute "tattoos" and a Titanic & iceberg. Very creative people....  :)
curious77


Posted Feb 10, 2012, 12:22 pm
Hi mum,
Guess what!? It snowed yesterday. We just went for a walk and then we built a snowman. Today is really beautiful...snow & sunshine :-)
curious77


Posted Feb 12, 2012, 3:40 pm
Hi mum,
I had a very nice weekend. A special parcel arrived on Saturday morning. My hosts had ordered lots of bars for hot chocolate from Zotter, an Austrian manufacturer. Here's some info from the website: "In August 2007 Josef Zotter launched his new production facility in Riegersburg, the ChocolateFactory. ... He is not only one of the few European companies which process cocoa directly, but also the only manufacturer who produces exclusively in ORGANIC and FAIR quality starting with the bean. In this way Zotter clearly positions himself against standardised mass production..." There are sooo many different flavours! We also had a delicious lunch and then we spent some more time outdoors and took more pictures of this winter wonderland!
curious77


Posted Feb 14, 2012, 8:02 pm
Hi mum,
I had a great afternoon!! We enjoyed the view from one of the many bridges across the Danube in Vienna. We also saw the United Nations Office of Vienna. It used to be the largest building in that area but now there are so many larger buildings surrounding it. Then we watched some ice-skaters. Curious77 explained the area to me. I'll copy some information from Wikipedia for you: " Danube Island is a long, narrow island, in central Vienna between the Danube river and the parallel excavated channel New Danube. .. the island is known as a recreational area with bars, restaurants and nightclubs. It has sports opportunities ... The [original] purpose of the island however is to be part of Vienna's highly sophisticated flood protection system." And then we had the most terrific encounter: We met a Dalmatian dog! She was very nice and it was great to meet her! What a wonderful surprise....on Valentine's Day, too...  ;) But we didn't elope because we both want to stay with our dear mentors  :)
curious77


Posted Feb 25, 2012, 6:24 pm
Hi mum,
I'd like to tell you about my last trip in Austria before I come home!
Spring is approaching.... We went to the countryside and saw a nice cottage. We also walked past a manor house. The road leads to two trees, which are a popular resting spot among hikers. Of course I wanted to know what was inside that box....it was a kind of visitors' book and I wrote something, too!! Afterwards, we drove to a small castle near the Danube. Then we went down to the riverside. There's a night club - even though it is more or less in the middle of nowhere, it has been quite successful. There's a path across the "old Danube branch". On the other side of the peninsula, you can see the dam and watergates of the Greifenstein plant. All nature and idyll on one side, all technology on the other  :rolleyes: Looking forward to tell you more details when I'm back home!
curious77


Posted Feb 28, 2012, 4:21 pm
Hi mum,
Oh well, I'll be on my way now! I said goodbye to Albus and my dear hosts. It was great to meet them and Austria was a lovely station on my journey. I'll always remember my days here with pleasure! But now I'm looking forward to see YOU  :)
LittleBlogFrog


Posted Mar 10, 2012, 2:55 pm
Hello,
Just a quick note to say I am safely back in the UK!
Thankyou very much for hosting me Curious77 :)

Love Domino x

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